An Australian Christmas is full of sunshine, barbecues and beach parties

In Australia, Christmas comes towards the beginning of the summer holidays!

Children have summer holidays from mid-December to early February, so some people might camp at Christmas.

Because it’s so hot at Christmas time in Australia, there are quite often massive bushfires across the country. Many volunteer bushfire fighters are involved in saving people and property and travel from all over Australia to help in other states.

When is Christmas celebrated in Australia?

Christmas in Australia starts on December 24, which is a public holiday. The first day of Christmas is December 25, when children unwrap their presents in the morning. It is similar in Britain, America, and Canada, where Australia and New Zealand have adopted many customs and traditions.

Overview of major Australian public holidays

Christmas Eve

Many families sit down for Christmas dinner on December 24, similar to what we are used to in Europe. In the same way, many people in Australia, instead of dinner, hold a festive Christmas lunch until the next day, i.e., December 25. On the morning of this day, children also unwrap presents, which will appear in stockings or under the tree overnight from December 24 to 25. You can read more about who is said to be carrying gifts in Australia.

The first holiday of Christmas

As mentioned here, December 25th begins with unwrapping presents. People celebrate this day with family and friends; they organize an outdoor barbecue, and the festive lunch usually takes place on terraces and gardens. When it gets dark in the evening, they light candles outside and sing carols together.

Boxing Day

In Australia, Boxing Day is observed on the second day of Christmas. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with boxing. The name comes from the English word “box,” a container for holding things. Traditionally, this day is marked by giving financial donations to the needy in a box. Giving gifts to the poor, servants, and merchants is also common. Employers give their employees gifts in a box as well. In the 21st century, sports activities have been added to the traditional way of spending the day. Cricket is the most popular sport in Australia.

Proclamation Day

This day falls on December 28 but is not related to Christmas. This is an Australian national holiday commemorating the establishment of the British colony – South Australia.

Australian Christmas traditions and customs

Australia has adopted most Christmas traditions and customs from Britain, America, and Canada. Due to the tropical weather during Christmas, there have been some adjustments, especially regarding hot food. Christmas celebrations usually take place outside in the gardens by the pool, by the barbecue, on the terraces, or even on the beaches. So if you want to spend Christmas warm, Australia is a great choice. Or check out other tips on where to spend Christmas by the sea.

Christmas Decorations

Of course, you will find most Christmas decorations in cities. Decorated trees and many lights are a feast for the eyes. In some areas, people even compete to see who will have the most beautiful lighting in the house. It’s a bit reminiscent of the Whos from the Grinch. But make no mistake, this is not a widespread habit. Elsewhere, they prefer natural decoration, which consists of decorated twigs and bundles of mistletoe.

Christmas Tree

In Australia, many people grow their own Christmas trees in spice boxes. The most common type of tree you’ll see here at Christmas is the fast-growing Radiata pine.

Nuytsia floribunda is also used as a Christmas tree in Western Australia. It is popular mainly because its flowering time coincides with the Christmas season. It blooms with beautiful, intensely bright flowers that are a decoration in themselves.

Sending greeting cards and postcards

One of Australia’s most popular traditions during Christmas is sending postcards and greeting cards. Postcards are cheaper than regular letters due to discounted postage. Although this custom is not as widely practiced as it used to be, it remains popular among many Australians. If you want to revive this tradition and bring joy to your loved ones, we have a selection of the best Christmas cards available.

What food is typically eaten during Christmas in Australia?

You won’t find a standard Christmas meal on an Australian table during Christmas Eve or Christmas Day lunch. Due to the hot weather, the meal’s composition varies from the traditional roast turkey. Instead, seafood and ham are usually served. Some families may still serve turkey, but if meat is served, it is generally preferred cold. It’s typical for Australians to hold outdoor barbecues with family and friends on Christmas day. Additionally, fruit, ice cream, and custard desserts are enjoyed during the holiday season. We have a recipe for a delicious cold dessert if you’re interested.

Australian “White Christmas” Recipe

In Australia, White Christmas is a dessert made of dried fruit, raisins, coconut, and other ingredients. It is easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of coconut fat
• 3 cups of puffed rice
• 1 cup of coconut
• ¾ cup of powdered sugar
• 1 cup of powdered milk
• 1/2 cup of iced cherries
• 1/2 cup sultanas
• 1/2 cup of frozen apricots
• 1/2 cup of iced pineapple

Recipe procedure:

1. Take a mold and line it with baking paper.
2. Melt coconut oil and mix with all ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Press the mixture into a mold and place it in the refrigerator.
4. Once the dessert has set, you can cut it into individual portions.

Who brings children’s presents in Australia?

Father Christmas, borrowed from Britain, deserves the gifts here. You will also regularly meet Santa Claus, who has arrived from America. He walks in light, classic clothing adapted for the warm weather. He traded reindeer for kangaroos. The local children also think about refreshing themselves while delivering gifts. In addition to cakes and cookies, they also prepare non-alcoholic beer for him.

They carry gifts under the tree or in stockings by the fireplace, specially made for gifts. It takes place at night from December 24th to December 25th, so the children can’t get to sleep with impatience so that they can unwrap their presents in the morning.

Australian Christmas carols and songs

Can you imagine people on the beach singing songs full of snow and frost in the heat of the day? It doesn’t go very well. In history, there have even been attempts to transcribe the Jingle Bells song into a slightly warmer version. Still, it hasn’t caught on, and people prefer traditional carols, even though there isn’t a single snowflake far and wide.

Aussie Jingle Bells

One of the widely observed Australian customs is singing carols in the evening. It takes place on December 25 after dark. People outside light candles and sing carols together. It is a very nice custom. Orana’s Christmas Day! (Welcome, Christmas!)

Carol of the Birds : Australian Christmas Carol sung by Bucko & Champs

Where to go for Christmas in Australia?

If you’re looking to experience Australia’s authentic Christmas atmosphere and have some fun, then you should definitely visit Santa’s Wonderland. This Christmas theme park is located in South Australia’s capital, Adelaide, and covers 8,000 square meters. It’s open from December 2nd to December 24th and offers a variety of rides, bouncy castles, maxi ice rinks, and sledding!

If you don’t feel like celebrating Christmas in the heat, see where the most beautiful Christmas is in the mountains.