Jump aboard the Mary Valley Rattler Christmas in July Community Fair – Saturday 4 July
While it is unlikely that Gympie is going to receive any snow in the next month, the chilliest month of the year is set to be warmed up with the Rattler Community Christmas in July Fair.
Held at the Historic Gympie Station, this festive, family-friendly event brings together makers, foodies, and community groups for a joyful day of shopping, entertainment, kids’ activities, and Christmas cheer. With food trucks, market stalls, festive train rides, live music, roving performers, and giveaways, the precinct will be full of good vibes and great crowds.
It also provides a great opportunity to take a short ride on one of the Mary Valley Rattler’s heritage trains – the famed Silver Bullet. For just $10 per ride, the Silver Bullet will operate throughout the afternoon, offering a quick 20-minute return trip to the village station at Monkland. The last train departs at 5.30pm.
Guests can bring along food from the Christmas in July Fair along with beverages from the station bar to enjoy at your table onboard the Silver Bullet.
Back at the fair, guests will enjoy live performances from talented local dance schools, musical theatre groups, sporting clubs and community performers on the Bendigo Bank Performers Stage. Market stalls will feature local products, delicious food and treats, a petting zoo for the kids, an Ugly Sweater Contest, and the opportunity to capture a memorable photo with Santa beside the iconic C17 967 steam locomotive. Photo sessions are available for $15.
General Manager of the Mary Valley Rattler, Sherry Lowe, said that after a hard first half of the year for many, a festive Community Fair would be the perfect tonic to lift spirits and bring some ‘Christmas in July’ spirit to the community.
“With free entry, family activities and plenty of festive fun, the Christmas in July Community Fair is the perfect way to celebrate the season with friends and family in the heart of Gympie,” she said.
“The Rattler has been an essential ingredient in the Gympie/Mary Valley community for over 100 years, and we thought that bringing the region together and inviting friends from the Sunshine Coast and elsewhere would bring some happiness and joy when the world really needs it.”
Further information: https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/
What: Rattler Community Christmas in July Fair
Location: Historic Gympie Station, Tozer Street, Gympie
Date: Saturday 4 July 2026
Time: 12:00pm-6:00pm