The middle of winter, is one time in the Blue Mountains when you can really enjoy a meal of roast turkey with stuffing, glazed ham, cranberry sauce, mince pies and steaming plum puddings with brandy sauce. A Christmas feast makes good sense at this time of the year, unlike in the sweltering, midsummer heat that is typical of December 25th in most parts of Australia.
A small group of Irish visitors had come to The Blue Mountains to enjoy the clear winter climate that they were accustomed to back in Ireland - they commented that "Celebrating Christmas in Australia during the heat of summer just didn't feel quite the same".
The host and owner of the Mountain Heritage offered to re-create for his Irish guests, a festive 'Winter Christmas' atmosphere with all the trimmings - frosted windows, Christmas feasts of turkey, hams, mince pies and steaming plum puddings, and choiristers joining together singing the joys of the festive season. Plus, of course, a snowman.
This tradition has become known as "Yulefest" and lives on throughout the Blue Mountains in the winter months of June, July and August.
A typical evening might be something like this -
a traditional Christmas beverage - a spicy, aromatic glass of gluhwein served in front of a roaring log fire, followed perhaps by carols around the Christmas tree.
Next - a sumptuous dinner with all the traditional trimmings, served at a table crowded with festive decorations.
Then - an after-dinner glass of port or brandy beside the fire.
This tradition has become known as "Yulefest" and lives on throughout the Blue Mountains in the winter months of June, July and August.
A typical evening might be something like this -
a traditional Christmas beverage - a spicy, aromatic glass of gluhwein served in front of a roaring log fire, followed perhaps by carols around the Christmas tree.
(Santa has been known to put in an appearance)
Next - a sumptuous dinner with all the traditional trimmings, served at a table crowded with festive decorations.
Then - an after-dinner glass of port or brandy beside the fire.
The idea for "Christmas in July" blossomed in 1980 as snow began to fall on a cold winters night at the Mountain Heritage, Katoomba.
Many local establishments now participate in this tradition and can truly offer the opportunity for everyone to experience the excitement of a traditional northern hemisphere Christmas Celebration at the 'Top of the Mountains' - the home of Yulefest.
Look for the Yulefest Logo in some of the Accommodation & Restaurant ads - this denotes participating venues.
Follow the links to individual websites to see what they have on offer.
Accommodation + Packages
Restaurants + Entertainment
The local community also has its own Yulefest celebrations.
On the Saturday closest to the Winter Solstice, the Winter Magic Festival takes over the streets of Katoomba with a celebrations that includes a street parade, music, market stalls and cultural events.
Fine dining is a hallmark of the Blue Mountains, and midwinter is a perfect time for sampling the many cafes in the townships at the Top of the Mountains.
Devonshire teas, homemade pies and the aroma of coffee beckon you in from the cold. Also, guaranteed to make you forget the calories and start your mouth watering are the home-made chocolates from the Art Deco, Paragon Cafe in Katoomba.
Blue Mountains Yulefest
each June, July and August
Each year the accommodation & restaurant venues that promote 'Yulefest' can vary. The links above take you to a variety of venue links - you will need to check with the individual venues as to their promotions for the current year.
