Christmas in July in Sydney is the best excuse to celebrate Christmas before Christmas has even arrived! 

Snow falling softly outside, mistletoe hung from the rafters and a cosy fireplace with carols playing in the background... a white Christmas is, unfortunately, something that Australians only get to experience in movies or when travelling to the Northern Hemisphere, that is, until Christmas in July became a thing. Get ready to don your daggiest Christmas jumpers because 2026 is pulling out all the festive bells and whistles to celebrate Christmas 6 months early. Merry, merry!

Table of Contents

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Festivals & Events

Christmas in July at The Rocks
Yulefest in the Blue Mountains
Winter Festivals

Christmas in July Dining

Christmas Lunch at Parliament House
Christmas in July at The Greens
Forrester's Christmas Feast
Gledswood Homestead & Winery
Christmas in July at Crowne Plaza

 

1. Christmas in July at The Rocks

Christmas in July at The Rocks is transforming Sydney's historic laneways into a European-style wonderland!

Tuck into comforting winter treats like raclette, fondue, mushroom gnocchi, and waffles, or warm your hands with spiced mulled wine or deluxe hot chocolates. Explore artisan markets bursting with handcrafted gifts, and soak up the atmosphere with live music, roaming performers, and festive fun around every corner.

With free entry and perfect timing for the NSW school holidays, Christmas in July at The Rocks is a must-do to celebrate Christmas in July in Sydney.

Where:  The Rocks
When:   10-19 July 2026
Cost:     FREE entry

2. Yulefest in the Blue Mountains

If you really want to lean into the Christmas spirit, the Blue Mountains is where it's at. At around 1,000 metres above sea level, temperatures regularly drop below 5°C in July, and there's even a chance of snow, which means roaring fireplaces, steaming mugs of mulled wine, and kids absolutely losing their minds with excitement!

The Blue Mountains have been celebrating Yulefest since the 1980s, and the tradition shows no signs of slowing down. Here are the best spots to make a night (or a whole weekend) of it:

Fairmont Resort, Leura - One of the most family-friendly Yulefest options in the mountains, the Fairmont's Grand Ballroom transforms into a full festive wonderland on select Saturdays throughout July. There's a Christmas-themed buffet, live entertainment, and a very important visit from Santa. Evenings run 6.30-9.30 pm
Cost: $235 adults | $169 teens (13-17) | $99 children (5-12) | Under 4s go FREE. Book early because these nights sell out every year.
 

Mountain Heritage Hotel, Katoomba - Yulefest dinners run every Saturday in July (5th, 12th, 19th and 26th) from 6 pm. Kick things off with complimentary sparkling wine on arrival before settling in for a feast that includes sugar-cured salmon, lobster and avocado salad, roast pork belly with spiced apple, and a traditional Christmas cake to finish. A vegan menu is available on request — just ask when booking.
Cost: $189 adults | $79 children (3-12) | Under 2s go FREE

Hydro Majestic Hotel, Medlow Bath - The iconic Wintergarden Restaurant at the Hydro Majestic pulls out all the stops with a decadent five-course Christmas-themed feast and sweeping views over the Megalong Valley. Worth every bite. Held every Saturday evening from 27 June to 1 August 2026.
Cost: $199 adults | $179 teens (13-17) | $59 children (4-12)

The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba - A Katoomba institution, The Carrington hosts Yulefest Gala Dinners every Saturday night from late June through to early August, with a five-course Christmas feast, live entertainment, classic festive decor, and a visit from Santa. A proper big-night-out option that feels genuinely special.
Cost: Contact the hotel

Palais Royale Boutique Hotel, Katoomba - For a more intimate Yulefest experience, the Palais Royale offers a four-course dinner with light entertainment on Saturday nights throughout July. The heritage dining room adds a lovely sense of occasion, but not that this one's great for a slightly more grown-up celebration.
Cost: $179 adults | $129 children (3-12) | $69 for under 3s

Getting there: The Blue Mountains is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Sydney, or you can jump on a direct train from Central Station to Katoomba, which runs hourly and takes around 2 hours.

ellaslist tip: Yulefest dinners at the Blue Mountains book out well in advance. If you've got your heart set on a Saturday night in July, get in sooner rather than later!

3. Winter Festivals

Christmas in July is just one of the best reasons to get out and about this winter. Sydney's wider festival season is absolutely packed, with Chill Fest Campbelltown, Winterfest at Hawkesbury Showground, Bondi Festival, Bastille Festival, and plenty more all happening across June and July.

For the full rundown of what's on, head to our guide to the Best Winter Festivals in Sydney & NSW 2026.

Christmas in July Dining

4. Christmas Lunch at Parliament House

Strangers' Restaurant overlooking the stunning Domain will transform into a Christmas-themed haven this July. The lunch menu will be fine-dining all the way with fresh seasonal produce and hand-selected wines to tantalise your Christmas taste buds. 

The à la carte menu and three-course lunch special are available Monday to Thursday from 12-3 pm. There's also a Christmas high tea on Fridays!

