While the rest of the world associates Christmas with snowflakes and cozy fireplaces, Australians have flipped the script – celebrating the festive season not just in December, but also in July. This quirky tradition, known as “Christmas in July,” has become a beloved winter event across the country, offering a taste of the chilly, traditional holiday many Australians miss out on during their scorching summer December.
How It All Began
The tradition reportedly started in 1980 when a group of Irish tourists, nostalgic for a cold-weather Christmas, walked into a hotel in the Blue Mountains. The owner, Garry Crockett, decided to throw them a mid-year festive feast complete with roast turkey, plum pudding, and all the trimmings. What began as a one-off party soon became an annual event, spreading across Australia and even inspiring similar celebrations in places like New Zealand and Los Angeles.
Why July?
For Australians, December means beach barbecues and sunburn rather than snowmen and hot cocoa. Christmas in July gives them the chance to enjoy all the cozy traditions—ugly sweaters, mulled wine, and roaring fires—without the sweltering heat. “You can’t wear an ugly Christmas sweater in 45°C weather,” laughs Joshua Robb, a self-proclaimed Christmas fanatic who hosts an elaborate six-course July feast for friends.
How Australians Celebrate
From festive markets with fake snow to vegan dinner parties, Christmas in July takes many forms. Sydney’s historic Rocks precinct transforms into a winter wonderland with European-style chalets serving mulled wine and raclette. Filipino-Australian Neil Ferro loves hosting friends for a mid-year celebration, saying, “It feels more Christmassy when it’s cold.” Meanwhile, some opt for “Bad Santa” gift exchanges—a playful twist on Secret Santa where stealing presents is encouraged.
Bigger Than Ever
What started as a small hotel gathering has now gone mainstream, with restaurants, pubs, and even fast-food chains like KFC joining in. Christmas tree farmers report a spike in July sales, and imported European market stalls add to the festive vibe. But for Garry Crockett, the original pioneer, the heart of the tradition remains simple: “It’s about friendship, love, and connection—not commercialization.”
The Best of Both Worlds
For many Australians, celebrating twice means getting the best of both holiday experiences—sunny beach Christmases in December and cozy, firelit feasts in July. As Vincent Hernandez puts it, “We get to have our prawns on the barbie and our melted cheese fondue. What’s not to love?”
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