Before you know it, we’re already halfway through 2026, which means Christmas in July is returning to the Southern Hemisphere. While snowflakes may be missing from the forecast, fairy lights, French wine and cosy workshops are more than enough to capture the festive spirit.
From winter festivals to hands-on craft experiences, here are 14 of Sydney’s best events to add to your July itinerary.
Winter markets and festivals
1. Christmas in July Festival, The Rocks
Sydney’s biggest Christmas in July celebration transforms The Rocks into a charming European-style winter village. Wander through illuminated laneways filled with twinkling lights, browse more than 30 artisan market stalls selling handmade gifts and winter goods, and warm up with mulled wine, hot chocolate and live music.
When: 10–19 July (opening hours vary, generally 4pm–11pm weekdays and extended weekend hours)
Where: The Rocks, Sydney
How much: Free entry (food and selected experiences available for purchase)
Website: Christmas in July Market, The Rocks
2. Bondi Festival
Returning for 17 days, this much-loved festival transforms Bondi Beach into a vibrant winter playground with live music, comedy, theatre and visual art. Festival favourites include the iconic Bondi Festival Ice Rink, the Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel with panoramic ocean views, and the Bondi Food Markets, where you’ll find everything from hot street food and artisan drinks to sweet treats.
When: 3–19 July
Where: Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Park and venues across Bondi Beach
How much: Free entry
Website: Bondi Festival
3. Cronulla Winter Market
If you prefer your winter markets with ocean views, head to Cronulla. Set beside the beach, this boutique market features local makers, handmade goods, gourmet street food and live entertainment, all with a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
When: Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 July, 9am–3pm
Where: Don Lucas Reserve, Cronulla
How much: Free entry
Website: Cronulla Winter Market
4. Nocturne at Pier Pavilion
Spend an evening by the harbour enjoying contemporary chamber music and innovative interpretations of classical favourites. Spanning four weeks, this free concert series offers an intimate musical experience inside Barangaroo’s striking Pier Pavilion.
When: 3–25 July
Where: Pier Pavilion, Barangaroo
How much: Free entry
Website: Nocturne at Pier Pavilion
5. Bastille Festival
Celebrate French culture without leaving Sydney. Returning to Circular Quay and The Rocks, Bastille Festival features over 100 food and wine exhibitors, live performances, artisan markets and plenty of winter comfort food — from gooey raclette and crêpes to mulled wine and French pastries.
When: 16–19 July (Thursday 12pm–10pm; Friday & Saturday 10am–11pm; Sunday 10am–9pm)
Where: Circular Quay and The Rocks
How much: Free entry.
Website: Bastille Festival
6. Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair
Australia’s largest craft and quilting exhibition is making a comeback. If you love handmade crafts, textiles and DIY projects, make sure to save this event to your calendar. This artisan market showcases quilting, sewing, knitting, embroidery, alongside live demonstrations and hands-on workshops.
When: 15–18 July
Where: ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour
How much: From $28
Website: Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair
Cosy creative workshops
If wandering markets isn’t enough, why not spend an afternoon learning a new craft? These workshops make wonderful solo outings or thoughtful activities with friends.
7. Creative Journal Workshop: Groodle’s Café Edition
Inspired by café culture, this workshop invites participants to create scrapbook-style journal spreads using stickers, washi tape and vintage-style papers. No drawing experience is needed, and each participant receives a journaling kit to use during the session and take home. Hosted by Swallow Wind Art.
When: 4 July, 1pm–3pm
Where: Talk Shop, Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney, Haymarket
How much: From $33
Website: Creative Journal Workshop: Groodle’s Café Edition
8. DIY Lip Gloss Workshop
Create your very own custom lip gloss at The Grounds of Alexandria. Experiment with colours, finishes and scents while learning about the basics of cosmetic formulation in a fun, hands-on workshop. Perfect for beauty lovers or anyone interested in making your own beauty products.
When: 6-16 July (opening hours vary)
Where: The Grounds of Alexandria
How much: $50
Website: DIY Lip Gloss Workshop
9. Japanese Kintsugi Ceramic Repair Workshop
Learn the mindful Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken ceramics are repaired with golden lacquer instead of being discarded. This workshop introduces the philosophy of embracing imperfections while teaching participants how to restore a damaged ceramic piece into something uniquely beautiful.
When: 11 July
Where: 30 Carrington Rd, Marrickville
How much: $150
Website: Japanese Kintsugi Ceramic Repair Workshop
10. Art Café Creative Workshop
Held at Cork & Chroma in Surry Hills, Art Café combines painting with a café atmosphere, making them ideal for beginners, date nights or catching up with friends while creating your own artwork.
When: 26 July
Where: Cork & Chroma, Surry Hills
How much: From $15
Website: Art Café Creative Workshop
11. Junk Journaling Club
Gather with fellow stationery lovers for an afternoon of collage, journaling and creativity. Bring along your favourite paper treasures, or simply enjoy arranging vintage papers, stickers and ephemera into personalised journal pages in a welcoming community setting.
When: 4 July, 1pm–2:30pm
Where: Darlinghurst Community Space – 277 Bourke St, Darlinghurst
How much: $15
Website: Junk Journaling Club
12. Japanese Tsumami Flower Accessory Workshop
Discover the traditional Japanese craft of tsumami zaiku, where small squares of fabric are folded into delicate flowers. Guided by artist Izumi, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind brooch or hair accessory while learning about this elegant centuries-old technique.
When: 25 July
Where: Reverse Garbage, Marrickville
How much: $80
Website: Japanese Tsumami Flower Accessory Workshop
13. Succulent Terrarium Workshop
Build your own miniature succulent ecosystem while learning the basics of terrarium design and plant care. This beginner-friendly workshop provides all the materials you need to create a low-maintenance indoor garden to brighten your home throughout winter.
When: 26 July
Where: Forest Lodge (Glebe Makerspace)
How much: $89
Website: Succulent Terrarium Workshop
14. Japanese Kurinuki Pottery Workshop
Kurinuki is a Japanese pottery technique that begins with a solid block of clay. With small class sizes and step-by-step guidance from experienced instructors, it’s a relaxing introduction to ceramics for complete beginners. Your finished pieces will be professionally fired and glazed for you to collect later.
When: Selected dates throughout July (approximately 2-hour sessions)
Where: Glaze Galleria, 110 Lyons Road, Drummoyne
How much: From $120 per person
Website: Japanese kurinuki pottery workshop
Whether you’re planning a weekend with friends, looking for a unique date idea or simply searching for something to brighten up the colder months, Sydney has plenty of ways to embrace the cosy side of winter this July.
Source:
City of Sydney, The Rocks, Class Bento
Words by: Nina Nguyen
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