‘Tis just days before Yulefest and all through the towns,
Decorations from attics are being brought down,
Trees are being trimmed and menus prepared with care,
With the knowledge, visitors for Yulefest, will soon be there
Every winter season in the Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon region, visitors, locals, friends, families, social clubs and sporting groups all gather to celebrate Yulefest.
The region can thank the Irish (to be sure) for Yulefest, an idea that originated in the Blue Mountains region some 30 years ago.
Back in 1980, a small group of Irish visitors were enjoying the crisp, clear winter climate and as they relaxed in front of a roaring log fire they commented on how the conditions and the atmosphere reminded them of their Christmas celebrations back home.
A savvy local hotel operator offered to re-create for his Irish guests, a similar festive atmosphere and meal, to make them feel even more at home.
And so preparations began, decorations were hung, the Christmas tree was brought out from storage and trimmed and a scrumptious menu was planned. Word began to spread around the region and the requests to attend were many.
Today, the tradition is known as Yulefest and it is one of the most popular events held in the Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon region.
Many hotels, restaurants, motor inns and guest houses in the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region offer a Yulefest celebration ranging from the traditional dinner of turkey and plum puddings to spatchcock and Crème Anglais, to special accommodation packages for all the family with entertainment encompassing carol singers, pipe bands and even visits from the jolly fellow dressed in red.
The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat, popularly regarded as the ‘home’ of Yulefest in the region, offers a five course Yulefest dinner followed by a glass of port accompanied by mince pies, a cabaret show and piano playing, a complimentary keepsake photo taken during the celebration and a visit from Santa with gifts for both the young and young at heart for $145 per adult, $65 per child (5-12 years) and $15 per infant (under $4).
Yulefest celebration dates at the Mountain Heritage are 25 June and the 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th July, 2011. Packages including accommodation and Yulefest celebrations are also available. Bookings are essential on P: 4782 2155.
The Carrington Hotel, located in Katoomba similarly offers a five course Yulefest celebration. Packages including two nights accommodation, pre dinner drinks and winter canapés, five course dinner in the Grand Dining Room complete with carollers, Santa and a continental buffet breakfast start from $525 per room. For further information and bookings call the hotel on P: 4782 1111.
The Fairmont Resort in Leura, will also be revelling in the Yulefest spirit every Friday and Saturday night in July
With a dinner and accommodation package from $379 twinshare including accommodation in a Fairmont Room (standard), plus a festive buffet dinner in Jamisons Restaurant , a visit from Santa for the kids and breakfast the following morning. Contact the hotel for information and further bookings on P: 4784 4144.
For further information on other Yulefest events and packages in the Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon region - www.visitbluemountains.com.au
