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Winter in Australia may be missing the snowflake and tinsel magic of a winter during Christmas, but there’s no reason we can’t add some whimsy to the season. The secret? Wholesome winter crafts and celebrating Christmas in July!
It’s time to make some eggnog, whip out that ugly sweater and gather your nearest and dearest for some cosy connection. From sunny Brisbane to tempestuous Melbourne, when the cooler months set in and the winter slump begins, you can find inspiration in one of the merriest celebrations of the year (that we get to celebrate twice!) All it takes is a fun winter activity, your favourite person or crew and a little imagination.
Here are 9 winter crafts to help you bring the festive spirit to life this Christmas in July. Some cheesy decor and comfort food never go astray, too!
1. Cosy crochet
Crochet is not just one of the most quintessential winter hobbies, it’s also super snug and social, making it the perfect craft to star as the centre of your Christmas in July celebrations. And whether you go granny square or make your own beanie, the beauty lies in sharing the experience over a cuppa.
For an easy Christmas in July activity, book a beginner-friendly crochet workshop and learn from someone who knows the ropes. Whether you head to a local studio or invite a teacher to your home, everyone can pick up the basics together without the frustration of figuring it out alone. Then all that's left to do is put on your Christmas playlist, pour the hot chocolates and enjoy an afternoon of creativity.
2. Meditative candle making
Keep the 5 pm darkness at bay with a small fire, warm wax and your favourite winter scents. If crochet is traditional, candle making is the new favourite winter activity to try for Christmas in July. There’s a simplicity to the process that makes it easy for everyone to get hands-on and walk away with a unique candle or two. Just melt some wax, add some scents and personal touches, then set. It leaves plenty of room for chatting and sipping, and makes for the perfect winter party keepsake. Don’t have a fireplace? Add a smoky scent to your candle and play pretend!
This candle workshop in Melbourne is Christmas-in-July-themed and comes complete with grazing hampers and glasses of bubbles, making your party all but sorted!
3. Inspiring floristry
If you’ve become a hermit this winter, nature is calling. But there’s no need to slog through the cold, rain or mud; simply make your way to a floristry workshop. Here, you’ll get all the benefits of the outdoors while staying nice and warm indoors. Plus, pretty flowers! It’s just what your Christmas in July celebration needs, and the perfect way to add a little greenery to a grey winter day. Those plant creations then become the bright spots in everyone's homes.
Try this Christmas in July wreath making workshop in Melbourne for a fun, festive activity.
Ready to jump in? Expand your creativity with Australia's top craft classes right here!
4. Unique Christmas ceramics
Sometimes you just need to touch a little clay with your hands to remind yourself there’s a life outside of being rugged up on the couch in front of the big screen while holding the little screen. And at a ceramics class, you’ll get both a break from screens and a fun, casual activity that’s perfect for socialising. Whether you paint ceramics, spin on the wheel or try hand building, it’s easy to add a little Christmas twist to your pottery creations. Something cute, like reindeer ornaments or painting Santa on a plate, is enough to add that festive touch. What’s less easy is coming up with a better winter craft idea.
5. Nostalgic paper craft and ink
Remember making paper snowflakes as a kid? This is like that, but turned into an elevated winter craft for adults. Paper craft and ink workshops bring back the nostalgia, making everyone feel like a kid again. From junk journals to card making or even something as niche as book binding, everyone will remember their childhood and the magic of Christmas.
6. Sparkly jewellery making
Jewellery making is not your typical Christmas activity, but when the gloom sets in, there’s nothing like a little twinkle to offset it. So gather your crew and head to a jewellery making class of your choice to enjoy some bubbles and trinkets. A charm bar is the perfect choice for a Christmas in July with the gals, while ring making offers a more romantic, understated craft for couples. Or make your own polymer clay earrings for a fun mother-daughter activity to do this winter.
7. Homey lamp making
2026 is all about the little lights over the big light, and in winter, it’s more important than ever to create that cosy glow. Lamp making is the perfect excuse to lean into soft lighting and a home that feels a little more inviting when the temperature drops outside. Whether you make a statement lamp or decorate a lampshade, it’s a winter craft that sets you up for the long nights. Plus, it adds a unique twist to your Christmas in July celebrations. Penguin lamp shades, anyone?
8. Peaceful whittling
If forest vibes and cottagecore are your winter aesthetic, whittling may just be the craft for you. Of course, it’s much more fun in a log cabin with a wood fire blazing in the hearth, but the next best thing is a workshop with everything you need provided. Then, you can add the cabin and fire later.
It’s Christmas in July, made peaceful, reminding us of a simpler time when winters were tough and gathering with friends and family was a life force. If you have kids, nieces, nephews or grandchildren, a whittled object makes for a wonderful gift!
9. Fun foodie experiences
Okay, so it’s not a craft, but there’s space for good food and winter crafts at your Christmas in July celebration. And there are a couple of ways to make this work. You can head to a cooking workshop and learn how to make a comforting winter feast for your Christmas in July party, or you can incorporate the foodie experience into your celebrations by inviting everyone along.
Think handmade pasta, Japanese comfort food, baking classes or even a wine and cheese pairing experience. After all, half the magic of Christmas is gathering around a table and sharing something delicious.
Try this Xmas in July cooking class in Adelaide for festive flavours and classic winter warmers that will nourish both body and soul.
Winter doesn't need snow to feel magical. With a little creativity, good company and an excuse to celebrate Christmas twice, the colder months can become something to look forward to. So pick a craft, gather your favourite people and make this Christmas in July your cosiest one yet.
