Christmas in July Events in Australia for 2023

Sharing is caring!

Thinking about celebrating Christmas in July this year but not sure where to go? Wondering why Australians even celebrate Christmas in July? Well you’re in the right place. We’ve scoured the country to find the best Christmas in July events for 2023 and popped them here for you to explore.

This article will show you how, why and where Australians celebrate Christmas in July for your planning pleasure!

Why Australians celebrate Christmas in July

Australians don’t actually celebrate Christmas during the month of July – that still happens on December 25 when we have a summer Christmas. But it is still a popular new-ish tradition where we enjoy a range of events that happen in July each year and have a wintery feel, so that we can feel a bit like our northern relatives.

What is Christmas in July?

‘Christmas in July’ is more of a concept – a fabulous excuse for a festive feast and an opportunity to enjoy the types of Christmassy things that don’t work in a blazing hot Australian summer (think snow, sweaters and roaring fireplaces).

While the phrase ‘Christmas in July’ can be traced back to the French opera Werther in 1892, and the first known ‘Christmas in July’ event occurred in 1933 at a girls’ summer camp in North Carolina, its appearance in Australia is less certain.

Legend says it’s thanks to some Irish tourists who were visiting the Blue Mountains in July 1980. It’s believed they convinced the proprietor of a local hotel to have a ‘Yulefest’ party to celebrate Xmas in July and it was such a success that the hotel ran it again the next year and the year after that, and the idea caught on. Whether fact or fiction, the reality is today ‘Christmas in July’ celebrations are a popular winter activity across our big, brown, beautiful country.

What date in Christmas in July?

Christmas in July is on the 25th July each year. However, as the events below show you, you can celebrate at any time in the month of July!

How Australians celebrate Christmas in July

In Australia, Christmas in July celebrations centre mostly around a sumptuous feast and plenty of festive decorations reminiscent of the white Christmases of the northern hemisphere. It’s a chance to don a crazy Christmas sweater or other Christmas outfit, (perhaps some Christmas earrings) indulge in eggnog or mulled wine, and cosy up in front of a roaring fire. In some Australian states it’s even cold enough for snow.

While some people throw their own Christmas in July party, there are plenty of restaurants, hotels, wineries and breweries that do all the hard work so all you have to do is turn up and enjoy the festivities. So if you’re looking for some Christmas in July ideas, read on to discover the range of events happening around Australia.

Australia Christmas in July – why wouldn’t you?

If you would like to be included in our article you can contact us for more information. Prices start at $295 + GST.

Christmas in July Adelaide 2023

Adelaide is a joy to be in any time of the year, but with its crispy cold weather in July it makes it a perfect location to snuggle up with a blanket and a hot drink at one of these local Xmas in July Adelaide events.

Mawson Lakes | Mawson Lakes Hotel 2023

If you’re a fan of The Incredibles you’ll love this Christmas in July celebration at the Mawson Lakes Hotel and Function Centre.  From 7-12am you’ll enjoy a scrumptious 3 course dinner, with starter of Camembert, Rosemary and Pea Arancini Balls with Cranberry Jelly and shaved Parmesan, a main meal of traditional Roast Duo. Roast beef and turkey breast, roast vegetables, steamed greens, rich brown gravy and cranberry sauce. Dessert is Christmas triffle, Christmas pudding, port custard, jelly, maraschino cream, meringue. There will also be unlimited beer, cider, wine and soft drink.

Tickets – $115

Book online at the event website page.

Modbury | Sfera’s Park Suites and Convention Centre 2023

This Christmas in July feast and show at Sfera’s Park Suites and Convention Centre will not disappoint. Adelaide’s hottest party band, Mr Buzzy, provide the entertainment for this 3-course meal with 5-hour beverage package.

Your dinner starts with a deluxe antipasto platter, and is followed by a combination plate of scotch fillet beef and chargrilled chicken fillet served with sweet potato mash and a red wine rosemary jus. Chocolate mud cake with raspberry coulis and fresh cream rounds out this decadent feast.

The event runs on Saturday 1 July from 7pm to midnight, and for a little extra you can treat yourself to a VIP package with pre-dinner drinks, front row seats and a cocktail.

Normal tickets – $100 | VIP package – additional $40 per person

To book your place visit the event website page.

SkyCity Adelaide | Elvis A Vegas Christmas in July

Internationally renowned Mark Anthony, who has been regarded as the very best Elvis Presley tribute artist in the world today, will transport you to the time when Elvis Presley ruled the world and dominated the record charts in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s with his unique raw energy, dynamic voice and sensational stage presence.

