12 Fun-Filled Christmas In July Celebrations Around Australia

Embrace the northern hemisphere’s mulled wine and cheesy fondues with one of Australia’s most extravagant Christmas in July parties.

Ever wonder how hilarious you’d look in a daggy Christmas sweater? It’s time to find out. Christmas in July is an annual Australia-wide event, born out of a desire to recreate the cosy European and American festivities us southern hemispherians are starved of.

Think street markets glittering with fairy lights, boozy hot chocolate and mulled wine, ice-skating in mittens and stuffing yourself senseless with pudding rather than crustaceans.

Here, we round up the most spectacular Christmas in July celebrations to help spread mid-year Yuletide cheer across every corner of the country.

1. Xmas in July Festival, ACT

Take advantage of Canberra’s chill factor with a visit to its Xmas in July Festival , a mammoth four-day tribute to all things Christmas.

Snowlane at the Xmas in July Festival in Canberra — The Xmas in July Festival is a tribute to all things Christmas.

Staged at Parkes Place Lawns, the event is basically a portal into snow-dusted Europe as wood chalets, a “snow"-laced lane of real Christmas trees, firepit sessions, Christmas carollers and artisanal market stalls create a very special vibe.

Don’t miss the mulled wine garden and melting cheese stations where spicy cinnamon wine and our favourite form of dairy in glorious oozy goodness will set the mood further. Entry is free.

Dates: 27–30 June
Address: Parkes Place Lawns, King Edward Terrace, Parkes

2. Frosted – A Winter Spectacular, Vic

Got the kids in tow and two hours up your sleeve? Plunge you and your little ones right into a winter wonderland at Frosted – A Winter Spectacular , where two-hour sessions grant you access to a field of artificial snow, cookie decorating, Christmas carolling and storytelling, Christmas arts and crafts, meet and greets with Frosty the Snowman, ice skating, tobogganing and more.

a Christmas snowland landscape at Frosted – A Winter Spectacular, Vic — A snowland fantasy world comes to life in July at Frosted – A Winter Spectacular.

Located in Narre Warren, about a 40-minute drive south-east from Melbourne’s CBD, the Christmas in July event sparks glee no matter your age. Tickets start from $32.50 per person.

Reindeer and young girl at Frosted – A Winter Spectacular — Plunge you and your little ones right into a winter wonderland.

Dates: 21 June – 21 July
Address: Under the Big Top, corner Princess Highway and Brechin Drive, Narre Warren

3. Christmas in July – Food, Wine and a Film Festival, NSW

Toast the silly season with a screening of a Christmas classic at Manly Open Air Cinema on Sydney’s northern beaches. For three days only, the annual event will stage Christmas in July – Food, Wine and a Film Festival , which delivers mulled wine, live music, European-inspired dining and even a Northern Lights display that promises to honour the real thing in sensational style. Films include Elf and Home Alone. Tickets start from $15 per person.

the big screen at the Manly Open Air Cinema — Toast the silly season with a screening of a Christmas classic.

Date: 5–7 July
Address: Manly Oval, Sydney Road and Belgrave Street, Manly

4. Christmas in July Extravaganza, Tas

An actual white Christmas without your passport? Book your spot at Ben Lomond Alpine Resort’s Christmas in July Extravaganza in Tasmania.

the Ben Lomond Alpine Resort festooned with fairy lights at night — Christmas in July Extravaganza will be aglow with fairy lights.

The Ben Lomond Base, at the foot of the mountain, will morph into something out of a fairytale as an artisanal market, Christmas carolling and other live music and workshops including gingerbread house-making, light up the ski destination. Tickets start from $25 per person.

Christmas In July Extravaganza at The Ben Lomond Base — The Ben Lomond Base will morph into something out of a fairytale.

Date: 6 July
Address: Ben Lomond Base, 3420 Blessington Road, Upper Blessington

5. Christmas in July at The Arbory Bar & Eatery, Vic

A relentless good time right on Melbourne’s Yarra River, at Southbank, The Arbory Bar & Eatery is putting on its much-loved Christmas in July event once again. Joining forces with Four Pillars Gin, so you know the drinks will shine, the team is set to deliver a four-course feast paired with delicious cocktails.

cocktails at Christmas in July, The Arbory Bar & Eatery — Enjoy delicious cocktails at The Arbory.

