What is “Christmas in July”?
At first glance, the concept of celebrating Christmas in July seems quite bizarre. Everyone knows Christmas is in December!
The thing is, December 25 comes at the peak of southern hemisphere’s summer – which is a season decidedly out of step with the cold Christmases that inspired much of our yuletide traditions. Have you ever tried eating a roast dinner in 30 degree heat? Aussies have! So, in an effort to capture some of the magic of a cold Christmas some people in Australia, New Zealand and other southern hemisphere countries celebrate “Christmas” in the coldest month – July!
There are no public holidays associated with Christmas in July, nor is there an official date in July on which it is celebrated. This unofficial Christmas celebration is just a bit of fun. So say goodbye to sipping eggnog in the blazing summer sun, it’s time to huddle by the hearth and embrace the magic of the season with these charming Christmas in July recipes!
01
Eggnog
Enjoy a warming cup of eggnog when you celebrate Christmas in July!
02
Mulled wine
Transport your guests to a European Christmas market with this recipe. Love the flavour of mulled wine? Check out this baked apple recipe served with a mulled wine syrup.
03
finger food
If you’re hosting a Christmas in July then these Christmas finger food recipes are for you. Delicious nibbles to whet your guests appetite before the main event! Including these prosciutto-wrapped haloumi pieces.
04
Rum balls
Christmas isn’t Christmas without a batch of sweet, boozy rum balls.
05
white christmas
A classic festive dessert, this beautiful white Christmas slice is packed full of the sweetness of dried fruit and the crunch of fresh nuts.
06
gingerbread fol
Classic gingerbread men are a must-eat at Christmas and simply delicious alongside a warm cup of eggnog.
07
Classic roast chicken
Don’t feel like glazing a ham or brining a turkey? Make a roast chicken your Christmas in July centrepiece. You’ll find 40 variations here.
08
Turkey
Prosciutto-wrapped turkey breast
Or try this recipe for turkey with apricot and hazelnut stuffing.
09
roast pork
Roast pork shoulder with stuffed onions and pickled pear
Roast pork with crispy crackling is a highlight of many a Christmas lunch. Find 28 roast pork recipe ideas here.
10
christmas ham
If you’re cooking for a crowd nothing beats a stunning Christmas ham.
You’ll find 20+ Christmas ham recipes here.
11
Roast potatoes
Could you imagine Christmas without perfectly roasted potatoes? Nor us!
Or try one of the festive sides in this collection.
12
Pumpkin roast
Stuffed butternut pumpkin roast
This clever roast is a vegan take on the turducken. Or try a roast cauliflower as a meat-free Christmas in July centrepiece.
13
Christmas pudding
Rich, fruity and aromatic with brandy, this steamed Christmas pudding is gorgeous served warm with either brandy butter, double cream or vanilla custard.
14
Winter pavlova
Pavlova is often the centrepiece of an Australian Christmas lunch. If you want to have an alternative to a traditional plum pudding for your Christmas in July celebration, this pavlova might fit the bill!
15
Trifle
This gorgeous Christmas trifle recipe is a classic Christmas dessert we look forward to every year.
16
Yule Log
This gorgeous chocolate yule log cake is a sweet and delicious way to celebrate Christmas in July.