Well jingle my bells, the Christmas in July Festival is back for another year

Posted on 13 May, 2025

Grab your Santa hats and start practicing those Christmas carols, because Canberra’s Christmas in July Festival is back for 2025 and it’s looking more magical than ever. 

Did someone say ‘Lakeside raclette’? 

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 Terrace into a winter wonderland, complete with sweeping views of Lake Burley Griffin.

Promising a magical escape from a grey winter in the city, not only will Canberra’s lakefront turn into a sparkling alpine village filled with authentic wooden chalets, towering nutcrackers, and over 40 real pine trees, but this year will also see over 20 pop-up restaurants serving an irresistible array of French and European winter cuisine.

Think bubbling cheese fondue, gnocchi in creamy mushroom sauce, Austrian schnitzels, oversized bratwursts, Belgian fries, and even lobster rolls. And for those with a sweet tooth, sugar-dusted waffles, cinnamon rolls, flaky French pastries, and Nutella-stuffed crêpes are also on the menu.

And of course, it’s not a true Christmas in July Festival without hot chocolate stations and mulled wine, both of which are best enjoyed while browsing the 20 carefully curated artisan stalls featuring handmade ceramics, snow globes, gourmet preserves, artisan candles, winter fashion, and more. 

“Relocating the event to the lakefront allows us to create something even more beautiful and immersive,” says Festival Director Vincent Hernandez.

“We’ve taken everything people love about Christmas in July, the food, the snow, the lights, the atmosphere and brought it into a space that feels open, magical and truly worthy of the season. It’s about warmth, joy and bringing people together in the heart of winter.”

The Fire Pit Garden will also be returning this year (because who doesn’t love toasted marshmallows?) along with roaming performers, snow-filled moments, hands-on workshops, and more.

And have we mentioned entry will be free?

Offering a slice of Europe by the lake, tis’ the season for a good time.

Images supplied.