Celebrating Christmas in Australia - Traditions & Fun Facts
By Amelia Bristow
Last updated: 13th November 2024
Are you keen to have Christmas in Australia? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Learn how and when the Aussies celebrate Christmas, from unique traditions to the Australian surfing Santa. It’s an incredibly unique way to celebrate this worldwide holiday, and we highly recommend experiencing it at least once in your life!
When is Christmas in Australia? 📆
As the seasons change and the festivities creep in, you’re used to the days getting colder, darker and cosier in the evening. But Down Under it’s quite the opposite! Australia’s Christmas period falls over the summer months, making Australian Christmas traditions rather different from others!
Christmas Day in most of Europe is typically celebrated on Christmas Eve. Similar to the UK, Australia celebrates Christmas on the 25th of December (Christmas Day). If you’re looking to spend Christmas with a circle of new mates, then take a look at our Australia trips to make friends while you travel Down Under.
Why not start anew with an Australia Working Holiday visa to settle into the lifestyle of Australia and try a Christmas here? Or, if you’re feeling like you want an introduction to Sydney before you go alone in Aus, definitely check out our Absolute Oz Jobs. Spend a week in Sydney trying out some fun activities and getting to make mates with travellers who are in the same boat as you!
How does Australia Celebrate Christmas? 🎄
Christmas Eve: 24th of December
After a Christmas Eve night filled with singing Christmas Carols around some candlelight, you’ll be getting ready for gift exchanging tomorrow. But let’s get to the main question: how does Australia really celebrate Christmas?
Christmas Day: 25th of December
If you’re waking up in Australia on Christmas Day, expect to head out to the beach for a day spent swimming and sunbathing or pack up a picnic to tuck into while sitting in the golden sunshine. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the day and share the love amongst friends on this traditional holiday. Who knows… you might spot Santa surfing!
They still love the typical traditions of a roast dinner, but expect a twist! They love serving up fresh fish like shrimp or crayfish with meats like ham (gammon). The air will be filled with all the nostalgic festive smells before tucking into this life-changing meal!
Boxing Day: 26th of December
And as Christmas Day starts coming to a close, don’t get sad that it’s over because there’s still Australia’s Boxing Day! The 26th of December is filled with fun sporting events like a traditional yacht race from Sydney to Hobart or the Boxing Day Cricket Test Match. And I hope you’re hungry because barbecue is on the menu again today!
If you want the Aussie Christmas feels, why not book our Australia East Coast Adventure group trip? Book for the 12th of December, and you’ll spend Christmas Day camping in K'gari! You’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty on this breathtaking Australian island. Spend the day driving 4x4's along the beach and soaking up the sun on paradise beaches, dip into the Instagram-famous Eli Creek and more.
8 Facts About Christmas in Australia 👀
1. Australian Santa 🎅
Australia’s Santa is often depicted with a surfboard. Oh, and if that wasn’t funny enough, he’s normally wearing some shorts and sunglasses! Talk about arriving in style.
2. Shrimp over Turkey 🦐
The Aussie do love some of the English and American traditions. But when it comes to the roast, they’ll do what they do best… barbecues! On the menu will be fish and Shrimp. Yum!
3. Street Parties 🎉
On Christmas day, there are impromptu parties of families and friends in the streets. On quieter streets, sometimes a game of cricket is played!
4. Outdoor Christmas 🏄
Australians love the outdoors at Christmas! They’ll spend the day at the beach, have picnics in parks, or even dip in the sea. Even the nightlife on Christmas is outdoors. Carols by Candlelight is a concert featuring live performances by national and international celebrities, where families spend the evening listening to music and singing carols together.
5. Boxing Day BBQs 🏏
Boxing Day is traditionally spent meeting with your mates and family to share a few beers, cook up a mean barbecue, and watch cricket on TV!
6. Christmas Decorations 🐨
Aussies love Christmas decorations just as much as anyone else! Look out for the fun festive decorations featuring koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and even kookaburras wearing Santa hats!
7. Mango & Pavlova for Dessert 🥭
So, you’ve finished the classic BBQ and will now be served a yummy pavlova for dessert. Pavlova is a traditional Christmas Day dessert that is light and sweet. It’s a large meringue-based dessert topped with seasonal summer fruits like mango and often has cream on top! Tuck in…
8. Outdoor Movies 📽️
Do you love watching Christmas films? What about watching them outdoors? Most cities host outdoor cinemas for the summer and will play the classic festive films for you and your friends or family to watch. Bring a picnic, get comfy and enjoy the show!
And that’s a (festive) wrap on how Australia celebrates Christmas! Sounds like a bundle of fun, right? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate this stunning destination. Read our Ultimate Guide to the Australian Working Visa to learn more about how you can make the big move in time for Christmas. Or, check out our Australia trips to experience the Aussie Christmas now whilst there’s still time!
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