Although Christmas is universally celebrated in December, many Australians get to enjoy a second Christmas. This takes advantage of the cold July weather, which is perfect for cosy festive celebrations. It takes place – you guessed it – on July 25th.
Some people plan just as much for Christmas in July or Yulefest, as it’s also known, as they do for the actual event in December. From planning family dinners to get-togethers with friends, finding the perfect wine to enjoy is a key part of the preparation. Never fear – we’ve got you covered with top wine recommendations for all your festive activities.
What is Christmas in July?
Sometimes known as ‘Christmas in Winter’ or ‘Yulefest’, Christmas in July is exactly what the name suggests. It is typically celebrated on July 25th, although festivities can occur anytime throughout the month. But why?
We experience the ‘opposite‘ seasons here in the Southern Hemisphere to those in Europe and North America (though we could argue they’ve got it the wrong way around). Of course, this means we’re in the middle of summer when Christmas Day rolls around.
Thanks to popular culture over the decades, many people still associate Christmas with snowy weather, relaxing by a cosy fire, chomping on a mince pie or slice of fruit cake and unwrapping gifts.
Enjoying some extra festivities in July also allows people to make the most of the winter weather traditionally associated with the Yuletide season.
Christmas in July is believed to have started in the Blue Mountains in New South Wales in the 1980s. The story goes that a group of Irish tourists visiting the area in July saw snowfall, reminding them of an idyllic snowy Christmas. So, they convinced a local hotel to hold a celebration with typical Christmas food and festivities. The event was a hit and gradually became popular across the country.
Reasons to celebrate Christmas in July
Festive food and wine
Why enjoy Christmas food only once a year when you can do it twice? It’s a chance for us Australians to enjoy traditional Christmas items such as roast dinners, mulled wine and open fires that may feel out of place during the heat of a classic Australian December 25th.
A festive get-together helps brighten up the dreary July days, too. Getting everyone around for a festive celebration is always a good idea – plus, there’s a host of wine pairings to enjoy, too.
You can exchange seasonal gifts
Celebrating Christmas in July can be a great opportunity to give your loved ones wintery gifts – after all, new socks or a thick scarf always go down well when it’s chilly outside – and who doesn’t love a Secret Santa pressie?
A bottle of wine can also make a delicious and thoughtful gift, as many varieties pair perfectly with hearty meals and cosy evenings indoors. Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that’s perfect in winter. Its bold tannins and complex dark fruit flavours, spice and often a touch of oak make it a great match for hearty winter dishes. If you’re looking for a white wine, an oak-aged Chardonnay can be a great choice. Alternatively, go for a sparkling wine or Champagne – perfect to share at celebrations with friends.
Browse our full selection of premium wines.
The mid-season sales
There’s nothing more satisfying than finding the perfect present for a friend or loved one is on sale. Mid-season discounts can certainly help take the financial pressure off Christmas in July. Look out for seasonal offers on wine at Laithwaites, where you can pick up delicious wine gifts for friends and family.
How to celebrate Christmas in July
Take a trip
It’s common for families and friends to spend Christmas at home. But why not take a trip somewhere to make the most of the colder weather? The Blue Mountains, the Snowy Mountains, Kosciuszko National Park and Alpine National Park are home to a range of resorts where you can enjoy snowy slopes on skis and snowboards. Even if you’re not into winter sports (or there’s not enough snow), the stunning views are worth the trip.
Host a Christmas lunch
Nothing says Christmas like getting everyone together over a tasty dinner with all the trimmings. With some well-considered wine pairings, you can take your Christmas in July meal to the next level. Invite friends and family around and ask everyone to bring a different dish so you can pull together a feast.
Still stuck for ideas? Read our guide to the best red wine to enjoy whatever the season.
Throw a Christmas jumper party
Christmas isn’t just about giving thoughtful gifts and enjoying delicious food – it’s also about parties. Throwing a Christmas jumper party gets everyone in the festive mood – make the most of it with charades, pin the nose on Rudolph and Christmas bingo.
Christmas in July food ideas
All good get-togethers demand great food and wine. July’s cooler weather and darker evenings are the perfect setting for traditional festive favourites like roast dinners and Christmas pudding. So, if you’re planning a full Christmas feast, you’ll need the perfect wine pairings to match!
Going all out with a traditional roast turkey? A full-bodied, buttery Aussie Chardonnay can complement the richness of the roast and any creamy side dishes.
Try an Australian Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon for the perfect roast beef pairing. Their dark fruit and herbal flavours complement the natural flavours of the meat and sides like roast potatoes, glazed vegetables and pigs in blankets, while their more robust structure stands up to the richness of the food.
If you prefer a low-key get-together, a cheese fondue and a charcuterie board can be a delicious alternative to a hearty roast. Dry white wines can work well – for example, a Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling would cut through the richness of cheese and cured meats and balance the palate. Reds like Sangiovese, Malbec and Tempranillo are also perfect pairings for cured meats. Read our guide to the ultimate cheese and wine pairings to learn more.
You might choose anything from chocolate-based options to mince pies and sticky Christmas pudding for dessert. All of these can benefit from the perfect wine pairing. Try a lighter-bodied Aussie Pinot Noir, which can be a lovely match for fruit-based desserts, while port pairs well with rich, sweet puddings.
Also consider making your own mulled wine with a red wine like Shiraz as the base. The spices in the wine – such as cinnamon, clove and nutmeg – enhance the flavours in foods with similar spices, such as honey-glazed ham or mince pies.
Australia is a wine lover’s dream, with stunning red and white wines being made across the country, from the Hunter Valley to Margaret River. With various climates and soil types and over 160 different grape varieties grown here, there’s always something new and delicious to try.
Explore our full range of premium wines to pair with your Christmas in July meal.