Expect a whole lot of merriment as hosts talk guests through each of the creative masterstrokes rolling out of the kitchen. Tickets cost $125 per person.

guests enjoying a four-course feast at Christmas in July, The Arbory Bar & Eatery — Expect a whole lot of merriment.

Date: 24 July
Address: The Arbory Bar & Eatery, 1 Flinders Walk, Melbourne

6. Festive High Tea, Qld

Throw your pinkies in the air for the Gold Coast’s Festive High Tea at Aviary Rooftop Bar .

One of the venue’s three Christmas in July events , the lavish dining experience will see towers stacked with fruit mince tarts, Christmas pudding, gingerbread, turkey, cranberry and camembert croissants, mac and cheese croquettes and more.

two glasses of Christmas-inspired cocktail at Aviary Rooftop Bar — Sip a Christmas-inspired cocktail at Aviary Rooftop Bar.

Wash the festivities down with mulled wine and a fancy Christmas-inspired cocktail and you can upgrade your afternoon out with a bonus keepsake mug. Tickets start from $59 per person.

a stack of Christmas desserts at Festive High Tea, Aviary Rooftop Bar — Delight in a festive high tea.

Date: 7 July
Address: Aviary Rooftop Bar at the Southport Sharks Precinct, 5 Melia Court, Southport

7. Christmas in July steam trip, Tas

Get the good times rolling well before December with the West Coast Wilderness Railway in Tasmania’s West Coast.

the Lynchford Express on a Christmas in July steam trip — Embark on a Christmas in July steam trip onboard the Lynchford Express.

Guests are invited to mark Christmas in July onboard the Lynchford Express, a historic steam train, for a 20-minute ride through the lush suburb of Queenstown as stations sparkle thanks to Christmas decorations, and nibbles and mulled wine flow.

serving food onboard the Lynchford Express on a Christmas in July steam trip — The 20-minute train ride comes with drinks and nibbles.

Date: 1–21 July
Address: Driffield Street, Queenstown

8. Christmas in July Dinner and Show, WA

A sucker for Christmas songs any time of the year? Sign up to top-tap to classics like Jingle Bell Rock and Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas at one helluva Christmas in July event in Fremantle.

a look inside the dining of the historical Old Courthouse pub — Go in your wackiest Christmas sweater and you may even win a prize.

Staged at the historical Old Courthouse pub, the Christmas in July Dinner and Show will feature a three-course meal, a performance by Perth jazz singer Earl Cole, who’s committed to belting out a bunch of hits, and mulled wine.

Go in your wackiest Christmas sweater and you may even win a prize. Tickets cost $85 per person.

a long table dinner setup at Christmas in July Dinner and Show, WA — Enjoy a three-course Christmas feast.

Date: 20 July
Address: Old Courthouse, 45 Henderson Street, Fremantle

9. Christmas in July at SkyCity, SA

Swap the dorky sweater for your finest Black Tie threads at Adelaide’s Christmas in July at SkyCity event. Over four hours, you’ll be treated to sensational ear candy thanks to a chamber ensemble performance from the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, while a seafood station, two-course sit-down meal, dessert station and free flowing drinks will keep spirits soaring.

members of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra playing the violin — Catch a erformance from the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets cost $199 per person and 20 per cent of ticket sales will be donated to the Childhood Cancer Association, the charity partner for this event.

Christmas in July at SkyCity, SA — Twenty per cent of ticket sales will be donated to the Childhood Cancer Association.

Date: 19 July
Address: SkyCity Adelaide Ballroom, 25 North Terrace, Adelaide

10. Christmas in July at The Greens, NSW

Grab your favourites and make the most of The Greens’ Christmas in July festivities in Sydney’s North Sydney. Sure, it’s yet another pub getting into the theme, but this stellar destination is also offering DIY S’mores boxes to heat over firepits during its month-long celebration.

a crowded venue during the Christmas in July event at The Greens, NSW — Join The Greens’ Christmas in July festivities.

