Now is the time to start planning your next Christmas in July holiday in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. The idea of Christmas in July started back in 1980 when some visitors from Ireland were on holiday staying at Mountain Heritage in the Blue Mountains. Not being accustomed to winter in July, they commented on how watching the snow fall and sitting inside warming themselves by the fire felt just like Christmas back home. That night, feeling in the Christmas spirit, they asked for a dinner of turkey, stuffing, and plum pudding and sang Christmas carols by the fire. And so, the idea of Christmas in July was born and has grown more popular ever since. The annual Yulefest celebration came from the idea of celebrating Christmas in winter, and now people from all over Australia and the world come to the Blue Mountains in June, July, and August to do just that. The hotels, accommodations, and other destinations in the Blue Mountains have all embraced the Yulefest and offer special Christmas dinners, celebrations, and tours with Santa too. Being an international destination, you can also experience different Christmas traditions from all around the world.
Winter in the Country Photo Credit: Katoomba-nsw.com
Yulefest photo credit: Lilianfels.com.au
The Mountain Heritage Snowfall Photo Credit: The Mountain Heritage, Blue Mountains
Getting to the Blue Mountains
Blue Mountain Map Photo Credit: Google Maps
Sydney Car Rental Map Photo Credit: Budget.com.au
The Blue Mountains are just west of Sydney. When planning head west to the Blue Mountains Drive, you can hire a car in Sydney at one of many convenient locations. If you flew into Sydney on holiday, you can hire a car right at the Sydney Airport. Other locations in Sydney where you can rent a car at a great price include Sydney east location in Alexandria, or the Sydney southwest location in Ravensby. Click through any of the links to get a quick and easy rate quote for the best car rental rates in Sydney. Be sure to let your car rental agent know your travel itinerary so that they can ensure you have the best vehicle for your trip, especially if there is a possibility of snowy or icy weather conditions. Our helpful car rental agents can also assist you with local maps, holiday tips and pointers, and travel safety information.
Blue Mountains Winter Ball
Blue Mountains Winter Ball Photo Credit: HydroMajestic.com.au
The Blue Mountains Winter Ball is held each year and is the official launch of the winter season. The ball is hosted by the Hydro Majestic hotel. The ball has an optional guided tour of the historic hotel and the drinks before dinner in the Delmonte Lobby. Once seated, a three-course dinner commences featuring local produce along with beer, wine, or soft drinks. Dinner guests are then treated to a LIVE@THEHYDRO entertainment program featuring The Divas and Disco Fever with emcee Nick Bennett.
Winter Magic Festival
Katoomba Winter Magic Festival Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Katoomba Winter Magic Festival Photo Credit: Australia.com
Winter Magic Festival is part of Yulefest and takes place in June on the Saturday closest to the Winter Solstice. It is a free event for the community that is held every year in conjunction with Christmas in July. Katoomba’s streets in the Blue Mountains are filled with entertainers including musicians, dancers, singers, gymnasts, and more. The markets are filled with special treats for the holidays and you can experience a Christmas feast aboard the Zig Zag Railway.
The Mountain Heritage Hotel & Spa Retreat
The Mountain Heritage Hotel & Spa Retreat Photo Credit: MountainHeritage.com.au
The Mountain Heritage Hotel & Spa Retreat Photo Credit: MountainHeritage.com.au
The Mountain Heritage Hotel & Spa Retreat Photo Credit: MountainHeritage.com.au
The Mountain Heritage Hotel & Spa Retreat Photo Credit: MountainHeritage.com.au
The Mountain Heritage Hotel & Spa Retreat is the place where Australia’s Blue Mountain Christmas in July tradition all started. The hotel has continued to carry on the tradition established in 1980 and offers an elegant Christmas dinner, Christmas carols, decorations, a cabaret show, a visit from Santa, and a guaranteed holiday spirit.
Lilianfels Yulefest Buffet Dinner
Yulefest photo credit: Lilianfels.com.au
Yulefest photo credit: Lilianfels.com.au
The Three Sisters and View of the Blue Mountains photo credit: Lilianfels.com.au
Lilianfels is one of the hotels you can find accommodations at in the Blue Mountains that offers a Christmas in July dinner and celebration. In addition to the buffet dinner, they have Christmas decorations, festive music and bon bons.
Jenolan Caves and Christmas in July
Historic Caves House at the Jenolan Caves Photo Credit: JenolanCave.org.au
Dinner at the Historic Caves House at the Jenolan Caves Photo Credit:JenolanCave.org.au
Meet Santa in the Jenolan Caves Photo Credit: JenolanCave.org.au
Big Christmas Tree at the Historic Jenloan Caves House Photo Credit: JenolanCave.org.au
The Jenolan Caves participate in the Yulefest celebration of Christmas in winter too. When you visit there during the celebration, there is something for everyone. An elegant, Edwardian era style dining experience is served Friday and Saturday nights. The menu includes festive choices for children and adults. Each diner receives a “Christmas” gift and all the children can meet Santa in one of the famous caves. Each child gets to sit on Santa’s lap and will receive a gift from Santa too.
See More in the Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains Scenery Photo Credit: VisitNSW.com
The Blue Mountains offer a country vacation in the mountains while still being very close to Sydney. It is a very popular destination for locals and tourists alike any time of the year. Here is some more reading for you to learn about more things to do in the Blue Mountains:
The Greater Blue Mountain Drive
The Alpine Way Scenic Drive
Scenic Drive in the Snowy Mountains
Winter in Australia
Ski Resorts in Australia (Part One)
Ski Resorts in Australia (Part Two)