Ever wondered why we celebrate Christmas in July? It’s not just that we want decadent food, drinks and presents twice a year…there are many theories as to how this holiday originated, from French Opera to a North Carolina girls’ camp in the 1930s.
In Australia, the birth of the mid-Winter celebration reportedly originated in the 1980s in the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales, where visiting Irish tourists saw snowfall and were reminded of Christmases spent back in Ireland.
Feeling homesick, they convinced the owner of the Mountain Heritage Hotel to throw an event called ‘Yulefest’, to celebrate Christmas the way they remembered it. Word spread like a bush fire and soon all of the Blue Mountains region was joining in.
Grab your family and friends for a festive feast this July and bring out that Christmas sweater more than once a year with these five venues:
Celebrate Festively this July
Sitting at the foothills of the Snowy Mountain range, Courabyra Wines Restaurant on Courabyra Road in Tumbarumba offers tantalising wines and tastebud-tingling meals with a scenic alpine backdrop. Mingle with friends and family on the wide verandah to enjoy the sun with a glass of wine and share platter, or head indoors where a cosy fireplace sets the scene for dining in cooler months.
Cosy up by the fire this July and celebrate festively with family and friends while enjoying starters like tempura-battered coconut prawns and mango chilli salsa, before mains such as eye fillet with garlic prawns, champ potatoes, greens and a glass of 1 of 11 Shiraz; perhaps Moroccan chicken tempts, served with coconut rice and greens, accompanied by 1 of 11 Pinot Gris.
Delicious Xmas in July Feast
Nestled in dense rainforest beside the rippling waters of Lake Baroon sits Dining on the Deck at Secrets on the Lake, a romantic spot on Narrows Road. Reflecting surrounding nature, Secrets stands strong, made from sanded logs in a lodge design, with a wide alfresco area providing a lush outlook and lake views - a place to celebrate special occasions or simply to treat yourself in a tranquil setting.
Stop in during July to celebrate Christmas with a deliciously designed a la carte menu, or dine as a group and unlock the two or three-course package menu and enjoy dishes such as crispy pork belly, parsnip, apple purée, micro herb salad and jus to start; followed by honey baked ham, rich gravy, potatoes, roast pumpkin, steamed greens and Yorkshire pudding, or roast turkey and red currant jelly. Finish with Secrets Christmas pudding with cardamon anglaise, raspberry compote and candied almonds.
Win a Lucky Door Prize
Visit family-owned Fowles Wine Cellar Door Restaurant on Lambing Gully Road in Avenel to discover an award-winning portfolio of wines and a farm-to-table dining experience. Nestled in the rugged and beautiful Strathbogie Ranges, Fowles continues to break ground as one of Australia’s finest cool-climate wine producers and Victoria’s most welcoming farm, food and wine experience.
Gather your loved ones for a delightful four-course lunch to celebrate Christmas in July, including a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, live music and the opportunity to win a lucky door prize in the warmth of the Wine Shed, along with tasting award-winning cool-climate wines.
Yuletide Buffet Dinner
Tantalise your tastebuds at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley's signature dining destination, Harvest Restaurant in Windsor. Found on Hawkesbury Valley Way, this elegant venue offers intimate and romantic dining two nights a week, bringing you the delights of locally sourced ingredients and perfectly matched flavours.
Experience French provincial charm and culinary excellence on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20 as you enjoy a sumptuous Yuletide buffet dinner featuring all your favourite traditional Christmas trimmings along with the freshest seafood, tender marinated meat and mouth-watering desserts.
Two-course Christmas Lunch
Those seeking family-friendly bistro fare with flair head to Kyneton RSL on Mollison Street. This Kyneton venue boasts a sports bar to watch live action and an inviting dining room where friends and family gather in warm and welcoming surrounds of exposed brick and blond wood table settings.
Celebrate Christmas on Tuesday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 17 with a two-course lunch and delve into ham and turkey roast of the day, served with roasted potato, pumpkin and steamed seasonal vegetables, finishing with Christmas plum pudding, served with custard and double cream.
