A white Christmas is coming to spoil Canberrans with all the treats of a European Christmas. Photo: Xmas in July Festival.
The winter chill has made its presence known in Canberra, but a touch of tinsel is coming to warm your heart – all with a view.
The Christmas in July Festival is returning for another year, with plenty of presents packed into the (metaphorical) sleigh.
Inspired by the great Christmas markets of Europe, the festival transforms Canberra’s lakefront into an alpine village, complete with authentic wooden chalets, towering nutcrackers and over 40 real pine trees.
“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,” festival director Vincent Hernandez says.
“It’s wonderful to see Australians embracing that same spirit through Christmas in July, right here, in the heart of our winter.”
The festival fun will run across four days – 3 July to 6 July – at the new location of Patrick White Terrace, with sweeping views of Lake Burley Griffin.
“Relocating the event to the lakefront allows us to create something even more beautiful and immersive,” says Mr 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.”
While Canberra’s climate means we’ll all be wearing puffer jackets, the Fire Pit Garden is returning to chase away the cold.
Attendees will be able to toast marshmallows, sip hot drinks, and watch the lake shimmer as the fire crackles.
The festivities will be fueled by more than 20 pop-up restaurants bringing treats from across the world like raclette, bubbling cheese fondue, gnocchi in creamy mushroom sauce, Austrian schnitzels, oversized bratwursts, Belgian fries, and even lobster rolls. Sweet offerings include sugar-dusted waffles, cinnamon rolls, flaky French pastries and Nutella-stuffed crêpes.
Attendees can walk through Snow Lane for a white Christmas, sip mulled wine or hot chocolate (maybe even both?) and enjoy roaming performers and hands-on workshops.
There will also be more than 20 carefully curated artisan stalls offering a reminder of your visit to the winter wonderland.
Their offerings include handmade ceramics, snow globes, gourmet preserves, artisan candles, winter fashion, and more.
The Christmas in July Festival will be held between 3 July and 6 July at Patrick White Terrace, from 10 am to 11 pm. Entry is free.
