Gold Coast four of the best: Christmas in July events for festive winter feasting

Christmas in a heatwave? No thanks — we’ve found four of the best Christmas in July events for festive feasting in winter.

Mulled wine for Christmas in July ... mmmmm.

CHRISTMAS in a heatwave? No thanks — Amber Macpherson has found four of the best Christmas in July events for festive feasting in winter.

O’REILLY’S CANUNGRA VALLEY VINEYARDS

852 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra

O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards homestead.

FIVE OF THE BEST SCENIC RIM EAT LOCAL WEEK EVENTS

You’ve heard of turkey at Christmas time — buckle up for the Scenic Rim version. At O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards on July 27, the estate will host its first Carnivores Christmas lunch with glazed beef, pork tenderloin, roast lamb … and camel. Canungra Valley Vineyards wine club co-ordinator Sam Dusting says the restaurant wanted to do offer something unique while still profiling local producers. “For the last few years we’ve done Cheesemas in July — we thought we’d do something a little different this year,” Sam says. “We’re having camel from Summer Land Camel farm, beef from Running Creek Beef, then we’ve also got Tommerups (Farm) doing pork. We’ll have slow cooked camel pie, and camel milk gelato for dessert.” Scenic Rim farmers will share their practices with diners, and every course will be paired with wine. Tickets from $90. Visit oreillys.com.au/events/carnivores-christmas-july

THE COLLECTIVE PALM BEACH

1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

Chloe Hubbard, Danielle Bell-Thayer and Sophie Lancaster at The Collective Palm Beach Christmas in July event last year.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN FOR $1 A WEEK FOR THE FIRST 12 WEEKS

Dreaming of a white Christmas? The Collective Palm Beach has your snowy prayers answered. On July 5 the foodie haven will convert into a winter wonderland for its annual Christmas in July feast, complete with mulled wine, Christmas carollers, a shared menu and snowflakes falling from the sky (well, from the snow machine). Pull out your ugly Christmas sweater and indulge in warming comfort food in the season it’s meant to be eaten in, including Diablo prawn and red pepper skewers, lamb cigars, duck with lychee, Mother Hubbards honey ham and a decadent dessert. Vegans and gluten-free diets are also catered for. Tickets are $69 per person, visit thecollectivepalmbeach.com.au/christmasinjuly

D’ARCY ARMS IRISH PUB

2923 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise

Christmas in July for Taste.

Take a four-leaf clover out of the Ireland’s book at do Christmas the Celtic way. Throughout July the Irish Pub is the place to escape the chill with a blazing fire and a three-course meal on offer every night. Start with garlic and head bread dunked in potato and leek soup, followed by a traditional roast of turkey, pork, ham and vegetables with Yorkshire puddings. Round it off with pudding and meringue with brandy anglaise and vanilla bean ice cream for a hearty, wholesome lunch or dinner. Available every day next month.

THE GOLD COAST’S BEST WINTER WEEKEND GETAWAYS

RACV ROYAL PINES

Ross Street, Benowa

Christmas new year dinner group concept

Carols by candlelight will greet you as you arrive at RACV Royal Pine’s Christmas in July event, taking place at Tees Clubhouse on July 24. The festivities will begin with a drink on arrival and a chorale of Christmas tunes, before friends and families are invited to devour a delicious Christmas share-style feast. Expect all the trimmings including baked ham, roast vegetables, fresh prawns and pudding while making new friends at the communal long tables. Tickets are $42 per person. Visit tinyurl.com/y6x7v4yo