All the glamour, all the costumes, all the greatest hits, including a handful of Elvis’ much loved Christmas carols. Mark Anthony takes you on a journey with a 20-piece band to experience why Elvis Presley was known as King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

VIP Reserve, A Reserve and B Reserve all include an extraordinary 3 course dinner and 2-hour drink package. Ticket Only from $115 are also available.

For more information a out this show click here.

Vine Street Plaza | Prospect Lions Club 2023

With Christmas just around the corner, Prospect Lions Club are holding a fundraising day selling their Lions Christmas cakes & puddings, with their mini Christmas cakes for just $2 making it the perfect gift that will keep on giving! Go and visit them on Saturday 1 July at Vine Street Plaza from 10am – 1pm. There will also be pop up market stalls on the day.

Find out more about the event here.

We also have Christmas events in Adelaide in December if you would rather be more traditional with your celebrations. If you are planning a Christmas party in Adelaide and need a venue, or want to go caroling in Adelaide this Christmas, we’ve got you covered for that too!

Christmas in July Brisbane 2023

There are so many place to have a Christmas party in Brisbane. Here are our favourite places to celebrate Xmas in July in Brisbane in 2023:

Christmas in July Cruises 2023

Brisbane Cruises have three dates to offer you some extra festive fun:

• Friday 21st July – Gold Coast to Brisbane – 6 hour calm-water cruise
• Saturday 22nd July – Brisbane to Gold Coast – 6 hour calm-water cruise or for a shorter cruise
• Friday 28th July – Departs Hamilton – Explore the River 3.5 hour Cruise.

Find out more and book here

South Bank | The Hop & Pickle Xmas in July 2023

The Hop and Pickle’s annual Xmas in July is something of an institution at South Bank featuring a three course meal with all the trimmings, live Xmas music and out the prizes for worst sweater/best dressed and more!

Dates: Sunday 23rd & Tuesday 25th July!

Book on www.hopandpickle.com.au/reservations

Christmas In July at the Shingle Inn City Hall 2023

Save the date for this annual Christmas in July event with Rize and the Shingle Inn in Brisbane.

Find out more on their Facebook page here

Mt Gravatt | Christmas In July with BellaRose 2023

This July BellaRose is welcoming all creative Bella’s to their Christmas In July Inhouse Retreat from 14 – 16 July 2023 at the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds (Memorial Hall) for crafty workshops with friends. Workshops will be advertised 1 month prior to the event on the website.

Find out more on their website here

Annerley | VEND Christmas in July Twilight Pop-Up Markets 2023

VEND is celebrating Christmas in July this year from 4–9pm on Saturday, July 8. Check out their indoor marketplace with over 120 small, local businesses, and a cafe serving up a special menu of delicious dinners. This year they will have a fantastic selection of local small businesses celebrating all things winter in their outdoor pop up market. They will also have a FREE face painter and a pop up cocktail bar!

If you go to the retail counter in your best Christmas outfit to enter the best dressed competition you could win a $100 VEND retail voucher. They will also have a hamper to raffle off on the night with some awesome gift ideas inside!

Visit their Facebook event here.

Cleveland | The Lighthouse Restaurant 2023

Escape the winter blues and get into the holiday spirit early with the Christmas in July celebration at The Lighthouse Restaurant! Even though it’s the middle of winter here, you’ll feel like it’s a white Christmas with their festive event.

Indulge in a sumptuous menu specially designed by their Head Chef. Head on over and celebrate Christmas in July with them at The Lighthouse Restaurant! It’s the perfect way to embrace the holiday season and create some wonderful memories with your loved ones.

Find out more about this event here

Kenmore | Method to the Madness 2023

Join in the mid-year festivities and celebrate Christmas in July at the amazing award-winning Method to the Madness restaurant in Marshall Lane, Kenmore!

On 29 July at 6.30pm you can shake off the winter blues and indulge in an evening of delectable cuisine, refreshing drinks, and sensational live performances by talented local artists. Moreover, by participating in this event, you will be supporting The Fig Tree Children, helping to provide at-risk children and young people in Sierra Leone with opportunities.

Ensure your attendance by booking early.

Oxley Tavern | Christmas in July dinner 2023

Don’t miss out – Book your function now and celebrate Christmas in July at the Oxley Tavern.

Only $24 per person for a 2 course dinner. Your choice of Roast Chicken or Roast Pork with all the trimmings. Plum pudding with custard for dessert. Warm up and add on a Mulled wine and specialty hot chocolate drink package.

Check out the offer at the Oxley Tavern here.

Kenmore | QSAR Christmas in July photos 2023

Saturday July 15 Petbarn Kenmore are hosting the Grinch for some amazing Christmas in July photos for QSAR Head on down to meet some amazing dogs that are looking for forever homes, as well as take some amazing Christmas in July photos with your family and fur family!

