Christmas Traditions in Australia: Sun, Sand, and Spectacular Celebrations
Written by Kath Morris
Last updated 02/01/2026
4 min read
Christmas has a special kind of magic, but what happens when you swap the snow for sunshine? If you’re dreaming of a truly unique festive season, exploring Christmas in Australia is an absolute must! Down Under, the holiday falls right in the middle of summer, shaping wonderfully distinct Australian Christmas traditions that blend familiar cheer with a relaxed, beach-loving Aussie twist.
Let's dive into some of the incredible festive highlights - from beloved annual events, sporting challenges and culinary quirks - that showcase exactly how Australia celebrates Christmas.
The Grandest Festive Spectacles
There are countless different traditions for Christmas in Australia, but we‘ve picked our top Christmas celebrations for those planning a trip Down Under.
Adelaide Christmas Pageant
For a taste of classic festive exuberance, the Adelaide Christmas Pageant is a cornerstone of Christmas holiday traditions in Australia. Since 1933, this spectacular event has been filling the streets of South Australia's capital with joy. Over 300,000 people line the route to welcome Santa with incredible fanfare. It’s the largest parade in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring dozens of extravagant floats - from fairy tale scenes to giant gingerbread houses - alongside marching bands, dancers, and circus performers. It's an unmissable spectacle and a huge part of Christmas in Australia.
Surfing Santas
Forget sleighs; in Australia, Santa might just arrive on a surfboard! One of the most iconic traditions for Christmas in Australia involves donning a festive red suit and catching a wave. The sight of ‘Surfing Santas’ is common on Australia’s stunning beaches around Christmas time, perfectly reflecting the summer holiday vibe. In 2015, a Guinness World Record was even set at Sydney's Bondi Beach for the most Santas surfing - an impressive 320!
Carols by Candlelight
For a more traditional yet equally atmospheric celebration, Melbourne’s Carols by Candlelight is a beautiful event. For over 80 years, thousands have gathered in the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, waving candles and singing beloved Christmas carols. This iconic gathering is one of the most heartwarming Australian Christmas traditions and serves a wonderful purpose, raising funds for Vision Australia to aid blind children and children with vision loss. Broadcast across Australia, it features performances by chart-topping acts and stars of musical theatre.
The Great Aussie Feast: Christmas Down Under
When it comes to the big festive meal, Australia’s Christmas food traditions are very different from those in the Northern Hemisphere. Christmas in Australia calls for a cool, relaxed celebration, which often involves outdoor dining.
Dining on seafood
While the traditional hot turkey is still an option, the quintessential Australian Christmas dinner typically revolves around a sizzling barbecue! Forget the heavy roast; Aussies love to celebrate with mountains of fresh seafood and colourful salads. Juicy prawns, smoked salmon, delicious lobsters, and Sydney rock oysters are mainstays on the festive menu. Many places, like Rydges World Square in Sydney, offer indulgent Christmas Day seafood buffets - one of the most delicious Australian Christmas traditions.
The Sweet Ending
Despite the heat, one sweet-toothed tradition of Christmas in Australia remains consistent: the classic Christmas pudding. Served flaming and accompanied by a delicious custard, it’s the perfect, comforting finish to a traditional Australian Christmas dinner.
Boxing Day Sporting Staples
After the excitement of Christmas Day, Boxing Day offers a chance for Australians to relax and enjoy some of the country’s most iconic sporting events.
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
The Boxing Day start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is a major fixture in the Australian calendar. For over 70 years, competitors have navigated over 600 gruelling nautical miles, racing from Sydney Harbour across the Tasman Sea to Hobart. It's one of the world's most challenging and iconic ocean races and a fantastic spectacle to watch.
Boxing Day Cricket Test
Another beloved fixture is the Boxing Day Cricket Test match. Every year, a major international team faces off against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). It’s a day of world-class cricket and a perfect excuse for a relaxed day in front of the TV, grazing on Christmas leftovers.
Experience Christmas in Australia Yourself!
If you're dreaming of celebrating Christmas in Australia with sand between your toes and prawns on the grill, why not join us? Experiencing these unique Australian Christmas traditions firsthand is the perfect way to spend the holidays.
Our Christmas and New Year in Australia tour is carefully curated to cover magnificent destinations like Sydney, Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef, giving you plenty of time to explore the country’s Christmas traditions, as well as hidden gems hand-picked by us.
First published 06/12/2019
Last updated 02/01/2026
