Christmas in July at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

Overview

There's something about the festiveness of winter that might have you nostalgic for Christmas — regardless of whether you've actually experienced a white yuletide before. Unfortunately, there's still a good amount of time left until the most wonderful time of the year and, when it does arrive, it is usually too hot for the traditional roast (not that it stops us). But the good news is, if a holiday feast is already calling your name, you won't have to wait until December.

Each Friday and Saturday night throughout July, you can attend Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney's Christmas in July feast for a large spread of your festive favourites. From 6pm at Cafe Mix, you'll indulge in an international buffet filled with all the fixings for a delicious holiday dinner. Start with a warming chestnut and leek soup before filling your plate with roast essentials, like the whole roasted turkey served with orange, macadamia and cranberry sauce.

If you want to go beyond the standard Christmas dinner expectations, you can also sample offerings from the rest of the cafe's stations: California maki, mango chicken curry and a side of papaya salad with peanut sauce. Let a little local Christmas tradition creep in and pay a visit to the seafood station filled with Sydney rock oysters, tiger prawns and crab. Wash it all down with some eggnog or spiced mulled wine, and be sure to leave room for the desserts that pastry chef Anna Polyviou has created.

At $85 for adults (and $42.50 for children), this Christmas in July feast will be the gift that keeps on giving — at least until it's actually time for festive feasts.

For more information and to make a reservation, visit the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney website.

Images 1 and 2: Nikki To.