For a $10 donation to QSAR which goes directly to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming rescue dogs, you can take some super cute photos of your pets or yourself with the Grinch – naughty or nice pets all are welcomed!

It will be operating between 9am and 2pm, so bring your phone/camera and your smiles, and come on down!

Find out more about the QSAR event here here.

New Farm | Spicers Balfour Hotel 2023

Spicers Balfour Hotel invites you in from the cold to enjoy Christmas in July in the dining room of its luxe boutique hotel. Once a stunning Queensland home, The Balfour Kitchen and Bar is the perfect place to experience a northern hemisphere-style traditional Christmas. Featuring an indulgent 3-course menu, flowing with festive flavours, the Christmas in July gathering takes place over lunch on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July from 12.30-3pm.

Tickets – $125

To book, visit the Spicers Balfour Hotel event page.

Ormiston | Ormiston House High Tea 2023

Historic Ormiston House is serving up a refined event with stunning bay views. Christmas in July on the verandah is a gourmet high tea with a glass of sparkling on arrival. The Christmas high tea gets underway at 12pm

Tickets – $60

For more information visit the Ormiston House website.

Want to know what is happening in Brisbane for Christmas? We have that information too! Or if you fancy a Christmas carol sing-along in Brisbane, we show you where to go! We even know who the best Brisbane Christmas party planners are!

Christmas in July Melbourne 2023

If you cant wait to celebrate at a Christmas party in Melbourne on the 25th December, check out these Melbourne and surrounds events celebrating Xmas in July this year!

Dandenong Ranges

With frost on the ground, and maybe even a little bit of snow, the Dandenong Ranges provide a perfect backdrop for a classic winter Christmas feel. There are plenty of options to suit everyone. Visit their websites or Facebook pages for more information.

• Sky High Mt Dandenong
• Pig & Whistle Tavern
• Miss Marples Tea Room

Southbank | P.J. O’Brien’s 2023

P.J. O’Brien’s is hosting a 3-course Christmas in July dinner fit for a winter setting. Starting at 6pm you’re treated to a glass of mulled wine on arrival, winter vegetable soup, and traditional roast turkey and ham with heaps of typical winter roast vegetables. There’s a vegetarian shepherd’s pie available too. Cap off the meal with plum pudding or apple crumble. Children under 12 can choose their meals from a smaller kids menu. While you are at Southbank, why not pop into the Crowne Casion for your Melbourne Santa photos!

Adults – $65 | Children (12 and under) – $25

Visit P.J. O’Brien’s website for full details.

These Christmas events in Melbourne will happen in the lead to our December Christmas.

We even know who the best Melbourne Christmas party planners are!

Christmas in July Perth 2023

Perth doesn’t get all that cold, even in July but they still love celebrating this fun tradition at one of these local Xmas in July Perth events.

Karnup | Peel Manor House 2023

Escape to the picturesque landscaped gardens of Peel Manor House for a wonderfully indulgent Christmas in July lunch or dinner. For each meal they are offering a 2 or 3 course lunch/dinner with soup for entree, turkey and ham with all the trimmings for your main and traditional Christmas pudding and brandy custard to finish.

The dining room will be decked out with plenty of Christmas decorations and bon bons and there’ll be plenty of Christmas tunes to have you singing along. There are various dates available.

Lunch: 2 course – $39.50 | 3-course – $49.50.

Dinner: 3 course – $75

For full details click here.

Northbridge | Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub 2023

Get ready to put on your ugly Christmas jumper and rock around the Christmas tree at Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub Christmas in July celebrations. On Sunday 16, 23, 30 July, there are family friendly sessions at 12pm and 2pm with visits from Santa, and live music well into the evening so you can enjoy a day of celebration. If you’re keen for the full Christmas lunch experience, the chefs will have roast turkey and ham with all the trimmings and Christmas pudding. You can wash it all down with mulled wine, hot toddies, Irish coffee or maybe a pint of Guinness.

Turkey and ham special – $24 | Christmas pudding – $10

Bookings are essential. Find all the details on Durty Nelly’s website.

Scarborough | Galway Hooker Pub 2023

Christmas in July in Perth can still be a ‘by the beach’ affair when you join in the festivities at Galway Hooker. Instead of a set menu you can choose what you want. The chefs will add to the regular menu with roast turkey and ham with all the trimmings and Christmas pudding, and there’ll be mulled wine, hot toddies and Irish coffee to enjoy. Live music will fill the venue throughout the afternoon and into the evening, and for the little ones Santa will pop by at 12 and 2pm.

