Sydney is reviving one of its most beloved winter traditions. From 10 to 19 July 2026, the historic precinct of The Rocks hosts the Christmas in July Festival, a free-entry celebration that transforms the cobblestone laneways and sandstone facades of the neighbourhood into a European-inspired winter village.
For ten magical nights, visitors can wander through traditional European-style wooden chalets set up throughout The Rocks, with more than 30 vendors offering handmade gifts, festive treats, winter drinks and gastronomic experiences inspired by the Christmas markets of France, Germany and the Alps.
The highlight of the festival remains Snow Lane in Kendall Lane, where snow falls beneath glowing fairy lights, surrounded by mulled wine bars, raclette and fondue stands, hot chocolates, winter desserts, fire pits and artisan boutiques.
The festival’s origins are decidedly French. Launched in 2017, the Christmas in July Festival drew its inspiration from the Christmas market of Strasbourg, one of the most celebrated in the world, with its authentic wooden chalets, twinkling fairy lights, bubbling pots of melted cheese, steaming mugs of mulled wine and open-air concerts. From its very first edition, the festival welcomed more than 100,000 visitors. By 2019, that figure had risen to 250,000 visitors over just four days.
In 2022, the festival extended its magic to Canberra for the first time, and in 2026 it returns to both cities, bigger and more festive than ever.
Also on the programme is the Sydney Firepit Cinema, a one-of-a-kind experience combining the magic of Christmas films with the warmth of toasted marshmallows and mulled wine beside a crackling fire, set against the historic backdrop of Cadmans Cottage. The festival is designed for all ages and entry remains entirely free, making it one of Sydney’s unmissable winter gatherings for the French and francophone community in Australia.
Discussion about this post