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

Kristie Lau-Adams Kristie Lau-Adams
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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.

Snowlane at the Xmas in July Festival in Canberra
The event is basically a portal into snow-dusted Europe.

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.

Snowlane at the Xmas in July Festival in Canberra
Immerse in the Christmasy vibe.

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

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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

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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

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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Inspire your senses with these iconic East Kimberley stays

    Jennifer Ennion Jennifer Ennion
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    The East Kimberley should be on every bucket list, and here’s why.

    Livistona palms soar out of chasms the colour of Valencia oranges. Shady waterholes beckon travellers daring to venture off the bitumen. From the air, fruit farms give way to vast plains that meet rolling hills and fascinating geological formations centuries in the making. The East Kimberley is one of Australia’s most treasured wilderness areas, but don’t be fooled by its rust-coloured roads. This north-eastern corner of Western Australia is home to some of Australia’s most iconic stays by Discovery Resorts that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

    A group of people enjoy an intimate dining experience at El Questro Homestead.
    Dine in the heart of nature.

    Your guide to Lake Argyle

    The backstory

    With rolling hills that glow amber at sunrise and glassy water that reflects the Kimberley’s bright blue sky, a visit to Lake Argyle is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As Australia’s second-largest man-made freshwater lake, travellers flock here to soak in the views from boats, helicopters and Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle.

    The latter is a lakeside oasis, a resort where travellers crossing from Western Australia into the Northern Territory (or vice versa) converge. Fifty minutes’ drive south of Kununurra, the property is perched atop a cliff overlooking the sprawling Lake Argyle.

    Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle was originally built in the late 1960s to provide accommodation for builders of the Ord River dam, which formed Lake Argyle. In the decades that followed it had several owners, until a Kununurra local took the reins in 2004 and reinvented the property with luxury villas and its now world-famous infinity pool. The iconic property was added to the Discovery Resorts portfolio in 2021, undergoing a major upgrade that took the resort from a beloved campground to an all-encompassing resort with premium waterfront villas.

    A boat glides across the expansive waters of Lake Argyle, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Kimberley. As part of the Discovery Holiday Parks experience, this unforgettable journey offers adventure and relaxation.
    Glide across the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Argyle.

    The rooms

    A lakeside resort like no other, Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle offers something for everyone, from campsites to villas and cabins. The Deluxe Lakeview Cabins have views of the opposing cliff and are surrounded by bush, ensuring plenty of privacy, while both the Deluxe and Standard Cabins are ideal for families, with contemporary furnishings and one, two or four bedrooms. The campsites also come in a variety of sizes.

    The facilities

    There’s no doubt the biggest drawcard to Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is the lake, 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour. One of the best ways to experience it is on the Kimberley Durack Sunset Explorer Cruise, during which you’ll see freshwater crocodiles nesting along the banks (it’s home to 30,000 freshies) and even get the chance to swim in their waters. The cruise also takes in Mt Misery, towering above the original and now submerged Argyle Downs Homestead.

    If you have young children who need to get to bed early, a great alternative is the three-hour Lunch Explorer Cruise. You’ll tour around the lake’s bays as you learn about the local wildlife before stopping at a remote island for a swim.

    Refuel between adventures at the onsite pub-style eatery, The Lake Argyle Cafe. The cafe is the heart of the resort, bringing together friends new and old over a steak, cold beer and live music. Hours vary with the seasons, but rest assured you’ll be able to enjoy a good feed year-round, with a well-stocked general store also open during the day.

    Cool off from a day of exploring in the striking infinity pool with some of the best views in the country (you’ll find sweeping views of the lake below). Or enjoy a flight with HeliSpirit, or clear your mind during a yoga class on the lawn.

    Two people unwind in an infinity pool, overlooking stunning Lake Argyle at Discovery Holiday Parks.
    Take a dip in the infinity pool and soak in breathtaking Lake Argyle views.

    Your guide to El Questro

    The backstory

    One of the most famous stays in Australia is El Questro. A former cattle station, it’s evolved into one of the country’s most recognisable tourism destinations over the past 30 years, and is now embarking on a new chapter to elevate the region’s rich First Nations culture.

    The property draws travellers seeking to reconnect with nature and the beauty of this country. Wild in spirit but immaculate in style, El Questro is a 283,000-hectare property like no other; surrounded by dramatic gorges, impressive mountain ranges, thermal springs, secluded waterfalls and even rainforest, it’s the perfect base for adventurous souls.

    A person floats leisurely in the river at Discovery Holiday Parks, immersed in nature’s tranquillity.
    Float along Zebedee Springs and immerse in nature.

    The rooms

    Across the sprawling El Questro are three properties catering to the wide variety of travellers who journey this way. The most impressive is the luxurious Homestead, where 10 suites perch at the edge of a burnt-orange cliff, with cantilevered bedrooms over the peaceful Chamberlain River. The adults-only, all-inclusive Homestead is a member of the prestigious Luxury Lodges of Australia collection and offers a backdrop of thick bushland; riverside, you’ll find an immaculate lawn and a shaded pool that lures guests out of their rooms.

    At Emma Gorge, travellers will be immersed in the beauty of the Cockburn Ranges, falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife in safari-style tented cabins. This is where you come if you want to completely connect with your environment while retaining a few creature comforts. The Emma Gorge Tented Cabins sleep three or four people and feature private ensuites and ceiling fans.

    Families also love The Station, home to simple yet comfortable air-conditioned rooms, as well as a large, leafy campground. Sitting by the Pentecost River, The Station is open from April to October and has a range of accommodation, from unpowered and powered campsites to air-conditioned tents for two people and a Gardenview Family Room for five.

    Two people stand beside a suite perched on the edge of a striking burnt-orange cliff, gazing out over the serene Chamberlain River below.
    Take a breather with stunning views of nature all around.

    The facilities

    Located in the heart of the Kimberley, El Questro retains its strong connection with its Traditional Owners, the Ngarinyin people. A highlight of a stay here is the Injiid Marlabu Calls Us experience; over two hours, guests are immersed in the soul of Country by witnessing ancient healing rituals, listening to generational stories and learning about the land’s ancestral heritage.

    Other experiences include bird watching, cruising through Chamberlain Gorge, hiking through Emma Gorge, horse riding, four-wheel-driving and soaking in Zebedee Springs. At the properties, you can also cool off in the pools, and relax in the restaurants or at private dining locations. A bonus of staying at The Homestead is the exclusive service of El Questro’s dedicated reservations team, who will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your travel tastes.

    A group of people stand beside a tree, with a car parked nearby, taking in the surrounding natural beauty.
    Experience thrilling nature activities.

    Book your East Kimberley adventure today with Discovery Resorts.

    12 Fun-Filled Christmas In July Celebrations Around Australia