Christmas in Australia: Customs & Traditions

Christmas in Australia holds a unique charm that attracts locals and visitors alike. While it shares some similarities with British, Irish, American, and Canadian customs, the land down under also boasts its own set of festive traditions. Due to the warm summer weather in December, typical wintery scenes make way for a more relaxed and sun-soaked celebration.

One event you’ll definitely want to join is Carols by Candlelight, held on Christmas Eve in major cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, and Canberra. This annual event gathers families and friends who sing along to their favorite carols, illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight.
Speaking of traditions, Australian Christmas dishes also have their distinctive twist. While turkey, glazed ham, and roast remain popular, a true Aussie Christmas table also features seafood barbeques and a myriad of native festive decorations. So, get ready to dive into the vibrant atmosphere and explore the captivating world of Australian Christmas traditions!
Climate Impact on Christmas
Summer in Australia brings about a unique charm to Christmas celebrations, unlike the cold and snowy winter festivities you may be used to. Down under, climate change and the rising temperatures are altering Christmas traditions in interesting ways.
You may already know that December is summer season in Australia, and temperatures can soar while you’re preparing for your Christmas celebrations. Heatwaves, bushfires and even occasional flash floods can be part of the holiday season. Fear not, though! Aussies have adapted to these challenges and let their Christmas spirit still shine through.
In the land down under, outdoor activities are a staple during these warm holidays, allowing family and friends to connect amidst the beauty of nature. Beach outings, barbecues and picnics are just a few of the ways climate shapes Christmas celebrations in Australia.
Moreover, summer in Australia provides a perfect opportunity for you to indulge in some eco-friendly practices during Christmas. The sunny weather is ideal for powering up solar Christmas lights, and reusing items like the KeepCup will not only help you reduce your impact on the environment but also support the fight against climate change.
Creativity flourishes in the heat, too! Australians have crafted their own climate-appropriate Christmas carols, replacing snowflakes and reindeer with surfing Santas and gum trees. This blend of celebration and adaptation exemplifies the resilience of the Australian Christmas spirit.
So, while you’re celebrating Christmas in Australia, embrace the unique climate and traditions that make the holiday season in the land down under such a rewarding and memorable experience.
What’s On the table

Typical Christmas Eve Dinner
On Christmas Eve in Australia, you might find yourself enjoying a hearty turkey roast, complete with all the trimmings. While the rest of the world tucks into their hot chocolate by the fireplace, remember that it’s the height of summer Down Under. Embrace the warm weather and Australian spirit by indulging in some delicious seafood like prawns or a colorful fruit platter, showcasing Australia’s famous cherries and mangoes.
Christmas Day Feast
Your Christmas Day feast in Australia will likely be an impressive spread, full of flavor and variety. The star of the show, of course, is the roast turkey and its sidekick, the mouthwatering glazed ham. But, Christmas in Australia is far from just a meat-lovers’ affair! Seafood, especially prawn plates, abounds, and vegetarian options like salads and sides are aplenty. And don’t forget dessert: treat yourself to a sweet and fluffy pavlova, topped with fresh fruit, to bring your feast to a picturesque close.
Barbecue and Outdoor Cooking
As Christmas in Australia coincides with warm weather, you’ll likely have a chance to experience some barbecue and outdoor cooking. Gather your family and friends, fire up the barbie, and embrace the Australian spirit by roasting ham, lamb, or sausages. Alternatively, try your hand at some locally-inspired dishes like shrimp on the barbie or even a whole fish. The barbecue element adds a unique twist to your traditional Christmas feast, making it a truly memorable experience.
Decorated Australia

Decorating your home is a big part of the fun during the festive season in Australia. With a little creativity and Aussie flair, you can transform your home into a Christmas wonderland Down Under. Let’s explore some of the most popular Christmas decorations used in Australia.
Australians love to have a Christmas tree as the centerpiece of their home during the holiday season. You can choose to set up a traditional pine tree or go for a more local touch with a native Australian tree like the Christmas Bush. This unique tree has small green leaves and cream flowers that turn a vibrant red by Christmas, making it a perfect natural decoration.
Apart from the tree, Australians also decorate their homes with festive ornaments showcasing their unique culture. You might spot a Santa Claus wearing flip-flops or holding a surfboard, symbolizing the warm December weather. Locally-inspired decorations, such as kangaroos, koalas, and cockatoos, are also a common sight on Christmas trees and around the house.
When it comes to lighting, Carols by Candlelight is an annual tradition where Australians gather with candles or battery-operated lights to sing Christmas carols in various cities across the country. Inspired by this event, many Australians adorn their homes with twinkling fairy lights or candles to create a magical atmosphere.
Another popular choice for Christmas decorations in Australia is the vibrant poinsettia plant. With its bold red and green leaves, poinsettias are a staple in many Aussie homes during the festive season. Don’t be surprised to see them in gardens, on balconies, or even used as table centerpieces in outdoor Christmas parties.
And let’s not forget about Christmas street parties! Australians often come together as a community to organize and decorate entire streets with fantastic lights and displays. These collective efforts add a joyful touch and a sense of unity to the holiday season. Feel free to join in and deck your front porch and yard with festive decorations that showcase your Christmas spirit.
Unique Australian Traditions

