Grab your ugly jumpers and Santa hats—this is one event that’s sure to jingle your bells.
Original post by Erin Cross from Her Canberra
Loaded hot chocolate, a Christmas gin bar, and Santa visits: this is one Christmas in July fundraiser you can’t miss.
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 charity fundraiser, we promise it’ll even make the biggest Scrooge smile.
Taking place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July from 9:30 am, Under The Mistletoe will open its doors to friends, families, and fur babies for a free event dedicated to raising funds for the Special Children’s Christmas Party.
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, this year they’re aiming even bigger to support the Special Children’s Christmas Party—Australia’s largest Christmas party for special needs children and their families.
“When I opened the store my goal was to just have a place that made people happy and bring joy,” Jenny explains.
“I think children are a huge part of that and a huge part of Christmas. And to understand that some of these children wouldn’t get gifts if they didn’t attend this Christmas party, it’s really sad. To know that you can bring joy to these little kids…I think it’s just such a beautiful organisation and something that we’re really happy to support.”
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, activities and to add some extra magic—visits from Disney Princesses Anna and Elsa.
“We’re going to try and do it bigger and better this year. Last year we had cold foods like gingerbread cookies, whereas this year we’ve engaged Sweet Pea Catering,” says Jenny.
“They’re going to be doing mulled wine, fully loaded hot chocolate, turkey sliders, cooked hams, 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 12:30 pm until 3:30 pm on both days.
Also stocking Easter, Halloween, and Disney-themed decorations, for the month of July 10% of all sales from Under The Mistletoe will be going to the Special Children’s Christmas Party, while during the Christmas in July event 20% of all sales will be going straight to the charity.
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.”