After a five-year absence, the Christmas in July festival returns to The Rocks, transforming Sydney into a European-style Christmas market for 10 festive days and nights.
To give you the most authentic European Christmas market feel, Christmas in July will have all your senses covered whether it be the smell of their real pine trees, the sight of the authentic wooden chalets and even artificial snow flurries, or the taste of the hearty warming melted cheese in either raclette or fondue, and the feel of something warm to wrap your hands around such as authentic mulled wine and delicious hot chocolate. And of course, there will be the sound of festive music coming from various live performances throughout the 10 day festival.
FOOD AT CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Savoury highlights include bubbling raclette, classic Swiss-style fondue, gnocchi tossed in creamy mushroom sauce, oversized German hot dogs, Austrian schnitzels, and even lobster rolls.
Sweet tooths are also catered for with sugar-dusted waffles, cinnamon scrolls, flaky French pastries, and Nutella-stuffed crêpes to name but a few.
DRINKS AT CHRISTMAS IN JULY
No winter festival is complete without a warming drink and Christmas in July delivers. Choose from steaming mulled wine, laced with spices and citrus, or rich, velvety cocoa.
ARTISANAL MARKET AT CHRISTMAS IN JULY
ARTISANAL MARKET AT CHRISTMAS IN JULYTo walk off some of the delicious food, stroll through a thoughtfully curated artisan market bursting with snow globes, handmade ceramics, gourmet pantry items, perfumes, and woolly winterwear. Whether you’re on the hunt for a unique gift or just want to browse in a cosy, candle-lit setting, it’s hard not to get swept up in the festive spirit.
FREE LIVE MUSIC
Throughout the festival, you’ll find roaming performers and live bands with over 15 live concerts scheduled to keep the energy flowing from day to night. On Thursday nights, The Rocks Jazz Sessions will return with a holiday twist. Partnering with SIMA (the Sydney Improvised Music Association), and local Sydney talent, Christmas in July will hold open-air jazz concerts of smooth festive tunes.
FIREPIT CINEMA AT CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Rug up around your firepit toasting marshmallows as you watch a film at this open-air cinema experience. Whether you’re looking for a classic Christmas film like Home Alone, Elf, or Love Actually, or something more French like Santa Claus is a Stinker and Amélie Poulain, or even past Alliance Française French Film Festival opening night films: Eiffel and Lost Illusions, there are plenty of choices at the Christmas in July firepit cinema.
—
Mark your calendars and gather your loved ones for a magical Christmas in July winter celebration in the heart of Sydney.
KEY INFO FOR CHRISTMAS IN JULY 2025
WHAT: Christmas in July, a European style Christmas market in the heart of Sydney
WHEN: Friday 11 July – Sunday 20 July 2025
WHERE: The Rocks, Sydney
HOW MUCH: Free to attend the festival generally.
Firepit Cinema Prices:
Watch & Roast Pass $35
- Price per person
- Marshmallows for roasting over your firepit
Christmas Magic Pass $47
- Price per person
- a glass of mulled wine,
- Marshmallows for roasting over your firepit, and
- popcorn
Family Moment Pass from $60
- 2 adults and 2 kids
- Extra kids $10 each (up to 4 max)
- 11am sessions only
HOW: To attend the festival, just head to The Rocks.
Book your pass and select your film here
—
For more events happening this month, check out our What’s on in July
