The Rocks Transforms Once Again: Christmas in July Festival Returns to Sydney with Snowflakes, Cheese & Cheer

From Friday 11 July to Saturday, 20 July 2025, the historic laneways of The Rocks will once again come alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of a European winter, as the Christmas in July Festival returns for a spectacular ten-day celebration.

With free entry and dates that align perfectly with the NSW school holidays, the event offers the perfect excuse to pull out your winter coat, gather your loved ones, and dive into a wonderland of fairy lights, fondue, and festive cheer.

Inspired by the timeless charm of Europe’s grand Christmas markets, this year’s festival transforms The Rocks into a shimmering winter village complete with authentic wooden chalets, kilometres of fairy lights, and a forest of 40 real pine trees, their scent drifting through the streets like nature’s own perfume.

The centrepiece? Snow Lane is a magical pathway where artificial snow flurries dance on the breeze, towering nutcrackers greet visitors, and twinkling light installations bathe the precinct in a winter glow. It’s nostalgia and magic, all wrapped into one beautiful experience.

If your idea of Christmas joy involves melted cheese, hearty fare, and a little European flair, you’re in for a treat. This year’s festival features over 20 food pop-ups and just as many artisans, offering everything from traditional eats to charming handcrafted goods.

Food highlights include bubbling raclette, classic Swiss-style fondue, gnocchi tossed in creamy mushroom sauce, oversized German hot dogs, , Austrian schnitzels, and yes, even lobster rolls. And for those with a sweet tooth? Picture sugar-dusted waffles, cinnamon scrolls, flaky French pastries, and Nutella-stuffed crêpes begging to be devoured.

While you digest, 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.

“In the northern hemisphere, Christmas is all about celebrating the beauty of winter, gathering with loved ones, sharing comforting food, sipping warm drinks, and enjoying music under sparkling lights,” says Festival Director Vincent Hernandez. “It’s wonderful to see Australians embracing that same spirit through Christmas in July, right here, in the heart of our winter.”

No winter festival is complete without something warm to wrap your hands around, and this one delivers in spades. From the first sip of steaming mulled wine, laced with spices and citrus, to the Hot Chocolate Stations brimming with rich, velvety cocoa, this year’s drink lineup is designed for maximum seasonal comfort.

Expect toppings galore, whipped cream, toasted marshmallows, and indulgent festive flavours because winter in Sydney deserves just as much decadence as winter in Europe.

On Thursday nights, The Rocks Jazz Sessions will return with a holiday twist. Partnering with SIMA and local talent, these open-air jazz concerts light up The Rocks Square with smooth festive tunes. It’s live music, twinkling lights and good cheer.

Throughout the festival, you’ll also find roaming performers and live bands with over 15 live concerts scheduled to keep the energy flowing from day to night.

It’s festive, it’s free, and it’s full of atmosphere. So, whether you’re hunting for raclette, handmade gifts, or just an excuse to pull out your best scarf; Christmas in July at The Rocks is the midwinter pick-me-up we’ve all been waiting for.