Where to celebrate Christmas in July in Sydney 2019

1. Christmas in July cruise | Sydney Harbour

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

The sailing has been hailed by 2GB's Ray Hadley and includes a 3.5-hour cruise through Sydney Harbour, a delicious lunch with a Christmas twist, music and singalong as well as plenty of games including trivia.

Better brush up on your Christmas knowledge now.

Where: Leaves from Pyrmont Casino Wharf opposite Star Casino

When: 11 July 2019. Ship departs at 10:45am

For more info: Christmas in July cruise

2. Yulefest | Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is perhaps the closest you can get to real snow on a day trip, and every winter the region hosts Yulefest 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 mouthwatering Christmas turkey to be featured at the centre of the table.

Where: Blue Mountains

When: June-August

For more info: Blue Mountains Yulefest

3. The Rocks Christmas in July Markets | The Rocks

When the lights go down the markets open up at The Rocks this weekend. The theme is French and draws inspiration from French chalets with 12 of them having been specially imported for the event.

The fare is Christmas market with mulled wine and hearty winter dishes on the menu and the atmsophere is merry as Christmas carollers roam the street singing their joyous tunes.

Merry Christmas (in July)!

Where: The Rocks

When: 11-14July 2019

For more info: The Rocks Christmas in July Market

4. Skating at Cathedral Square | CBD

Australia’s travelling Skating At festivals (formally, Winter Festival) finds its home in the forecourt of St Mary’s Cathedral in the first two weeks of July. Reminiscent of European winter markets, the festival revolves around an outdoor ice skating rink (which you can book tickets for online) and food stalls/huts brimming with winter and international delights such as German sausages and Turkish gozleme.

When you’re off the ice you can continue all the wintery activities by ice racing on the iconic ice slide.

Where: St Mary’s Cathedral forecourt, Sydney CBD

When: 28 June - 21 July 2019

For more info: Winter Festival

5. Winterfest | Luna Park

Take the kids on the ultimate day at at Luna Park. The good news is that you won't have to pre-book or (possibly) even pay for your spot on the ice, as this comes free with an Unlimited Rides or Annual Pass ticket. Don't have one? That's OK. Skating contributes as one of your rides on your Sampler Pass.

Where: Luna Park, Sydney

When: 5-22 July 2019

For more info: Luna Park

6. 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. It could be the fact that it offers Sydney’s only ice slide and an illuminated ferris wheel.

Where: Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta

When: 5-21 July 2019

For more info: Winterlight

7. Christmas in July | Thredbo

Naturally the place to get your true snow fix in July is the snows. While not in Sydney, it's one of the most accessible snow regions for Sydney-siders and hosts many a Santa-filled party for the season.

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

On the agenda this weekend is powder white snow, live entertainment, yuletide feasts and a visit by the cool skiing Santa.

Where: Thredbo

When: 8 June - 7 October 2018

For more info: Christmas in July at Thredbo

8. 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.

Where: Bondi Beach, Sydney

When (ice skating): 28 June - 28 July 2019

For more info: Bondi Winter Magic