Dreaming of a white Christmas? In Melbourne, that’s a little tricky in December. But July is full of possibilities. Embrace the colder weather and recapture the magic of Christmas, with hearty winter feasts, falling snow, twinkling lights and more. Feel merry and bright with plenty of exciting Christmas in July events and dishes, in Melbourne and beyond.
1. Rug up for Queen Victoria Market’s Winter Night Market
Embrace the frosty season by visiting the popular Winter Night Market on Wednesday nights. Warm up by roaring fires, feast on toasty street food, and feel amazed by live entertainment. This month, Queen Vic Market is celebrating Christmas in July with falling snow, carollers, roving elves and more. The market runs from 5pm to 10pm, and this special festive edition will take place each Wednesday in July. See more here.
2. Feel delighted by Frosted – A Winter Spectacular
Celebrate Christmas in July at Frosted – A Winter Spectacular in Narre Warren. This magical experience features all sorts of fun and festive spaces, like a polar bear ball pit and an artificial skating rink. Meet all sorts of frosty characters, enjoy live circus performances and more. Find it under the Big Top in the field opposite Westfield Fountain Gate. This icy experience is on from now until Sunday July 21.
3. Keep your spirits up at Arbory
Arbory is celebrating the season with a four-course feast and matched cocktails with the help of Four Pillars Gin. Enjoy braised lamb shoulder, seared blue eye, apple rhubarb crumble and more. It’s all happening on Wednesday July 24 from 6:30pm. More info here.
4. Sip cocktails in the snow on Rooftop at QT
Feel like you’re experiencing a white Christmas at Rooftop at QT. In their new Snow Globe experience, you’ll feel delighted by falling snowflakes, theatrical cocktails and a winter-inspired menu. The Snow Globe on Rooftop at QT will run from now until Sunday September 2. There will be hourly snow shows running from 5pm to late, from Thursday to Sunday.
5. Discover plenty of Christmas decorations at Ambiance
If you love Christmas, then Ambiance at Queen Victoria Market is a must-see. This store is decked out in Christmas ornaments, wreaths, elves, Santas, snow globes and more. Learn more about their unique treasures here.
6. Hop over to Hophaus for lunch
Indulge in a festive Christmas in July lunch at Hophaus in Southbank. Tuck into a three-course meal, with a shared main of maple-glazed ham and garlic butter turkey. End the lunch with either a delicious Bombe Alaska or a cosy Sticky Date Pudding. This lunch will take place on Sunday July 28, with bookings available at 12:30pm, 1pm and 1:30pm. Bookings are essential.
7. Dance the night away at the Tay Tay Christmas in July Par-Tay
Round up your friends and have plenty of fun at this Christmas in July tribute party inspired by Taylor Swift. Dress up, sip on Taylor-inspired cocktails, play games, dance to DJs and listen to live cover performances from local artists. The Tay Tay Christmas in July Par-Tay will take place at a secret location in North Melbourne from Friday July 26 to Sunday July 28. Learn more here.
8. Frolic in a winter wonderland at Grazeland
Have fun underneath falling snow, warm up with mulled wine, admire gorgeous neon light displays and more. Grazeland will transform into a winter wonderland every weekend, from now until July 28. Get all the info here.
9. Get into the festive spirit at The Commons Collective
Find plenty of Christmas in July magic at The Commons Collective’s Bar Moubray. Sip your way through their themed cocktails, then feast on a festive menu, This experience is available from Thursdays to Sundays. Learn more here.
10. Have a feast at Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Head to Stamford Plaza and indulge in a delectable Christmas buffet menu. Look forward to hearty winter treats like pumpkin soup, honey glazed ham, roast chicken and Christmas pudding. This festive meal is available between 12pm and 3pm on Saturday July 27. See more here.
11. Enjoy a Christmas feast at Overnewton Castle
How does Christmas in a castle sound? Head to Keilor on July 23 and 26, and enjoy a two or three-course lunch or dinner at Overnewtown Castle. Feast on winter favourites like glazed ham, roast turkey and drunken Christmas pudding with brandy custard. Find out more.
12. Head up to SkyHigh for Christmas in July
SkyHigh in Mount Dandenong is celebrating Christmas early with a buffet luncheon this July. Pop by for a hearty meal, with dishes like roast turkey and beef, roasted veggies, plum pudding and more. The Christmas lunch will take place on select days this July, with a wider selection of dishes available on Sunday July 14 and 21. Learn more here.
13. Hop aboard the Polar Express Train Ride
Head to Queenscliff and celebrate the beloved book and film, The Polar Express, with the help of Bellarine Railway. Feel immersed with theatrical experiences on board the train, cosy hot chocolate and more. This experience will take place on July 1, 5, 6 and 7. Additional dates may be released depending on demand. Find out more here.
14. Gaze at twinkling lights at Adventure Park’s Winter Glow
Celebrate the colder weather and have fun at Adventure Park’s Winter Glow festival. At this marvellous event, you’ll see the twinkle of over 3 million lights across thousands of glittering installations. Then, play in the snow, see ice sculpting displays, have fun on the rides and warm up with loaded hot chocolates. This festive winter wonderland is open on select days until July 21.
15. Feel enchanted by Winter Wonderlights in Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill has transformed into a magical wonderland for Christmas in July. Snap a photo with St. Nick, listen to Christmas carols, walk beneath falling snow and admire dazzling projections at Winter Wonderlights. Then, stick around and explore the region at the Ballarat Winter Festival. Winter Wonderlights is on until Sunday July 21.
16. Go to the snow
If you’re dreaming of the ultimate white Christmas, then your best shot is to head to the mountains and have fun in the snow. Go skiing, tobogganing, snowboarding and more, then stay overnight in an alpine village for a blissful winter escape. Find out where to go here.