Christmas in July is a mid-year celebration that emulates the festive spirit of Christmas but takes place during the winter months in the Southern Hemisphere. While traditional Christmas celebrations occur in December, during the summer in countries like Australia, Christmas in July allows people to experience the holiday’s cozy, wintry aspects.
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Christmas in July Events and Places in Melbourne
1. The Windsor Hotel: Christmas in July Dinners
- Location: 111 Spring Street, Melbourne
- Description: Enjoy a lavish Christmas in July dinner featuring traditional holiday dishes, festive decorations, and live music. The Windsor Hotel is known for its elegant setting and sumptuous festive feasts, making it a perfect place to celebrate the mid-year Christmas spirit.
2. Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights
- Location: Bradshaw Street, Ballarat
- Description: This spectacular event transforms Sovereign Hill into a winter wonderland with dazzling light displays, traditional Christmas decorations, and themed activities. Visitors can enjoy snowfalls, carols, and a festive market, all set in the historic outdoor museum.
3. The Roast Collection: Christmas in July Feasts
- Location: Various locations across Melbourne
- Description: Many restaurants and pubs participate in The Roast Collection, offering special Christmas in July menus. Expect hearty roasts, mulled wine, and festive desserts. Popular venues include the Prahran Hotel, the Railway Hotel, and the Mount Erica Hotel.
4. Winter Night Market at Queen Victoria Market
- Location: Queen Street, Melbourne
- Description: The Winter Night Market at Queen Victoria Market embraces the Christmas in July theme with festive stalls, delicious winter foods, and live entertainment. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate, and a variety of Christmas-themed treats while exploring the market.
5. Luna Park’s Christmas in July
- Location: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
- Description: Luna Park transforms into a winter wonderland with Christmas decorations, themed rides, and festive activities. Families can enjoy ice-skating, snow play areas, and visits from Santa, making it a magical experience for children.
6. High Country Christmas in July
- Location: Various locations in Victoria’s High Country
- Description: Experience Christmas in July in Victoria’s High Country with special events, festive dining experiences, and cozy accommodations. Towns like Bright, Beechworth, and Mansfield offer unique Christmas-themed events, including winter markets and festive feasts.
7. Christmas in July at Rochford Wines
- Location: 878-880 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream
- Description: Celebrate Christmas in July with a festive lunch or dinner at Rochford Wines in the Yarra Valley. Enjoy a traditional Christmas meal paired with fine wines, surrounded by the picturesque vineyards and cozy ambiance of the winery.
8. The Old England Hotel’s Christmas in July
- Location: 459 Lower Heidelberg Road, Heidelberg
- Description: This historic hotel offers a festive Christmas in July experience with traditional decorations, a special menu featuring roast turkey, ham, and Christmas pudding, and live entertainment to enhance the holiday atmosphere.
9. The Montague Hotel’s Christmas in July
- Location: 355 Park Street, South Melbourne
- Description: The Montague Hotel hosts a Christmas in July celebration with a special menu, festive drinks, and themed decorations. It’s a great place to gather with friends and family for a cozy winter feast.
10. SkyHigh Mount Dandenong’s Christmas in July
- Location: 26 Observatory Road, Mount Dandenong
- Description: Enjoy a festive Christmas in July lunch or dinner with stunning views of Melbourne from SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. The venue offers a traditional Christmas menu, festive decorations, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
11. Federation Square’s Winter Village
- Location: Federation Square, Melbourne
- Description: Federation Square transforms into a winter village with an ice-skating rink, igloos, and festive food and drink stalls. The Christmas in July celebrations include themed decorations and holiday entertainment.
12. Ballarat Winter Festival
- Location: Various locations in Ballarat
- Description: This winter festival features Christmas in July activities, including a winter market, ice-skating, and festive light displays. The festival offers a magical winter experience for the whole family.
13. The Langham Melbourne’s Christmas in July Afternoon Tea
- Location: 1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank
- Description: Enjoy a luxurious Christmas in July-themed afternoon tea at The Langham, featuring festive treats and elegant decorations in a sophisticated setting.
14. Melbourne Star Observation Wheel’s Christmas in July
- Location: 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands
- Description: Take a festive ride on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, which is decorated for Christmas in July. Enjoy panoramic views of the city while sipping on mulled wine or hot chocolate.
15. Collingwood Children’s Farm’s Christmas in July
- Location: 18 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
- Description: Families can enjoy a Christmas in July celebration at Collingwood Children’s Farm, with festive activities, farm animals, and a special Christmas market.
16. The Melbourne Zoo’s Christmas in July
- Location: Elliott Avenue, Parkville
- Description: The Melbourne Zoo hosts Christmas in July events, including festive animal encounters, special decorations, and holiday-themed activities for visitors of all ages.
17. Cuckoo Restaurant’s Christmas in July
- Location: 508 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Olinda
- Description: This iconic Bavarian restaurant offers a Christmas in July feast with traditional European dishes, festive decorations, and live entertainment in a cozy, chalet-style setting.
18. Chadstone Shopping Centre’s Winter Wonderland
- Location: 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone
- Description: Chadstone Shopping Centre transforms into a winter wonderland for Christmas in July, featuring festive decorations, special promotions, and holiday-themed events for shoppers.
19. Mount Baw Baw’s Christmas in July
- Location: Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort
- Description: Enjoy a snowy Christmas in July at Mount Baw Baw with skiing, snowboarding, and festive activities. The alpine resort offers special holiday-themed events and decorations.
20. The Great Ocean Road’s Christmas in July
- Location: Various locations along the Great Ocean Road
- Description: Towns along the Great Ocean Road, including Lorne and Apollo Bay, host Christmas in July events with festive markets, holiday-themed dining experiences, and winter activities.
Melbourne’s Christmas in July events provide a unique and festive way to enjoy the winter season. From lavish dinners and themed markets to immersive light displays and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Embrace the holiday spirit mid-year and make the most of these wonderful events and places.
