Christmas in July Events in Australia

Sharing is caring!

Last updated: 10 May 2026

Thinking about celebrating Christmas in July this year but not sure where to go? Or maybe you’re still trying to figure out why Australians willingly put on ugly sweaters and eat roast dinners in the middle of July? Honestly… same.

Well, you’re in the right place.

We’ve searched high and low to find some of the best Christmas in July events happening around Australia and gathered them all here to make your festive planning ridiculously easy.

From cosy winter feasts and mulled wine nights to snow-themed festivals, long lunches and slightly chaotic Christmas parties, this guide will show you how, why and where Australians celebrate Christmas in July.

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

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

If you’re a fan of the cover ban FEVER you’ll love this Christmas in July celebration at the Mawson Lakes Hotel and Function Centre.  This event will be in the Private Function Room upstairs of the Mawson Lakes Hotel. Doors open: 6:30pm. There will be an Usher on the door to direct you to your allocated tables.

From 7pm-12am you’ll enjoy a scrumptious 3 course dinner. Entree: Spinach and ricotta lasagna with roast tomato sauce and shaved parmesan. Main Course: Traditional Roast Duo. Roast beef and turkey breast, roast vegetables, steamed greens, rich brown gravy and cranberry sauce. Dessert: Christmas pudding with custard. There will also be unlimited beer, cider, wine and soft drink.

Tickets – $110

Book online at the event website page.

Modbury | Sfera’s Park Suites and Convention Centre

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 6 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

Celebrate the magic of Christmas in the SkyCity Ballroom on Friday 19th July, where you are invited to indulge in an opulent evening of food and entertainment that transcends the ordinary and defines luxury✨????

One of South Australia’s best known live event hosts, Jarrod Walsh will oversee proceedings which includes a showcase of some of South Australia’s most loved musicians including a very special performance by the incredible Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets include:

• 3-course meal
• Decadent seafood and dessert grazing stations
• 4-hour drinks package
  Secure your tickets and make this July a magical month to remember!
  *20% of ticket sales will be donated to our charity partner for this event, the Childhood Cancer Association.

For more information a out this show click 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

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

PuppyPalooza | Canine Christmas in July 2026

If you’ve ever looked at your dog and thought “you deserve a full day out more than I do”, this is that event. PuppyPalooza is a free, all-out celebration of dogs, their humans, and honestly just pure chaotic joy. Expect 40+ pet stalls, food trucks for the humans, competitions, photo ops, and a full-on “Santa Paws” fashion moment (which I absolutely support, by the way).

There’s even a chill-out zone with a wading pool, ball pit and space to recover from the emotional labour of watching your dog ignore you in public.

Honestly, this sounds like the kind of day where you go for “just an hour” and end up leaving with a coffee, a tote bag full of dog treats and at least 47 photos of your pet being mildly uncooperative.

• Date: Saturday (event duration 4 hours)
• Time: From 10:30am (competitions on stage)
• Location: Faith Lutheran College Redlands, Thornlands
• Price: Free entry

Stamford Plaza Brisbane | Christmas in July Buffet 2026

If your ideal Christmas celebration involves seafood, roast meats, dessert and somebody constantly refilling your drink, Stamford Plaza Brisbane may be calling your name.

This fancy Christmas in July long lunch includes chilled seafood, slow-roasted carvery favourites, indulgent Christmas desserts and a 3-hour beverage package. Basically, it is all the best parts of Christmas lunch… minus the sweaty December heat and family arguments over who is doing the dishes.

Honestly, this sounds like the kind of event where you roll out three hours later feeling festive, overfed and extremely pleased with your life choices.

• Date: Saturday 11 July 2026
• Time: 12pm – 3pm
• Location: Corner Edward and Margaret Street, Brisbane City
• Price: Adults $228 | Teenagers $99 | Children $59 | Under 5 free

Sunnybank Community & Sports Club | Christmas in July Lunch 2026

Why wait until December to eat roast turkey and pavlova? Honestly, I support bringing Christmas food into as many months of the year as possible. This cosy Christmas in July lunch in the Orchid Room is perfect if you want festive vibes without spending a small fortune. For just $28, you can tuck into roast turkey or ham with all the classic trimmings, followed by pavlova with berries and cream.

It honestly sounds like an easy, affordable excuse to gather the family, catch up with friends or organise a mid-year work lunch without anyone having to cook.

• Date: Thursday 9 July & Thursday 23 July 2026
• Time: 11am – 2pm
• Location: 470 McCullough Street, Sunnybank
• Price: $28 per person (member price)

Red and White Coaches | Christmas in July Day Tour 2026

If you love the idea of a Christmas lunch but cannot be bothered cooking, cleaning or arguing over who forgot the gravy, this festive day bus tour sounds like a winner.