If you’ve got a group of four or more, we recommend booking the two or three-course set menu from $45 per person, which includes a drink on arrival, bon bons at your table and a traditional Christmas dinner.

an al fresco seating area at The Greens, NSW — Sink into a traditional Christmas dinner in a relaxed open-air setting.

Date: 1–31 July
Address: The Greens, 50 Ridge Street, North Sydney

11. Yulefest, NSW

The Aussie tradition of Christmas in July originated at Hotel Mountain Heritage in NSW’s Blue Mountains, so the story goes. According to staff, a group of Irish travellers visited the hotel in the 80s and convinced one of the managers to put on a Christmas dinner in July.

the fireplace inside Hotel Mountain Heritage, Blue Mountains — Get cosy by the fireplace at Hotel Mountain Heritage.

The tradition, now known as Yulefest , has continued every year beyond as the Blue Mountains community comes together for various events. It’s arguably best marked every Saturday night during the month at this hotel where you can expect a seven-course degustation, live performances and even a visit from Santa. Prices start from $180 per adult.

an aerial view of Hotel Mountain Heritage, Blue Mountains — Take in the crisp air of the Blue Mountains.

Dates: Saturday 6, 13, 20 and 27 July
Address: Hotel Mountain Heritage, 6/10 Apex Street, Katoomba

12. Christmas in July cruise, SA

Ready for something extraordinary? Jump onboard a Christmas in July cruise of the Murray River to spy some of South Australia’s most wonderful sights. You’ll spend three nights on the Murray Princess where traditional Christmas lunches, dinners and sweets will be served, carols will be sung, performances will dial up festivities and pitstops at destinations including Hahndorf, famed for its German roots, will delight.

Opt in to further nights afloat if you’re a Christmas superfan (or just can’t get enough of cruising). Prices start from $1299 per person, twin share, for three nights.

Date: Various Mondays and Fridays in July, so check the website for specific dates
Address: Departing from Mannum, on the west bank of the Murray River, SA

There’s nothing quite like Melbourne in the warmer months. Come spring, the city emerges from its cold-weather cocoon and brims with marquee events, vibrant seasonal menus, brilliant blooms and a fresh energy.

The centre of the city is where most of the magic happens. It’s a labyrinth of art-lined alleys and meandering laneways, filled with restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars, galleries, live music joints, theatres, boutiques, high-end hotels like The Westin Melbourne and much, much more. In spring and summer, especially, locals and travellers alike come to enjoy the balmy weather and celebratory spirit.

If you’re planning to be one of them, here are the best places for eating, drinking, exploring and staying.

Where to stay

The Westin Melbourne

Situated in the heart of the city on bustling Collins Street, The Westin Melbourne is a supremely convenient base. With the hotel as a base, explore the entire CBD – including Federation Square and Melbourne’s shopping, dining, theatre and sporting precincts – on foot.

Despite its central location, the hotel is something of an oasis. It has a serene ambience and elegantly understated design that provides respite at the end of a busy day. Think timeless interiors with warm timbers and neutral tones, and spacious rooms with signature Heavenly® beds and sumptuous linens. You’ll also indulge in impeccable service and amenities like fitness and wellness centres and an indoor pool. Selected rooms have sweeping city views.

Where to eat and drink

1. Allegro

Allegro is refined yet welcoming, pairing seasonal Australian produce and international flavours, finished with finesse. The à la carte, set and pre-theatre menus change seasonally. In spring and summer, expect a lively and creative line-up of dishes. You can also partake in a playful and limited-edition High Cheese offering that’s well worth trying if you’re a lover of blues and bries.

The restaurant happens to be located right inside The Westin Melbourne. It’s an ideal spot if you’re staying at the hotel and need somewhere to dine or drink before hitting the town.

2. Lobby Lounge

the westin melbourne lobby lounge — Step into the Lobby Lounge.

Whether you’re after a quick bite before exploring the city, a leisurely lunch or dinner, or a post-theatre nightcap, head to The Westin Melbourne’s elegant Lobby Lounge .

The menu features everything from moreish snacks, small bites and share plates to hearty all-day meals and desserts. The accompanying drinks list is a treasure trove of varietals, with a notable leaning towards Victorian drops and an excellent selection of spirits.

