The Best Winter Festivals in Sydney 2022

It might seem slightly counterintuitive, but there’s something about winter in Sydney that makes you want to get outside and explore! The good news is, you can because our cool city has an enchanting lineup of winter festivals in Sydney and beyond to make the cooler season hot, hot, hot!

The Best Winter Festivals in Sydney & Beyond 

1. Snow Time in the Garden

For Aussies, the novelty of experiencing an authentic white winter is a fairly rare occurrence. Ski holidays can be costly and not always accessible for families. But we’ve found a very affordable alternative just a short drive away to Hunter Valley Gardens.

The 2022 Snow Time in the Garden festival will be held from 25 June to 24 July and is the perfect opportunity for the family to get their snowflake fix! Kids (and big kids) will be able to partake in ice skating, tobogganing, snowman building and a whole host of other frosty outdoor activities. Just remember to pack your gloves!

Where:     Hunter Valley Gardens, 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
When:      25 June to 24 July 2022
Cost:        Adult (16yrs+) $34; Child (4-15yrs) $25; Family passes from (1A+2C) $85
                 Tokens for individual rides are $6 each.
                 Unlimited rides* wristbands are $20 pp.
                 Ice skating, Tobogganing, snow play and the snow cave are included in entry.

2. Bondi Festival

When the temperature drops, there’s nothing like heading to the seaside to catch a whiff of that icy ocean air. And what better place to do it than on the shores of Sydney’s most iconic beach - Bondi.

Returning to the shores from 1 July, the two-week Bondi Festival will run day and night, showcasing all the delights of Sydney’s rich arts scene. The full festival programme drops in May, but if past years are anything to go by we can expect an arts festival for all ages—where families can discover live shows including comedy, theatre and music, take a spin on the Ferris wheel and ice rink, plus enjoy circus shows for the whole family!

Where:       Bondi Beach
When:        1-17 July 2022
Cost:          FREE with some paid events.

3. Christmas in July

The second most wonderful time of the year is back in Sydney in 2022! Christmas in July is taking over Sydney this July with an incredible lineup of festivities - from dedicated Christmas bars to Christmas cruises, Christmas lunches, and the famous Yulesfest celebration, Sydney is getting very merry this winter!

Check out the full lineup of Christmas in July festivities in 2022.

4. Chill Fest Campbelltown

Koshigaya Park in Campbelltown will be bursting with family fun at one of the coolest events of the year - Chill Fest. 

The magic of winter will be in full swing with activities and entertainment including amusement rides, an open-air ice-skating rink, light shows, marshmallow toasting and food trucks.

Where:   Koshigaya Park, Campbelltown
When:    1-17 July 2022
Cost:      FREE entry, tickets for skating, food and rides will all incur a cost.

5. Bathurst Winter Festival

Promising tonnes of fun for all ages during the winter school holidays, Bathurst Winter Festival truly has something for everyone—both day and night! 

Entertainment will range from light shows, rides, ice skating, signature food events, market stalls, live music and more. There's also the highly exciting Kids' Day, with its daytime disco and cool activities, and Pets' Day, where you can bring your furry friends along for pet-friendly activities!

Where:    Bathurst town centre - Kings Parade, Russell Street
When:     2-17 July 2022
Cost:       Children 3 - 14 years: $8 per person.
                Adults (15+) are $12 per person.
                Skating aids are $8 each. 

6. Pittwater Ice Skating Spectacular

Grab your skates and hit the ice at the Pittwater Ice Skating Spectacular!

Running from 9-17 July, the Pittwater Ice Skating Spectacular is perfect for kids aged four and up keen to test out their skating skills. Penguin skating aids are available for the 45-minute skating sessions, and if you're looking for a night out without the kids, don't miss the 90s Disco Party (adults only) from 15-16 July with 1/2 price cocktails.

Where:    Pittwater RSL
When:     9-17 July 2022
Cost:      Adult: $20pp
                Parent Package ( 1 adult and 1 child under 4yrs): $18
                Child (5-14 years unassisted): $15pp
                Penguin skating Aid: +$5

7. Bastille Festival

Francophiles rejoice because the Bastille Festival is bringing a little taste of France to The Rocks this July. C'est magnifique!

The four-day Bastille Festival kicks off on 14 July and will showcase the very best in French food, wine, entertainment, street stalls, pop-up igloos and even a Christmas Village! Start practising your “oui”s and pull out your favourite beret!

Where (Ou)​​​​​​:      The Rocks
When (Quand): 14-17 July 2022
Cost (Prix):       FREE entry 

8. Winter Magic Festival

Less than two hours drive outside of Sydney, you’ll find yourself smack bang in the middle of the Blue Mountains’ epicentre - Katoomba.

Katoomba is often regarded as the preferred winter getaway hotspot for Sydneysiders, and now there's even greater reason to bundle up the kids in the car and really get yourself in the spirit of the season. The Winter Magic Festival is just as whimsical as it sounds, with punters encouraged to let the charm of winter takeover and dress up!

From 26-27 August, all the enchanting characteristics of the Blue Mountains will be on offer, including street food, music, artisanal markets and performances setting the laneways alight. 

Where:       Throughout Katoomba
When:        26-27 August 2022
Cost:          FREE

9. Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival

While we can’t jet off to Kyoto to take in the arrival of the breathtaking Cherry Blossom season, fear not because we can still enjoy the stunning display of nature's palette right here during winter in Sydney.

The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most beautiful ways to experience winter in Sydney in the Auburn Botanic Garden, and the good news is it’s returning this year! Japanese delicacies, attractions, and kid-friendly activities are on the agenda for 9 cherry-blossom-filled days from 20 to 28 August.

Where:    Auburn Botanic Gardens, Chisholm Rd & Chiswick Rd
When:     20-28 August 2022 from 9 am to 5 pm. Visit the website to book in your COVID-safe session.
Cost:       FREE for kids 15 and under and Cumberland residents; $10/adult.

Other Ways to Enjoy Winter in Sydney

Winter Getaways for Families
Winter Fruit Picking
Whale Watching in Sydney

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