Christmas in July Festival: Canberra’s winter tradition is back and it’s going big

Posted on 18 June, 2026

Five years ago, Christmas in July Festival arrived in Canberra with a simple proposition: if we can’t have a white Christmas, we can at least have a proper winter celebration.

Fast-forward to 2026 and the festival has become something of a cold-weather tradition, drawing Canberrans out of hibernation for mulled wine, melted cheese, fairy lights and falling snow.

Returning to Patrick White Lawns from Wednesday 1 to Sunday 5 July, this year’s festival marks its fifth anniversary – and its biggest edition yet. Alongside the return of favourite experiences like Snow Lane and the Fire Pit Garden, there’s also a brand-new addition set to make its debut: Fire Pit Cinema.

Whether you’re planning a family outing, date night or simply looking for an excuse to embrace winter, here are the experiences worth adding to your festival hit list.

Watch Christmas classics at the brand-new Fire Pit Cinema

New for 2026, Fire Pit Cinema might just become the festival’s most sought-after experience.

Picture this: you’re wrapped in a blanket, a hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand, gathered around the glow of fire pits as Christmas movies play on the big screen beneath the Canberra night sky.

The program includes favourites like Home Alone, Elf, Love Actually, The Grinch and Office Christmas Party – making this one just as appealing for families as it is for groups of friends or festive date nights.

Gather around the Fire Pit Garden

Not every winter experience needs a movie soundtrack. The Fire Pit Garden offers dedicated one-hour sessions around a private fire pit, complete with marshmallow roasting and mulled wine. It’s a great chance to stop, chat and soak up the atmosphere.

Wander through Snow Lane

Canberra may not get a white Christmas, but for five days we’ll get the next best thing.

Snow Lane combines real Christmas trees, festive lighting and regular snowfall moments to create one of the most photogenic parts of the festival.

Expect plenty of fairy lights, winter village vibes and more than a few opportunities to update your camera roll.

Browse the European-style Christmas market

One of the festival’s biggest drawcards remains its collection of wooden chalets inspired by traditional European Christmas markets.

As you wander the village, you’ll discover artisan makers, handmade gifts, jewellery, festive decorations, homewares and specialty food products that are difficult to find anywhere else.

Perfect for anyone who believes Christmas shopping should involve mulled wine.

Lean into the winter comfort food

Half the fun of Christmas in July Festival is eating your way through it. From bubbling raclette and loaded waffles to crêpes, bratwurst, dumplings, pastries and hot desserts, the food is built for cold weather.

Arriving hungry is highly recommended.

Warm up with a winter cocktail

Mulled wine may be the traditional choice, but this year Casa Spirits will be serving a menu of winter cocktails designed for cold Canberra nights.

Try the Hot Not Toddy – a non-alcoholic blend of whiskey alternative, lemon, honey and winter spices – or embrace a little nostalgia with a Dirty Shirley, combining grenadine, lemon-lime soda or ginger ale and vodka.

Settle in with live entertainment

Throughout the festival, live music and performances help bring the village atmosphere to life.

Whether you’re grabbing a mulled wine, settling into a fire pit session or simply wandering the market, there’ll be entertainment running throughout the event, adding another layer to the festive atmosphere.

For five days, experience winter the way it was meant to be!