Christmas in Australia: Sun, Surf, and Holiday Cheer

Christmas in Australia feels wonderfully different. With summer in full swing, the season is shaped by warm weather, diverse communities, and a blend of international traditions mixed with unmistakably Australian flair. Instead of snow and sweaters, think sunshine, beach days, backyard barbecues, and festive gatherings that spill outdoors. It’s a holiday season that reflects Australia’s relaxed spirit and love of the outdoors—and once you experience it, it’s impossible not to want more.

A Season for Everyone

Australia is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with more than a hundred religions practiced. Christianity remains the largest, yet the holiday spirit reaches across communities. Many Australians participate in Christmas celebrations by decorating homes, sharing meals, and spending time with loved ones.

Decorations are central to Australian Christmas traditions. The Christmas Bush, a native plant, is often adorned with lights, tinsel, and ornaments. Artificial trees with lights and sometimes fake snow are also common. Children delight in stockings filled with treats and small gifts. Outdoor decorations, glowing lights, and festive inflatables brighten neighborhoods. Shopping centers begin preparations weeks in advance, setting a festive tone for the entire season.

Christmas in Australia - Jingle All the Bay

Christmas Markets and Local Crafts in Australia

Festive markets are a central part of Christmas in Australia, combining shopping, entertainment, and community gatherings. In Sydney, the Royal Botanic Gardens host Noel Sydney, where visitors can browse handmade gifts, enjoy live music, and sample seasonal foods. In Brisbane, the Jingle All the Bay Market brings local artisans together with festive performances, creating a cheerful atmosphere for families. Coastal towns such as Fremantle and Port Melbourne offer markets focused on regional crafts and local delicacies, allowing visitors to enjoy both holiday shopping and regional charm.

Christmas in Australia - Caroling by Candlelight

Carols and Candlelight

Music is central to Australian Christmas celebrations. Many families attend church services, plays, or concerts leading up to December 25. Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and early morning services on Christmas Day draw people eager to sing carols and celebrate together.

A uniquely Australian event is Carols by Candlelight, held in cities such as Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Melbourne. Participants of all ages gather with candles to sing familiar carols while professional musicians perform. Ticket sales and donations support Vision Australia, a charity serving people with low vision. Alongside classics like Jingle Bells, Australians enjoy local songs such as Six White Boomers and How to Make Gravy, which add a whimsical, storytelling twist to the holiday season.

Outdoor Celebrations

Summer weather influences Christmas in Australia. Families often head to beaches for picnics, swimming, and barbecues. Decorated trees may appear on the sand, creating a festive atmosphere against the backdrop of sun and surf.

A growing trend is Christmas in July, offering a winter-style celebration with mulled wine, hearty meals, and cozy fires. Australians enjoy the pleasures of both summer and winter holiday traditions, adding flexibility and fun to the season.

Food and Feasts

Food plays an essential role in Australian Christmas traditions. While some families serve a roast turkey with vegetables, others embrace fresh seafood, including prawns, or host beach barbecues. The early-morning “Prawn Run” has become a popular ritual, with locals seeking the freshest seafood for holiday feasts.

Desserts highlight local creativity. A favorite is Pavlova, a meringue topped with fresh berries. Its crisp exterior and soft interior reflect the lightness of summer. I received a cherished Pavlova recipe from an Aussie friend, and it remains a holiday favorite for our family.

Pavlova Recipe
Ingredients:

4 egg whites
2 tsp vinegar
8 tbsp boiling water
3 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp corn flour

Directions:

Beat all ingredients in a mixer on high for 10 minutes.
Spread mixture on baking paper on a tray; bake at 350°F/180°C for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 175°F/80°C for 50 minutes.
Allow to cool on the tray before serving.

Tips: Ensure no yolk contaminates the egg whites, use a clean bowl and balloon whisk, and let the mixture spread naturally. Pavlova should be crisp outside and soft inside.

Festivities

Beaches and backyards become the heart of Christmas celebrations in Australia, with barbecues, seafood feasts, and outdoor gatherings. Santa Claus appears in a variety of playful forms—surfing on waves, arriving in boats, or visiting local events—and hundreds of surfers dressed as Santa participate in annual “Surfing Santa” events. In some areas, kangaroos are incorporated into festivities, appearing alongside Santa in parades, photo opportunities, and community celebrations, reflecting Australia’s unique wildlife and giving the holiday a distinctly local character.

Boxing Day

Christmas continues on Boxing Day, December 26, a public holiday. Families gather for more barbecues, cricket matches, street parties, and community events. Many support The Smith Family Charity, which aids children affected by poverty. Last year, over 162,000 students benefited from the charity’s programs.

Myer Christmas Windows

Melbourne’s Myer Christmas Windows have been a beloved holiday attraction since 1956, drawing visitors from across the city and beyond. Each year, the windows feature elaborate, animated displays inspired by children’s books, combining intricate artistry, storytelling, and festive charm. The scenes often include moving figures, detailed miniatures, and clever mechanical effects that bring the stories to life. John Kerr, a local artist, has contributed to the windows for over 25 years, helping to design displays that capture imagination, evoke nostalgia, and create a sense of wonder for visitors of all ages. Families often make the windows a seasonal tradition, stopping by to admire the craftsmanship, take photos, and soak up the holiday atmosphere along Melbourne’s busy Bourke Street.

Experiencing Christmas in Australia

Spending Christmas in Australia gives visitors a holiday they’ll truly remember. The combination of warm weather, unique wildlife, and local traditions allows travelers to enjoy celebrations in ways unique to the country—picnics on sunlit beaches, festive encounters with kangaroos and surfing Santas, and, of course, the pavlova! It’s a chance to connect with Australian culture, explore different traditions, and experience the season through authentic local celebrations and outdoor holiday gatherings.