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Where to celebrate Christmas in July in Sydney 2021

From ice skating to meals by the log fire, these are the Yuletide events happening in Sydney this winter.

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Stephanie Yip
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Christmas in July... It's a time when Australians can experience Christmas in winter, just like in the Northern Hemisphere.

Yes, this includes Christmas feasts, glühwein (AKA mulled wine) and crackling fireplaces.

So if you feel like singing Christmas carols and joining in the festive spirit, these events in Sydney and surrounding areas are bringing Christmas in July to life.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Sydney and surrounding areas, Christmas in July events are cancelled for 2021.

Sydney Harbour cruises | Sydney

Go against the grain this year and book a spot on a Christmas in July cruise to celebrate the mid-year.

A handful of Sydney Harbour cruises theme their sailings around winter and the big, great jolly guy. Expect delicious meals with a Christmas twist, music and plenty of games.

Top Sydney Harbour cruises you can book right now

Private Sydney Harbour Night Cruise with Wine
Private Sydney Harbour Night Cruise with Wine

RedBalloon

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Twilight Tall Ship Cruise with Drinks Package
Twilight Tall Ship Cruise with Drinks Package

RedBalloon

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Christmas in July Markets | The Rocks

A popular event for the July calendar, The Rocks Christmas in July Markets is a fun, French-themed night out.

It features French chalets, market stalls pouring mulled wine and serving hearty winter dishes.

As for the atmosphere? That's merry with Christmas carollers roaming the street singing their joyous tunes.

Top tours to book in The Rocks right now

Yulefest | Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is perhaps the closest you can get to real snow on a day trip, and the region hosts Yulefest in the winter months.

It's less of an event festival and more of a "Christmas atmosphere" deal here, with many venues offering Christmas-style meals and hospitality.

Expect log fires to be lit, Christmas carols to be sung and that mouth-watering Christmas turkey to be featured at the centre of the table at hotels such as Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley and Hotel Mountain Heritage.

Top Blue Mountains stays

Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains - MGallery
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains - MGallery

Finder Hotels

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Bondi Winter Magic | Bondi Beach

Bondi Winter Magic has got to be one of the coolest concepts on the Australian coast. It features Australia's only beachside ice skating rink and is possibly the only place you can dip in the ocean before hitting the ice.

For those looking to get their skating badges, ice skating lessons are available, while over weekends punters can be inspired by elaborate ice skating demonstrations and professional performances.

This year, things are being played out a little differently, with physical distancing measures in place.

To suit the season, Bondi Festival is being reimagined. What that means is anyone's guess but we personally can't wait to see what the team comes up with.

Get your tickets

Winterlight | Parramatta

Set in Parramatta Park, Winterlight has grown to be a favourite amongst locals and families throughout Sydney. It could be the fact that it boasts Sydney's biggest outdoor ice skating rink. Winterlight is free to enter, making it a fun night out for the whole family.

  • When: 19 June - 12 September 2021 (subject to COVID-19 restrictions)
  • Location: Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta, 40 minutes west of Sydney
  • Other activities you can't miss: Take a stroll through Parramatta Park or visit Old Government House

Eat your heart out

Nine Dish Meal at Ginza Izakaya Parramatta
Nine Dish Meal at Ginza Izakaya Parramatta

Groupon

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Bundanoon Winterfest | Southern Highlands

Sick of ice skating rinks and powder pits? The Southern Highlands does Christmas in July differently. Its version of the winter celebration is Bundanoon Winterfest, which is a week-long street party featuring kid-friendly activities, music and silent movies that bring the locals together and draw visitors in from far and wide.

Local accommodation providers get into the act too, serving up hearty Christmas meals and lighting up their log fires to ensure your stay is as cosy and Yuletide-full as possible.

Stay till the end and catch the Closing Party. It caps the fun and festivities off with a night of music, food and one massive bonfire.

Top places to stay

Christmas in July | Thredbo

Naturally, the place to get your true snow fix in July is Thredbo. While not in Sydney, it's one of the most accessible snow regions for Sydneysiders and hosts many a Santa-filled party (with social distancing) for the season.

You know the drill: Snap up a Thredbo deal and hightail it to the slopes.

  • When: June - September
  • Location: Thredbo, 5.5 hours south of Sydney
  • Other activities you can't miss: Take a hike up Mount Kosciuszko

Top Thredbo ski packages

Full-Day Thredbo Snow Tour with Transfers
Full-Day Thredbo Snow Tour with Transfers

RedBalloon

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Frozen Zoo

Head to where the wild things are this winter as Taronga Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland. From 10am to 8pm every day, the whole family can enjoy the use of the skating rink and pop-up food stalls.

  • When: Due to Sydney's lockdown, Frozen Zoo has had to close early. Ticket holders can reach out to Moshtix for ticket enquires and refunds.
  • Location: Taronga Zoo, Mosman
  • Other activities you can't miss: Sparkling High Tea or 3-Course Lunch

Top places to stay

Ballantyne At Mosman Serviced Apartment
Ballantyne At Mosman Serviced Apartment

Finder Hotels

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Winter in the Domain

Discover the Domain as it transforms into a winter haven. The event features 2 main areas: the Big Top which will host the live performances and the Winterpark.

  • When: Winter in the Domain's events will be rescheduled as a result of Sydney's COVID-19 lockdown. A refund or a ticket for the new event date is available
  • Location: Royal Botanic Garden and the Domain
  • Other activities you can't miss: Get back in touch with nature with a walk through the gardens

Top places to stay

Frequently asked questions

When is Christmas in July?

25 July. Although Christmas in July is celebrated throughout the month, the tradition states that the holiday is honoured on the 25th or the weekend it falls nearest to.

Why is there Christmas in July?

The Christmas in July holiday began nearly 100 years ago, in North Carolina. The small celebration was then transformed into the huge sales event right around the US and the world.

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