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 Vic 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 a variety of roving entertainers, including carollers, elves, angels on stilts, a jazz band devoted to Christmas songs and more. The market runs from 5pm to 10pm, from now until August 30. See more here.
2. Feel enchanted at the European Night Market
Can’t get enough of bustling marketplaces? You’ll definitely want to check out European Night Market in Madame Brussels Lane. Held on Fridays this July, you’ll indulge in winter comfort food, like German sausages, Spanish paella, deep-fried camembert cheese and more. Stay warm with mulled wine, Bavarian beer and European-themed cocktails. This market runs from 5pm to 10pm.
3. Dine in an igloo
Round up your friends and have a feast inside a cosy igloo. Under the gentle twinkle of fairy lights, you’ll indulge in hearty bites and comforting warm beverages. Find out where to go here.
4. Discover plenty of Christmas decorations at Ambiance
If you love Christmas, then Ambiance at Queen Vic 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.
5. Enjoy a Christmas feast at Overnewton Castle
How does Christmas in a castle sound? Head to Keilor on Friday July 14, and enjoy a three-course menu at Overnewtown Castle. Relax in either the Ballroom or the Sherry Room Dining area and feast on winter favourites like crackling pork, and drunken Christmas pudding with brandy custard. There will also be plenty of Christmas carols and a roaring fireplace to keep the merriment going. This dinner will run from 7pm to 10pm. Learn more 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 whisky-glazed ham and garlic butter turkey. End the lunch with pudding or trifle, as well as house-made ginger biscuits. This lunch will take place on Sunday July 23, with bookings available at 12:30pm, 1pm and 1:30pm. Bookings are essential.
7. Frolic in a winter wonderland at Grazeland
Have fun underneath falling snow, warm up with mulled wine, admire gorgeous light displays and more. Grazeland will transform into a winter wonderland every weekend, from now until July 30. Get all the info here.
8. 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, including mulled wine, Xmas gin and ginger, and a Blitzen’s Brew mocktail. Indulge in an extensive Christmas-themed menu, including a grazing board with maple and orange glazed ham, sliced turkey and cranberry relish, as well as sticky date pudding and a snowman in white chocolate mousse. During your feast, there will be plenty of holiday tunes to spread the Christmas cheer. Bookings are available from Thursdays to Sundays. Learn more here.
9. Have a feast at Stamford Plaza Melbourne
This month, head to Stamford Plaza on Saturdays and celebrate Christmas in July at Harry’s Restaurant and Bar. Indulge in a delectable Christmas buffet menu, filled with hearty winter treats like pumpkin soup, honey glazed leg of ham and Christmas pudding. This festive meal is available between 12pm and 3pm on Saturdays. Bookings and more here.
10. Gaze at twinkling lights at Adventure 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 16.
11. Feel enchanted by Winter Wonderlights in Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill has transformed into a magical wonderland for Christmas in July. During the day, wander the streets under falling snow, see pantomimes and theatre shows, take part in Christmas-themed arts and crafts and snap a photo with St. Nick. Sip on mulled wine and snack on gingerbread treats. Then, when the sun sets, gaze in wonder as the streetscape lights up for Winter Wonderlights. Enjoy a spectacular, shimmering light and projection show. Then, stick around and explore the region at the Ballarat Winter Festival, which ends on July 16.
12. 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.