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

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

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