Christmas in July Dullstroom 2026 | Events & Stays
Christmas in July in Dullstroom: What to Expect + Where to Stay
If you’re planning a winter trip, Christmas in July in Dullstroom is one of the busiest and most popular times of the year. Every July, the town fills up with visitors coming for festive events, live music, food experiences and cold Highveld weather that actually feels like winter. If you’re thinking of going, timing and accommodation matter - because places book out quickly.
What Is Christmas in July in Dullstroom?
It’s a full month of winter-themed events, markets, tastings and live entertainment across town.
For 2026, events are spread across:
Early July (3rd–5th)
Mid July (12th–19th)
Late July (20th–26th)
Different venues host activities throughout the month, so you can plan your stay around specific weekends.
Key Events to Plan Around
Opening Weekend (3–5 July)
The first weekend sets the tone.
Highlights include:
Christmas tree lighting at Bella Burano
Christmas-themed painting and tasting sessions
Cheese tastings at Josante Farm
Winter market at Bella Burano
This is one of the busiest weekends, especially for couples and groups.
Mid-July Events (12–19 July)
This week mixes food, casual events and local activities.
What’s on:
Cheese tastings (running most weekends)
Local Christmas braai events
Painting evenings and social activities
Fly fishing competitions
There are also smaller events like pool and dart tournaments and live music in local bars.
Main Festival Week (20–25 July)
This is the peak period.
Key events include:
Soup & sherry evening with Christmas readings
Christmas carols at The Dullstroom Inn
Live music events across town
Food and wine experiences
On the 25th:
Live music at multiple venues
Afternoon drinks and social events
Evening entertainment and after-parties
This is the weekend where the town is at full capacity.
Final Weekend + Specials (26 July)
The last weekend wraps up with:
Cheese tastings
Bottomless mimosa events
Ongoing specials at restaurants and venues
Ongoing Specials Throughout July
Some offers run the entire month:
Gin tastings and pairings at Dullstroom Gin
Hot chocolate and spa specials
Horse rides through town
Sunday lunch specials
Pizza deals and local restaurant offers
Tractor rides around town
These give you options even if you’re not there for a specific event.
What the Atmosphere Is Like
Dullstroom in July is:
Cold (often near freezing in the mornings)
Busy, especially on weekends
Social, with people moving between venues
Focused on food, drinks and fireplaces
Most places lean into the theme - expect:
Fireplaces going all day
Hearty meals
Warm drinks (glühwein, hot chocolate, whiskey tastings)
When to Book Your Accommodation
This is the most important part.
You need to book early.
For Christmas in July:
Peak weekends book out weeks (sometimes months) in advance
Group accommodation goes first
Pet-friendly places are limited and fill quickly
Central stays (walking distance to events) are in high demand
If you wait too long, your options become limited or overpriced.
Where to Stay in Dullstroom
Choosing the right location depends on your plan.
Stay in Town
Best if you want to:
Walk to restaurants and events
Avoid driving at night
Be part of the main atmosphere
Stay Just Outside Town
Best if you want:
More space and privacy
A quieter environment
A mix of events and downtime
Group vs Couple Stays
Couples ? smaller cottages, studios, guesthouses
Groups ? larger houses or estates
Families ? self-catering with space and braai areas
Tips for Planning Your Trip
Book restaurants in advance for peak weekends
Plan your schedule - events overlap
Dress properly (it gets cold, especially at night)
Check which events require bookings
Allow time to relax - don’t overbook your days
Why Book Through Dullstroom Reservations?
With so many options, booking through Dullstroom Reservations makes it easier to:
Compare available accommodation
Find the right location (in-town vs outskirts)
Secure your stay before it sells out
Get advice on what suits your trip
You don’t want to arrive and realise everything is fully booked.
Plan Ahead for Christmas in July
Christmas in July is one of the biggest highlights on the Dullstroom calendar. The mix of winter weather, events and atmosphere makes it worth planning properly. Choose your dates early, secure your accommodation, and then build your weekend around the events.