Christmas in July
Get that festive feeling in Sydney this July
They say if you can’t beat it, join it – so if Sydney’s cold snap has you dreaming of all things warm and cosy, we say embrace the Winter season and indulge in some Christmas in July cheer. From roaring fireplaces at mountain-view resorts to traditional Christmas feasts with all the trimmings, here’s a handful of the Christmas in July events sweeping through our harbour city and beyond. But like good old Saint Nick, you better be quick, these events will be gone in the blink of an eye!
🎄 Yulefest, Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains’ cozy villages come alive from June to August with Yulefest – an annual celebration of all things Winter in the Blue Mountains. Imagine log fires, stunning mountains views, the promise of (light) snow fall and Christmas feasts like turkey with all the trimmings. Pick from one of several hotels or resorts, like the Hydro Majestic Hotel in Medlow Bath or the Fairmont Resort in Leura, offering Yulefest packages for the full Christmas experience – think ice skating (at Fairmont Resort), an epic Christmas tree and Yulefest dinner. Or DIY and book a mountain-style cabin where you can Yulefest your way.
Whether you’re staying the day or making it a trip away, the villages of Leura, Wentworth Falls and Katoomba offer a host of family-friendly activities. From museums like the Leuralla Toy & Railway Museum to bushwalks such as the newly opened Grand CliffTop Walk and adventure experiences including the Scenic World’s Skyway and Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest railway, there’s something for all ages and interests.
Dates: June – August
More info: https://www.bluemts.com.au/things-to-do/yulefest/
🎄 Igloos in the Eastern Suburbs
What do igloos and one of Sydney’s most snap-worthy beach-burbs have in common? Not much you’d think until the good folk at Crown Plaza Coogee created the Winter Wonderland Igloo as part of their Christmas in July event. Image you and 8 of your nearest and dearest sitting in a clear igloo-like tent being served delicious drinks and tasty snacks from a special ‘igloo’ menu. There’s also a Festive Sharing Menu at the Crowne Plaza’s Estate restaurant – with a special guest appearance from non other than Santa Claus himself – and a karaoke room so you can belt out those Christmas jingles before the night ends.
Where: Crowne Plaza Coogee
Dates: Winter Wonderland Igloo experience 19-21 July, Festive Sharing Menu 13, 20 and 21 July
More info: https://coogeebeach.crowneplaza.com/christmas-in-july/#ixzz8fXBkUDUo
🎄 Christmas feasts across Sydney
Whilst to visitors Sydney is best known for its beaches and stunning harbour, for many locals our eateries – from fine diners to informal pubs and everything in between – are what make this dazzling city one of the best in the country. From the inner west to the north, you’ll find pubs and restaurants offering Christmas in July-style feasts that will leave you with full bellies and warm hearts. So give the oven (and yourself) a break and head to one of these eateries for a family get-together that’s big on Christmas cheer without the post-meal clean-up!
In At Three Blue Ducks in Rosebery indulge in a feast of stuffed turkey, glazed ham and all those delectable trimmings, whilst at Forrester’s in Surry Hills you’ll find roast crackling pork teamed with their legendary Yorkshire pudding and apple strudel to finish. Over at Woolloomooloo, The Old Fitz is hosting Christmas in July pub style with mulled cider on arrival, slow roasted lamb, ham croquettes and more. Head up north to the Botanist in Kirribilli for a traditional roast turkey with cranberry and gravy, or at the NSW Parliament House in the heart of the city, Stranger’s Restaurant is serving up an elegant three-course lunch from Monday to Thursday in July with treats like turkey terrine, duck breast with quince, a slow cooked porchetta and traditional Christmas pudding. Fancy a feast on the water? Captain Cook Cruises are hosting a sumptuous Christmas buffet lunch or dinner complete with entertainment and stunning harbour views.
But what’s Christmas with our carols? Head to the St Paul’s College at the University of Sydney for their Annual Christmas in July Choir on July 27 for an indulgent black tie event and three-course meal complete with a Christmas themed performance from the choir.
🎄 Christmas in July, Northern Beaches Style
Nothing says Aussie Christmas more than a beach party and the Northern Beaches’ most popular beach hub, Manly, is doing Christmas in July beach style. Pick from a Christmas in July women’s Wellness Dinner at the iconic Hotel Steyne, or head over to Manly Skiff for a long lunch with your crew – waterside views included. Further north, you’ll find the annual Ku-Ring-Gai Christmas in July Market at St Ives Showground – an outdoor market-style event complete with entertainment, boutique stalls and food trucks.
Whilst you’re there, be sure to drop by the St Ives playground – one of the largest built in the Ku-Ring-Gai area and with dedicated spaces and play equipment suitable for toddlers through to tweens. For mums with ‘runners’, don’t miss this fully fenced in playground!
Kuringai Christmas in July
Where: St Ives Showground – 450 Mona Vale Rd, St. Ives
Dates: Saturday 13 July 2024 – 4pm to 9pm. Sunday 14 July 2024 – 10am to 3pm.
Cost: Free
More info: https://allevents.in/mona%20vale/a-ku-ring-gai-christmas-in-july/200026426574805
🎄 Christmas in July at Belgenny Farm
Fancy a slice of history with your Christas in July festivities? Step back in time and experience a colonial Christmas at Belgenny Farm in Camden. Established in 1805, the 2,000 hectare property boasts the earliest collection of colonial farm buildings in Australia. Families can explore historic buildings, join a guided tour or go at your own pace with a self-guided route, and finally round off the day with a savoury Christmas buffet featuring local produce. Want more? Head back to the farm on August 17 for their annual Belgenny Farm Day featuring a petting zoo, live sheep shearing , dog trials, blacksmith demonstration and more. Plus, live entertainment, food and market stalls
Where: Belgenny Farm, 100 Elizabeth MacArthur Ave, Camden South
Dates: 20 July, 12pm – 3pm
Cost: $49 kids, $89 adults
More info: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1228392
Out of town
🎄 Snow time in the Hunter Valley Gardens
It might not be Christmas themed but if a ‘white’ Christmas is synonymous with the festive season for your family, Snow Time in the Garden will bring on those Christmas vibes in no time – without the eye-watering cost of a trip to the snow!
In addition to the 10 themed gardens in the Hunter Valley Gardens’ 14 hectare park, this Winter season there’s an added sprinkle of frosty fun with a Mega Snow Play Zone (premium ice machines pump out the white stuff so you’re always guaranteed of some icy fun) where you can build a snow man, a Giant Ice Toboggan ride, and ice rink – the latter complete with cute character ice-aids for under 6s still finding their skating legs. Plus, little ones can enjoy a dedicated kids craft area, roving characters and performers, live entertainment and carnival style rides. Looking for local accommodation? Harrigan’s and Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens offer family-style apartments along with resort style facilities.
Where: Hunter Valley Gardens, 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
Dates: 28 June – 29 July
Cost: Family tickets from $122
More info: https://www.huntervalleygardens.com.au/events/snow-time-in-the-garden-event/
Looking for more ideas to keep the kids entertained these school holidays? Check out our Winter School Holidays Activity Guide.
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