Blue Mountains Yulefest

Rug up in your Winter woollies and enjoy the magic of a northern hemisphere Christmas-style feast in the picturesque village of Leura. Tuck into a comforting homemade soup with crusty bread, traditional roast and vegetables, homemade plum pudding drizzled with brandy custard and freshly whipped cream or mini pavlova with fresh fruit, cream and strawberry coulis, followed by coffee or tea (of course!) with homemade shortbread surrounded by one of the world’s largest private collections of teapots. Bon bons, linen serviettes and table decorations take luncheon up a notch, and you can take gifts for Santa to distribute during the luncheon. You might even meet Mr Teapot himself (aka Maurice Cooper OAM).

Grab a group of friends, family or work colleagues and head into the beautifully restored Victorian Grand Dining Rooms in the nation’s oldest remaining resort-style hotel for a private Yulefest celebration. Dinner packages for groups of 20 or more are available for lunch any day except Saturday, and dinner Sunday to Wednesday nights during the festival (Saturday not available). There’ll be roast turkey and stuffing, and cinnamon ice cream with the pudding in a room refurbished back to the time of a royal visit in 1927 in Australia’s oldest remaining resort-style hotel. Tip: ask about the group accommodation packages.

Get cosy, get festive at the foothills of the Blue and banks of the Hawkesbury River on your way up the Mountains with a delicious Christmas in July dinner in the 4.5-star hotel. Expect traditional theming, marinated meats and mouthwatering treats, the freshest seafood and locally sourced produce. Leave the washing up to the hosting team while you enjoy a three-hour beverage package and a visit from Santa.

Celebrate the warmth and togetherness and sense of community that Yulefest brings to our region in the Grand Ballroom at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. Enjoy live music, entertainment for the kids, and a festive buffet created by our wonderful kitchen team, headed by Executive Chef Emilio Llausas. Santa will be making an appearance, and there may even be a hint of snowfall if we are lucky! For those wanting to come a bit earlier or stay on afterwards, enjoy our range of cocktails in Embers Lounge in front of the warm fireplace.

Step into a winter wonderland of warmth and elegance and create cherished memories with your loved ones. You can immerse in Christmas flavours with a beautifully curated menu that capturing the freshness and crisp ambience of the Blue Mountains. Yulefest dinner includes a five-course Christmas-inspired menu, complimentary glass of sparkling wine for each adult guest and entertainment. Cost $159pp

Winter in the mountains is far more suited to a traditional Christmas – compared to a balmy Aussie December. So, throughout July, Hillbilly Cider embraces the festive spirit. This annual event is popular with groups coming up every year dressed in Christmas jumpers and costumes in a bid to win the Best Dressed prize. The cider shed is festooned with decorations and there’s a snow-covered tree and roaring log fire. You can try the turkey and cranberry pizza special while sipping on a warm mulled cider. The event is daily during July so be sure to visit and tap your toes to the Christmas carols. Opening hours Monday to Thursday 10am – 4pm Friday to Sunday 10am – 6pm Woodfired pizzas available from 11.30am

HOTEL ETICO – July 13, 20 & 27 Celebrate Yulefest at Australia’s first social enterprise hotel and you will indulge in delicious food, that famous upper Blue Mountains Winter atmosphere – and help break down barriers that prevent people with disabilities from achieving their full potential. Prepared by Chef Matt, the feast begins with green onion blini with chili prawn salad and crostini with fetta, artichokes and rocket hors d’oeuvres followed by rolled turkey breast with pork and fennel stuffing, ginger marmalade glazed ham, Hasselback potatoes, maple roasted sweet potato, sauteed Brussels sprouts, minted peas and housemade gravy, then traditional Christmas pudding with brandy custard. Cost: $75 adults (three courses), $35 children (two courses).

Experiencing European-style Christmas magic in the historic hallways and cosying up to real-flame fireplaces in the official ``Home of Yulefest’’ is best served with a glass of wine or hot chocolate. Watching the sun set over the Jamison Valley from the terrace before retreating indoors to tuck into a six-course modern twist on traditional festive food (with full vegan and kids menu options) featuring spiced pumpkin soup, orange bourbon glazed ham, seafood, herb-crusted lamb rack and plum pudding with drunken cherries and petit fours. The only thing more heartwarming is the live festive performances and the special visit from Santa Claus himself. Cost: dinner only adults $180 and children $60, dinner and matched wines adults $260.

Celebrate the spirit of Christmas – in July – with traditional festivities at the Chef Hatted Wintergarden Restaurant each Saturday night throughout the month. Sink into golden chairs to watch golden hour unfold over the Megalong Valley while indulging in a five-course degustation dinner showcasing fresh local seasonal produce, complemented by a glass of sparkling wine on arrival. Cost: $169 adults includes glass of mulled wine, $139 teens (13-17 years), $55 children: (4-12 years) two-course menu.

A traditional five-course Yulefest dinner each Tuesday and Saturday evening during July surrounded by offbeat curiosities and art deco intrigue of an old-world elegant venue. Indulge in appetisers, soup with crusty bread roll, roast turkey and glazed ham with vegetables, a sorbet and fresh fruit palette cleaners before an assortment of cakes and desserts and tea/coffee. Cost: $110 adults, $45 children 5-12, children under 5 free (10 per cent discount for locals). Dinner and accommodation packages: two nights with dinner for two $480 or three nights with dinner and breakfast for two $580 (upgrade to a brand new queen suite for $25 per night). Phone to book direct.

With open fireplaces and a festive atmosphere, you will enjoy a hand-selected menu of scrumptious food and warming beverages, with Christmas tunes playing in the background and complimented by the frosty winter air outside. The season is a time to make memorable moments with family and friends, to relax, celebrate and indulge.