Where:  Strangers' Restaurant, 6 Macquarie St, Sydney
When:   1-31 July 2026 | Lunch on Mondays to Thursdays | High Tea on Fridays 
Cost:     Lunch is from $95 per person; High Tea is from $70 per person

5. Christmas in July at The Greens

Lawn bowls, a three-course feast, and a trophy to take home, The Greens North Sydney is celebrating Christmas early and in family style!

The Christmas in July package starts at $60 per person for a three-course table share menu served family-style, which sets the tone nicely. For entree, there's deep-fried breaded brie bites with cranberry sauce and thyme honey, or garlic prawn skewers with lime mayo and crispy capers. Mains bring proper comfort food with roast chicken breast with garlic-thyme roasted potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, seasonal greens, and gravy. And dessert is a warm apple crumble tart with vanilla ice cream and Chantilly cream. Dietary options are available on request, with a number of dishes either gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian.

Want to make a proper event of it? Bump up to $85 per person, and you'll get all of the above plus a 90-minute lawn bowls session, an umpire, and a trophy. Because nothing says festive like a bit of friendly competition.

Add-on platters are available to round out the spread — antipasto, crudites, sliced fruit, or flatbread and dips — and beverage packages run for four hours, ranging from the $69 standard package through to the $89 Piper package, which includes Piper Heidsieck Brut NV and a Miraval Rosé, among others. Zero-alcohol options are included across all packages.

Where:  The Greens, 50 Ridge St, North Sydney
When:   1-31 July 2026
Cost:     From $60 per person

6. Forrester's Christmas Feast

Book a table at Forrester's from 1-31 July for a winter dining experience that'll warm your soul!

Forrester's is serving up a feast that's sure to delight. Dive into their specially crafted set menu featuring melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked roast pork belly, tangy braised red cabbage, and Yorkshire puddings that are simply divine for soaking up all that flavour. Cap off your meal with a heavenly winter dessert: a sticky date pudding paired with creamy vanilla ice cream.

Trust us, you won't want to miss this culinary journey through the cosiness of winter!

Where:  336 Riley St, Surry Hills
When:   1-31 July 2026
Cost:     $82 per person, minimum 4 people

7. Gledswood Homestead & Winery

Set on a beautiful historic homestead in Sydney's south-west, Gledswood is offering Christmas in July lunches and dinners across two dates in July. Daggy Christmas jumpers are absolutely welcome!

Indulge in a cosy atmosphere of open fires, festive trimmings, and warm country hospitality that makes a midwinter meal feel genuinely special.

There are two sittings to choose from on Saturday, 18 July: a two-course Christmas lunch running from 11.30 am to 3 pm, and a three-course dinner from 6.30 pm to 11 pm. A second lunch sitting is also available on Friday 24 July from 11.30 am to 3 pm, making it a good option for groups who can't make the Saturday.

Bookings are essential.

Where:  Gledswood Homestead & Winery, 900 Camden Valley Way, Catherine Field
When:   18 and 24 July 2026
Cost:     From $75 per adult and $45 per child

8. Christmas in July at the Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury

Prepare for a seasonal delight at the Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley's Christmas in July Dinner!

Set in the historic town of Windsor, in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, this family-friendly event offers a perfect escape, just 45 minutes from the Sydney CBD. Enjoy the serenity of 8 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens while indulging in a festive seafood feast.

The event is sure to be a hit with all ages and an unforgettable winter treat.

Where:  Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, Orchard Hills
When:   Friday 17 and Saturday 18 July, plus Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July 2026
Cost:     $138 per adult; $89 per child (4-17); under 3s go FREE

FAQs

When is Christmas in July in Sydney?

The main Christmas in July festival at The Rocks runs from 10-19 July 2026, aligning with the NSW school holidays. Individual restaurant and venue events run across June and July, with many Blue Mountains Yulefest dinners starting from late June.

Is Christmas in July free in Sydney?

The Christmas in July festival at The Rocks is free entry, though the Fire Pit Cinema is ticketed. Dining events at restaurants and venues are ticketed separately, ranging from around $ 60 pp at The Greens North Sydney to $ 235 pp for Yulefest buffet dinners at the Fairmont Resort in the Blue Mountains.

Is Christmas in July family-friendly?

Most events are great for families. The Rocks festival is all-ages and free, making it an easy evening out with kids. Yulefest dinners at venues like the Fairmont Resort in Leura are specifically designed for families, with Santa visits and children's pricing. Dining events at pubs and restaurants tend to skew toward an adult audience.

Do I need to book for Christmas in July?

For the free festival at The Rocks, no booking is needed. For restaurants and Yulefest dinners, yes, and the sooner the better. Blue Mountains venues in particular sell out weeks in advance, especially for Saturday nights in July.

Is there a Christmas in July outside of Sydney?

The Blue Mountains have celebrated Yulefest since the 1980s, and it's well worth the trip. It's about 1.5 to 2 hours from Sydney by car or train. See our Yulefest section above for the best venues.

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About ellaslist

ellaslist is a trusted local guide for families across Sydney and NSW, written by parents and family lifestyle editors who understand what makes an outing with kids genuinely work. Our team researches and curates the best family-friendly events, attractions, playgrounds, restaurants and school holiday activities, with practical details on age suitability, accessibility, parking, public transport, facilities and family-friendly tips.

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