When international visitors express their surprise at Australian life, one of the most striking revelations is how Christmas is celebrated down under. Far removed from the wintery scenes of the northern hemisphere, an Aussie Christmas boasts its own distinct flair. Here are some traditions that make this festive season in Australia truly unique.
While northern locales embrace snowballs, ice skating, and mulled wine, Australians typically experience sweltering heat during Christmas. Consequently, the celebrations take on a completely different character. You might spot a photo in the local paper featuring someone surfing in a Santa costume. Instead of eggnog, cold beers are the drink of choice, and heavy Christmas jumpers are swapped for swimsuits and singlets. Many Australian families favor a Christmas lunch over the traditional dinner, often opting for cold seafood or barbecued fare rather than roast turkey, reflecting the warmer climate.
A Different Christmas Eve Experience
The traditional Christmas Eve activities depicted in pop culture—singing carols by the fireplace, roasting chestnuts, and attending midnight mass—are quite different in Australia. Instead, many Australians spend Christmas Eve at their local pub, reconnecting with friends and family they haven’t seen in a year. This custom of gathering at the pub on Christmas Eve is a beloved tradition, filled with anticipation and excitement.
Another staple of Christmas Eve is watching “Carols by Candlelight” on television. For many, this will be one of the few times they tune into free-to-air TV since the Australian Open concluded earlier in the year. Expect to hear the question, “Who’s that?” at least ten times as local television personalities take the stage, and for added fun, there’s a playful tradition: take a drink every time a child wearing a Santa hat is shown falling asleep in the audience.
Popular Australian Christmas Carols
When it comes to festive music, Paul Kelly’s “How to Make Gravy” is widely regarded as Australia’s unofficial Christmas carol. The song references December 21st, which has affectionately been dubbed “Gravy Day” by many Australians, with Kelly often holding a concert on this date. Another notable tune is Kevin Bloody Wilson’s cheeky “Hey Santa Claus, where’s my bike,” a song that brought joy to children in the ’80s.
Dazzling Christmas Lights
Due to the heat of the season, Christmas lights can pose safety risks. Fire departments regularly issue warnings for Australians to keep their Christmas trees well-watered if they have lights on them, as dried-out pine can become highly flammable.
However, despite the risks, the Christmas lights in Sydney’s Martin Place are a sight to behold, as is the extravagant floating Christmas tree off the coast of Geelong, Victoria. Australians also take pride in adorning their homes with festive decorations. A drive through suburban streets reveals an array of impressive amateur light displays. For those looking to enjoy the best light shows, visiting the Australian Christmas light search page can guide you to the brightest neighborhoods in every city.
These traditions showcase the vibrant and sun-soaked spirit of Christmas in Australia, proving that the holiday can be celebrated in diverse and delightful ways, no matter the season.
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