Jump aboard for a Christmas in July celebration at Birches Restaurant on Mt Mee, complete with a traditional Christmas lunch, plenty of laughs and probably a few enthusiastic singalongs on the bus ride home. You will also enjoy scenic views travelling back through Dayboro into Brisbane.

Honestly, a Christmas feast with someone else doing all the work? Sign me up.

• Price: $120 per person
• Date: Friday 31 July
• Time: Full day tour from 7am
• Location: 143 Connaught St, Sandgate QLD 4017

I have compiled even MORE Christmas in July events in Brisbane in my full article.

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

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
• Miss Marples Tea Room
• Christmas Dinner at Fondata 1872
• Micawber Tavern

Southbank | P.J. O’Brien’s

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 – $80 | 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

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

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 – $49.50 | 3-course – $59.50 – For full details of the lunch click here.
• Dinner: 3 course – $79 – For full details of the dinner click here.

Scarborough | Galway Hooker Pub

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 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th of July

Turkey and ham special – $28 | Vegetarian option – $20 | Christmas pudding – $12

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

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 2026

If you like your Christmas in July with a bit of polish (and a side of “I’m dining in Parliament House, casually”), this one is very Sydney-coded in the best way.

Strangers’ Restaurant is serving a festive 3-course Christmas-themed lunch overlooking The Domain, showcasing NSW produce with a seasonal twist. You’ll choose your own entrée, main and dessert, with tea and coffee to finish, plus the option to add matching wines if you’re feeling fancy.

There’s also a Christmas High Tea on Fridays if you’re more scones-and-sparkle than roast-dinner energy. Honestly, it’s Christmas lunch… but make it slightly more elegant and mildly iconic.

• Dates: 1–31 July 2026 (Mon–Thurs)
• Time: 12pm – 3pm (last seating 1pm)
• Location: Strangers’ Restaurant, NSW Parliament House, Sydney
• Price: $95 per person | $145 with matching wines
• High Tea: Fridays, 12pm – 2pm | $70 per person

The Rocks | Bastille Festival 2026

If you’ve ever wanted Christmas in July with a bit more “Parisian street party energy” and a lot less suburban roast dinner, The Rocks absolutely delivers. The Bastille Festival transforms The Rocks into a cosy French-inspired winter village, and honestly, it’s a bit of a sensory overload in the best way.

You’ll find everything from winter comfort food stalls to French fusion dishes created by local restaurants, plus the kind of wine situation that makes you briefly consider moving to Bordeaux. Expect Champagne, mulled wine, craft beer and a full-on “winery tour without the jet lag” vibe.

And because it’s not just about eating and drinking your way through winter, there are also 70+ performances across the festival — from local artists to well-known Australian acts — turning it into a proper street fête for all ages.

Add in fairy lights, Christmas trees, roaming performers and general festive chaos, and it basically feels like Europe has been temporarily dropped into Sydney.

• Dates: Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 July 2026
• Time: Daily festival program (varies)
• Location: The Rocks, Sydney

Honestly, this is one of those “just pop in for a look” situations that somehow turns into a full afternoon of wine, food and wondering why you don’t do this every year.

Sydney Harbour | lunch cruise 2026

If your ideal Christmas in July involves festive food, live music and pretending you’re on a European river cruise (without the airfare), this Sydney Harbour lunch cruise does a pretty good job of selling the dream.

Jump aboard and spend three hours gliding around the harbour while tucking into a seafood and carvery buffet that somehow includes both prawns and Christmas pudding… because winter logic apparently knows no rules.

You’ll get live jazz, Christmas carols, plenty of mulled-wine-adjacent vibes (plus a fully licensed bar if you want to take it up a notch), and a very important ugly Christmas sweater competition — which honestly feels like the unofficial highlight.

I do appreciate any event that gives you permission to dress badly on purpose and call it festive fashion. And yes, there are the obligatory Sydney Harbour views doing their absolute best in the background the entire time.

• Date: Various dates in July
• Time: 3-hour lunch cruise
• Location: Sydney Harbour
• Price: From $75 per person

Honestly, it’s Christmas lunch… just with better scenery, more prawns, and the slightly chaotic joy of hearing carols while drifting past the Opera House.

I have compiled even MORE Christmas in July events in Sydney in my full article.

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

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

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

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

Upper Coomera | The Well community Centre

The Well community Centre is hosting its second Christmas in July. 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

Christmas in July – Blue Mountains 2026

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

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:
• Dinner: 5pm – 8.30pm
• Adults – $120 | Children 12 & under – $60 | Children (4 and under) – Free

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

Southern Downs and Granite Belt | Queensland

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

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:

Website: Hunter Valley Gardens

Sovereign Hill Christmas in July – Winter Wonderlights

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:

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!