Christmas in July Festival 2026: Your Cheat Sheet
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The fairy lights are being untangled, the mulled wine is warming up, and Canberra’s favourite winter festival is just days away.
From Wednesday 1 to Sunday 5 July, Christmas in July Festival will once again transform Patrick White Lawns into a festive winter village inspired by Europe’s famous Christmas markets.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
What is Christmas in July Festival?
Think wooden chalets, falling snow, fire pits, hot chocolate, mulled wine, winter comfort food, artisan shopping and live entertainment – all packed into one atmospheric winter village.
The festival celebrates everything we secretly wish Christmas looked like in Australia.
Why the hype?
Celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2026, Christmas in July Festival has become one of Canberra’s signature winter events.
For five days, Patrick White Lawns transforms into a European-style winter village filled with food stalls, artisan markets, fire pits, live entertainment, falling snow and festive experiences.
It’s essentially Christmas, if Christmas in Australia happened during actual winter.
When is it?
Wednesday 1 – Sunday 5 July 2026.
Conveniently, it also lands during the first weekend of the winter school holidays.
Where is it?
Patrick White Lawns, Canberra.
How much does it cost?
General entry is free.
Some premium experiences require tickets, including:
Fire Pit Cinema – From $38 per person or $60 for a family of four.
Fire Pit Garden – $28 per person.
What’s new this year?
The big addition for 2026 is Fire Pit Cinema.
The open-air cinema experience will screen Christmas classics including Home Alone, Love Actually, Elf, The Grinch and Office Christmas Party, with guests able to watch from cosy seating surrounded by fire pits and fairy lights.
What’s there to eat?
A lot.
Expect raclette, crêpes, waffles, sausages, dumplings, pasta, lobster rolls, churros, hot desserts, macarons, Portuguese tarts, hot chocolate and plenty more.
What’s there to drink?
Mulled wine is one of the festival’s signature winter traditions, but there are plenty of other options on offer, too.
Expect French wines, beers, cocktails and non-alcoholic options, including Casa Spirits’ Hot Not Toddy – a non-alcoholic blend of whiskey alternative, lemon, honey and winter spices – and the Dirty Shirley, a nostalgic mix of grenadine, lemon-lime soda or ginger ale and vodka.
Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely. Families can explore Snow Lane, watch snowfall moments, enjoy kid-friendly treats and book Fire Pit Cinema family sessions.
Low-sensory hours will also be available on weekend mornings.
What should I wear?
This is Canberra in July – dress warmly.
Think coat, scarf, gloves and footwear suitable for walking outdoors.
The festival is infinitely more enjoyable when you’re rugged up properly.
What shouldn’t I miss?
- Fire Pit Cinema
- Fire Pit Garden
- Snow Lane
- Raclette
- Mulled wine
- European-style wooden chalets
- Live entertainment
- Falling snow moments
- And more!
Before you go
Plan to stay longer than you think.
Between the food, shopping, entertainment and cosy winter atmosphere, Christmas in July Festival has a habit of turning a quick visit into an entire afternoon or evening.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Christmas in July Festival
When: Wednesday 1 to Sunday 5 July, 2026
Where: Patrick White Lawns, Parkes (next to the National Library of Australia)
Web: christmasinjuly.com.au/canberra
