Christmas in Australia has it’s Hallmarks. Pun intended.
While the Northern Hemisphere is busy building snowmen and wandering through markets with cups of mulled wine to mark Christ’s DOB, an Australian Christmas has its own unmistakable flavour – sunburnt Santas, seafood feasts, and sunny backyard beers and bbqs … with pavlova taking centre stage while Christmas pudding fights for relevance.
Amazing. Yes. But also low-key sad for many of us who just don’t want to miss out on the kind of traditions we see in cheesy Christmas movies.
Fortunately, every July, we get a second chance at the festivities. One where we can pack away the cricket bats and finally pretend we’re somewhere with a little more snow and a lot more mistletoe.
Sure, we’ll complain when the temperature dips below 18 degrees (and then pull out a puffer jacket, pair it with our Crocs), and declare it “freezing” while people overseas are literally scraping ice off their cars, but if you’re looking for the chance to combine the best of both worlds, then here are five of the best Christmas in July (and a little bit beyond!) experiences worth adding to your calendar.
Turkey with the Trimmings … For One Night Only
If you’re someone who believes Christmas should come with roast turkey, festive playlists and an unnecessary number of desserts, Chiswick’s one-night-only Christmas in July celebration is the winter event for you.
On 26 July, the Woollahra favourite will transform into a festive winter wonderland, complete with Christmas crackers, seasonal decorations and all the nostalgic flavours of a traditional Christmas feast.
The special Christmas In July set menu ($100pp) features woodfired turkey with stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy, Chiswick glazed ham, roast vegetables and classic festive desserts including Christmas pudding with brandy custard and Christmas trifle.
Naturally, there will also be cocktails involved, with seasonal serves including a warming Hot Buttered Rum and Coffee Cocktail.
Because honestly, Christmas in July might be the only time eating pudding in the middle of winter feels completely logical.
A Feast Without The Fuss
For those who love the idea of Christmas lunch but could happily skip the December chaos, Paddo Inn is bringing festive feasting to Sundays throughout July.
Set inside one of Sydney’s cosiest pub spaces, guests can settle in for a classic Christmas-style roast from Il Baretto, complete with seasonal vegetables, crispy potatoes and all the comforting trimmings.
The experience comes with complimentary mulled wine on arrival and live music – basically everything you want from a winter Sunday that requires minimal effort.
Available every Sunday throughout July, with sittings at 1pm and 5pm for $60pp.
Meanwhile, over the bridge, The Bridgeview Hotel is also getting into the festive spirit with a three-course Christmas in July menu every Sunday in July, featuring favourites including glazed ham and Christmas pudding for under $50pp.
Escape To The Country Without Leaving NSW
For those craving a winter countryside escape without the road trip logistics (or packing half your wardrobe), Saddles Mount White is bringing Christmas charm to the Central Coast.
On 24 July, The Barn will host a Christmas in July Luncheon, bringing guests together across five long communal tables for a relaxed, winter feast designed around connection and comfort.
The menu delivers all the festive classics – think pigs in blankets, roasted turkey with cranberry juniper sauce, honey and clove glazed ham, winter vegetables and Saddles’ signature pavlova.
Adding even more meaning to the celebration, 5% of every ticket sold will be donated to the Bill Crews Foundation, supporting the organisation’s work providing meals and assistance to those in need.
Swap Christmas Carols For Apres Ski Cocktails
If your ideal winter escape involves cocktails, DJs and pretending you’re somewhere in the French Alps, Woollahra Hotel has you covered.
From 29 July to 9 August, the Upstairs Terrace will transform into an alpine-inspired apres ski destination, complete with faux snow, ski chalet styling and European winter party energy.
Inspired by iconic venues like La Folie Douce in Val Thorens and Val d’Isere, the Apres Ski at The Woollahra experience brings the best part of ski season – the apres – to Sydney.
The highlight will be two huge parties on Saturday 1 August and Saturday 8 August, headlined by Harvey M and Yolanda Be Cool, with guests encouraged to embrace their best ski-lodge style.
There’ll also be limited-edition winter cocktails ($18), including the Black Run with bacon-washed Johnnie Walker Black, maple and pecan, plus late-night jaffles from 8pm – because every great winter adventure needs a cheese-filled snack at the end.
No snow. No ski lift. No international flights. Just Sydney doing what it does best – finding an excuse to celebrate.
Find Your European Christmas Market Moment
Finally, for those who want the full Christmas-in-July fantasy (without the long-haul flight), The Rocks Christmas in July Festival is bringing a little slice of Europe to Sydney for its final weekend.
The historic precinct has been transformed into a winter village complete with fairy lights, festive markets, a fire pit cinema and even snowfall in Kendall Lane – because if Sydney isn’t going to give us a white Christmas, we’ll happily create one ourselves.
Inspired by the traditional Christmas markets of France, Germany and the Alpine regions, visitors can wander through wooden chalets filled with artisan gifts, festive treats and winter favourites including mulled wine, hot chocolates, raclette and fondue.
Basically, it’s everything we love about a European Christmas market – minus the freezing temperatures, passport queues and the need to pack thermal underwear.
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