Top Places to Celebrate Christmas in July Around Australia

Jealous that the northern hemisphere gets a white Christmas and we don’t? Christmas in July is the answer to your Christmas wish. If you enjoy carol singing, roast dinners, log fires, and mulled wine, you'll love these places around Australia where you can have a jolly ol’ time this July.

While the southern hemisphere may not get a white Christmas, Australia embraces its unique festive spirit with Christmas in July. A celebration that adds a dash of Yuletide cheer to the heart of winter, it's an opportunity to indulge in the magic of the season. 
 

There are many ways to celebrate Christmas in July in Australia. You might visit the farmers markets to load up on local food and wine and host a celebration at home, or you can pack your bags for a weekend visiting a Christmas in July winter festival.

Picture yourself enjoying an idyllic retreat in the Blue Mountains, savouring traditional Christmas fare by a roaring fire. Or perhaps, you'd prefer to revel in the vibrant festivities at Sovereign Hill, with its spectacular Winter Wonderlights festival transforming the historic town into a dazzling spectacle. The charm of community markets in Launceston is a wonderful way to get into the spirit. Or you could go west to the exhilarating ice-skating rink at Perth's Winter Fest.

These winter experiences are a few of our favourite ways to celebrate Christmas in July around Australia...

When: Throughout June, July, and August 

Where: Blue Mountains, New South Wales

Christmas in July celebrations are a staple in the Blue Mountains’ calendar and whether you're a first time visitor or a regular fixture, from Winter Magic to Yulefest. Set off on the drive from Sydney and be greeted with tonnes of venues offering log fires, Christmas fare, singalongs, and maybe even snow… if you’re lucky! 

The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is the perfect place to stay in the Blue Mountains with plenty of ways to get into the festive spirit during your stay. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet with a selection of festive favourites in the scenic Jamison’s Restaurant. Plus, there's an indoor ice-skating rink in the resort so you can take to the ice during your stay in the mountains!

When: June and July

Where: Sovereign Hill, Ballarat, Victoria

If you’re in Melbourne this July and think you can spend the month without experiencing Christmas in July cheer, then you’re wrong! Winter Wonderlights is back at Sovereign Hill for July, and while you may need to rug-up in warm clothes, it’s well worth braving the winter chill for the spectacular light show come evening. 

Watch as the whole main street is transformed by sparkling grand-scale Christmas projections that dance across the buildings’ façades. There’s also plenty of hands-on activities for both the little and big kids, including theatre programs, faux snow falls and delicious Christmas treat-making. 

Start planning your visit to Winter Wonderlights by booking your stay at an Accor hotel in nearby Ballarat.

When: June and July

Where: Perth, Western Australia

Winter is coming, and this year’s Winter Fest is designed specifically for the kids to make the most of the July school holidays. 

Celebrating everything winter, this special event has plenty of activities for kids of all ages - and adults can join in the fun too! From dodgem cars to an indoor snow slide, there's plenty of wintery fun to be had.

Enjoy everything from the indoor ice-skating rink to artificial snow and the ever-popular scenic attractions – where you can skate until late during the Winter Night Fest or play arcade games throughout the carnival. From tweens, to teens and adults, there's something for everyone at the Winter Fest this year!

Book your accommodation in Perth and start planning your Winter Fest adventure.

When: Saturday mornings

Where: Launceston, Tasmania

Everyone loves a market and the farmers markets can be a perfect way to prepare to celebrate Christmas in July. Afterall, a big part of the festive cheer of Christmas is all the wonderful food and drink shared with friends and family.

Head down to the award-winning Harvest Launceston Farmers Markets this July for a Tasmanian feast of food, fun, Christmas cheer... and more food!

So what can you expect at the Harvest Market in Launceston? You'll enjoy all sorts of local goods from fresh produce to artisan bread and pastries, plus beer, mead, cider, and spirits. And who knows, you might even score a few seasonal specialties to enjoy your winter feast.

Book your accommodation in Launceston and enjoy a winter weekend perusing the markets.

We hope these festivals and markets have given you some inspiration so that you can embrace the chill of winter and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Christmas in July in Australia.

Afterall, winter is the perfect time to bask in the warmth of the yuletide spirit and enjoy the mid-year festive atmosphere.