Christmas in July in Canberra is a chance to get friends and family together, feel festive and Christmassy. There is heaps happening in Australia’s capital city Canberra – from a Christmas in July festival, Winter in the city event, to special Christmas themed dinners out.
For the even more adventurous, thrill seekers and those who would like to travel outside the city you can also head off on trips to the nearby snowfields for skiing or snowboarding, visit the Blue Mountains for a special Christmas in July event there or travel to Sydney for their Christmas markets and events. Although there’s plenty happening in the capital for Christmas in July, so there’s need to leave the city.
Why do Australians celebrate Christmas in July in Canberra?
You may well be asking what all the fuss is about this Christmas in July? – especially if you’re a visitor from Europe. Well the reasons why many Australians celebrate Christmas in July is because this is one of the coldest months of the year in parts of Australia like Canberra and so it makes sense to be celebrating winter, yuletide and all things Christmassy and festive at the height of winter, rather than in the sweltering summer months.
July in Canberra is winter and the perfect time to embrace wearing your Christmas jumpers, sitting by roaring fires, drinking hot chocolate or even better mulled wine! and enjoying those Christmas vibes.
Usually at the real Christmas time in Canberra in December it’s peak summer when Christmas is more about heading to the beach, enjoying salads and beating the heat.
Having Christmas in July gives people the chance to enjoy rugging up, having a traditional roast dinner and enjoying warm drinks by the fire. Some parts of Australia like the snowfields driving distance from Canberra, will even see real snow at this time of year. You’ll also find some Christmas in July events bring fake snow to the party!
There is so much happening for Christmas in July in Canberra that in my excitement I have hardly had time to write them all up yet! Some of these events are extremely popular and may sell out so be sure to book well in advance if there is something unmissable for you. If you are planning a large group dinner out, you’ll also likely need to book in advance.
Christmas in July Festival in Canberra
Canberra’s Christmas in July is a free entry festival, suitable for all the family. Think little wooden huts, twinkling fairy lights, live music, fine food and wine. There is everything you need to get you in the Christmas spirit! You’ll just need to bring your family and friends, your Christmas jumper and winter woollies, as well as some money to spend.
The Christmas in July Festival in Canberra is a french-inspired food, wine and winter markets, that are guaranteed to warm your hearts and get you in the festive spirit. Take your pick from a wide range of tempting food and drink options, with hot chocolate or mulled wine to warm you up from the inside out!
Christmas dinner at Canberra pubs
Some of the pubs in Canberra hold special festive Christmas dinners in July. This is a good chance to catch up in a relaxed atmosphere and if you are lucky you may manage to secure a table by a roaring fireplace. To enjoy a Christmas meal with your friends, family or colleagues over dinner – be sure to wear your Christmas jumpers!
The George Harcourt pub in Gold Creek, Canberra offers a tempting menu of 2 or 3 courses for their Christmas dinner special. You’ll need to pre-book and round up a group of you as you have to have a minimum of 8 guests with bookings needing to be at least 2 weeks in advance. Inside the pub are Christmas decorations and a gorgeous real fireplace.
Winter in the City, Canberra
From 30th June – 16th July Canberra city centre will be that bit more magical than usual, as the Winter in the City event returns. There’ll be lots of winter activities and things to get you feeling fine and festive. There’ll be ice skating, festive feel good treats like hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows and more. The event takes place in Civic square at the heat of the city.
Details of Canberra’s Christmas in July Festival 2023
The Christmas in July Festival is held from 4pm on Thursday 29th June 2023 – 8pm Sunday 1st July 2023 on Parkes Place Lawn, down near Lake Burley Griffin, alongside the National Library.
Is Christmas in July in Canberra a free event?
Yes it’s free entry. If you’re planning to do more than browsing though, you’ll need to bring your wallet for all those tempting purchases.
Where is the best parking for Christmas in July in Canberra?
There are a number of car parks near to the event including car parks like Questacon’s and the other car parks near to the National Library. Check the car parking signs for prices. Parking is free on the weekends. You can also hop on a local bus and get off nearby.
Can you bring your own food and drink to Christmas in July?
No alcohol from outside is allowed in. You can bring your own snacks and soft drinks.
What is the Mulled Wine Garden at Canberra’s Christmas in July?
For groups of 4, 6 or 8 people you can book into the Mulled Wine Garden for $5 per person. This gets you entry into the Mulled Wine Garden with seating guaranteed for an hour, access to blankets and a VIP bar where you can purchase Mulled Wine.
What is the melted cheese experience at Canberra’s Christmas in July?
Share an authentic French inspired Raclette experience for 6 -8 people in your own private igloo. This experience costs $99 per person and must be booked well in advance. Foodies will enjoy this unique experience dipping cold meats, potatoes and pickles into melted cheese, as well as enjoying some mulled wine, in the warmth of your own private igloo.
What is the Fire Pit at Christmas in July in Canberra?
You can book a spot for 4, 6 or 8 people at the Fire Pit where you can roast marshmallows while sipping on Mulled Wine.
For more detailed information including daily opening hours and to book for the Christmas in July experiences mentioned above, for Canberra’s Christmas in July Festival visit: www.christmasinjuly.com.au
