The Best Places To Celebrate Christmas In July In Sydney 2019

Snow falling softly outside, mistletoe hung from the rafters and a cosy fireplace with carols playing in the background... it's the picture-perfect Christmas setting that Australians only get to see in movies filmed north of the equator.

Although we love our warm Decembers Down Under, in 2019, why not bring the festivities to Sydney's winter with a taste of Christmas in July – added local fun included!

1. Blue Mountains Yulefest

One of our favourite out-of-town family-friendly destinations doesn't skimp on the luxury in July as The Fairmont Resort is transformed into a winter wonderland during their Yulefest, complete with roaring fires, crisp days and storybook scenery. A big highlight is the festive Friday and Saturday night Christmas in July buffets at Jamison's View Restaurant for $98/adult, $52/teen (13-17), $29/child (5-12) and FREE for under 4 (make sure to book). Keep your eyes peeled for Santa and some snowfall, if you're lucky! 

2. Have A Cruisey Christmas In July

Sail away on 'Christmas Day' with a three-hour Vagabond Christmas In July Cruise, complete with seafood, a carvery, live music and a Sydney Harbour backdrop – all for just $70/adult and $50/child or $220 for a family of four. Under 5s are FREE. 

3. Roast With All The Trimmings

Nothing says winter or Christmas in July better than a roast with all the extras! We just love Four In Hand's $24 all-day Sunday roast, rotating between lamb, chicken and even pork belly. The Woolwich Pier Hotel has a Sunday menu with two roasts to choose from – pork belly and crackling with roasties, pumpkin mash, apple puree, Yorkshire pudding and gravy or Riverine saddle of lamb with roasties, pumpkin mash, Yorkies, mint jelly and gravy. Check out our guide to Sydney's best roasts here.

Stanmore's Salisbury Hotel is a family-friendly ellaslist favourite and their Sunday roast comes with craft beer pints for schooner prices from 5-10pm. They're also doing a range of Xmas in July events, for adults and for kids where you can experience a winter village pub atmosphere. See more here.

Down at the Rocks, the Tap Rooms hosts a Christmas shared feast with a glass of mulled wine or schmiddy to start and dessert to finish. It costs $55pp and is available for lunch & dinner everyday throughout July.

Christmas cheer also hits The Butler Potts Point for lunch and dinner throughout July, with a glass of mulled wine to start. Last year's modern twist on the traditional Xmas roast went for $60/head and featured braised pork belly with chargrilled pineapple and red and green salsa, and spiced chocolate pudding with sangria ice cream – all enjoyed with the view of the Sydney skyline. 

4. Experience A Magic Winter Festival

You're in luck – many of Sydney's fantastic winter festivals hit their stride during July! Bondi Winter Magic, Parramatta Winterlight and Luna Park's Winterfest are our top picks, their atmosphere can't be replicated. Rug up and enjoy some ice skating, ice performances, ice slides, snow play, live music, Ferris wheels, and fun and games, there is something to put a smile on every family member's dial. Head to a food stall for a mug of hot chocolate or a big cup of mulled wine, too.

5. Dining With A Difference

At Coogee's Barzura, enjoy a traditional winter Christmas feast for lunch and dinner. Wash the turkey and all the trimmings down with the reasonably-priced Christmas-themed cocktails on offer, including hot toddies, mulled wine and butterscotch schnapps hot chocolate. What makes the annual Christmas in July at Barzura different is their 'Reversed Christmas Tree'. Do some good this 'Chrissy' by dropping off a wrapped gift that will go to the Salvation Army's children in need. 

6. Classy Christmas In July

Celebrate Christmas in July with a touch of elegance at the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, where you'll indulge in a sumptuous Friday or Saturday night Yuletide feast at Cafe Mix. You can expect whole roasted turkey, suckling pig and roast beef with all the trimmings, as well as mulled wine, egg nog, and delectable desserts – prices TBA. 

Or head to Sheraton on the Park throughout July for a decadent seafood buffet, plus mandatory roast turkey and glazed ham, and much more for lunch and dinner, complete with a complimentary glass of mulled wine or alcohol-free egg nog.

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