Xmas In July Festival

The much-loved Xmas in July festival is returning to Canberra, and that's the best news as we brace ourselves for the cold month ahead. In 2023, after only two editions, the festival won the hearts of Canberrans, with over 60,000 people attending this free, joyful celebration of a cold French European Christmas. Warm mulled wine, fire pits, and comforting winter food will surely warm you up.
Returning for four days and nights of French-European Christmas magic, this unmissable winter wonderland will take over Parkes Place Lawns in the middle of the National Triangle in Canberra from 27th to 30th June 2024.

AUTHENTIC WOODEN CHALETS, MELTED CHEESE, MULLED WINE, HOT CHOCOLATE, AND MORE.

In the tradition of Europe's most beautiful Christmas Market, the festival offers an array of artisanal products, delicious comfort food, wooden huts, and magical Christmas props & fairy lights. With over 40 pop-up restaurants showcasing the finest French and European cuisine, Xmas in July festival is a gift to all of us foodies! From melted cheese stations serving raclette & fondue to delicious gnocchi in creamy mushroom sauce, oversized German hot dogs, lobster rolls, and much more we are in for a treat!

On the drink side, expect the popular hot chocolate bars and chocolate cocktails with toasted marshmallows to return, along with the Mulled wine bars. New this year, Sheep Dog is joining the party, creating a unique Peanut butter hot whiskey drink, and the Crowne Plaza hotel is not only offering great room options for the weekenders willing to come down for the event but also the hotel culinary team is working on an amazing truffle sausage pop-up restaurant at the festival.

Vincent Hernandez, festival director, says, “In France, Christmas is all about embracing winter, feasting together, enjoying warm comfort food, delicious drinks & music surrounded by beautiful lights. It’s amazing to see how the Xmas in July brings everyone together in the middle of winter to do just that in Australia.”

KILOMETRES OF FAIRY LIGHTS, TRUCKLOAD OF CHRISTMAS PROPS, MAGICAL LIGHTS, LIVE CONCERTS, AND THE RETURN OF SNOW LANE & THE FIRE PIT GARDEN.

It’s time to be merry! Xmas in July is not just about food; it's also about creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. This festival offers a wide range of free entertainment, including street shows, over 15 live concerts, and performances by some of Canberra’s most talented artists.

Take a stroll through the festival, venture through the snow lane, explore one-of-a-kind artisanal creations, soak in the festive atmosphere, and enjoy live music that will keep your spirits high throughout the festival.

If you feel like sipping on Mulled wine (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) while roasting marshmallows with your loved ones around a fire pit, good news, the very popular Fire Pit Garden is back this year again! Booking is essential for this experience. Each fire pit can accommodate up to 8 people and can be booked for one hour with all you can eat marshmallows and one glass of mulled wine.

Don't miss out on this unforgettable & free-to-attend French European winter Festival. For more information, visit christmasinjuly.com.au

ABOUT XMAS IN JULY
The Xmas in July Festival is a must-see free event for anyone seeking to experience a traditional French-European winter Christmas experience in Canberra.

Facts
1- Almost half of Australians think a white Christmas is more “magical” than a typical Christmas down under - Travel Weekly 2018.
2- First real Christmas market was held in Europe in the 17th Century.
3- France, Germany, Austria and England host the biggest Christmas Markets attracting million of visitors from all around the world.
4- These events have a huge impact on the local economy and tourism.
5- Canberra is the closest to how you would experience a Winter in Europe making it the perfect city to grow Australia biggest European style Winter Christmas Market.