Christmas in Australia: Everything You Need To Know

Curious about how Australians celebrate Christmas? You’re in the right place.

While a sunny Christmas might seem strange if you’re used to snow, I’ll show you how Aussies do it uniquely.

After spending several Christmases across Australia, I can tell you it’s a celebration like no other—think beach barbecues, cricket matches, and plenty of sun.

Whether you’re an Aussie exploring new states or an international traveller after a different holiday experience, this guide covers you.

Let’s dive in and discover what makes Christmas in Australia so special.

🔍 Table of Contents

Australian Christmas Traditions and Custom

Aussie Xmas combines traditions and summer vibes, giving the holiday a distinctly Aussie feel.

Here are some of the top traditions you’ll find down under:

✅ Summer Celebrations

With Christmas falling in the middle of summer, Aussies take full advantage of the sunshine.

✅ Beach Visits and Barbecues

Instead of snow, you’ll find families and friends at the beach, enjoying barbecues with seafood, cold meats, and fresh salads.

It’s all about relaxed outdoor gatherings under the sun.

✅ Surfing Santa

It’s not unusual to spot Santas in board shorts catching waves on Christmas morning. It’s a fun Aussie twist on the usual image of Santa.

✅ Festive Feasts

🎄Christmas Lunch

The big Christmas meal usually happens at lunch on December 25th, with a spread that often includes:

Prawns and seafood
Christmas ham
Roast turkey or chicken
Salads and fresh fruits like cherries, mangoes, and peaches
Traditional desserts such as Christmas pudding, pavlova, and trifle

✅ Boxing Day Barbecues

The celebrations don’t end on Christmas Day. On December 26th, many Aussies fire up the barbecue again, keeping the festive mood going with more outdoor feasts and good company.

✅ Sporting Traditions

🎄Boxing Day Test Match

Cricket is special in Australian Christmas traditions, with the Boxing Day Test cricket match being a highlight.

Families and friends either gather to watch on TV or head to the stadium to soak in the festive atmosphere.

✅ Community Events

🎄Carols by Candlelight

Outdoor carol concerts are a cherished part of Christmas in Australia. Singing carols under the stars, lit by candles, brings communities together.

Melbourne’s Carols by Candlelight is the most well-known and broadcast nationwide.

🎄Christmas Pageants and Light Displays

From dazzling light displays to lively Christmas pageants, cities and towns transform into festive hubs. These events bring streets to life with colour and cheer.

House decorated with a variety of Christmas lights and decorations for the festive season of Christmas in Australia.

✅ Gift-Giving Traditions

🎄Kris Kringle

“Kris Kringle,” or Secret Santa, is a fun way Aussies exchange gifts. With an added element of mystery, it’s a festive tradition that keeps everyone guessing.

🎄Christmas Eve Preparations

On Christmas Eve, children leave snacks for Santa and carrots for his reindeer, keeping the magic alive with a sprinkle of anticipation.

✅ Decorations

🎄Christmas Bush

The native Australian Christmas Bush, with its striking red flowers, often takes centre stage in festive decorations.

Its vibrant colours add a uniquely Australian touch to homes during the holiday season.

Christmas in New South Wales

Christmas in New South Wales offers a mix of sunny beach days, festive markets, and unique Aussie traditions that make the holiday season unforgettable:

✅ City of Sydney Christmas Events

The City of Sydney turns the central business district into a festive wonderland with stunning decorations and events:

Martin Place Christmas Tree: The tallest in New South Wales, this tree is decked out with over 110,000 LED lights, a 3.4-metre colour-changing star, and 15,000 flowers inspired by native Australian flora.

QVB and Woolworths Building Light Displays: These iconic buildings shine brightly with dazzling displays that capture the festive spirit.

Barangaroo Bells: Three giant interactive Christmas bells double as swings. They light up and ring as you play, adding a playful touch to the celebrations.

✅ St Mary’s Cathedral Lights of Christmas

The Lights of Christmas at St Mary’s Cathedral is a cherished tradition that transforms the iconic facade into a mesmerising display of light projections.

Crowds of people on the forecourt of St Mary's Cathedral Sydney CBD watch and enjoy the Christmas lights display. Madonna and Child one of the many visions on display on the church building sandstone facade at Christmas time.

The event offers more than just a visual spectacle, with Christmas market stalls, live entertainment, and food vendors creating a festive atmosphere.

When: 14-25 December 2024, from 5:30 to 10:30 PM daily.

✅ Sydney Santa Spectacular

The Sydney Santa Spectacular at Blacktown Showground is a festive extravaganza with holiday fun.

