A Letter to Santa - 7 days to Christmas in July in The Rocks

Christmas in July Festival

Dear Santa,

Hi! It’s me again… Is there a rule saying I can’t send you more than one letter a year? Because guess what? This July in Sydney, we’re finally getting a cold Christmas!

We know it’s not December, but in this hemisphere it is chilly, and we know you’re probably still on your beach break (do you take those?)… but we just had to tell you: Christmas in July is coming back to The Rocks next week!

From 11 to 20 July, the cobblestone streets and Cadmans Cottage will be covered in snow (the pretend kind), smell like melted cheese (the real kind), and sparkle with so many fairy lights you might think Rudolph’s nose exploded.

So we made a list (because we heard you love those). It’s full of things we’re wishing for this year, and we’ve been really, really good. Honest.

1. A sprinkle of Europe in the middle of Sydney

Christmas in July Festival

Can we turn The Rocks into a dreamy winter village, like the one they have in Strasbourg, complete with authentic wooden chalets, at least 80 real Christmas trees, twinkling fairy lights, and a flurry of artificial snow in Snow Lane? It must smell like pine, and it feels like winter magic. I’ve attached a picture for reference.

2. Cheese, glorious cheese & comfort food

I’m a connoisseur, Santa. I’m talking bubbling raclette, bratwursts, choucroute, gnocchi in a cheese wheel, lobster rolls, and the kind of crêpes that demand Nutella. At least 20 food offerings, so I can roll into food heaven.

3. Hot drinks to keep our hands (and hearts) warm

Christmas in July Festival

It’s cold here – not the cold you’re used to. Still, please bring extra thermoses, as I’d love some steamy mulled wine (with alcohol for Mama and without for me), hot-chocolate stations with roasted marshmallows (I insist), and even French canelés to go with my cocoa. I need a warm hug in a cup. I’ve attached a picture for your reference:

4. Gifts, trinkets and things you didn’t know you needed

An artisan market with snow globes, perfumes, cosy knits, and gourmet treats – perfect for early gifting or, let’s be honest, treating yourself.

5. Music, dancing and rowing joy

Bring the music magic. With at least 15 free concerts, roaming performers and festive jazz nights, the streets will be alive with holiday cheer. You might even bring a dancing Santa or two (we’ve seen stranger things).

6. A world first - The Fire Pit Cinema

Christmas in July Festival

This one’s big. Australia’s very first Fire Pit Cinema is coming to The Rocks! Picture this: you and your crew (two to six people) around a crackling fire pit, snuggled under blankets, sipping mulled wine, watching Christmas movies under the stars (Home Alone, Elf, Love Actually – the whole festive gang). It would be all happening in front of Cadmans Cottage, and yes, marshmallows would be included. And it should look like that:

So Santa, if you’re feeling the chill up north, pack your boots and hop on that sleigh. We’ve got your mug of mulled wine waiting and a spot by the fire pit with your name on it.

With love (and lots of cheese),
The Christmas in July Festival Team
🎄 www.christmasinjuly.com.au 🎄