Christmas is almost here! It’s that time of year when we all get to spend time with loved ones, share our time, and reflect on what a year it has been. If you grew up anywhere in the northern hemisphere, your Christmas memories are probably filled with cold winter nights, warm hot chocolate, and big festive meals shared around the table.
While, if you’re new to Australia, can you imagine sunshine and barbecues, cricket matches, and picnics by the sea during Christmas in Australia? You’ll hear carols sung under the stars, see cities sparkle with lights, and maybe even spot Santa swapping his sleigh for a surfboard. Yes! This is unlike anything you’ve seen but these Australian Christmas traditions are warm, lively, and joyful. We will tell you more about them in this article, so, make sure you read to the end.
When is Christmas in Australia?
On the 25th of December which is Christmas day, families and friends will enjoy, sizzling sausages, seafood platters, and refreshing drinks in backyards, parks, or by the beach. It’s such a perfect summer holiday and a lot of times, the fun often continues until the end of the month. Also, bear in mind that the 25th of December is marked as a public holiday in Australia just like the rest of the world to celebrate Christmas.
Christmas in Australia kicks off with preparations in November and eventually hits full festive mode in December. The most interesting part is that, unlike the snowy celebrations of Europe, or USA, or other countries in the northern hemisphere, Christmas here comes right in the middle of summer, and brings sunny days, and warm evenings. Due to this summer feel, Aussie Christmas Day takes on a unique twist with barbecue replacing the traditional roast dinner.
Who Celebrates Christmas in Australia?
Christians and some non-Christians in Australia celebrate Christmas in the country. Like most countries, Australia is full of different cultures and religions, with more than 100 faiths across the nation. Christianity is just the most common since almost more than 50% of the population practice the religion. Christmas is a time for everyone to celebrate. Even those who aren’t Christians often join in the fun, enjoying the food, parties, and cheerful holiday vibe. It’s a celebration that brings people together, no matter their beliefs.
The Christmas traditions practiced in Australia today were shaped by British and Irish immigrants who built churches, schools, and orphanages in the 19th century. Over the years, more people in the country have started following other religions, and many now don’t consider themselves religious at all.
11 Popular Australian Christmas traditions
Carols by Candlelight
Carols by Candlelight is one of the foremost Christmas cultures in Australia. It’s quite a heartwarming one where people of all ages gather in parks and outdoor spaces to sing along to Christmas carols on the eve of Christmas. Imagine how magical it will be to have the soft glow of candles light up the summer evening. That’s enough to create a cozy and festive atmosphere. However, if you’re in major cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, and Canberra, the carols will often feature celebrity singers and live orchestras. Families and friends bring along picnic baskets, blankets, and even mosquito spray to enjoy the music under the stars. How incredible!
Decorate Your House
How else can you feel the Christmas vibe without decorating your house without decorating your house? It adds color, sparkle, and excitement to the holiday. Generally, a Christmas tree is everyone’s go-to followed by ornaments, candy canes, tinsel, and twinkling lights. You’ll probably meet some Australians who prefer the charm of live Christmas trees, while others go for the convenience of artificial ones, often topped with a sprinkle of fake snow for a wintery feel. Gifts are usually placed under the tree in the weeks leading up to Christmas in Australia. All these help to build the excitement.
Aside from homes, you’ll also find shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and other venues decorate their spaces weeks, or even months, ahead of Christmas.
Beach Visits, Spend Xmas Outdoor!
You already know how famous Australia is for its stunning beaches. That explains why spending Aussie Christmas Day by the ocean is such a beloved tradition for many Aussies. You’ll find groups of families and friends gathering on the beach, enjoying good company, and delicious food. What makes it even more fun is that surfers dressed as Santa Claus will be riding the waves.
That said, one of the most iconic places to celebrate is Bondi Beach in Sydney. Christmas trees may even be set up along the shore to add a festive touch to the day.
Enjoy BBQ & Seafoods
Australian Christmas tradition is not complete without seafood, the favorite being BBQ and prawns. Families gather to cook up a delicious spread of grilled prawns, lamb, and big, juicy steaks. The sizzling sounds of the barbecue and the fresh summer air make for a perfect Christmas feast. You’ll also find fish and lobster in the food menu, adding to the festive spread.
