‘Tis the season to pretend that we’re in the Northern Hemisphere for a white Christmas…although replace ‘white’ with ‘very wet’ and we’ve got ourselves a winner. Christmas in July celebrations are rampant around the nation and Adelaide is no exception, so here’s our list of the best Christmas In July events around Adelaide this month.
1. Westbourne Park’s Christmas In July Markets
What’s Christmas in July without a wander around a good old Christmas-themed market, huh? This year, the Westbourne Park Uniting Church is set to host their Christmas in July Markets once again. The marketplace will see over 20 independent stall holders slinging their goodies on Saturday 22 July between 9am and 2pm – plenty of time to have a look at handmade homewares, craft and design, as well as delish foods.
Where: 27 Sussex Terrace, Hawthorn
2. Ancient World’s Christmas In July
Nightlife and live music go hand in hand with Christmas, and Hindley Street’s hippest joint, Ancient World will deliver the festive goods. On Friday 14 July from 8pm, head on underground to the rustic bar and catch The Finns, Cull The Band, and Johnny Seagull & The Hot Chips for Ancient’s Christmas In July. The Finns are said to bring Christmas ‘cheer and fear’ to Ancient World, with help from the punk-rock veterans. Ugly sweaters are most welcome – just grab one out of your dad’s closet, no worries.
Where: 116a Hindley St, Adelaide
3. Christmas Baubles & Ornaments Marbling Workshop
On Saturday 8 July from 3pm until 4:30pm, roll on up to Marbling Art Studio in Blackwood for their Christmas Baubles & Ornaments Marbling Workshop. During the crafty session, you’ll create your own ornament designs by utilising marbling techniques, with a tutor teaching you step by step how to swirl and blend paints to make eye-catching patterns on baubles and decorations. The workshop welcomes beginners and beyond to put their artsy hat on, or Christmas hat, and reap the therapeutic benefits of hands-on art.
Where: 3 Mimosa Ave, Blackwood
4. Elvis: A Vegas Christmas In July
On Friday 7 and Saturday 8 July, slip on your blue suede shoes and head to SkyCity in Adelaide for Elvis: A Vegas Christmas In July. For two nights only, join the makeshift King, aka internationally renowned Mark Anthony, and his 14-piece band and journey through the decades of rock ‘n’ roll. Anthony is considered one of the best Elvis Presley tribute artists in the world – so if you like Elvis, you’ll like this. Anthony is set to put a spin on Elvis’ One Night In Vegas performance, with the addition of The Kings’ famed Christmas carols for a proper Christmas In July.
Where: SkyCity, North Terrace, Adelaide
5. Glenelg’s Moseley Igloos
If you’re looking to ramp up those European Christmas vibes, then the Moseley Igloos should be on your to-visit list. Cosy up inside one of the two see-through domes with your friends, family, or foes, all whilst feasting on a hearty meal and sipping a warming wine within the sheltered confine. Complete with a fireplace, blankets, and winter-themed cocktails, the igloos are a slice of luxury. Read more about the Moseley Igloos here.
Where: Moseley Square, Glenelg
6. Illuminate Adelaide
If you want lights and all things that gleam – look no further than Illuminate Adelaide – our city’s major winter festival. Since its inception in 2021, Illuminate Adelaide has been wowing audiences with stunning light installations in spectacular collisions of technology, music and art, and this year a range of new experiences are set to dazzle gazers. The innovative 2023 program boasts immersive affairs, world premieres, and shows exclusive to Adelaide in a variety of ticketed and free events across the city from Wednesday 28 June. Check out Illuminate Adelaide’s festival highlights here.
7. Hahndorf’s Christmas-Themed German Village Shop
Established in 1989, the family-run German Village Shop in Hahndorf stocks imported, authentic products like delicate beer steins, decorations, and nutcrackers, as well as boasting an entire room filled with working Black Forest cuckoo clocks and toys. The Christmas-themed store transports you to a typical Bavarian village with cheery music welcoming you inside the doors, guarded by two 6-foot-tall nutcrackers. The German Village Shop is a warm hug, and they’re inviting you celebrate Christmas in July with live accordion Christmas tunes, and by learning about Bavarian Christmas decorations. Check out our guide to the best of Hahndorf here.
Where: 32 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf