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Guides
The best places to celebrate Christmas in July in Victoria
Jessica Taylor Yates
July 06, 2022
Thought Christmas was only on December 25? Think again.
Put on your paper crown, crack a bonbon, and pour the eggnog, because Christmas is upon us... again. Though we still have six months until the official big day, 'Christmas in July' has become a time-honoured tradition amongst Aussies who revel in the opportunity to dress warmly and snuggle by the fire wearing our favourite ugly Christmas sweater.
While it may be a strange concept to those lapping up the sun north of the equator right now, Christmas in July is growing in popularity Down Under, akin to Halloween and Black Friday.
So, in the spirit of Christmas, we've done a round-up of the best places you can get your Christmas cheer on this July winter in Victoria.
Tinseltown: Xmas in July, Docklands
Always wanted to experience a cosy European Christmas? Enjoy the Australian version at a Euro-home set-up at Tinseltown Melbourne, featuring bar elves, Christmas cocktails, ugly sweaters, and festive vibes.
When: Selected dates and times between 6th – 31st July.
Cost: Ranging from $10.00-$15.90.
Christmas in July at Farmers Arms Hotel, Daylesford
An event with community spirit, this two-course Christmas dinner with a charity auction and live entertainment are to raise funds for Hepburn Regional Community Cheer, who assist with social and public welfare disadvantages. Come on down for a night of ‘winter wonder’ at this Christmas in July event at the Farmers Arms Hotel, or book a stay and explore everything Daylesford has to offer.
When: Wednesday 27th July, 6:00 pm.
Cost: $70.00 per person.
Christmas in July at Hophaus, Southbank
This Christmas in July event at Hophaus in the CBD features city views with special a banquet meal including cranberry glazed turkey, warm eggnog and sticky date pudding for that special hint of yuletide cheer.
When: The main event is on Saturday 24th July for lunch sittings.
Cost: $20.00 for kids, $50.00 for adults, including one alcoholic beverage.
Christmas at SkyHigh, Mount Dandenong
Take in the breathtaking views of the Dandenong Ranges whilst enjoying a delectable holiday feast. A Christmas luncheon with all the trimmings, SkyHigh will include all the warm winter favourites such as roast turkey and Christmas pudding against the roar of an open fire – and perhaps even some live entertainment.
Christmas in July – Customs House Hotel, Williamstown
Ready for a Ye Olde Christmas session with all the trimmings? Enjoy a two or three-course meal while listening to late-night tunes and even engaging in some Yuletide Christmas karaoke at the Customs House Hotel in Melbourne’s west.
Cost: $42.00- $52.00 for adults, $20.00 - $25.00 for kids under 12.
Farmers Arms Hotel in Daylesford. Image: Alamy.
Take in the views at SkyHigh Mt Dandenong. Image: Alamy.
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Christmas in July at Fondata 1872, Yarra Valley
For something a bit different, why not take in views of the splendid Yarra Valley, enjoying an Italian-Christmas-themed meal? Featuring a three-course festive feast from head chef Aloke Kharbanda complete with a bon-bon and Christmas decorations, take in the rollicking hills as you fill your winter belly with some yuletide favourites.
When: Friday 22nd July, 6:00 pm – late.
Cost: $25.00 for kids, $80.00 for adults.
Christmas in July with Casey Sings!, Narre Warren
Artistic Director Patrick Burns presents a glorious evening of song, food, and fun at this festive event. Featuring Casey Sings! voices and a two-course Christmas dinner, this is an event the whole neighbourhood can sing along to and enjoy.
When: Saturday 30th July, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cost: $35.00 for kids and concession, $40.00 for adults.
Dragged to Christmas in July, God's Kitchen, Mornington
As the title suggests, this event celebrates all things ‘drag’ about Christmas. Hosted by glamorous drag queens, including Ellectra Kute, the ladies are here to show you a ‘jolly good time’ at their winter wonderland. Featuring ‘a fabulous day of shows, cheeky banter, and cheer,’ this round of drinks with an accompanying feast is sure to be fabulous. You could even make a night of it with a luxury stay at Cape Schanck.
When: Sunday 24th July, 11:30 am – 2:00 pm.
Cost: $79.00 for adults.
Christmas In July at Settlers Run, Botanic Ridge
More of a festival than a sit-down meal, this is an event the whole family can enjoy! Featuring an array of market stalls, food trucks, activities for kids and live music to boot, this festival certainly gets into the Christmas spirit by offering free entry – make sure to keep an eye out for Santa!
When: Saturday 24th July 3.00 pm - 8:00 pm.
Cost: Entry is free.
Christmas in July, Holmesglen at Eildon
Getting into Christmas in July doesn’t have to be naff when you’re celebrating at this glamorous location. Featuring ‘mulled wine, roast turkey, glazed ham, Yorkshire puddings, brandy sauce and traditional Christmas pudding,’ this four-course celebration with live music comes with all the trimmings – keep an eye out for some roving magic coming your way! You can also choose to road trip or make a night of it and book a stay.
When: Saturday 23rd July, 6:30 pm onwards.
Cost: $40.00 for kids, $95.00 for adults.
Celebrate Christmas in July in style at Fondata 1872, Yarra Valley. Image: Fondata 1872.
Make your Christmas in July luxe with a celebration at Holmesglen at Eildon. Image: Holmesglen at Eildon.
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Christmas in July at the Micawber Tavern, Belgrave
Experience the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges at this Christmas in July banquet at the Micawber Tavern. Enjoy a Christmas meal with all the trimmings alongside some live music by an open fire.
When: Friday 23rd July, 12:00 pm.
Cost: Meal dependent.
The Herberts Christmas in July Show, Moorabbin
Looking for some live music with your Christmas cheer? Head on down to Eddie’s Bandroom, where The Herberts will be playing live 60s tunes, and there’ll be giveaways and dancing aplenty.
When: Saturday 23rd July, 8:00 pm – 11:15 pm.
Cost: $23.50.
Rogue Potters Christmas in July Workshop, Main Ridge
Looking for a Christmas in July creation you can save for the real thing? The Pig & Whistle is hosting a 'Xmas Decorations' two-hour workshop run by Rogue Potters, where you can make up to 10 ceramic decorations while enjoying some warm winter comforts.
When: Saturday 9th and Saturday 23rd July, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Cost: $110.00.
Terrace Restaurant Dining - Christmas in July Workshop, Ballarat
The Terrace Restaurant will be hosting a night out including a 3-course Christmas meal and a night at the trots at the restaurant owned by the Ballarat & District Trotting Club. Make a night of it with a stay at the RACV Goldfields Resort.