Dates: Sunday 2, 9, 16 & 23 of July

Turkey and ham special – $28 | Vegetarian option – $20 | Christmas pudding – $10

Bookings are essential. Visit the Galway Hooker website for all the details.

Fancy celebrating Christmas events in Perth in November & December? We show you where!

Christmas in July Sydney 2023

Sydney is easily one of the best places to celebrate Xmas in July because there are so many options including harbour cruises!

CBD Sydney | Parliament House 2023

Turn your weekday into a celebration of Christmas with the special Christmas-themed lunch on offer at Strangers’ Restaurant in Sydney’s Parliament House. Executive chef Vanessa Harcourt and her team have devised a 3-course menu that showcases the wonderful delicacies and unique regions of New South Wales with a Christmas twist. Your lunch includes a glass of sparkling wine, or for a little extra you can add in wines specially selected to match each course. Christmas in July lunch is available from 12-3pm, with the last seating at 2pm.

3-course lunch – $78 | 3-course lunch with matching wines – $108

Bookings are essential. Visit the event website page for more information.

The Rocks | Bastille Festival 2023

The Rocks Christmas in July village is back. Rug up and wander amongst the chalets of the French-style Christmas Village as you enjoy mulled wine and delicious French winter food. A part of the Bastille Festival, it will truly feel like a European Christmas with snowfalls machines, Christmas pines, fairy lighting and decorations, a fresh-made gingerbread house and Christmas carollers.

To see what else is happening visit the Bastille Festival website.

Penrith | Pioneer Tavern 2023

Head along to the Pioneer Tavern and enjoy a 2-hour Christmas in July feast. The Pioneer serves up a 3-course meal with soup for entrée, a trio of roasts and traditional Christmas dessert. There’ll also be live entertainment to keep you in the festive spirit. Lunch is served from 1.30-2pm on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 19 July.

Tickets – $30

For more details or to make a booking visit the Pioneer Tavern Facebook page.

Sydney Harbour | lunch cruise 2023

Jump on board this Vagabond cruise and enjoy a delicious 3-hour seafood and carvery lunch followed by warm Christmas pudding with custard, fruit, coffee and tea. You’ll be entertained with live jazz music and, of course, Christmas carols. You can even bust out your ugliest sweater for a shot at a prize.

Early bird rates: Adults – $85 | Concession – $75 | Children (5-14 years) – $65 | Children (0-4 years) – Free

Book your tickets on the event website page.

Bondi Liquor Co | Christmas in July events 2023

Starting from July 2nd and running all month, guests will step into a completely transformed space upstairs at Bondi Liquor Co; halls decked with garlands that glow, trees gently sprinkled with snow. You’ll feel like you’ve just walked into a woodland Christmas wonderland where you can enjoy a full month of festivities.

This July you can experience Christmas with:

• Christmas Classic feast
• Gin mixology class
• Secret Santa singles night
• Gingerbread house building competition
• Solve a Christmas crime with their ‘whodunnit’ experience

Find out more and make a booking here.

These Christmas events in Sydney will happen in at the end of this year. And if you are in charge of planning your work or family Christmas party and need a Sydney venue, we can help you with that too! We even know who the best Sydney Christmas party planners are!

Christmas in July Canberra 2023

Canberra is a joy to be in any time of the year, but with its crispy cold weather in July it makes it a perfect location to snuggle up with a blanket and a hot drink at one of these local Xmas in July Canberra events.

National Rose Garden | Christmas in July Festival 2023

From the melted cheese stations to the live concerts in the Mulled Wine Garden, the pop up Raclette melted cheese igloos, the snow lane and the fire pits, Xmas in July will become your preferred way to say hooray!

There will be authentic wood huts, fairy lights, snow falling, craft beer bars, comfort food, Xmas carols… it’s all about the magic of a white Christmas.The Xmas in July festival will take place in front of the beautiful Park Lanes Lawn in Canberra. Over these extraordinary 4 days, families, friends, and Christmas enthusiasts alike will have the opportunity to gaze through a memorable combination of free and ticketed experiences. Let’s not forget the mistletoe!

See their Facebook event here.

Check out this range of Christmas shops in Canberra to find your perfect festive apparel to don for this event!

Christmas in July Gold Coast 2023

Check out these places on the Gold Coast that are celebrating Christmas in July this year.

Upper Coomera | The Well community Centre 2023

The Well community Centre is hosting its second Christmas in July in 2023. After a hugely successful event last year they are bringing it back, bigger and better. There will be market stalls, a petting zoo, music, great food, activities for the kids, face painting, competitions…. You don’t want to miss out!!

