One of the most well-known facts about Christmas in Australia is that the holiday falls in one of the country’s hottest months of the year. Perhaps this is why more and more Australians are choosing to celebrate Christmas in July. This month’s cooler temperatures allow them to have a more traditional celebration they cannot enjoy in the heat. But regardless of whether you are celebrating Christmas in Australia traditions in July or December, there is one thing you can be sure of – you will have an unforgettable time! To find out how it is celebrated and what you must look forward to while visiting this wonderful country during Christmas.
Top Things To Do For Christmas In Australia
Look at 14 incredibly charming things to celebrate and enjoy Christmas in Australia with your family, friends or solo. It’ll be worth the trip!
1. Blue Mountains: Enjoy A Traditional Roast
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Although many Australians still celebrate Christmas with Australian food, including a traditional roast in December, the intense heat during this time of year can make it a little tricky to truly enjoy the feast.
It would be best to head to the Blue Mountains in July for a traditional celebration with a crackling fire. You can enjoy a Yuletide experience in any of the many hotels and restaurants in the Blue Mountains. Are you looking for more options on where to spend Christmas in Australia? Read further!
Places To Visit: The Lookout restaurant, which gives you jaw-dropping views of the Three Sisters and surrounding valleys
Things To Do: Yuletide Dinner, which includes slow-cooked pork belly with local apple puree and desserts such as spiced date pudding served with cinnamon ice cream
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2. Sovereign Hill: Experience The Lights
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An open-air museum located in Ballarat, Victoria, Sovereign Hill depicts the best of Christmas in Australia decorations and the hardships of the 1850s gold rush era in Australia.
However, in July, it is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with bright lights and fake snow as part of the Christmas celebration. It would be best if you visited this place to experience the Christmas celebration in Australia in July.
Places To Visit: Main Street, where a Winter Wonderlights display is hosted every year
Things To Do: Christmas-themed performances, children’s activities and Christmas treats
3. Perth: Explore The Nightlife
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Perth is a beautiful place to celebrate Christmas in July. But if you plan to wear a Christmas jumper here in December, you will not have a pleasant time. Jumpers hold a special place for Christmas outfits in Australia, and you can have fun with them when you celebrate Christmas in Australia in July.
The city’s pubs are decked out with amazing lights and ornaments. This is one of the best places in the country to experience an Australian Christmas in summer. While you are here, explore Perth’s nightlife for a fun adventure.
Places To Visit: Durty Nelly’s, an Irish pub that hosts an annual ‘Christmas in July’ party with hot buttered rum, Guinness, and a Christmas treat which includes glazed ham with all the trimmings
Things To Do: Participate in the ‘Worst Christmas Jumper’ contest
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4. Queensland: Enjoy a Sicilian-themed Party
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Do you want to see Christmas decorations in Australia that you rarely come across? Make your way to the Ballandean Valley in Queensland, where you can enjoy a Sicilian-themed Christmas in Australia 2022 party hosted by a winery every July, which is also one of the best things to do in Queensland.
The winery, owned by the Costanzo family since 1946, ensures the event is Italian. It even includes an appearance by La Befana, the Italian Christmas witch!
Places To Visit: Golden Grove Estate Winery
Things To Do: Buon Natale show and a serenade by Tre Amici, who are local folk singers, as well as a Christmas feast that includes homemade gnocchi, Sicilian cannoli, Italian meatballs and a sample of the Golden Grove Estate winery award-winning shiraz
5. Lord Howe Island: Meet Santa
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Celebrating Christmas Day on an island may not have crossed your mind, but you must think outside the box in Australia. Sitting off the east coast of New South Wales, Lord Howe Island is one of the most popular places to celebrate the holiday in the country.
You can enjoy various special programs, traditional Australian Christmas food, and even meet Santa Claus. While you are here, learn about the traditions of Christmas in Australia for a more soul-filling experience.
Places To Visit: Christmas beach parties
Things To Do: Barbeques with fantastic food and delicious drinks
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6. Melbourne: Go On A Cruise
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If you are not in the mood to cook or clean when celebrating Christmas in Australia, make sure that you head to the tourist places in Melbourne for the festivities. The city is one of the best places to celebrate the holiday during your stay. You can relax as you enjoy Christmas Day and slowly sail past the city’s most famous sights.
Christmas in Melbourne, Australia, is one of the best experiences to have while travelling. With tons of Christmas special delicacies and fun fairs, this place creates a magical atmosphere for everyone!
Places To Visit: Melbourne’s marinas for a three-hour cruise on the Yarra River
Things To Do: Christmas lunch with all the trimmings
7. Perth: Visit Wellington Square
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Are you looking to do something meaningful this Christmas? Then Perth is the perfect place to go. You can help put up Christmas ornaments in Australia in Wellington Square and give them to those less fortunate to ensure they celebrate the festive season, too. You can also serve lunch and support those in need with other volunteers.
Places To Visit: Wellington Square to sign up for Mission Australia
Things To Do: Christmas Lunch in the Park by Mission Australia, where over 2,000 people come every year for a delicious lunch, support and friendship
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8. Sydney: Experience A 65-Year Old Boxing Day Tradition
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Have you put away the last Christmas garland in Australia? It does not mean that the holiday or the celebrations are over! Go to Sydney for the yacht race to enjoy one of the oldest Boxing Day traditions. For over 65 years, yachts have been racing from Sydney to Hobart to celebrate the end of the holiday season. You can enjoy the sun, sand and an exciting race.
