When most people think of Christmas, picturesque snowy landscapes, hot cocoa by the fire, and festive lights twinkling in the frosty air often come to mind. However, for those in the Southern Hemisphere where December brings summer’s heat, Christmas looks nothing like your typical Hallmark holiday movie. So why do South Africans celebrate Christmas in July?

Christmas in July is usually observed on 25 July, honouring the original date of the popular holiday.

Why Celebrate Christmas in July?

The main reason people celebrate Christmas in July is because of the seasonal difference between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

In South Africa, December is a time for beach trips and braais, as it falls during the summer. The idea of a wintry Christmas, complete with hearty roasts, mulled wine and cosy fires doesn’t quite fit the bill in the heat of summer. Therefore, many South Africans have adopted the practice of celebrating Christmas in July to romanticise traditional winter elements that they miss out on in December.

In the spirit of traditional Christmas celebrations, Christmas in July is usually observed on 25 July, honouring the original date of the popular holiday. Though, in some corners of the world, the event falls on 12 July – certain countries even celebrate it in June, to coincide with mid-year school holidays and make the most of it.

A Taste of Modern Tradition

Christmas in July is also a fantastic time for communities to come together and celebrate. Many towns and cities in South Africa organise events, markets and festivals that bring people together in the spirit of the season. It’s a chance for people to reconnect with family and friends, enjoy festive activities and create lasting memories. Moreover, this mid-year celebration often includes charitable events, such as toy drives and fundraisers, providing a much-needed boost to local charities outside the usual holiday season.

One of the most appealing aspects of Christmas in July is the opportunity to indulge in the culinary traditions typically associated with a Northern Hemisphere Christmas. Rich, warming dishes like meaty roasts and figgy Christmas puddings are far more enjoyable in the cooler temperatures of July.

Restaurants and hotels often get in on the action, offering special Christmas menus and themed events that allow patrons to savour the festive fare in a suitably chilly setting. While many people in the Northern Hemisphere typically enjoy roast turkey as the table centrepiece, South Africans are partial to roast leg of lamb and glazed gammon. Local favourites like malva pudding and showstopping trifles are usually desserts of choice.

Escaping the Winter Blues

Christmas in July offers a perfect antidote to the winter blues, injecting a dose of festive cheer and fun into the coldest part of the year. It gives people something to look forward to and breaks up the monotony of the long winter months.

While colder regions in South Africa are lucky (or unlucky) enough to embrace snowy landscapes as temperatures drop in the heart of winter, others experience a rainy season. Nonetheless, they still embrace the winter chill.

The concept of Christmas in July isn’t unique to South Africa; it has been celebrated in various parts of the world, including Australia and New Zealand, for many years. South Africans have embraced this global trend and made it their own, blending it with local customs and flavours to create a unique and enjoyable celebration.

For those who love Christmas, the idea of celebrating it twice a year is undeniably appealing. Christmas in July provides a second chance to enjoy the festive spirit. Even if you don’t plan on decorating your home with twinkling fairy lights, participating in fun activities like Secret Santa, carolling, watching Christmas classics, feasting with the family and popping Christmas crackers is equally exciting. It’s an opportunity to double the joy and extend the holiday cheer beyond December.

Christmas in July Recipes

Celebrating Christmas in July? Tuck into the ultimate feast with these festive recipes.

Roast Duck with Cherry Citrus Glaze

We can’t decide what’s tastier – the oh-so-succulent duck or the delicious cherry citrus glaze. There’s only one way to find out…

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Roast Chicken with Garlic & Roasted Red Pepper Spreado

Basted and roasted to perfection, this mouthwatering chicken will have everyone fighting over who gets the last drumstick or wing.

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Maple Mustard Glazed Gammon with Bacon Crumble

This gorgeous, glazed gammon will have guests salivating. Don’t even get us started on the bacon crumble – truly a showstopping roast.

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Crack the Crackling Pork Belly Roll

Impress friends and family with this restaurant-worthy pork belly – we can’t imagine a better roast for your Christmas in July feast.

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Greek-style Roast Leg of Lamb

If there’s one thing Greeks know how to do, it’s make delicious lamb!

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Vegan Maple-Roasted Hasselback Sweet Potatoes & Butternut

A sophisticated and decidedly delicious Christmas side dish – the maple syrup and pistachio nuts take it to the next level.

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Christmas Cupcakes

Chocoholics will adore these cocoa treats, plus the kids will have fun decorating them.

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Traditional Christmas Pudding

This boozy pudding, topped with drunk cherries and brandy butter sauce, is a Christmas classic that’s hard to deny!

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Want more? Try our best Christmas roast recipes and fabulous festive sides. Ready for dessert? Enjoy these figgy Christmas puddings and bakes.