A cosy outdoor fire pit cinema is coming to Sydney

Experience a European Christmas in the heart of Sydney this July.

Much to the delight of Sydneysiders, the Christmas in July festival is returning to the NSW capital – bringing with it a winter wonderland of mulled wine, cosy firelight and heart-warming Christmas movies. And the popular outdoor Fire Pit Cinema is headlining the program again this year.

The magical night takes the concept of an outdoor cinema and adds a big scoop of cosy charm, a generous sprinkle of Christmas festivity and a whole lot of movie magic to deliver the ultimate winter experience.

What to expect

Fire Pit Cinema at Christmas in July festival in Sydney, NSW — Settle in for a movie night around your own crackling fire pit.

Running for just 10 nights across July, the Fire Pit Cinema is all about embracing the winter chill and combating those mid-year scaries with festive fun. Gather a group of your family or friends for a movie night like no other, cosied up around your very own blazing fire pit.

Take turns roasting marshmallows, sip mulled wine or hot chocolate, eat your body weight in popcorn and snuggle under soft blankets as your favourite flick plays on the big screen.

hot cocolate at Christmas in July festival in Sydney, NSW — Cheers to your favourite film with a steaming mug of hot chocolate.

Wondering what you’ll be watching? Trust us – the curated line-up of films does not disappoint. Delight in the festivities with a classic Christmas movie like Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually or The Grinch. If that’s not really your thing, settle in for a Hollywood blockbuster instead – Die Hard, The Gremlins, Moulin Rouge and Midnight in Paris are all on the list too, plus many more!

Got little ones? There will also be matinee movies at 11am, 2pm and 5pm, so families can enjoy the experience without compromising on bedtime. Choose from kiddie crowd-pleasers, including (but not limited to) The Nightmare Before Christmas, Saving Santa and Ratatouille.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Beyond the fire pits

crowd and snow at Christmas in July festival in Sydney, NSW — Wander Christmas-themed stalls and even experience snowfall.

Outside of the cinema, wander through decorated wooden inspired by the Christmas markets of Europe. Find stalls of local artisans. Treat your tastebuds to raclette and melted cheese experiences, mulled wine and other winter treats. And even experience snowfall moments throughout the festival.

Attending the final weekend? enjoy a special cultural crossover as Bastille Festival joins the celebrations from 16 to 19 July, bringing a selection of French films presented in their original language alongside the traditional Christmas movie program.

The details

Tickets and pricing

Passes are available now. There are 21 fire pits available per session, each with space for up to six people. Note that bookings for two guests will be seated with another party of two.

There are three different event passes for guests to choose from. The Watch & Roast pass costs $38 per person and includes a bucket of marshmallows to munch on. The Christmas Magic pass offers mulled wine (or hot chocolate), unlimted marshmallows and popcorn for $45 per person. The Family Moment pass covers two adults and up to four children for just $60, but is only available for day sessions. Once you’ve secured your pass, all you have to do is pick a flick!

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Location

snow lane at christmas in july festival sydney — The Rocks is only a quick walk from Circular Quay station.

This year, the Fire Pit Cinema will be held at Cadmans Cottage on George Street in The Rocks, Sydney. The historic site is easily accessible via public transport, with trains, buses, ferries and the light rail all less than a 10-minute walk away in Circular Quay.

Timings

The pop-up cinema will run for the duration of Christmas in July 2026, from 10 to 19 July.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG). Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery, the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast, which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah, a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort. This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets, where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics, or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co. This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com.

A cosy outdoor cinema with private fire pits is returning to Sydney

Experience a European Christmas in the heart of Sydney this July.

What to expect

Beyond the fire pits