Watching Nativity Play
Another interesting way Australians celebrate Christmas is to watch nativity plays. Normally, communities come together to enjoy these heartwarming performances, which tell the story of the birth of Jesus. You’ll find mostly these plays in churches or open outdoor spaces in the city. To even make it more exciting, families bring picnic blankets and relax under the stars while watching the beautiful reenactments. Children love being part of the tradition, as they get to dress up as shepherds, angels, or even the Wise Men.
Christmas Stockings
Christmas stockings are a big tradition for kids in Australian culture. What happens is that Santa Claus visits on December 25 bearing gifts for the kids. The night before, families leave out cookies for Santa as a thank-you for delivering gifts and filling the kids’ stockings with surprises. On Christmas morning, the kids are always eager to check their stockings for some sweet treats and small surprises from Santa.
Another interesting fact about Santa’s visits is that while he keeps his classic look with a red suit and white beard, but in true Aussie style, you might also spot a “surfing Santa.” In fact, on Christmas Eve, hundreds of surfers in Santa costumes ride the waves at beaches like Cocoa Beach. It’s such a unique way to celebrate Christmas in Australia.
Attend Church Services
This Australian Christmas tradition is mainly for Christian families. It’s an important way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by praying, singing carols, and reflecting on the birth of Jesus.
Also, in the days leading up to Christmas, churches host special events, including readings, plays, and ceremonies. These gatherings bring communities together in the spirit of love and joy. Just like in other parts of the world, some Australian churches hold midnight services on Christmas Eve to welcome Christmas Day in a peaceful and heartfelt way. Overall, this tradition adds a spiritual touch to the festive season.
Boxing Day
You don’t expect the Aussie Christmas celebration to end on the 25th of December, do you? Well, the festivities carry on the 26th and it’s tagged Boxing Day. Originally, this tradition started when servants were given the day off and a box of gifts or a holiday bonus but in current times, Boxing Day has now become a public holiday celebrated across the country.
For many Australians, it’s a day to relax with family, enjoy good food, and perhaps attend major events like the Boxing Day Test match, a thrilling cricket game held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, or the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Whichever way you decide to spend the day, what matters is that you have a good time with your loved ones.
Street Parties
Street party is one of the Australian Christmas traditions to expect. Being a time when warm weather sticks around long after sunset makes it perfect for street parties. So, as the sun goes down, you’ll find neighborhoods coming alive with music, laughter, and festive cheer. They all gather in their streets, enjoying the company of family, friends, and neighbors.
This tradition is especially meaningful for immigrants because it helps them create new friendships and feel more at home in their new country, all while soaking in the festive spirit. So, try not to miss out on any street party in your area. There’s nothing as exciting as quiet roads turning into lively spaces for impromptu games of cricket with wheelie bins being used as makeshift stumps.
Christmas Road Trip
For many families, Aussie Christmas Day often involves a long road trip. It’s a bit of an accidental tradition, but driving with kids squished in the back seat is still a common part of the holiday celebrations in Australia.
Kids usually end up with piles of pillows, presents, the Esky (cooler), and a basket of food as they make their way to visit loved ones or head out on vacation. You can try this as well, make time to explore the country’s scenic spots and visit families and friends.
Sending Christmas Cards and Hampers
Like most countries, Australia has the tradition of sending Christmas cards and hampers on this glorious day and the most interesting part is that over 85% of people take part in it. Christmas cards often feature pictures of Australian animals like kangaroos, koalas, or native plants, which makes them extra special.
Also, sending cards is easy because Christmas stamps cost less than regular ones. Many people also enjoy sending Christmas hampers, which are boxes filled with treats. Companies often give these hampers to employees or clients as a kind gesture during the holiday season.
Best Things to Do on Christmas in Australia
Aside from the Australian Christmas traditions we have explained above, there are still other fun activities that will make the festive season worthwhile for you while in Australia.
