Must-see Winter Festivals in Sydney 2023

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!

Winter Festivals in Sydney & Beyond 

1. 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 30 June to 16 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 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:        30 June-16 July 2023
Cost:          FREE with some paid events.

RELATED:
The Best Spots to Celebrate Christmas in July in Sydney

2. Bastille Festival

Francophiles rejoice because the Bastille Festival is bringing a little taste of France to The Rocks this July to celebrate its 10-year anniversary - c'est magnifique!

The four-day Bastille Festival runs from 13 to 16 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): 13-16 July 2023
Cost (Prix):       FREE entry 

3. 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 30 June to 16 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:    30 June to 16 July 2023
Cost:      FREE entry, tickets for skating, food and rides will all incur a cost.

4. Tinseltown

Who's keen to add a little Christmas to their lineup of winter festivals in Sydney?! The second most wonderful time of the year is back in Sydney in 2023! Christmas in July is taking over Sydney with an incredible lineup of festivities, and nothing is more Christmas-y than Sydney's famous Christmas bar - Tinseltown.

Tinseltown is back in 2023 with a ho-ho-whole load of Christmas festivities, including Christmas cocktails, elves, presents, tinsel, festive tunes and more. 

Where:   280 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills
When:    1-30 July 2023
Cost:      $15

5. Pittwater Ice Skating Spectacular

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

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) with 1/2 price cocktails.

Where:    Pittwater RSL
When:     1-16 July 2023
Cost:       Adult: $20pp
                 Parent Package ( 1 adult and 1 child under 4yrs): $18
                 Child (5-14 years unassisted): $15pp
                 Penguin skating Aid: +$5 

6. Winterfest Sydney Medieval Fair

Escape town (and reality!) for one day and go back in time at the Winterfest Sydney Medieval Fair.

Go back to the dark ages and experience a true medieval wonderland with real-life reenactments, jousting, delicious medieval fare, a kids’ corner, live-action role-play, a medieval animal farm, an equestrian area, a pageant theatre, mermaids, and more.

Where:  Hawkesbury Showground, Racecourse Rd, Clarendon
When:   1 July 2023
Cost:     From $15 per child over five. 

7. 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 into 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 take over and dress up!

From 23-24 June, 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:        23-24 June 2023
Cost:          FREE

8. 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 2023 Snow Time in the Gardens will be held from 24 June to 23 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:      24 June to 23 July 2023
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.

9. Bathurst Winter Festival

Promising tonnes of fun for all ages during the winter school holidays from 1-16 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:     1-16 July 2023
Cost:       Children 3 - 14 years: $8 per person.
                Adults (15+) are $12 per person.
                Skating aids are $8 each. 

10. 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:     19-27 August 2023
Cost:       FREE for kids 15 and under and Cumberland residents; $10/adult.

11. Midwinter Festival

The Midwinter Festival promises to be a feast for the senses. Witness a spectacular choreographed drone light show, admire fascinating street installations, and experience the return of Burning Man. The Midwinter Festival also offers some of the region's best food and beverage offerings, live music, and activities led by local artists that are perfect for kids, teens, and families.

So whether you're a culture vulture, a foodie, or just looking for an excuse to escape the city and enjoy the beauty of regional NSW, this festival has something for everyone.

Where:   Ngununggula, Bowral
When:    June 23-25
Cost:      TBA

12. Central Coast Harvest Festival 

As you follow the Central Coast Harvest Festival event trail, you'll get the chance to explore local farms spread across Dooralong, Jilliby, Wyong Creek, Yarramalong, Kulnura, Mangrove Mountain, Peats Ridge, Somersby, and Calga. It's the ultimate chance to truly immerse yourself in the region's agricultural richness, from the paddocks to plate.

The two-day program of the Harvest Festival is thoughtfully designed to cater to all ages, tastes, and interests. So, whether you're a foodie, an explorer, or someone seeking a refreshing break, this event promises a whole lotta long weekend fun!

Where:    Multiple locations across the Central Coast Hinterland.
When:     10-11 June 2023. Check the official event program for exact dates and start times.
Cost:       Refer to the event program for specific pricing.

More Winter Magic in Sydney

Where to See Snow Near Sydney
The Best Spots for Winter Fruit Picking
Whale Watching in Sydney

Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!