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.

A great night out doesn’t need a road trip, just the right bar. Swap the long drive for an evening at these standout Sydney venues.

If you’re thinking of a staycation or a long weekend (with foodie benefits), you can’t get much better than the bright lights and beautiful vistas of Sydney. From tucked-away bars to late-night hidden hangs, Australia’s (unofficial) favourite city is packed full of venues that make staying local feel like an adventure.

And with Vivid lighting up the sky this winter, there’s no better time to find the perfect cosy spot to enjoy the views or escape the crowds.

1. El Vista, Circular Quay

bar tender at El Vista, Circular Quay sydney hotel bars — Enjoy tasty cocktails and gorgeous Sydney views. (Credit: Mario Francisco)

This welcoming bar by the Maybe Sammy team offers a fun buzz and jaw-dropping harbour views. Part of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, this lounge bar sits above Circular Quay with the harbour on one side and the Botanical Gardens on the other. You may start here for pre-dinner drinks, but you won’t want to leave before the early hours. If the 1960s Acapulco vibe isn’t enough, the views will be – the Sydney Harbour Bridge is so close it hardly fits in the window, while ferries glide by all night.

2. Bar Allora, CBD

Bar Allora, CBD Sydney hotel bars — Settle in for a taste of Italy.

Inspired by Milan in the 1980s, Bar Allora brings Italian style and culture to the CBD. Although it’s officially part of the Mantra 2 Bond Street hotel, it’s designed to look and feel like you’ve travelled to Italy for all-day dining. Think espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon and Negronis late into the night. Accompany your liquid diet with Italian-style small plates and pastas with a modern twist.

3. Percy, Pyrmont

Percy Sydney hotel bars — Spanish-style tapas and wine is the name of the game. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)

Taking centre stage in the luxe foyer of the Woolstore 1888 Hotel in Pyrmont, Percy is a popular Spanish-style tapas and wine bar serving food that makes you want to linger. The restored 138-year-old wool store creates an atmospheric backdrop to your glass of merlot with exposed timber beams, brick and the echoes of Sydney’s past. With an air of Barcelona, expect low conversations, creative dining and the city moments away.

4. The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD

The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD Sydney hotel bars — Seafood lovers should head to The Crudo Bar. (Credit: Nikki To)

Grab a seat at the beautifully designed crudo bar, taking centre stage of Giovanni Pilu’s latest CBD restaurant, Flaminia. Enjoy a glass of chilled Vermentino from Sardinia or prosecco from the hills of Treviso, matched with freshly shucked oysters. Complement your seafood with a range of special dressings, influenced by iconic Italian port cities. It’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post- glass of wine before visiting the Sydney Opera House.

5. Mee So, Sydney Central

For something a little different, Mee So is a modern, neon-lit Japanese-influenced bar in the Ibis Sydney Central. Serving bold flavours and umami-heavy dishes alongside sake and yuzu-infused cocktails, this Tokyo-esque venue offers an escape from the busy streets outside. Order steaming ramen, a Japanese whisky and make a corner of Mee So yours for the night.

6. Bar Morris, Haymarket

Bar Morris sydney — Settle into old-world European glamour.

Housed in a 1929 heritage-listed building, Bar Morris brings old-world European glamour to the Hotel Morris Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. More of a destination than a pitstop, this bar leans into its Art Deco past with velvet features, intimate lighting and bold brass finishes. Here you can order smaller plates like burrata, cured meats, and seasonal seafood to match your martini.

7. Pumphouse, Darling Harbour

Pumphouse sydney — Enjoy a tipple inside a building from the 1880s.

When you first walk into Pumphouse, you’ll quickly notice the high ceilings, exposed brick and industrial style decor. Officially part of the busy Novotel Darling Square, this busy local hang doesn’t feel like it; it’s housed inside a former hydraulic pumping station from the 1880s – hence the name – and a local institution. Grab a seat if you can and order off the classic modern Australian menu, before trying one of the many craft beers on tap to wash it down.

8. Wentworth Bar, CBD

Wentworth Bar sydney hotel bars — Drink where the celebrities once did.

Designed for big groups and late-night cocktails, this open-air terrace bar is part of the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth – one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels. Once the watering hole of royals and celebrities, this mid-century building has recently been refurbished to be sleek, modern and inviting. The stunning rooftop bar attracts Sydneysiders who love to watch the sunset with a table full of Vietnamese and French-inspired dishes.

9. Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington

Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington sydney — See the city skyline, drink in hand.

Sitting pretty on top of a restored 110-year-old theatre, Monica is a Hollywood-style rooftop bar with views across Paddington and the city skyline. Part of the 25hrs The Olympia hotel, this isn’t a quick drink kind of place, it’s a ‘let’s stay all night’ kind of venue. Weekend DJs will take you from sunset to late-night conversations, while you graze on ceviche, grilled meats or sharing plates.

For more information on how to enjoy Sydney for a long weekend, visit ALL.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