Raclette, waffles and mulled wine: what we’re eating at Christmas in July Festival

Posted on 23 June, 2026

Let’s be honest: half the reason people go to Christmas in July Festival is for the food.

Sure, the fairy lights are lovely. The falling snow is fun. The fire pits are undeniably atmospheric.

But it’s hard to compete with a festival where you can wander from bubbling raclette to Belgian waffles, stop for mulled wine, grab a serving of dumplings, then somehow find room for churros, macarons and hot chocolate.

Start savoury. Pace yourself. Leave room for dessert. Then leave room for another dessert. Trust us.

Here’s what should be on your eating itinerary.

For the cheese lovers

If there’s one dish synonymous with Christmas in July Festival, it’s raclette.

The sight of bubbling cheese scraped over potatoes and charcuterie has become something of a festival tradition, and Raclette Melted Cheese returns once again.

For those wanting to continue the dairy adventure, Long Paddock Cheese and La Bastide’s cheese and charcuterie offerings should also be high on your list.

For anyone craving a European Christmas market experience

Part of the appeal of Christmas in July Festival is that it channels the food culture of European winter markets.

Expect sausages from Das Kransky Haus and Fritz’s Wieners, vegan bratwurst from Berlin Bangers, flammekueche from FLAMZ and French-inspired treats scattered throughout the village.

It’s about as close as you’re likely to get to a European Christmas without boarding a plane.

For the carb enthusiasts

Winter is no time for restraint.

French Kiss Crêperie will be serving crêpes, while My Belgian Waffles and Mr Waffle bring the kind of sweet comfort food that somehow tastes even better when the temperature drops.

Dutch Pancakes and Portuguese bakery Natas & Co round out a strong argument for skipping dinner and going straight to dessert.

For those after something savoury

Looking for something a little more substantial?

There’s paella from Sofrito Paella, pasta from Pasta Paradis, arancini from That Arancini Guy, lobster rolls from East Blue Seafood, dumplings from Merry Bite and The Dumpling Diplomat, plus a range of international street food offerings.

In other words: come hungry.

For the sweet tooths

This is where things get dangerous: Chocolate-dipped strawberries from James and the Chocolate Berry, Choccy Strawbs and Lush Berries, loaded churros, macarons, nougat, cookies, crumbles, crème brûlée, fairy floss and enough hot desserts to make you forget winter entirely. Maybe skip mains?

For hot chocolate devotees

A festival dedicated to winter deserves a proper hot chocolate offering. Epique Hot Chocolate returns, while THICC Cookies will also be serving hot chocolate alongside its signature baked goods.

Pair one with a fresh waffle and thank us later.

For those who prefer their drinks grown-up

Mulled wine remains one of the festival’s signature offerings, alongside French wines, local spirits, beers and cocktails.

This year, Casa Spirits will also be serving a dedicated menu of winter drinks, including the Hot Not Toddy – a non-alcoholic take on the classic winter warmer featuring non-alcoholic whiskey, lemon, honey and spices – and the Dirty Shirley, a playful mix of grenadine, lemon-lime soda or ginger ale and vodka.

Non-alcoholic mulled wine will also be available, ensuring designated drivers don’t miss out on the winter ritual.