Visit the Christmas market
One of the things you can do to get into the Christmas spirit in Australia is to visit a Christmas market. It’s quite an interesting experience as you’ll meet lots of outdoor festivals that usually start in early December and have stalls selling handmade gifts, crafts, and decorations. There’s never a perfect place to do some Christmas shopping, try delicious food, and enjoy live performances. Some of the Christmas markets to check out include Noel Sydney at the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney, Artisan Christmas Market in Port Melbourne, and Jingle All the Bay Christmas Market in Sandgate.
Attend a Sicilian Themed Party
Why not twist your Christmas celebration in Australia by attending a Sicilian-themed party? You’ll enjoy lots of fun events like the famous Christmas pageant in Adelaide or Carols by Candlelight in Melbourne, all while tasting delicious Sicilian-inspired dishes at festive gatherings. The fact that these activities blend different cultures makes the Christmas celebration more fun.
Go to Santa’s Wonderland
This will be such a fun experience especially if you’re taking your kids along. The wonderland is in Adelaide and this popular event captures the true Aussie Christmas spirit with exciting traditions, customs, and activities. Whether you’re enjoying the lights, meeting Santa, or soaking up the Christmas cheer, Santa’s Wonderland is the perfect place to be and make unforgettable memories this holiday season.
Watch Christmas Movies
Is your Christmas Day celebration complete without binging on Christmas movies with your popcorn and drinks? Having a Christmas movie marathon is such a simple and warm way to enjoy time with your family. In fact, starting in December, TV stations air classic holiday films, and streaming services offer plenty of festive options too. Some of the films you can watch include A Christmas Princess, a Moody Christmas, Christmas Inheritance, Christmas on the Farm, Holidate, and Kiwi Christmas.
Where to Live during Christmas in Australia?
If you are going to have a short visit for Christmas in Australia, you can explore uhomes.com for a short-term accommodation. Whether you are tourists, working professionals, or student living in Australia, uhomes.com has everything covered. It is flexible to select room types, duration, and facility and amenity requirements according to your preferences. Talk to the professional rental experts, and get you and your family a cozy place to stay for Christmas in Australia!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are lots of Australian Christmas Traditions that you can explore and boost your adrenaline rush this festive season. If it’s your first time in the country, you may not be used to the sunny and laid-back vibes that come with Christmas which is a good twist to everything you’re used to. From Christmas Day picnics by the beach to the joyous Carols by Candlelight, these Aussie traditions surely bring families and friends together in a warm, cheerful atmosphere.
FAQ on Australian Christmas Traditions
Christmas in Australia is all about enjoying summer activities. People celebrate with beach barbecues, cricket matches, and festive picnics. Since it’s warm and sunny, Santa might even trade his sleigh for a surfboard! Australians also love carol concerts under the Southern Cross, and the air is filled with cheerful Christmas songs.
In Australia, Christmas is celebrated twice because of its British and European heritage. While Christmas is traditionally celebrated in December, many Australians also enjoy “Christmas in July.” This celebration, also called Yulefest or Yuletide, gives them a chance to experience a winter-style Christmas.
In Australia, Christmas falls during the summer season because the country is in the southern hemisphere. The Earth is tilted on its axis, so when it’s December, the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, bringing summer weather. Meanwhile, in the northern hemisphere, it’s winter at the same time.
Yes, Australia is a great place to visit for Christmas with December and January being the popular holiday months, with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. It’s a time when people are in a festive, upbeat mood, so it’s a perfect chance to visit family and friends. The summer vibe gives Christmas in the country a unique twist, with outdoor barbecues, beach parties, and lots of fun activities to enjoy.
In Australia, people mostly call Santa, Santa Claus, or Father Christmas. Since Australia was introduced to Santa by English settlers, the names used in England are the ones Australians continue to use. Santa is widely recognized in the country, and both names are common during the Christmas season.
Yes, Christmas in July is celebrated in Australia. Although the idea started in the Northern Hemisphere, Australians love and have adopted this mid-year tradition. Since it’s winter in July, people enjoy celebrating with a “wintery” Christmas feel. It’s a fun way to have Christmas-style meals, decorations, and celebrations during the cooler season.
