Winter is here, so embrace it! There’s lots of fun events happening around Sydney in 2024 – pop-up ice-skating rinks, inflatable igloos, toboggan runs, snow tubes, ice slides & more. Check out this amazing events guide to Winter Festivals around Sydney… and regional NSW for a weekend getaway!
Use the quicklinks below to find all the Winter Festivals in Sydney this year!
Winter Festivals in Sydney 2024
- Darling Harbour Winter Festival, Sydney: Saturday 6 – Sunday 21 July
- Bastille Festival, The Rocks: Thursday 11 July – Sunday 14 July
- Bondi Festival, Bondi: Friday 5 – Sunday 21 July
- Chill Fest, Campbelltown; Friday 5 – Sunday 21 July
- Raclette Igloo Experience, Glebe: Saturday 29 June – Sunday 28 July
- Cherry Blossom Festival, Auburn Botanic Gardens: Saturday 17 – Sunday 25 August
Winter Festivals in regional NSW
- Winter Magic Festival, Katoomba; Friday 21 – Sunday 23 June
- MidWinter Festival, Bowral: Sunday 23 June to Tuesday 25 June
- Frost and Fire 2024: A Winter Solstice Spectacular, Forbes: Saturday 22 June
- Snow Time in the Gardens, Hunter Valley: Friday 28 June – Sunday 28 July
- Winterfest, Hawkesbury: Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 July
- Bathurst Winter Festival, Bathurst; Saturday 6 – Sunday 21 July
- Orange Fire Festival: Friday 2 – Sunday 11 August
Winter Festivals in Sydney
WINTERFEST at Darling Harbour
![WINTERFEST at Darling Harbour](https://www.northshoremums.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Darling-Harbour-Winter-Festival-Family-and-Socialisers-2021-001.jpg)
WINTERFEST at Darling Harbour
WINTERFEST at Darling Harbour is all about wintery adventures, epic ice skating, frosty film festivals, the best kids entertainment and so much more.
Ready to dive into a world of wintery fun? Channel your inner ice princess (or prince!) and glide across the sparkling ice rink at Palm Grove, Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a total newbie, the Darling Harbour ice rink is the perfect winter escape.
Families can enjoy some quality school holiday fun, with plenty of penguin skating aids to keep the little ones upright.
Looking for a fun way to catch up with your mates after work during the colder months? Lace up your skates and meet your crew for an unforgettable night under the winter sky.
The ice rink is just one part of the dazzling Darling Harbour WINTERFEST. Think twinkling lights, delicious winter treats, and exciting entertainment for all ages. It’s the perfect place to create lasting winter memories with friends and family.
Need to escape the chill (but not the thrills)? Winter Park is a FREE 4-day festival for families (from 18-21 July) packed with action-packed games for gamers of all ages, an adventure film festival for every movie-buff, tunes from the coolest DJs and kids-acts around at Winter Park Beats, and the finish the night with Winter Skies Fireworks over Cockle Bay.
- Where: Darling Harbour
- When: Saturday 6 July – Sunday 21 July 2024
- More info
Bastille Festival, The Rocks
France comes to Sydney at the Bastille Festival at Circular Quay, from Thursday 11 July to Sunday 14 July.
Bastille Festival Sydney is a free-entry, French cultural celebration of food, wine, and art, held annually at Circular Quay over 4 full days and late night around French National day ” le Quatorze Juillet”. Expect a great selection of food, amazing french wines and lots of entertainment with live concerts, DJ, dance classes and good vibes.
So, join the revolution! For the 2024 Festival, they’re bringing back all your French favourites, including:
- Customs House: coming soon
- The Chef Village in First Fleet park (next to the MCA), serving as the Festival’s main entertainment stage. We have also curated a selection of our favourite restaurants that will once again deliver their specialty dishes, infused with a unique French fusion twist.
- The Wine Passport: Embark on a journey through France’s most renowned wine regions, with your French wine passport being stamped in each region, from Bordeaux to Provence and from Loire to Burgundy.
- Le Mulled Wine Cinema – Where you can watch a great french movie on a deck chair while sipping on some mulled wine.
Dust off your beret and get ready to join this revolutionary 4-day French food, wine, and art extravaganza, unlike anything Sydney has ever seen before!
- Where: Circular Quay
- When: Thursday 11 July – Sunday 14 July 2024
- Cost: Free entry
- More info
Bondi Festival
Your favourite beachside bash is back this winter! The Bondi Festival is back in 2024 from Friday 5 to Sunday 21 July.
Bondi Festival 2024 returns, boasting an astonishing arts line-up that’s bolder and better than ever before, with first-class theatre, comedy, cabaret and interactive experiences.
Returning to the Bondi Pavilion – as well as various locations around Bondi, the 17-day, all-inclusive festival will have family-friendly shows and adults-only options. Alongside the world-class arts line up, visitors can also enjoy Bondi’s famous ice-skating rink and the legendary Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel, an unforgettable ride with 360-degree views of the stunning Bondi Beach.
