Loaded hot chocolate, a Christmas gin bar, and Santa visits: this is one Christmas in July fundraiser you can’t miss.

Posted on 19 July, 2023

Canberra’s favourite festive shop is bringing their Christmas in July fundraising event back for another year of fun, and with a gin bar for the adults and Santa visits for the kids, it’s the perfect excuse to celebrate the most magical time of the year with the whole family (twice)!

And as the ultimate festive event, we promise it’ll even make the biggest Scrooge smile.

Taking place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July from 9:30 am until 4:00 pm, Under The Mistletoe will open its doors to friends, families, and fur babies for a free event dedicated to raising funds for Lifeline Canberra.

According to owner Jenny Brogan, since the store first opened in 2020 (inspired by her passion for Christmas and a very impulsive morning out with her husband Ben Brogan), they have received an incredible amount of community support—motivating them to give back to those who need a little bit of Christmas magic.

Raising over $15,000 for the Women’s and Children’s Centenary Hospital in 2021 and over $16,000  for the Special Children’s Christmas Party in 2022, this year they’re raising much-needed funds for Lifeline Canberra.

“When I opened the store my goal was to just have a place that made people happy and bring joy,” Jenny explains.

“Christmas time is the best time of the year for many of us however it can also be a very difficult time for many too. Lifeline Canberra exists to support people in crisis and change the lives of those experiencing thoughts of suicide. We are pleased to be raising funds for lifeline Canberra this year as they provide tremendous support for the community”.

Across two days, Christmas lovers can enjoy a festive and fabulous time with performances from Canberra Brass Inc, prizes for the best dressed (including for your four-legged friends), firepits, raffles, face painting, festive foods, visits from Disney Princesses and the Canberra Spider Man.

“We’ll have the delicious foods from Sweatpea Catering again this year, think mulled wine, fully loaded hot chocolates, turkey sliders, warm soups and some really nice street-style Christmas food. We’re super excited to have them on board!”

And (of course) there will also be visits from Santa from 12:00 pm until 3:30 pm on both days.

There will also be a charity raffle running for the entire month of July with over 30 prizes to be won (including an pre-lit Christmas tree valued at $1299, a limited edition Mark Roberts Santa valued over $800, a Pandora bracelet and much more) with all funds raised going directly to Lifeline Canberra, along with 10 per cent of all sales.

And with vendors also donating a percentage of their sales, there’s no need to feel guilty if you go back for another loaded hot chocolate while exploring the boutique store.

“It’s going to be a winter wonderland….just so everyone can feel festive,” says Jenny. “I’m from England so this time of year makes me feel really Christmassy anyway.”

“I love seeing everybody get dressed up and getting in the festive spirit…Seeing people happy and seeing the kids smile makes me happy.”

Find the full itinerary on their event page with performance and entertainment times.