Irish tourists created first Aussie Christmas in July

In Australia, the festive cheer isn’t confined to December. The concept of “Christmas in July” has gained popularity across the country, offering a unique winter twist on the traditional holiday. 

This celebration, occurring during the Southern Hemisphere’s colder months, allows Australians to experience the cozy, wintery Christmas that their counterparts in the northern hemisphere enjoy in December. And it all started with a group of homesick Irish tourists in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales.

In 1980, some Irish tourists were staying at the Hotel Mountain Heritage in Katoomba. Delighted to see snow on their ‘summer’ trip, they nostalgically spoke of their traditional cold Christmasses back home. They asked the hotel owner, Garry Crockett, to throw a Christmas party. The hotel’s management embraced the idea, organising a special Christmas-themed event complete with traditional decorations, festive foods, and carols.

While the event may have started out as an intimate gathering, it has blossomed into a Blue Mountains tradition that has been warmly welcomed and copied across Australia. This initial celebration struck a chord with both locals and tourists. The success of the event led to it becoming an annual tradition at the Mountain Heritage Hotel and other establishments in the Blue Mountains. The idea quickly spread to other parts of Australia, becoming a beloved mid-year festivity.

While Christmas in July might be a novelty, it has become a cherished tradition for many Australians. It provides an opportunity to gather with loved ones, enjoy festive foods, and embrace the winter chill, making it a unique celebration in the Australian calendar.

More than 40 years on and the Hotel Mountain Heritage is proud to be the original home of Yulefest, the Blue Mountains annual Christmas in July festival. 

Yulefest 2024 promises a delightful array of festive events and dining experiences for locals and visitors alike. You can experience the magic of Yulefest at Hotel Mountain Heritage with dinner every Saturday in July. Celebrate Christmas in July in style with a sumptuous 7-course Christmas dinner, a special visit from Santa Claus himself, and live festive performances throughout the evening. Other events happening in the Blue Mountains include a Winter Solstice Ball at The Carrington Hotel, where guests can dance the night away in jungle-inspired attire, and the Winter Magic Indoors celebration featuring folk music and a mesmerizing fireworks display.

The festivities continue with traditional Yulefest dining experiences at various venues throughout the region. 

With a wide range of events and dining options available, Yulefest in the Blue Mountains is the perfect way to embrace the spirit of the season and create cherished memories with loved ones.

And it’s all thanks to a hotel owner who wanted to bring the magic of a European white Christmas to a group of homesick Irish tourists.