When Christmas is here, it’s hard to relate to all the typical Christmas carols. There are all sorts of talk about snow, sleighs, holly, snowmen and reindeer, and it just doesn’t apply to our hot summer Christmases. And now that it’s winter, some places in Melbourne have taken it upon themselves to recapture some of the festive magic for Christmas in July because why can’t we have two Christmasses?
1. French Christmas in July Dinner at Appartement 26
Providing a memorable setting for a grand day or night out, the fabulously furnished Parisian Salon emanates a timeless elegance that guests will be able to experience at upcoming brunches, lunches, high teas and particular special dates, including Christmas in July.
The event takes place on Thursday 7 and Friday 8 July from 6:30pm.
2. Queen Victoria Winter Night Market
Christmas can be celebrated any number of ways so long as there is food involved and that’s exactly what the Queen Victoria Market is dishing up. On Wednesday nights, more than 35 street food traders are serving delicious winter menus while roving entertainers make you merry.
Come on down to the Winter Wonderland at Queen Vic.
3. Visit Tinseltown
Tinseltown is an over-the-top Christmas pop-up in Docklands, decked up with baubles, tinsel, bows, wreaths, fairy lights, and every other festive decoration under the sun. And it’s not just all the decorations that make it a standout. There’s a ridiculously Instagrammable cocktail menu available too. We’re talking candy canes, eggnog, and mulled wine galore.
Find out more here.4. Overnewton Castle
How does Christmas in a castle sound? Head to Keilor on Friday July 15, and enjoy a three-course menu in either the Ballroom or the Sherry Room Dining area. Feast on winter favourites like crackling pork, and drunken Christmas pudding with brandy custard. There will also be plenty of Christmas carols to keep the merriment going. Learn more here.
5. European Night Market
Across four Fridays this July, you’ll be able to indulge in cheesy comfort food, Bavarian pretzels, mulled wine and more winter favourites at Madame Brussels Lane. European Night Market will return from July 8 to 29, with a larger and sweet line-up than ever before.
Find out more here.6. SkyHigh Mt Dandenong
Take in spectacular views of Melbourne at SkyHigh Mt Dandenong, and enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch. Served buffet style, you’ll enjoy a roast lunch with turkey or beef, roast potatoes, honey roasted carrots and more. There will also be warm plum pudding with brandy and vanilla custard served to your table. Bookings are required, and if there’s over 60 people, live entertainment will be included.
More information here.7. Regional Victoria Winter Festivals
Sip on wine, enjoy feasts by the fire, listen to live music and feel dazzled by stunning light projections, from Apollo Bay to East Gippsland. Hop in the car and take a drive around Victoria for some of these heart-warming winter festivals.
See all 10 here.8. Grazeland’s Winter Wonderland
Frolic underneath falling snow, warm up with mulled wine, admire gorgeous LED lights and more. Grazeland will transform into a winter wonderland every weekend, from now until July 31.
Get all the info here.9. The Commons Collective Winter Feast
Bar Moubray has been decked out with Santa’s sleigh and a Santa chair so you can get all the Christmas in July insta-pics you need while wearing your favourite Christmas sweater. But, the festive fun has taken over the kitchen with a sumptuous Christmas menu featuring the kind of feasts you’d see in Home Alone.
Make your booking here. See what else is on at The Commons Collective here.