When it comes to celebrating Christmas in Australia, there’s nothing quite like a summer day at the beach with family and friends, some prawns, and an overly full esky you can never quite close. But if you believe Christmas deserves to be enjoyed with some cooler weather (just like in EVERY movie) and ridiculous-looking jumpers, then you’ll no doubt be a fan of the southern hemisphere movement: Christmas in July.
You can find some venues around the Gold Coast embracing this festival spectacle — and personally, we think it’s a great affair to be involved in. Hearty soul-warming food, cheery entertainment, and festive vibes aplenty. Grab your best worst-looking Christmas style attire and be sure to check out these jovial July events!
Pink Flamingo
Not one for the kids, if you know what we mean. Mission Entertainment Co. plans to indulge spectators in a night filled with feisty singers, searing dancers, burlesque performers, world-class circus acts and more! The Pink Flamingo Broadbeach is always an enjoyable time, and their fun and seductive adult-only Christmas show looks to be no different at all. Performances run every evening at 6.30pm from 27th — 31st July with the option of standing or seated tickets. Be warned: don’t be shocked if you end up on Santa’s mischievous list this year!
Where: Corner of 88 Surf Parade & Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
When: 27th — 31st July 2021
Dreamworld
Find yourself fully immersed in a full-scale European-style winter festival at Winterfest, Dreamworld. From 26th June — 11th July, your standard admission to the theme park will also grant you access to some of the Gold Coast’s most wintery experiences like ice-skating, tobogganing, finding your way through an ice maze, and a whole bunch of daily shows and roving characters providing bounteous chances for you to grab a selfie/picture with your favourite costumed character. It sounds like hungry work — so best you fuel up at the Winterville food precinct whilst you’re there as they showcase German Sausages, Pretzels, and hot choccy to name but a few. And it doesn’t stop there, for the ultimate cold-weather experience, on the nights of Saturday 26th June and Saturday 3rd July, you’re invited to be a part of the ‘Park After Dark: Winterfest Nights.’
Where: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
When: 26th June — 11th July 2021
RACV Royal Pines
With a raft of great outlets to choose from at RACV Royal Pines, you’ll be hard pushed to look past Tees’ Clubhouse for a distinct Christmas in July. The restaurant is renowned for its great casual dining, magnificent tranquil views, and robust, hearty meals. On Wednesday 21st July, the night will begin with merrymaking straight off the bat, with a drink on arrival and candlelight carol singing, before sitting down to enjoy a traditional Christmas feast, presented family share style for an impressive $59 per person. This makes us pretty jolly!
Where: Ross Street, Benowa
When: Between 6pm – 8.30pm 21st July 2021
Book your tickets here.
The Club at Parkwood Village
How about an event that provides a challenge and some yummy food at the same time? The Club at Parkwood Village’s Christmas in July Family Trivia night — hosted by none other than larger than life radio personality Moyra Major — offers the chance to win some great prizes paired up with a bountiful feast of Cola Glazed Ham and Roast Turkey, Yorkshire Puddings, all the trimmings, and some traditional style desserts. Don’t forget to bring the little ones too; they’re made more than welcome with an appetising mini menu of their own. Tickets are just $35 for adults and $15 for kids.
Where: 76-122 Napper Rd, Parkwood
When: Family Trivia Night – Friday 9th July 2021
Book your tickets here.
Drag Queen Bingo at Miami Marketta
As if we needed any more incentive to visit Miami Marketta’s already famous Drag Queen Bingo, it seems we might just have another one. Christmas is here… well, almost and on Saturday 24th July, everyone is made most welcome to come to celebrate a specially themed Christmas in July with your hosts, Natasha St. James, Dixie Wrecked, Nims & Vices. You’re guaranteed a ridiculously fun-filled night no matter what time of year it is with these Queens. Expect to be whisked into the holiday spirit with naughty performances, side-splitting games, and endless, all-night amusement.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: Saturday 24th July 2021
The Collective
When it comes to pulling out all the stops for a wintery Christmas like no other, Palm Beach’s innovative dining space, The Collective, is somewhere well ahead of the pack. If you’ve been to any of these events they’ve held over the last couple of years, you’ll no doubt agree a mock ski lift, snow cannon and ugly Christmas jumper dress code makes for an unforgettable evening. This year their five-course dinner menu with traditional festive fare from around the world promises to be another display of brilliant food these guys are well known for. Oh, and don’t forget that ugly Christmas sweater of yours – it’s not optional! Tickets are $75 for a good time.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
When: 30th July 2021
D’Arcy Arms
As the winter winds begin to blow, it’s time to cosy-up to the roaring fireplace for a delicious Christmas feast! Throughout July, the crew at D’Arcy Arms Irish Pub transform their digs into a festive wonderland for the annual Christmas in July feast. The set $50 three-course festive feast starts with Pumpkin Soup, leading to the main fare of Roast Turkey, Roast Pork, Ham, Seasonal Vegetables, Stuffing, a Yorkshire Pudding and accompaning Cranberry and Apple Sauces. If there’s room, you’ll finish with Traditional Pudding with Brandy Anglaise and Vanilla Ice-Cream. Sounds better than our ACTUAL Christmas. Gather the squad, it’s Christmas in July time!
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
When: Throughout July
Finn McCools
What better way to celebrate Christmas in July than with a Winter Wonderland-themed festival? Running every day of July until Sunday, 11 July 2021 Finn McCools will play host to a variety of things to get you in the spirit as part of their Finn’s Fest. Enjoy live entertainment for the likes of Violet Wallflower, and The Gathering, while you wrap your mits around Chrissy themed cocktails like the Snow Angel cocktail or the crowd favourite, Irish Coffee.
Where: 39 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Wednesday June 30 – Sunday 11 July
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
