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.
The best ways to celebrate Christmas in July in Melbourne and beyond
1. 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 transforming into a Winter Wonderland with falling snow, twinkling lights, live ice sculpting 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. Scandinavian Christmas Winter Market
Feel a sense of hygge and browse through stalls selling Scandinavian gifts, holiday decorations and tasty treats, such as Danish hotdogs and gløgg (mulled wine). Find this Christmas in July winter market at Denmark House on Saturday July 26, from 11am to 6pm. Learn more here.
3. 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.
4. Hophaus
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 Christmas pudding or an apple & rhubarb crumble. This lunch will take place on Sunday July 27 and costs $75 per person. Bookings are essential.
5. The Commons Collective
Find plenty of Christmas in July magic at The Commons Collective’s Bar Moubray. The space has been transformed with Christmas trees, nutcrackers, fairy lights and other seasonal décor. Try winter favourites and festive treats, like a grazing board filled with maple and orange glazed ham with cranberry relish, or a peppermint crisp cake. This experience is available from Thursdays to Sundays, from now until the end of August. Learn more here.
6. Dolly at Le Méridien Melbourne
Feast on a festive roast lunch at Dolly, the underground bistro and cocktail bar of Le Méridien Melbourne. Choose between roast chicken or beef, and tuck into hearty sides like grainy mustard smashed potatoes and roasted glazed carrots. End the feast with an all-you-can-eat dessert buffet, stacked with favourites like lamingtons and pavlova. This feast costs $55 per person, and will take place on Sunday July 20. Bookings are essential.
7. 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 20.
8. Christmas market at Seaworks
Pop over to Seaworks in Williamstown and have a merry time at their festive celebration. Browse through market stalls serving up Christmas decorations, gifts, festive treats and more. Stay warm with with hot roasted chestnuts, pudding and baked goods from food trucks. Stay entertained with live music, roving performers, Christmas carols and activities for the kids. It’s all happening on Saturday July 12 from 1pm to 8:30pm. Learn more here.
9. Labassa Mansion
Labassa Mansion is celebrating a traditional mid-winter Christmas. Go on a guided tour or opt for a self-guided one, and see the Christmas tree and the dining table set in the style of an 1890 banquet. Check it out on Sunday July 20. Learn more here.
10. Mary Eats Cake
Treat yourself to a Winter High Tea at Mary Eats Cake. They’re serving up festive delights, with mulled wine on arrival, gingerbread scones, turkey sandwiches and more! Find it at their Brunswick and Montrose stores from now until the end of August. Learn more here.
11. SkyHigh Mount Dandenong
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, seafood, plum pudding and more. The Christmas lunch will take place on Sunday July 20 and 27. Learn more here.
12. Winter Wonderlights in Sovereign Hill
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Sovereign Hill has transformed into a magical winter wonderland. 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 27.
13. Mount Baw Baw
Feel plenty of holiday cheer, complete with actual snow, at the Christmas in July celebration on Mount Baw Baw. See Santa as he rides through the Village in a Howling Husky Dog Sleigh, join an ugly sweater party, stay cosy with warm drinks and hearty bites, and, of course, play in the snow! The festivities will run on Saturday July 26 and Sunday July 27. Learn more here.