FIRE PIT CINEMA. A New Winter Ritual Comes to Canberra
- Written by: Times Media
A Winter Night of Mulled Wine, Firelight & Christmas Movies
Canberra, Wednesday 27th May - For the first time ever, Christmas in July Festival Canberra is bringing a Fire Pit Cinema to the nation’s capital, adding an entirely new layer of winter magic to what has already become Canberra’s most beloved winter tradition.
From 1 to 5 July 2026, the National Triangle will transform into a glowing French-inspired winter Christmas village as thousands gather at Parkes Place East Lawns beside Old Parliament House for five days of fairy lights, mulled wine, snowfall moments, wooden chalets and festive winter experiences.
But this year, visitors will also be able to step into one of the festival’s most immersive additions yet: an open-air Fire Pit Cinema set beside the giant Fire Pit Garden, creating what is expected to become one of Canberra’s most unique winter experiences.
Imagine sitting beneath the stars, wrapped up in a comfy blanket and surrounded by fire pits and glowing lights, rugged up with hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand while iconic Christmas films play on the big screen in the heart of the capital.
This experience is ticketed, and tickets are always selling very fast! The Fire pit Cinema will feature beloved festive favourites including Home Alone, Love Actually, Elf, The Grinch and Office Christmas Party, bringing together families, couples and groups of friends for unforgettable winter nights outdoors.
Already known for creating one of the most atmospheric winter experiences in Australia, Christmas in July Festival Canberra has become a much-loved tradition where people embrace everything they rarely get to experience during an Australian Christmas: real winter cold, fire pits, winter comfort food, mulled wine, glowing markets and cosy festive moments.
The addition of the Fire Pit Cinema transforms the event even further, creating an entire winter experience designed for people to gather around the fire, slow down and fully embrace the season.
Alongside the cinema, festivalgoers will be able to wander through beautifully decorated wooden chalets inspired by the traditional Christmas markets of Europe, discover artisan products, enjoy melted cheese experiences, raclette, hot desserts, mulled wine and festive live entertainment throughout the site.
As Canberra enters its coldest and most atmospheric time of year, Christmas in July Festival once again invites visitors to celebrate winter the way it was always imagined to be.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Fire Pit Cinema part of Christmas in July Canberra
Where: Parkes Place East Lawns beside Old Parliament House
Dates: 1 to 5 July 2026
Entry: Tickets available at https://christmasinjuly.com.au/firepit-cinema-canberra/
