Grab your Santa hat – here’s your ultimate cheat sheet for the Christmas in July Festival
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Ready to jingle all the way through the ultimate winter wonderland? The Christmas in July Festival is happening this weekend, and we have everything you need to know.
From the yummiest festive food to where you can snap the best shots for the ‘gram, here’s your ultimate cheat sheet to Canberra’s most magical mid-winter celebration.
Consider this our Christmas in July present 😉
What is it?
Oh, just Canberra’s very own European-inspired Christmas market – AKA one of the most magical winter events on our calendar. First hitting Canberra in 2022, The Christmas in July Festival is all about celebrating the magic of Christmas in – you guessed it – July. And from a sparkling alpine village filled with authentic wooden chalets, to towering nutcrackers, raclette, live music, mulled wine and, hot chocolate more, it’s basically everything you love about a winter Christmas.
When is it happening?
Taking place in a brand-new lakeside location, the popular event will be running for four festive days this year, as it transforms Patrick White Lawns into a winter wonderland, complete with sweeping views of Lake Burley Griffin.
Starting on Thursday 3 July and running until Sunday 6 July, the event attracts thousands of people, and each day they offer an array of enchanting experiences. Here’s when you can join in on the festive fun.
- Thursday: 4 pm–10 pm
- Friday: 4 pm–10 pm
- Saturday: 10 am–10 pm
- Sunday: 10 am–8 pm
How much does it cost to attend?
Warm up those vocal cords because you’ll be singing “Joy to the World” with the news entry is free! But for those interested in booking themselves a seat in the Fire Pit Garden, you will need to book ahead (more on that later).
Oh, and you can literally take the whole family along because The Christmas in July Festival is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers and is also dog-friendly!
What’s happening?
This will jingle your bells: Christmas shows, concerts, markets and mouth-watering food. And that’s just the beginning.
From walking through Snow Lane (a stunning alley filled with real Christmas trees and dazzling lights) and sleighing your Instagram game to rocking around the Christmas tree with free live music, there will be plenty to see and do across the four days.
Some highlights? Hands-on workshops, a fusion Brazilian samba Christmas show from Rio Samba, and artificial snow that falls every 15 minutes. For more details, make sure to check out our guide to the unique experiences on offer! But for those who can’t resist a s’more, you’d better grab those marshmallows, because in exciting news, the Fire Pit Garden is returning for another year.
Picture this: you, your friends, and a crackling fire pit, complete with marshmallows and mulled wine. For just $25 per person, you can book yourself and four-to-eight friends an hour-long slot in the outdoor fire pit garden where you’ll get a welcome glass of mulled wine and unlimited marshmallows to roast. Basically, you can toast, roast and repeat to your heart’s content while soaking up those cosy Christmas vibes.
Make sure to book your hour-long experience here so you don’t miss out!
What can I buy to eat and drink?
Good food is a must at Christmas, and you won’t be disappointed at this festival. Because not only will Canberra’s lakefront turn into a sparkling alpine village, but this year will also see over 20 pop-ups serving an irresistible array of French and European winter cuisine.
Think fresh lobster rolls from East Blue Seafood, authentic raclette melted right before your eyes, and Nutella-stuffed crêpes from French Kiss Creperie. Add in Austrian schnitzels, fried French cheese skewers, artisan nougat, and boozy hot chocolate stations, and you’ve got a foodie paradise that’ll have you planning your eating strategy like a Christmas shopping list.
Make sure to check out our guide to 10+ things to eat and drink at the Christmas in July Festival for even more!
What else do I need to know?
Ho ho ho hold on, because there’s a few things to note before you head off on your Christmas adventure – mainly, that getting there is easier than finding Rudolph’s red nose!
For those driving, it’s recommended that you park at the National Library of Australia, but there will also be options available at 25 Parkes Place West. The most fuss-free way to get to the festival will be to catch public transport, with the following buses offering the most convenient drop-off points.
- Bus 2 or 6 (stops at National Library King Edward Terrace)
- Bus 57 or 58 (stop at Langton Crescent after Newlands Street)
- Bus 7, 4, 5 or 10 (stops at Commonwealth Avenue opposite Albert Hall)
Because it is winter, make sure to wear something cosy, comfy and warm – perfect for eating, drinking and sitting by the fire or dancing on the dance floor. Santa hats and ugly Christmas jumpers are encouraged (at least by us)! The festival runs rain or shine (they’ll only close for severe weather), so come prepared for a magical winter adventure whatever Mother Nature brings.
If all this doesn’t jingle your bells, I don’t know what will. Now, go have yourself a merry Christmas!
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Christmas in July
When: Thursday 3 July until Sunday 6 July
Where: Patrick White Lawns, National Triangle
Web: christmasinjuly.com.au
