While December might be hot and sunny in Australia, Christmas in July is our perfect excuse to pull out the jumpers, light a fire, and enjoy all the cosy traditions that the Northern Hemisphere gets to experience during the festive season. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring your family together for a weekend of food, laughter, games – and a good dose of heartwarming Christmas spirit! Here’s your guide to planning the ultimate Christmas in July weekend at home.

🎄 Deck the Halls (with a Winter Twist)

Set the mood by transforming your home into a winter wonderland. Dust off your Christmas decorations and bring out the fairy lights, candles, wreaths and ornaments. Add pinecones, fleecy blankets, and even DIY snowflakes for that magical touch. If you’ve got a fireplace, light it up! Otherwise, a few wintery candles or a heater will do just fine. Pro tip: Play a Christmas music playlist in the background while decorating – Michael Bublé = instant atmosphere!

🍗 Feast Like It’s the North Pole

Now’s your chance to enjoy the traditional hot Christmas meal without breaking a sweat! Plan a hearty, comforting menu with:

• Roast turkey or glazed ham
• Baked potatoes and winter veggies
• Stuffing and cranberry sauce
• Mulled wine or hot apple cider
• Christmas pudding with warm custard
• Spiced gingerbread or mince pies

Here’s our recipe for a gluten free and dairy free Christmas cake that’s rich, moist, and packed with festive flavours. This cake combines a variety of dried fruits, warming spices, and a hint of citrus. Check below for a recipe for deliciously warming mulled wine. Get the whole family involved in the kitchen. Kids can help bake, decorate cookies, or even stir the pudding for good luck!

🎲 Games & Family Fun

Once the feast is over, gather everyone for a few rounds of festive fun:

• Christmas Charades or Pictionary – Put a wintery twist on classic game night.
• DIY Christmas Cracker Crafting – Let kids make and pull their own!
• “Snowball” Toss – Use cotton balls or soft toys and buckets for a silly indoor competition.

For something quieter, try colouring-in pages with wintery or nativity themes, or write “Christmas cards in July” to friends and neighbours.

🎬 Cosy Up with a Christmas Movie

No Christmas in July is complete without curling up for a festive movie marathon – and your favourite streaming platform will have you covered. Gather under blankets, light some fairy lights, and settle in to enjoy inspiring, family-friendly Christmas films that bring warmth to the winter weekend. Whether you’re after heartwarming holiday tales, meaningful messages, or stories of faith and community, there’ll be something for everyone.

❄️ Make It a New Tradition

Christmas in July is more than just fun, it’s a beautiful way to pause mid-year and reconnect as a family. Whether it’s for one magical evening or a full weekend of celebration, the memories you create can be just as special as the ones made in December. So go ahead! Hang the stockings, light the candles, warm the pudding, and make some wintery magic.

🍷 Sip Along With Us: Mulled Wine Recipe (with Non-Alcoholic Options!)

Ingredients (serves 4–6):

• 1 bottle of red wine (or non-alcoholic red wine)
• 3/4 cup of orange juice
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 3 star anise
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (sweeten to taste)
• 1 small piece of fresh ginger (optional)
• A splash of brandy (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot.
2. Warm gently over low heat for 20–30 minutes (don’t let it boil).
3. Strain and serve in mugs with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick.

Non-Alcoholic Twist:

Substitute the wine with:

• A bottle of non-alcoholic red wine (most supermarkets will have some to choose from), or
• A blend of organic red grape juice, a splash of tart cherry juice, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.