- Where: Forecourt of Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach
- When: Friday 5 – Sunday 21 July 2024
- More info and tickets
Chill Fest, Campbelltown
There’s lots of winter fun for families at Chill Fest 2024!
Enjoy amusement rides, a large open-air ice rink and a genuine toboggan ice slide with an alpine food village. Roast your own marshmallows, see the snow fall on entering and enjoy the roaming entertainers.
Walk through interactive neon sculptures with amazing lit up pathways and trees for ‘gram worthy pics! Private igloos for hire will have you and your family dining VIP style or take your date on a special night out and enjoy fine dining and a mocktail or two.
- Where: Koshigaya Park, Cnr of Hurley St & Camden Rd, Campbelltown
- When: Friday 5 July – Sunday 21 July 2024
- More info and tickets
Raclette Igloo Experience
What could be more winter than cuddling up in an igloo?! Well, that’s exactly what’s on offer at the decadent Raclette Igloo Experience. Get ready to huddle away from the winter cold in your very own raclette igloo!
The Raclette Igloo Experience will transform the Broadway Shopping Centre rooftop with festive igloos, ready to wine and dine all visitors with French cheeses, mulled wines, and plenty more delicacies.
Gather your friends and family in your private igloo and get ready to feast on raclette cheese, sip on mulled wine, and enjoy a warm Belgian thick chocolate with roasted marshmallows for dessert – yum!
There will be 14 fabulous igloos available for booking, each named after a famous French ski resort – oui oui! One tonne of French raclette cheese is making its way to Sydney, and rumour has it there’ll even be fresh snow falling!
- When: Saturday 29 June to Sunday 28 July
- Address: Broadway Shopping Centre Rooftop, Glebe
- More info
Cherry Blossom Festival
Don’t miss the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival at Auburn Botanic Gardens from Saturday 17 August to Sunday 25 August. This is one of Australia’s most photographed, natural and Instagrammable cultural events!
Held over nine days, the iconic family-friendly event will pay homage to Japan’s traditions, music, pop culture and food all while capturing the hearts of thousands as the cherry blossoms burst into colour.
The show-stopping event offers the rare spectacle of pink cherry blossom trees also known as ‘Sakura’ in full bloom, located in the iconic ‘Cherry Trail’ within the traditional style Japanese Garden.
- When: Saturday 17 – Sunday 25 August, 9am-5pm
- Address: Auburn Botanic Gardens
- More info
Best Winter Festivals across Regional NSW
Snow Time in the Garden, Hunter Valley
Want to enjoy a special day trip or mini break in the Hunter Valley? Snow Time in the Garden will be taking over Hunter Valley Gardens from Saturday 29 June to Sunday 28 July. All attractions are included in your entry ticket, and open 9:30am-4:30pm
Mega Snow Play Zone: Would you like to build a snowman, or even make a snow angel? The Mega Snow Play Zone uses premium ice machines to generate man-made snow, creating an icy playground that’s fun for the whole family. Don’t forget your gloves!
Giant Ice Toboggan: Race down the super-fast Giant Ice Toboggan! Grab a tube and speed down the 45-metre slide, it’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Once won’t be enough!
Ice Skating Rink: Made with real ice, the Ice Skating Rink is great fun for all experience levels! Children under 6yrs can enjoy a smaller skating rink with skating aids*, while older skaters can enjoy the larger rink worry free. PLUS… Amusement Rides!
- Where: Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Hunter Valley
- When: Friday 28 June – Sunday 28 July 2024
- Times: 9:30am – 4:30pm
- Cost: Child 3 and under: free, Child (4 – 15 years): $30, Adults (16+): $38, Family (2 adults, 2 children): $122, Family (2 adults, 1 child) $99 Extra Child with Family Pass $27.
- More info and tickets
Bathurst Winter Festival
The Winter Playground is the heart of the Bathurst Winter Festival. In the Winter Playground you’ll find the McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink, giant Ferris wheel, two-storey carousel, delicious food and all the wonder that the Bathurst Winter Festival has to offer.
Don’t miss your chance to glide on the 30m outdoor McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink! Sessions operate every hour between 9am – 9pm (last session starts at 8pm). Book.
After darkness falls, the CBD comes alive as light projections slash colour across some of Bathurst’s most historic buildings from sundown to 10pm every night of the festival. Wander the Illumination Light Walk taking you through the heart of Bathurst and watch as vibrant colours light up the night.
- Where: McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink
- When: Saturday 6 July to Sunday 21 July 2024
- Times: Daily: 9am – 9pm
- Cost: Entry free, tickets must be booked for ice rink and show rides
- More info and tickets
Winter Magic Festival, Katoomba
The Blue Mountains community will be celebrating the Winter Solstice with a wonderful variety of creative and performing art events held over the weekend of Friday 21 to Sunday 23 June 2024.
