Snow domes and igloos are popping up around the nation, here's why

A number of states and territories are pulling out all the stops to bring the trademark northern hemisphere winter to Australia this year.

From icy igloos to Christmas in July extravaganzas, cheese to chocolate - here's a list of cozy experiences that are heading down under this winter.

Is there anything better than delicious melted cheese delicacies on a cold winter or autumn evening? Raclette Igloo is bringing its one of a kind French style dining experience to the rooftop of Sydney's Broadway Shopping Centre.

Guests can enjoy a true taste of France in a private igloo dining experience on Festival Drive.

There, they can enjoy a selection of wines - including a free warm mulled wine - a warm fire pit, fairy lights, and of course, the delicious delicacy of Raclette, oozing with cheesy goodness.

Guests can melt their own cheese over potatoes and their choice of four cured meats, or straight onto the plate. The meal is served with pickled onions and cornichons.

Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy the sight of snow falling from the Sydney skyline, and after dinner, they can enjoy some delicious marshmallows, toasted over an open fire.

Igloos can be booked for groups of six to eight people and the cost is $99 per person.

Raclette Igloo, June 29-July 28. For bookings or more information visit racletteiglooexperience.com.au.

Raclette Igloo is also at Adelaide's Festival Drive until June 9, but that's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the winter fun in South Australia.

The Barossa Valley Chocolate Company will host its highly popular Choc Fest throughout July.

Showcasing the company's delicious premium couverture chocolate, the festival will feature a range of wine and chocolate tasting events, as well as workshops such as the popular rocky road workshop for children.

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This year the venue will offer four dining domes, where groups of four to eight can enjoy delicious sweet treats paired with hot chocolate delights. Menu options will include morning scones and hot chocolate, late morning hot chocolate grazing platters, a lunch menu of scrumptious slider snacks and chocolate fondue, and an afternoon menu of hot chocolate grazing platters, coupled with drinks of the guest's choice. Places are limited, so early bookings are encouraged.

Guests can also enjoy hot chocolate sundaes or other treats from the winter dessert menu, a classic hot chocolate at Benni's Café and Gelati Bar, or choose their favourites to take home from the 200 couverture chocolate products at the Retail Store.

Winter Choc Fest, July 1-31. For more information or to book a dining experience visit barossavalleychocolates.com.au.

The national capital's popular Xmas in July festival will return to Parkes Place Lawns in late July.

More than 40 pop up restaurants will showcase the finest French and European cuisines, while guests can also get their hands on an array of artisanal creations, take a wander down Snow Lane, and admire the beautiful fairy light displays.

In the tradition of French Christmas markets, guests will have a chance to enjoy warm mulled wine, melted cheese, hot chocolate and other hearty winter foods, while warming themselves at fire pits and in authentic wooden chalets.

There will also be live performances and street shows from some of Canberra's most talented entertainers.

Canberra's Xmas in July festival, July 27-30. For more information visit christmasinjuly.com.au.

If enjoying dinner in a cozy igloo isn't enough for you, why not camp out in one?

Located in the secluded wilderness of Mt Hotham, Victoria, Alpine Nature Experience has introduced a new glamping adventure this winter.

Guests will embark on a snowshoe tour to a hidden eco-village at sunset, before settling in for a mouth watering French cheese fondue dinner in a heated tipi.

They will then get to stay overnight in either a luxurious snowdome or real igloo. Snow domes are equipped with heaters. They mirror the environment from the outside and are transparent from the inside, allowing guests to enjoy the winter wilderness in all its glory. The igloo experience is the only one in Australia offering a real snow igloo stay. Guests can also warm themselves in hot tubs.

In the morning, visitors can enjoy a hot coffee and breakfast, before enjoying a scenic skidoo ride.

For those who don't want to spend the night, dinner experiences are also available. Overnight stays from $289 per person, dinner from $109 per person.

Alpine Nature Experience Overnight Winter Adventure, open seven days a week from June through September. For bookings or more information visit alpinenatureexperience.com.au.