Celebrate Christmas in Australia: Unique Festive Activities Await
Sure, a Christmas winter wonderland is magical, but have you thought about spending the festive season in Australia? From coast to coast, Christmas down under means summer sun, lazy days beachside, and, yes, shrimp on the barbie.
Whether you’re taking in the magical Christmas lights of Sydney’s CBD, enjoying some culture in Brisbane, or heading to Adelaide for the markets, here are the top festive activities happening around Australia that are sure to bring you yuletide cheer.
Sydney: Bright Lights, Beachside Festivities and Fish Markets
Sydney certainly decks the halls – or rather, its Central Business District – in sparkles. Pitt Street Mall is adorned in lights, with buskers adding to the magical ambience as crowds enjoy their festive shopping. Stunning light displays are projected onto the spectacular Gothic-Revival facade of St Mary’s Cathedral, where a choir performs carols nightly from 5 December until Christmas.
The countdown to Christmas is always hectic, but nowhere is this more evident than at the Fish Markets in Pyrmont. Sydney’s hub for seafood is bustling during its annual 36-hour Seafood Marathon, running non-stop from 23 December until 5pm on Christmas Eve. Locals jostle to pick up the freshest oysters, prawns, and fish for Christmas lunch. However, if you’re just visiting, settle in at one of the onsite restaurants to enjoy a hearty plate of fresh fish while soaking in the atmosphere.
If you’re seeking a weekend getaway from Sydney leading up to Christmas, visit the annual light displays at Hunter Valley Gardens. Alternatively, drive an hour south to Wollongong to participate in the annual Santafest on 14 December – a Santa-themed pub crawl raising money for local charities. Whether you’re an ‘Early Starter’ at midday or prefer the 4pm ‘Traditional Start,’ donning Santa suits is nearly mandatory.
If you’re uncertain about what to do on Christmas Day itself, pack a picnic and head for the beach. From Palm to Bondi to Cronulla, you’ll find locals merrily swimming, sunbathing, or napping post-lunch.
Brisbane: Parades and a Dose of Christmas Culture
The Christmas Parade down Queen Street Mall takes place daily from 14-23 December, becoming a holiday tradition with light displays, music, and performances to kick off a Merry ‘Brismas’ in this sunny city. Moreover, Brisbane is home to several cultural Christmas pursuits, including the Queensland Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker (13-21 December) and Christmas Actually – a live performance featuring songs from Love Actually, along with the ever-popular Christmas Beach Cinema at South Bank.
Adelaide: Festive Tastes with European Flair
If you’re visiting Adelaide and craving a taste of a traditional white Christmas, Hahndorf is the largest German settlement in Australia, conveniently located within arm’s reach of the city. This destination offers northern hemisphere holiday vibes, minus the snow. The charming lanes of the Hahndorf Christkindlmarkt are filled with traditional food stalls and vendors selling Christmas decor and locally handcrafted artisan goods.
From Hahndorf, it’s a short drive to the popular cellar doors of Adelaide Hills and the Barossa Valley, where visitors can indulge in lengthy, delicious lunches featuring festive-inspired menus. Don’t forget to pair your meal with exquisite local wines.
Perth: The Place for Christmas Cruising
Swap traditional Christmas window shopping for a scenic cruise south to the riverside houseboats of Mandurah – Mandjoogoordap in the Pinjarup dialect. Arrange a canal trip, bring your favorite drinks and snacks, then board the boat to witness the brilliant waterfront light displays accompanied by a festive playlist that keeps the holiday spirit alive.
There’s also plenty happening back in the city, including festive markets and outdoor concerts at Quarry Amphitheatre.
Melbourne: Carolling and Sweet Treats
Christmas just isn’t complete without a hearty dose of carols, and Melbourne is the perfect place to celebrate. The city’s annual Carols by Candlelight is now in its 82nd year. Pack a picnic, bring your reindeer ears or Santa hats, and head to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in the Kings Domain gardens on Christmas Eve for a night of singing and celebration.
If you have a sweet tooth, the Melbourne Christmas Festival (from 29 Nov) offers various festive treats. Head to Collins Street to discover the delightful Gingerbread Village by Epicure, where iconic Melbourne landmarks are recreated out of gingerbread.
After that, it’s just a short tram ride to Sugar Republic in Fitzroy, where a bustling pop-up confectionery world worthy of Willy Wonka awaits. Explore the ten immersive scenes that make up ‘Christmasland’ – including a life-size snow globe and a pool of marshmallows. Don’t forget to bring your camera and an appetite!
Canberra: Capital Christmas Markets
Australia’s capital may be small in size, but it overflows with Christmas spirit. There are countless markets to explore, ideal for finding seasonal souvenirs. From the Undercurrent Design Market (22-24 November) featuring unique local designs to the Canberra Christmas Market (7-8 December) focusing on fashion, food, and specialty items, you’re sure to find something special. Additionally, don’t miss the popular Old Bus Depot Markets each Sunday.
Since things are relatively quieter in Canberra compared to the east coast capitals, it’s advisable to secure your Christmas Day dining reservations well in advance. This year, Marble & Grain will provide a sophisticated ‘surf and turf’ style banquet with sparkling drinks (save room for the summery bombe Alaska infused with strawberry and watermelon). Alternatively, Rydges Capital Hill is the ideal place for a traditional Christmas roast.
Bonus Round: Christmas Island
Did you know that Australia has its very own Christmas Island? What Australia’s best kept secret lacks in frosty landscapes and elves, it makes up for in tropical forests and crystal clear waters – the perfect backdrop for the annual crab migration. Taking place each summer, millions of red land crabs migrate to the sea to breed, occasionally causing road closures on the island. This unforgettable experience is certainly a unique way to remember your Christmas in Australia.