Santa Claus in Australia
In Australia, Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, ditches his traditional winter clothing for a more relaxed summer attire. Don’t be surprised if you spot him in flip-flops and shorts! Instead of reindeer, he might even ride a team of kangaroos called “Six White Boomers,” which became famous through an Australian Christmas song.
Carols by Candlelight
Carols by Candlelight is an iconic Australian tradition celebrated every Christmas Eve in major cities. Families and friends gather in parks and sing Christmas carols by candlelight, creating a magical atmosphere. It’s a great event to attend if you want to experience an Australian Christmas celebration firsthand.
Boxing Day Celebrations
Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26, is a public holiday in Australia and a big part of their Christmas festivities. People usually spend time with their families, relax on the beach, or participate in outdoor activities. It’s also known for the Boxing Day Test cricket match and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, which attract both local and international audiences.
Christmas Gifts and Giving

During the festive season in Australia, gift-giving is a special tradition that brings loved ones together. Whether it’s a thoughtful present or a simple stocking stuffer, sharing gifts is a way to show you care.
In Australia, you might find various types of gifts under the Christmas tree, from toys and gadgets to clothing and accessories. Stockings hung by the fireplace are often filled with small trinkets and treats that bring joy to everyone.
Christmas crackers add a fun touch to your gift exchanges and festive gatherings. These colorful paper tubes, containing a small toy or prize, are pulled apart by two people, making a loud bang. As part of the Australian Christmas tradition, it’s common to wear the paper crown found inside the cracker throughout the holiday meal.
When wrapping your gifts, feel free to get creative and use festive paper, ribbons, and tags. Aussies love a good laugh, so don’t be afraid to add humor to your gift-giving with funny cards or quirky presents. For instance, leaving a beer for Santa instead of milk and cookies, or dressing him up in flip-flops and board shorts.
Remember, Christmas is about the spirit of giving, and there are plenty of ways to share the joy in Australia. Even something as simple as a warm smile or a kind gesture can leave a lasting impression during this special time of year.
Outdoor Activities and Sports

Australians love to make the most of the warm climate during the festive season. One of the key elements of an Aussie Christmas is spending time outdoors, enjoying various activities and sports with families and friends.
A day at the beach is a popular way to celebrate Christmas in Australia. Families pack picnics, grab their thongs (flip-flops, that is), and head to the shore for a day of sun, surf, and sand. Swimming and surfing are common beach activities, providing a refreshing break from the summer heat.
Backyard cricket is another quintessential Australian Christmas tradition. You’ll find Aussies of all ages gathering in their backyards or nearby parks to engage in friendly matches, often followed by a swim or a barbeque. No need for fancy equipment – a bat, ball, and improvised wickets will do the job.
Christmas street parties and celebrations are common during the holiday season. Neighbors come together to share food and drinks while enjoying each other’s company. These lively events often involve games, live music, and dancing, creating a fun and festive atmosphere.
Don’t be surprised to see families heading out for a picnic during Christmas time. Whether it’s at the beach, a local park, or even in their own backyard, Australians love to dine al fresco, taking advantage of the warm weather to enjoy a festive feast in the great outdoors.
Public Celebrations and Events

One of the most cherished Christmas traditions in Australia is attending Carols by Candlelight events held across the country. On Christmas Eve, you’ll find these heartwarming gatherings taking place in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, and more.
A particularly famous event is the Carols in the Domain, which usually happens at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne. Thousands of people flock to the park with their candles, singing along to traditional carols, adding a touch of European charm to the Australian festive season.
Another beloved ceremony is held in Sydney. Known as Carols in the Domain, this massive outdoor concert attracts crowds in the thousands for an evening of joyous carol singing. And don’t worry if you’re not in Melbourne or Sydney, as you’re likely to find similar celebrations in cities throughout the country.
Of course, Christmas in Australia wouldn’t be complete without taking advantage of the warm weather. On Christmas Day, you can join the throngs of people heading to iconic Bondi Beach and other popular beaches for a swim and some fun in the sun. Be prepared to see a mix of locals and tourists, as well as the occasional Santa Claus in flip-flops!
In addition to beach activities, people often gather in parks to enjoy picnics, barbecues, and even a friendly game of cricket. And since Christmas falls during a public holiday period, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the festive atmosphere with friends and family. Remember to take public transport into consideration, as trains and buses may operate on modified schedules during the holiday season.
So, whether you’re singing carols at a candlelit event or enjoying the outdoors, there’s no shortage of wonderful Christmas traditions to experience in Australia.