They are currently working on the program of fun and fabulous activities. Here is a taste of what’s on offer:
- Get Folked will once again showcase an array of traditional and contemporary folk music from ‘up the road’ and across the state
- An exhilarating fireworks display will light up the Katoomba night sky
- a dazzling and fun-filled night at Winter Solstice Ball hosted by The Carrington Hotel
For now, save the date and stay tuned for more information coming soon!
- Where: Katoomba
- When: Friday 21 June to Sunday 23 June 2024
- More info and tickets
Midwinter Festival, Bowral
Experience the Magic of the Midwinter Festival at Ngununggula, Bowral from Sunday 23 June to Tuesday 25 June.
The Southern Highlands’ first regional art gallery, Ngununggula, is proud to present the second annual Midwinter Festival, a celebration of arts, culture, music, and gastronomy. And the best part? It’s happening in Bowral, just a two-hour road trip from Sydney!
Developed in partnership with the Fremantle Biennale, this three-day festival promises to be a feast for the senses. Witness a spectacular choreographed drone light show, admire fascinating street installations, and experience the return of Burning Man – a large-scale sculptural installation by celebrated Australian artist Ben Quilty.
But the Midwinter Festival is not just about visual arts. It also offers some of the region’s best food and beverage offerings, live music, and activities led by local artists that are perfect for kids, teens, and families. Whether you’re a culture vulture, a foodie, or just looking for an excuse to escape the city and enjoy the beauty of regional NSW, this festival has something for everyone.
- Where: Ngununggula, Southern Highlands Regional Gallery, Bowral
- When: Sunday 23 June to Tuesday 25 June
- More info and tickets
Frost & Fire: A Winter Solstice Spectacular Forbes
Frost and Fire 2024: A Winter Solstice Spectacular promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the Winter Solstice with an electrifying mix of live music, cultural performances, delicious food, and fun activities for everyone. It’s happening in Forbes on Saturday 22 June.
Kids will be captivated by the interactive performances and roving entertainment from bubble magic to fire performers. Watch in awe as the Ice Queen on Stilts mingles with the crowd and marvel at the Wiradjuri Cultural Performers, showcasing the rich heritage and vibrant community spirit of Forbes.
Warm up with hearty winter treats from diverse food trucks, sip on boutique brews by the cozy fire buckets and behold a spectacular fireworks display that will light up the night sky. Bring your camping chairs and bundle up in warm winter clothes for the ultimate cosy experience.
Tickets are on sale now, so secure your spot today for an extraordinary weekend in Forbes.
- Where: Forbes
- When: Saturday 22 June 2024
- More info and tickets
Winterfest
Winterfest is back in 2024, the first weekend of the winter school holidays! From warriors on the battlefield to unicorns and mermaids, there is something for everyone at Winterfest.
The Winterfest Joust: Feel the thunder of hooves and the smash of splintering lances on armour in the original ‘Sport of Kings’. Watch as world-class jousters battle for glory and honour in the Winterfest Joust.
Australian Medieval Combat (AMC) NSW: Australian Medieval Combat (AMC) is a sporting organisation that promotes a lifelong enjoyment of Historical Medieval Battle (HMB). The AMC Core values are discipline, teamwork, safety, respect and integrity. Australian Medieval Combat NSW warriors are coming together for a weekend of battle.
Medieval Kitchen Rules: Step into the cuisine of the past with Medieval Kitchen Rules. Medieval Kitchen Rules showcases banquet style meals in a fun and enjoyable way. Carefully selected from historic menus, the recipes are prepared, cooked, and completed at Winterfest. You can see how they’ve been made, and take home some recipes to try for yourself. Medieval Kitchen Rules is sponsored by Crosdales BBQ & Catering.
- Where: Hawkesbury Showground, Racecourse Road, Clarendon
- When: Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 July, 10am-5pm
- More info and tickets
Orange Fire Festival
![](https://www.northshoremums.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Orange-Fire-Festival-Milthorpe.jpg)
Celebrations in nearby Milthorpe
Experience an authentic country winter in the picturesque Orange region from Friday 2 August – Sunday 11 August.
The Fire Festival celebrates a tapestry of artists, culinary magicians and vintners and showcases their talents across 10-days of unique events.
Picture this: starlit skies become your classroom with photography workshops; stories come alive by the warmth of crackling fire pits, complementing the taste of freshly prepared, seasonal delights and the bold notes of locally-crafted reds. Witness the mystical burning of the vines, honouring age-old horticultural rites, and revel in the creative synergy of local artists, musicians and performers.
- Where: Orange
- When: Friday 2 August – Sunday 11 August
- More info
Want more things to do with the kids these Winter school holidays?
- Best things to do with kids these winter school holidays!
- School Holiday Camps, Workshops & Vacation Care around Sydney
- Christmas in July Festivals and Feasts
- Fun indoor attractions to visit with kids on a rainy day in Sydney
- Things to do in Sydney this weekend
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save