Must-see Winter Festivals in Sydney 2024
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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!
From ice-skating spectaculars to snowmen, medieval faires, Christmas in July, and carnival rides galore, there's plenty to see and do at Sydney's lineup of winter festivals 2024.
Must-see Winter Festivals in Sydney & Beyond
1. South Eveleigh Winter Series
The South Eveleigh Winter Series transforms Sydney’s historic locomotive precinct into a month-long celebration of immersive experiences, including the Brick Works LEGO® exhibition, the Byte Wise Questacon exhibition and a silent cinema series with family-friendly films.
Explore exotic flavours at Locomotive Street, head to the Rooftop Gardens for transformative talks and engage in community events like dog portraits, sneaker cleaning, bike tune-ups and more in this diverse winter festival.
Where: Locomotive Street, The Eveleigh and Village Square, South Eveleigh
When: 5 - 31 August 2024
Cost: Free and ticketed events
2. 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 nine cherry blossom-filled days in August.
Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens, Chisholm Rd & Chiswick Rd
When: 10 - 19 August 2024
Cost: FREE for kids 15 and under and Cumberland residents; $10/adult.
3. VIVID Sydney
One of the world's biggest lights festival returns to Sydney in 2024!
Get ready for a neon-lit wonderland as VIVID Sydney turns the city into a giant, outdoor gallery of epic proportions. See the iconic Opera House sails plus plenty more locations splashed with mind-bending colours, interactive light installations you can actually walk through, and secret spots around the city glowing up in ways you've never seen.
VIVID Music lets you serenade your soul with beats and bops from the coolest mix of artists, from underground icons to chart-toppers. And for the thinkers, the dreamers, the doers? VIVID Ideas serves up spicy talks and workshops that'll get those brain juices flowing.
When: 24 May - 15 June 2024
Where: Various locations across Sydney
Cost: FREE
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4. Raclette Igloo Experience
Cosy igloos are the epitome of a winter wonderland and there'll be plenty of them dotted around at Sydney's Raclette Igloo Experience.
Wintery igloos will take over Broadway Shopping Centre's rooftop from June to July with a smorgasbord of melted cheeses, mulled wines, Belgian chocolates and more.
Where: Broadway Shopping Centre Rooftop
When: 29 June - 28 July 2024
Cost: TBA
5. 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 5-21 July 2024, 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 soon, 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: 5 - 21 July 2024
Cost: FREE with some paid events
6. 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 runs from 11 to 14 July and is one of the most popular winter festivals in Sydney for the season. Bastille Festival will showcase the very best in French food, wine, entertainment, street stalls, pop-up igloos and even a Christmas Village! Start practising your "ouis" and pull out your favourite beret!
Where (Ou): The Rocks
When (Quand): 11 - 14 July 2024
Cost (Prix): FREE entry
7. Chill Fest Campbelltown
Koshigaya Park in Campbelltown will be bursting with family fun at one of the coolest winter festivals in Sydney - Chill Fest.
The magic of winter will be in full swing from 5-21 July 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: 5 - 21 July 2024
Cost: FREE entry, tickets for skating, food and rides will all incur a cost
8. WINTERFEST at Darling Harbour
We know we can always rely on Darling Harbour to throw a magical winter festival!
WINTERFEST at Darling Harbour promises an unforgettable experience filled with epic adventures and activities during the July school holidays. This FREE 4-day festival will have something for everyone, including ice skating, captivating films, dazzling fireworks, and much more. Whether you're looking to skate under the winter sky or enjoy action-packed movie screenings, WINTERFEST is the perfect destination for family fun and excitement.
Where: Darling Harbour, Sydney
When: Saturday 6 - Sunday 21 July 2024
Cost: FREE with some paid activity options
9. Winter Blast at Casula Powerhouse
Get your skates ready for Winter Blast at Casular Powerhouse!
Winter Blast's lineup is a magical one, with ice skating under the stars, frosted cupcakes, cosy igloos, food trucks, kids' activities, and loads more. Plus, there's FREE entry!
Where: Casula Powerhouse, 1 Powerhouse Rd, Casula
When: 12 - 14 July 2024 | 4 - 10 pm
Cost: FREE entry with some paid activity options
10. 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 2024 Snow Time in the Gardens will be held from 29 June to 28 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: 29 June - 28 July 2024
Cost: $40 per adult; $30 per child (4-15yrs); under 3s go FREE; family passes from $93
11. Bathurst Winter Festival
Promising tonnes of fun for all ages during the winter school holidays from 6-21 July, the 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: 6 - 21 July 2024
Cost: TBA for 2024
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