Christmas in July

Christmas in July in the Dandenong Ranges has become a popular winter tradition for locals and visitors alike, bringing the festive spirit during the colder months.

While Christmas in Australia normally falls in the heat of summer, the cooler climate of the Dandenong Ranges creates the perfect atmosphere for a cosy mid-winter celebration that feels much closer to a traditional northern hemisphere Christmas.

During July, many restaurants, hotels, and guesthouses throughout the hills host special Christmas-themed dinners and events. Visitors can enjoy classic festive dishes such as roast turkey, glazed ham, mulled wine, and rich desserts while sitting beside warm fireplaces.

Many venues decorate their dining rooms with Christmas lights, ornaments, and winter decorations, creating a festive ambience even months before the holiday.

Several villages throughout the Dandenong Ranges take part in the celebrations. Towns such as Olinda, Sassafras, and Mount Dandenong are particularly well known for their charming cafés, boutique restaurants, and scenic mountain views. These picturesque villages already have a storybook feel, especially during winter when mist drifts through the forests and temperatures drop significantly compared to Melbourne.

One of the most iconic attractions in the region during this time is Puffing Billy Railway, which runs special winter experiences through the forested hills. Travelling aboard the historic steam train enhances the nostalgic atmosphere and can be a memorable part of a Christmas-in-July visit.

Beyond dining experiences, visitors can also explore the region’s many galleries, gardens, and walking trails. The cooler weather makes it ideal for wandering through rainforest tracks or enjoying panoramic views across the hills. Many people combine a festive meal with a weekend getaway in one of the region’s cosy bed-and-breakfast cottages.

Christmas in July in the Dandenong Ranges offers a unique way to enjoy the magic of the festive season in the middle of winter. With warm fires, hearty meals, scenic landscapes, and charming mountain villages, the region provides the perfect setting to celebrate the Christmas spirit long before December arrives.

Christmas in July 2026 at SkyHigh

Christmas comes early at SkyHigh Mt Dandenong!

If you love the festive season and don’t want to wait until December, then join us for Christmas in July at SkyHigh Mt Dandenong and indulge in the traditional Christmas lunch and everything that makes the season delicious.

Perfect for groups small and large, bring your club or a group of friends and enjoy all the trappings of Christmas, including live entertainment if the booking is over 80 guests.

Dining upstairs in our stylish function room, you will have spectacular views across Melbourne from the Mornington Peninsula to Mt. Macedon and beyond.

If our booking numbers fall below 50 guests, the event may be moved to our lower-floor bistro and served as a plated meal.

Christmas in July Lunch Menu

Main (Served buffet style)
Christmas roast lunch with turkey or ham (GFO-ASK), roast potatoes (GFO-ASK, VE), pumpkin (GFO-ASK, VE), peas (GFO-ASK, V), honey roasted carrots (GFO, V), cauliflower cheese (V) and rich gravy (GFO-ASK, VE) served with Yorkshire pudding (V). Cranberry sauce (GFO-ASK, VE) and horseradish sauce (GFO-ASK, VE) will also be available.

Dessert (served 50/50 plated to your table)
Warm plum pudding with vanilla custard (V) or apple crumble (GFO-ASK, V) with vanilla custard (GFO-ASK, V).

Self-serve tea and filter coffee are available and included in the price.

V = Vegetarian, GFO-ASK = Gluten Friendly option (may contain traces of gluten or wheat, so please ask our staff to see if it is suitable for you), VE = Vegan

Please note that menus may vary slightly due to seasonal availability.

All our menu items may contain traces of allergens, and we cannot cater for anyone with serious allergies or anaphylaxis. Please ask one of our friendly staff members to ensure we can cater for your request.

Our duck, chicken, and fish are certified halal; however, they may be served with sauces that are not halal and may be cooked on the same equipment as non-halal food, so please ask when you are booking.

Full payment is required to confirm your reservation 4 weeks prior to this event or when the event becomes fully booked. You will be contacted when payment is required. If you are booking within 4 weeks of this event, then payment is required at the time of booking.