Sure, Christmas is a magical winter wonderland, but have you thought about spending the festive season in Australia? From coast to coast, Christmas down under means summer sun, lazy days at the beach and yes, crabs 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 around Australia that are sure to delight you. Will bring Yuletide cheer.
Sydney: Bright lights, beachside festivals and…fish markets
Sydney certainly decks the halls – or rather its central business district – in glitter. Pitt Street Mall is decked out in lights, with buskers adding to the magical atmosphere as crowds make their way through their festive shopping. Magnificent Shows light Presented on the magnificent Gothic-Revival facade of St. Mary’s Cathedral, a choir performs carols throughout the night from December 5 to Christmas.
The countdown to Christmas is always busy, but nowhere is that more evident than at Pyrmont’s fish markets. The mecca of Sydney is full of all things during its annual run. 36 Hour Seafood Marathonwhich runs non-stop from 23rd December till 5pm on Christmas Eve. Locals flock to pick up the freshest oysters, prawns and fish for Christmas dinner, but if you’re just visiting, take it all in at the on-site restaurant while enjoying a hearty plate of fresh fish. Draw a pew from
If you’re in the mood for a weekend away from Sydney in the lead-up to Christmas, the annual light display at Hunter Valley Gardens is a fun, festive option. Drive an hour south to Wollongong to take part in the annual. Santafest On December 14 – a Santa-themed pub crawl raising money for local charities. Whether you’re an ‘early starter’ at noon or opt for the ‘traditional start’ of 4pm, Santa suits are almost mandatory.
If you’re not sure what to do on Christmas Day itself, pack a picnic and make the trek to the beach. From Palm to Bondi to Cronulla, you’ll find plenty of locals happily swimming, catching some rays or taking a post-lunch snooze.
Brisbane: Parades and a dose of Christmas culture
The Christmas parade, which makes its way through the Queen Street Mall every day from December 14 to 23, is an annual tradition in these parts, with light displays, music and the start of Merry Christmas in the sunny city. Brisbane is also a place for some cultural Christmas pursuits from the Queensland Ballet’s annual performance. Nutcracker (December 13-21), from Christmas actually – live performances of all the hits from Love Actually – and the ever-popular Christmas Beach Cinema at Southbank.
Adelaide: A taste of the festival with a European flair
If you’re visiting Adelaide, but feeling homesick for a white Christmas, Hahndorf is the country’s largest German settlement and is within easy reach of the city. This is the place to go for some Northern Hemisphere yuletide vibes, only minus the snow. The narrow streets of Hahndorf Christmas Market Traditional food stands, Christmas decoration stalls and handicrafts made by local artisans.
From Hahndorf it’s a short drive to the Adelaide Hills and the ever-popular cellar doors of the Barossa, where you’re spoiled for choice for a long delicious lunch with a festival-inspired menu. Of course, don’t forget the wine pairing.
Perth: The Place to Visit for Christmas
Christmas window shopping south to houseboats along the rivers in Mandurah – Mandugurdap Punjabi dialect. Book a canal cruise, bring drinks and snacks, then hop aboard and watch the spectacular waterfront light display as a festive playlist gets you in the spirit of the silly season.
The city also has plenty to keep you busy, including festive markets and outdoor concerts Kan amphitheater.
Melbourne: Caroling and Sweet Treats
Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a good dose of carols, and Melbourne is the place to give it well. The city’s annual Carols by Candlelight is in its 82nd year. Pack a picnic, don your reindeer ears or Santa hats and head to the Sidney Muir Music Bowl to sing your heart out at Kings Domain Gardens on Christmas Eve.
If you’re partial to a Christmas-time dessert, Melbourne Christmas Festival (from November 29) will give you plenty of opportunities to indulge your sweet tooth. Head to Collins Street to check out the mouth-watering Gingerbread Village by Epicure, where Melbourne’s top destinations serve up sweet treats.
It’s an easy tram ride from there. Sugar Republic In Fitzroy, where a pop-up world of confections to rival Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory awaits. Work your way through ten immersive scenes that make up ‘Christmasland’ – including a life-size snow globe and a pool of marshmallows. Bring your camera and an appetite!
Canberra: The capital’s Christmas markets
Australia’s capital city may be small in size, but it weighs heavily in Christmas spirit. There are plenty of markets to find and buy seasonal gifts, including Undercurrent Design Market (November 22-24) for unique local designer pieces; Canberra Christmas Market (December 7-8) for fashion, food and specialty items; And a collector’s favorite Old Bus Depot Markets every sunday.
Things are a little quieter in Canberra compared to the east coast capitals, Christmas Day places are limited so it’s important to book well in advance. this year, Marble and grain are serving up a sophisticated ‘surf and turf’-style banquet complete with sparklers (save room for the summery Bombay Alaska with strawberries and watermelon), while Ridge’s Capitol Hill is home to the traditional Christmas roast. So all the trimmings are there.
Bonus Round: Christmas Island
Did you know that Australia has its own Christmas Island? What Australia’s best-kept secret lacks in snowy landscapes and elves it makes up for in tropical forests and crystal clear waters – the perfect backdrop for the annual crab migration. Occurring every summer, the crab migration sees millions of red land crabs make their way to the ocean to breed, even blocking roads on the island in some parts. Definitely a memorable way to remember your Christmas in Australia.
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