Why Australians Celebrate Christmas Twice a Year?

Australians are known for celebrating Christmas twice a year — once in December like the rest of the world, and again in July.

Australians celebrate Christmas in July to enjoy a cold-weather version of Christmas that aligns with traditional imagery — roaring fires, comfort food, and festive jumpers — all of which are hard to enjoy during a sweltering 45°C December day. What began as a quirky gathering is now a widespread cultural tradition embraced for its coziness, joy, and community spirit.

Here's why:

1. The Seasons Are Flipped
December in Australia = Summer 
Traditional Christmas in Australia often means barbecues, beach days, and sunshine, which lacks the “classic” wintry feel many associate with Christmas (snow, warm sweaters, log fires).

July in Australia = Winter
Since July is mid-winter in the southern hemisphere, it offers the cooler weather that better matches the traditional Christmas atmosphere depicted in movies, books, and songs.

2. It Started with a Group of Irishmen
The modern tradition of Christmas in July is believed to have started in 1980 at the Mountain Heritage Hotel in Katoomba, New South Wales.

Hotelier Garry Crockett hosted a festive dinner for homesick Irishmen nostalgic for a cold, traditional Christmas.

The menu included classic items like pumpkin soup, roast meats, and plum pudding with a hidden coin, following British traditions.

3. It’s About Nostalgia & Atmosphere
Australians who long for a "real" Christmas (cold weather, ugly sweaters, mulled wine, Santa in fur-lined outfits) find July perfect for recreating that experience.

Festivities include:

• Themed parties with sweaters, paper crowns, and carols
• Mulled wine, raclette, roasts, and traditional desserts
• Markets and fake snow (especially in tourist areas like Sydney’s Rocks)
• Secret Santa games with a twist ("Bad Santa")

4. It's Not Just in Australia
The trend has also spread to New Zealand and even reached as far as Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, where expat Aussies flip the concept by celebrating a summer-style Christmas with prawns and lamingtons.

5. Even Businesses Are Onboard
Retailers like KFC participate with Christmas-in-July specials.

Christmas tree farms and decoration sellers see a mid-year spike in sales.

6. For Some, It’s Better Than December
According to Crockett, July is less stressful than December:

“People are emotionally exhausted by the end of the year. Winter is a time to **slow down, gather by the fire, and spend time with people you want to be with, not those you’re obliged to be with.”