For a truly indulgent experience, book yourself in for the signature high tea . You’ll savour three tiers of beautifully crafted sweet and savoury treats, specialty tea and coffee, and the option for a sneaky glass of bubbly.

3. Other places to dine

diners at supernormal melbourne — There’s no shortage of tasty dining options, in and nearby The Westin Melbourne. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Dotted around the city are some of Melbourne’s most acclaimed dining destinations. Supernormal is a local institution. Feast on inventive Pan-Asian dishes made with fresh ingredients, paired with a Japanese whisky or sake from the extensive drinks list. At Gimlet , the surroundings are utterly romantic, the service impeccable and the food outstanding. Expect sustainably sourced meats, seafood and produce finished with European flavours and technique.

Apollo Inn – the sister venue to Gimlet and Supernormal – does punchy snacks, share plates and incredible drinks. Try the signature Picon Biere, a refined take on a shandy.

Dukes Coffee Roasters at Ross House is a great place to start your day, serving up organic and sustainable brews made with precision.

While you’re in the city, take a wander down Hosier and AC/DC Lanes. Beyond the famed street art along both, you’ll find a cluster of must-try eateries and bars, including MoVida, Pastuso, Bar Bambi and Tres a Cinco.

Things to do

1. Take a run through Melbourne’s green spaces

a bridge across yarra river — Run or walk along the Yarra River. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s outdoors look their very best in spring and summer. The parks and gardens come alive with colourful blooms, the trees in and around the CBD regain their verdant canopy, and the Yarra River sparkles in the sun.

A run or walk in nearby green spaces, like Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens, lets you soak up the scenery. The Westin Melbourne also provides curated running routes through surrounding gardens and along the Yarra. Workout gear and Bala weights can be borrowed from the hotel if you forget to pack your own.

2. Browse the boutique galleries

two women looking at an exhibition in the national gallery of victoria — See the collections of NGV. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Independent art galleries are practically synonymous with Melbourne, and many of them are conveniently situated in the city centre. You can easily hop between Flinders Lane Gallery , Arc One Gallery , Outre Gallery , Caves Gallery , Gallery Funaki and D’Lan Contemporary , allowing you to experience the city’s vibrant art scene in a single day.

If you’ve got an afternoon to spare, venture over the Yarra to the National Gallery of Victoria . The iconic and historic institution houses both a vast permanent collection and an exciting roster of rotating exhibitions.

3. Catch some live music

live music at the cherry bar in melbourne — Dive into Melbourne’s live music scene. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s live music scene reignites when spring hits. In and around the CBD are several beloved live music venues that showcase everything from jazz to rock to electronic.

Visit intimate venues like Bird’s Basement , Wax Music Lounge and Cherry Bar , or larger ones, such as The Toff , Forum and Palais Theatre , for major acts. Plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs host regular gigs, too, including The Westin Melbourne’s Lobby Lounge. Every Saturday from 12-3pm, enjoy live strings alongside your lunch or afternoon tea.

4. Soak up the atmosphere at the MCG

three punters in big hats at the melbourne cricket ground — Book tickets for a big sports bash. (Credit: Visit Vic)

The Melbourne Cricket Ground welcomes its namesake sport in the warmer months. Watch One-Day Internationals, T20 Internationals, Big Bash League and Sheffield Shield matches throughout the season, or settle in for the multi-day Boxing Day Test.

Spring and summer are also when the MCG holds big events and concerts. Surrounded by the roar and energy of the venue’s legendary crowds, there are few places better than this to see a live gig.

5. Experience the magic of the Regent Theatre

the inside steps of melbourne's regent theatre — Soak in Regent Theatre’s architecture. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Standing proud for nearly 100 years, the Regent Theatre is a stunning venue: its grand exterior opens to a gorgeously ornate interior decked out with chandeliers, plush drapes and gilded details.

Stopping by to take in its architecture is memorable enough. But if you’ve got the time, book a ticket to one of the spectacular shows that take place inside. The venue hosts a diverse line-up of live music, musicals, opera, dance, theatre and comedy. In spring and summer, the program is at its most energetic, with events to suit all tastes.

Whatever draws you to Melbourne, The Westin Melbourne is at the centre of it all. Start preparing for an adventure at marriott.com.

12 fun-filled spots to mark Christmas in July around the country