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Planning a Christmas-in-July Holiday in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales

Three Sisters

Lilianfels.com.au

Just west of Sydney is New South Wales’ majestic Blue Mountains. This is where “Christmas in July” was born back in 1980. A group of travelers from Ireland were visiting the Blue Mountains, staying at the Mountain Heritage Hotel. They were not accustomed to winter in July and said that sitting inside by the fire watching the snow fall reminded them of Christmas. They were feeling the Christmas spirit and asked for a dinner of turkey, stuffing, and plum pudding. To top it off, they sang Christmas carols, and a new tradition was formed at the hotel. This tradition quickly spread to the other resorts, hotels and restaurants in the region and is now a staple holiday tradition every winter with events like Yulefest, the Winter Ball, the Winter Magic Festival, and appearances from Santa to top it off. One of the differences of experiencing Christmas in July in the Blue Mountains is the amazing opportunity to experience new Christmas traditions from all over the world. Here are some of the festivities you can partake in when visiting the Blue Mountains in the winter.

The Mountain Heritage Hotel & Spa Retreat

This is the place where the Christmas in July tradition all started. The traditions have expanded both at the hotel and throughout the Blue Mountains. The Mountain Heritage Hotel & Spa Retreat now offers package deals that include hotel accommodations, the Yulefest 5 course dinner, pre-dinner cocktails, entertainment, Christmas carols, gifts from Santa, souvenir photos, and after dinner drinks and desserts.

The Blue Mountains Winter Ball

Each June the Christmas in July winter festivities are kicked off with the Blue Mountains Winter Ball. The Blue Mountains Winter Ball is a 3 course dinner that is farm to table style with local fresh produce prepared and served with wine, beer, or soft drinks. The ball is hosted at the Hydro Majestic Hotel with the option for adding a guided tour of the historic hotel and pre-dinner cocktails in the Delmonte Lobby. Dinner guests are then treated to a LIVE@THEHYDRO entertainment program featuring The Divas and Disco Fever with emcee Nick Bennett.

The Winter Magic Festival

For more than 20 years now, the Winter Magic Festival has taken place each year to celebrate the Winter Solstice in the town of Katoomba in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. It is a free community event that last the whole weekend. Community volunteers run this event and coordinate the artists, musicians, dancers, drummers, and choirs for entertainment. IN addition there are stalls that line the streets which are closed to traffic so that the community businesses and locals can sell their wares or advertise their services during this lively event. The markets are filled with special treats for the holidays and you can experience a Christmas feast aboard the Zig Zag Railway.

Celebrating Christmas in July at the Jenolan Caves

The Jenolan Caves are located in The Blue Mountains and they are one of the main attractions for visitors on holiday during any time of the year. They participate in Yulefest too and get into the Christmas spirit with a big Christmas Tree in the Historic Jenolan Caves House and Santa coming to spend time with the visitors there. An elegant, Edwardian era style dining experience is served Friday and Saturday nights in winter. The menu includes Christmas dining options for both adults and kids. Each child gets to sit on Santa’s lap and will receive a gift from Santa too.

 

 

Jason Hall

I am blogger and traveler for Budget.com.au. I enjoy writing about my travels and adventures, especially in Australia. ...(Read More)

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