Christmas in Australia falls around the start of the summer break. Some families may even go on a Christmastime camping trip if their kids are on summer break from school (mid-December to early February).
The heat of an Australian Christmas means large bushfires frequently break out. Many people from throughout Australia, mostly on a volunteer basis, travel to other states to fight bushfires and save lives and property.
Children eagerly await Santa’s arrival and decorate their homes, write cards to family and friends, and sing Christmas carols in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Like many other countries who celebrate Christmas, they celebrate Christmas by getting together with loved ones to open presents and feast on festive treats.
Beach Celebrations
Numerous Christmas celebrants take their celebrations into the great outdoors, whether for a day at the beach or a longer camping trip. The beach is the best place on a warm Christmas day.
Plus, roughly 80% of the population is within merely 50 kilometers of one, so why not go there to swim, surf, socialize, drink cold beer, and eat BBQ that suits the weather? On Christmas Day, Bondi Beach is among the busiest tourist spots in Sydney.
image: timeanddate.com/holidays/australia/christmas-day
Drinking Beer
It’s not a Christmas in Australia without a few cold ones. It’s the traditional “door prize” for Christmas afternoon get-togethers with loved ones and a common gift.
BBQ
Grilled seafood harvested that morning is a popular lunchtime choice in Australia. Either way, they celebrate the holiday with a roast turkey dinner, a serving of Christmas pudding, and a few bottles of beer. If it’s not too hot, many households prefer eating outside.
Festive Christmas Gatherings
It is customary to hold numerous celebrations and gatherings in the days and weeks leading up to Christmas Day.
Celebrating Christmas with friends and family is becoming increasingly common, whether at a business party or a private home get-together. As is customary, invitees should bring a dish to share and some beverages.
It’s common for Aussies to moan about putting on a few pounds over the holidays due to the countless extra calories they consume between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. The Aussies will also participate in the holiday tradition of exchanging presents and greeting cards with one another.
image: holidayswithkids.com.au/magical-places-to-spend-christmas/
Prawns
Conditions in Australia at Christmas time are perfect for indulging in a prawn feast. During Christmas, Australians spend ten times as much on prawns as they do throughout the year.
Several thousand kilograms of prawns are sold during the final few days before Christmas. If you’re staying in Sydney and want to celebrate like a local, you’ll need prawns for the barbecue.
image: realfood.tesco.com/recipes/festive-prawn-cocktail.html
Singing Carols by Candlelight
Carols by Candlelight is a significant Christmas tradition in Australia, with events happening throughout the country in the weeks preceding the holiday. All sizes of gatherings, from national conventions to little church functions, are included.
Boxing Day Test
Once a year, the Melbourne Cricket Ground hosts the Boxing Day Test (MCG) on the day after Christmas.
The Australian Cricket Team will face off against a visiting international team in what is often considered the world’s most highly awaited cricket match. It’s common for tickets to sell out months in advance.
image: theguardian.com/sport/2021/dec/25/great-escapes-and-all-time-thrillers-the-history-of-boxing-day-ashes-tests
Sydney to Hobart Yacht
The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, a major sports event, begins on December 26 in the Sydney Harbor. One of the most-watched sailing competitions in the world is also the most renowned yachting race in Australia.
image: nytimes.com/2019/12/23/sports/sydney-hobart-yacht-race.html
Go to Church
Many Aussie households spend Christmas Eve in worship, with prayers and music. In the days leading up to Christmas, Christian and Catholic churches host various services, readings, plays, and other rituals.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to Australia and were hoping to locate some family-friendly things. This guide should have provided you with a good idea of what’s happening in Australia during the holiday season.
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What is CHRISTMAS like in AUSTRALIA?
*featured top image: slowtours.com/blog/special-occasions/how-to-celebrate-a-german-christmas-in-australia