Explore Sydney in December for a fantastic Australian vacation! Experience a stunning Christmas fireworks and taste all the local delicacies.
Places To Visit: Neilson Park in Sydney
Things To Do: The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, where yachts battle it out from Neilson Park to the finishing line at Hobart Derwent River
9. Australia: Check Out The Christmas Lights
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There may not be snow in Australia during the holiday season, but there are just as many lights as anywhere in the world. Australians go all out when Christmas comes and decorate stores, little shops and the streets with beautiful bright lights.
Residential areas also look fantastic, with colourful, festive lights everywhere. Make sure you take the time to check out the lights in the evening.
Places To Visit: Commercial areas where stores put up cheery Christmas lights
Things To Do: Local competitions where the best decorations and lights are chosen
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10. Melbourne: Spend Christmas in Luxury
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Are you looking to treat yourself to luxury this Christmas in Australia? Then it would be best to go to the Melbourne Hilton Hotel. The city’s hotel chain has partnered with Ugg Australia to transform rooms into virtual warm, woollen boots.
Everything is covered in sheepskin and decorated with Christmas trees and lights to add to the Christmas look and feel. While here, explore Melbourne in December for a fun advnture.
Places To Visit: The Hilton in Melbourne for a night in their Ugg Winter Wonderland room
Things To Do: A Christmas room service menu which includes slow-cooked lamb, mince pies and mulled wine
11. Gold Coast: Attend Beach Celebrations
In Australia, December is summer, and beaches are one of the best places to enjoy this season. Gold Coast has several beautiful beaches where you can celebrate a sunny Christmas.
Come down to the shorelines with your family and friends to catch the big Christmas celebrations by the beach. Several fun activities and events occur on the beaches during this time as a part of celebrations.
Places To Visit: Broadbeach, Coolangatta Beach, Burleigh Heads Beach, Currumbin Beach
Things To Do: Beach games and activities, surfing
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12. Canberra: Visit Glebe Park
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How can you miss out on the capital of Australia while talking about Australian Christmas traditions? This city has its ways of celebrating this charming festival. Glebe Park is among the best places to witness and participate in this festive excitement.
With a Christmas tree forest, huge gingerbread houses, outdoor live music, Christmas movies, and Goat Yoga, your plan for D-day is sorted. The Old Bus Depot Markets are also great for Christmas shopping in Australia. More than 200 stalls sell beautiful handicraft products, food items and wine.
Places To Visit: Glebe Park and Old Bus Depot Markets
Things To Do: Live music, Christmas tree forest, markets
13. Adelaide: Visit Santa’s Wonderland
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A cosmopolitan city in the Southern part of the country, Adelaide is no less when it comes to Christmas celebrations in Australia. One of the best places to experience the festive vibe is at Santa’s Wonderland between 6 to 24 December 2022.
This showground in the city hosts exciting activities, fun rides, ice skating, and tobogganing. There are charming Christmas displays installed here. You also get to enjoy music and other live performances.
Places To Visit: Santa’s Wonderland
Things To Do: Activities, rides, live performances
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14. Geelong: Attend Christmas Festival Of Lights 2022
Geelong is a city in Australia known for its stunning waterfront esplanade, considered one of the best places to spend Christmas. It is also one of the perfect places to be on Christmas Day.
Multi-coloured, state-of-the-art displays of fairy tale characters and scenes will spellbind you. Over 1.2 million lights illuminate this place, creating a magical effect during Christmas. There are decorated trails, shimmering bridges, and floating displays.
Places To Visit: Christmas Festival Of Lights
Things To Do: Action rides, life-size displays, decorative lights
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Christmas is celebrated with a heavy dose of excitement in all parts of the world. But Christmas in Australia is a class apart. Book a trip to Australia and indulge in these exciting ways to celebrate Christmas in Australia. Whether you are travelling solo or with your friends and family, Christmas here will surely be one of your best memories!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Australia
What is Santa Claus called in Australia?
Nowadays, most Australians call Atnas (his real name) “Santa”. At “Australia Post”, he is officially called “Santa”.
What is the most crucial holiday in Australia?
New Year’s Day, on 1 January, is one of the most important holidays in Australia, and it is celebrated with much passion and fun.
Are Australian winters cold?
Australia is generally a pretty warm place, even during the coldest times. It only bottoms out in Sydney at about 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s even warmer in northern areas, where it mostly gets less humid and rains less.
What do they eat for Christmas in Australia?
Christmas in Australia falls in the summer month. Therefore, people usually eat light food like salads and cold meats. But older people prefer traditional Christmas food like roasted meats, plum puddings, and baked vegetables.
Is Australian Christmas in summer?
Yes, Christmas is celebrated in December, a summer month in Australia.
What are the traditions of Christmas in Australia?
Australians do various things on Christmas day in the country: 1. Traditional family Christmas dinner 2. Christmas shopping at multiple markets 3. A trail through illuminated lanes 4. Attending various Christmas events.
Do Australians celebrate Christmas In July?
Christmas in July is not an official holiday in Australia. It is a cultural tradition and a way to celebrate and enjoy the festive spirit during Australian winter.
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