Wander through the Enchanted Forest, enjoy thrilling circus performances, visit the adorable petting farm, and hop on exciting carnival rides.

With food trucks serving up delicious treats, there’s something for everyone.

When: 12-26 December 2024, from 12 PM to 3 PM.

✅ Carriageworks Christmas Market

The Carriageworks Christmas Market is a one-day festive celebration perfect for picking up last-minute holiday goodies.

With over 100 stallholders, including farmers market favourites and special guest vendors, it’s the place to find gourmet food, unique gifts, and speciality ingredients.

Live music adds to the festive atmosphere, making it a delightful way to embrace the holiday spirit.

When: Saturday, 21 December 2024, from 8 AM to 3 PM.

✅ Woolworths Carols in the Domain

The 42nd annual Woolworths Carols in the Domain is a star-studded Christmas tradition. Enjoy live performances by some of Australia’s best talents in a magical setting.

For a more exclusive experience, choose from Premier Reserved or TinselTown seating options.

The event is also broadcast live on Channel 7 and 7plus, bringing the festive cheer to homes nationwide.

When: Saturday, 21 December 2024, from 1 PM to 11 PM.

✅ Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular

The Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular is a must-see event in the Hunter Valley region.

This dazzling display features millions of twinkling lights spread across themed gardens, creating a magical festive experience for visitors of all ages.

✅ Central Coast Christmas Events

The Central Coast offers a variety of festive events to enjoy during the holiday season:

Christmas Markets: Featuring over 160 stalls, these markets are perfect for finding unique gifts and seasonal treats.

Live Music and Food Vendors: Enjoy live performances from various vendors while exploring international food options.

Kids’ Entertainment and Santa Appearances: A free kids’ entertainment area and special visits from Santa make it a family-friendly celebration.

✅ Cowra Christmas Festival

The Cowra Christmas Festival brings the community together for a joyful evening on the main street of Cowra.

It’s a festive way to kick off the holiday season with local vendors, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

When: Friday, 6 December 2024, from 6 PM to 9 PM.

✅ Parkes Christmas Parade & Carnival

The Parkes Christmas Parade & Carnival fills the town with holiday cheer.

Watch the vibrant Christmas parade wind through the streets, then head to Cooke Park for a lively carnival featuring local market stalls and live entertainment.

When: Friday, 6 December 2024, starting at 6 PM.

✅ Additional Notable Events

🎄 Australian Chamber Orchestra presents The Nutcracker

A delightful, family-friendly adaptation of the classic tale, blending live classical music with enchanting ballet performances.

🎄Taronga Christmas Concert

Set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour, this magical evening at Taronga Zoo features live entertainment and festive cheer.

🎄 The Christmas Portal

An immersive Christmas wonderland in Alexandria, offering interactive themed areas and activities perfect for all ages.

🎄 High Tea with Santa

Enjoy a festive high tea experience at iconic venues like the QVB Tea Room or David Jones’ Elizabeth Street store, complete with a visit from Santa.

Christmas in South Australia

✅ Adelaide’s Christmas Festival

Adelaide transforms into a festive wonderland during its annual Christmas Festival, bringing holiday cheer to the city’s heart.

The Santa Course: This interactive adventure invites participants to help Santa with his Christmas tasks by finding 10 Santas and completing secret side quests scattered throughout the city.

Giant Christmas Tree: Standing 25 metres tall in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, this stunning tree features a mesmerising light display that runs nightly from 8:30 PM to 2:30 AM.

City Decorations: Adelaide’s streets come alive with festive touches, including 5,000 red and white blooming petunias, inflatable Santas on North Terrace, and sparkling displays throughout Rundle Mall.

✅ National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant

A cherished Adelaide tradition, the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant lights up the city with magic and joy.

Held annually on the second Saturday of November, this free event features whimsical fantasy and fairy tale floats, over 200 cheerful clowns, colourful characters, and lively bands and dancers that fill the streets with festive spirit.

✅ Santa’s Wonderland

From 29 November to 24 December 2024, Santa’s Wonderland at the Adelaide Showground is a festive dream come true.

It’s perfect for families with unlimited rides, ice skating, and jumping castles.

The 10-stop Christmas activity trail adds even more fun, offering craft activities to ignite holiday creativity.

✅ Lights of Lobethal Festival

The Lights of Lobethal Festival, running from 7 to 22 December 2024, is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest community Christmas light display.

The entire town shines with dazzling light installations, complemented by local markets, festive stalls, and a mix of traditional and reimagined Christmas events, making it a must-visit celebration.

✅ St John Carols by Candlelight

Set for Saturday, 14 December 2024, at Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama, St John Carols by Candlelight is a free evening of festive entertainment.

