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

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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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 after a long five-year hiatus. And the 2025 line-up will well and truly atone for its absence – just look at the main event.

Australia’s first-ever outdoor Fire Pit Cinema is headlining the program this year, a never-before-seen pop-up promising winter revelry in the heart of Sydney. It 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

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.

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

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 The Holiday, Elf, Home Alone or The Grinch. If that’s not really your thing, settle in for a Hollywood blockbuster instead – Die Hard, Love Actually, 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.

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

There are three different event passes for guests to choose from. The Watch & Roast pass costs $35 per person and includes marshmallows to munch on. The Christmas Magic pass offers mulled wine (or hot chocolate), marshmallows and popcorn for $47 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!

When and where to find it

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.

Christmas in July festival in Sydney, NSW
The Rocks is only a quick walk from Circular Quay station.

The pop-up cinema will run for the duration of Christmas in July 2025 , from Friday 11 July to Sunday 20 July. Passes are available now and include a private fire pit, blankets and exclusive access to the outdoor cinema. 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.

The rest of the program

Enjoying the winter festivities? The fun doesn’t have to stop after your cinema experience – it’s just one of many fantastic events on this year’s program. To make up for such a long break and prove its place on Sydney’s epic events calendar, the festival is promising an expanded village precinct and extended program. So, what else can you look forward to?

Christmas in July festival in Sydney, NSW
Grab a handmade gift from the artisan markets.

The Rocks is set to transform into one of the coolest markets in Sydney, inspired by the stunning Christkindlmarkts of Europe. Authentic wooden chalets and artisanal stalls touting trinkets galore will line the streets under kilometres of twinkling fairy lights. Over 20 restaurant pop-ups will keep hungry bellies sated, offering everything from bratwursts and melted raclette to crêpes and crème brûlée.

For more Christmas magic, be sure to visit Snow Lane, where you can wander an illuminated alley of dangling decorations and real Christmas trees. Snowflakes will drizzle down from above, adding to the illusion of a true white Christmas. A live music line-up will also be revealed soon, so bring your dancing shoes!

Christmas in July festival in Sydney, NSW
A wander through Snow Lane will delight even the biggest of Grinches.
Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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The ultimate new summer guide for the Sutherland Shire

    Gemma KaczerepaBy Gemma Kaczerepa
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    Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

    The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

    It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

    If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

    Savour the summer dining scene

    Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire
    Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

    The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

    Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

    Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

    Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

    And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

    Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

    Dive into ocean pools

    ocean pool on the sutherland shire
    The ocean pools beckon.

    Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
    swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

    Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

    Experience local arts and culture

    Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience
    See the art at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, then enjoy a picnic with or without your pooch.

    Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

    Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

    Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

    Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

    a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire
    Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

    The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

    If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

    Get into nature

    Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney.
    Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

    You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

    Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

    If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley  Walk  past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

    Hit up the beautiful beaches

    aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade
    Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

    If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

    Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.