Dust off your ugliest Christmas jumper and go and join the fun!!

Find out more on their Facebook page

Darcy Arms | throughout the month

Enjoy the festive spirit in July this year at the Darcy Arms. They are offering a good ol’ fashioned 3 course Christmas feast including pumpkin soup, roast turkey, pork and ham, seasonal vegetables, stuffing, Yorkshire puddings, gravy, cranberry and apples sauce. For dessert they will delight you with their traditional pudding with brandy Anglaise and vanilla ice-cream.

Adults – $55 | Children $27.50

Find out more on their website here.

Other places Australians celebrate Christmas in July in 2023

Christmas in July – Blue Mountains 2023

The place where it’s all said to have begun. ‘Yulefest’ remains a major feature on the Blue Mountains communities’ calendar. Cold winds and occasional snowfalls provide a perfect setting to celebrate Christmas in July Blue Mountains style. If you are a photographer, get your camera ready, because the view is spectacular!

You’ll enjoy warm ‘Mountains’ hospitality alongside log fires, sing-alongs and wonderful Christmas fare. There’ll be Christmas trees and decorations at every turn, and an occasional sighting of Santa. From hotels to cottages, tearooms to underground caves there are seemingly endless opportunities for celebrating Christmas in July.

To find out all the details about Yulefest visit the Blue Mountains website.

Cradle Mountain | Tasmania 2023

Put on your most unattractive (or your finest) Christmas sweater and head along to celebrate a classic Christmas buffet extravaganza, complete with all the extra goodies, live tunes, and an abundance of joyous merriment. If we behave, we typically receive a visit from the jolly fellow in the red suit who brings delightful surprises for the little ones.

Throughout the weekends, you will be able to taste spiced wine, hot chocolate, and hot chocolate with concealed hint of Baileys… Let’s hope for a snow-covered Christmas, so we can gather around the fire, indulging in the warmth of spiced wine!

Dates: Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th, Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th July 2023

Lunch: 11.30am – 2.30pm 

Dinner: 5pm – 8.30pm

Adults – $110 | Children (between 5-14) – $55 | Children (under 5) – Free

For more details or to make a booking, visit the Cradle Mountain Hotel website.

Southern Downs and Granite Belt | Queensland 2023

The coldest place in Queensland during winter is the perfect location to enjoy Christmas in July celebrations.  The cool temperatures mean roaring fires and the chance of snow, so you have good reason to wear your best Christmas sweater.

The region has plenty on offer throughout the month of July with a range of festive feasts in wineries and restaurants; a 1920s inspired cocktail party; and a Christmas-themed dinner and movie night.

For a full list of events and dates, visit the Southern Downs and Granite Belt website.

Other Christmas-like events across Australia

Looking for some other Christmas in July ideas that don’t involve big feasts? There are lots of winter wonderland style events that give the feel of a northern Christmas

Snow Time in the Garden | Hunter Valley 2023

The annual winter celebration in Pokolbin is back with a range of activities for kids of all ages. There’s a 9D immersive virtual-reality snow experience, a 40-metre ice slide to toboggan down and ice skating. You can watch ice-sculpting demonstrations and can even build a snowman. Snow Time in the Garden also has a dedicated play zone and rides like the ferris wheel and carousel, and 14 hectares of beautiful gardens to explore.

Dates: 24 June – 23 July 2023

Website: Hunter Valley Gardens

The Winter Village | Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth

The Winter Village is a delightful and magical winter wonderland that has something for the whole family. Enjoy ice-skating and the wonder of snow showers (albeit the pretend kind of snow) and keep an eye out for other events and activities that will pop up throughout the winter months. There’s also a pop-up bar and kitchen, and you can cosy up in one of the private igloos that are decked out with comfy armchairs, soft cushions and twinkling fairy lights.

Entry is Free. Igloo packages for 2-8 people are available from $49 per person.

Website: The Winter Village

Sovereign Hill Christmas in July – Winter Wonderlights 2023

The Christmas in July event at Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill is a month-long celebration. The gold rush heritage village turns into a winter wonderland with a European-style street market, falling snow (the pretend kind) at set times during the day, and lights and 3D cinema projected onto the facades of buildings in Main Street during the evening. There’s also Christmas story-telling, a range of shows in the theatre and a brass band, and of course you can pan for gold as usual and maybe find your own Christmas gift.

Dates: 24 Jun – 16 Jul, 2023

Website: Sovereign Hill

We hope the above article has given you some more information about the meaning of Christmas in July for Australians.

Join our Facebook group to jumpstart your Christmas planning all year long!

If you would like to be included in our article you can contact us for more information. Prices start at $295 + GST.

Sharing is caring!