Enjoy a lineup of talented performers, pre-show activities, interactive games, and plenty of food stalls to keep everyone in the holiday spirit.

✅ Christmas Spectacular at Her Majesty’s Theatre

Celebrate the magic of Christmas with this dazzling show at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Featuring performances by Prinnie Stevens, a finalist from The Voice, the event also includes tributes to the Radio City Rockettes and The Nutcracker.

The mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas songs, circus, dance, and magic makes this a truly spectacular event.

✅ Enchanted Christmas at Adelaide Convention Centre

On 13 and 14 December, 2024, the Adelaide Convention Centre hosts Enchanted Christmas, a magical evening featuring a three-course dinner crafted from South Australian produce.

The event includes live performances by Paulini and the party band The Cast, paired with all-inclusive South Australian beverages for a festive dining experience.

✅ Other Notable Events

Christmas at the Mortlock: The State Library transforms into a festive haven with Adelaide’s tallest indoor Christmas tree (7 metres) and various Christmas activities.
Civic Park Carols: Held in Tea Tree Gully, this community event features performances by local artists and a festive atmosphere perfect for families.

Christmas in Victoria

✅ Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland

Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland is a magical walk-through experience packed with festive fun.

Highlights include a giant inflatable ball pit, Santa photo opportunities, and craft villages where kids can dive into creative Christmas activities.

With food options, rides, and live entertainment, it’s a fantastic day out for families.

From 29 November to 24 December 2024, this event brings the Christmas spirit to life.

✅ Melbourne’s Christmas Festival

Melbourne transforms into a festive wonderland with an exciting lineup of activities and attractions for the holiday season.

Beautiful Christmas in Australia Tree Decoration in the city of Melbourne Australia.

Christmas Square at Federation Square: The centrepiece is a 17.5-metre LED Christmas tree, dazzling with nightly sound and light shows.

Visitors can enjoy live choir performances, gift wrapping, and Santa’s Workshop for festive fun.

City Decorations: Iconic landmarks shine with stunning light projections, while Bourke Street Mall sparkles with twinkling lights and giant baubles, adding a magical touch to Melbourne’s vibrant shopping district.

Myer Christmas Windows: A Melbourne favourite, the Myer Christmas Windows return with intricate displays that bring festive stories to life.

In 2024, the windows will feature a Bluey-themed Christmas display with interactive zones and character meet-and-greet opportunities.

Christmas Carnival: Set along the Yarra River, the carnival offers thrilling rides, classic carnival games, and festive food stalls, making it a must-visit spot for holiday fun.

✅ Crown Christmas River Show

Experience the magic of the Crown Christmas River Show on the Yarra River. This spectacular display combines water, lasers, and lights, set to a festive soundtrack.

The show runs every 15 minutes each night, creating a mesmerising holiday atmosphere.

✅ Carols by Candlelight

Held on Christmas Eve at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Carols by Candlelight is one of Melbourne’s most iconic holiday events.

Sing along to Christmas carols under the stars while enjoying live performances.

All proceeds from the event support Vision Australia, making it a festive night with a meaningful impact.

✅ Christmas Markets and Shopping

🎄Queen Victoria Market Christmas Night Market
The Queen Victoria Market transforms into a festive hub on selected December nights.

In this lively holiday setting, you can browse delicious food stalls, enjoy live entertainment, and shop for unique artisan gifts.

🎄Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show Christmas Market
This market offers a chance to pick up locally made gifts, crafts, and festive treats, making it an ideal spot for holiday shopping while supporting local artisans.

✅ Christmas Activities

🎄ArtVo Christmas Wonderland
Step into a world of festive magic at ArtVo Christmas Wonderland. This immersive art gallery features interactive 3D murals where visitors can become part of enchanting Christmas scenes, perfect for unique holiday photos.

🎄O’Brien Icehouse
Enjoy ice skating in a winter wonderland at O’Brien Icehouse. With Christmas tunes playing and themed decorations, it’s a festive way to glide into the holiday spirit.

🎄Melbourne Zoo’s Christmas Trail
Explore Melbourne Zoo’s Christmas Trail, a family-friendly event blending holiday fun with wildlife adventures.

Kids can meet Santa in his special grotto while enjoying festive activities and encounters with the zoo’s animal residents.

✅ Regional Victoria Events

🎄Frankston’s Christmas Festival
Frankston’s Christmas Festival is a free, family-friendly event packed with holiday cheer.

Scheduled for Saturday, 30 November 2024, it features European-style Christmas markets, The Looney Tunes Christmas Extravaganza live stage show, a festive Christmas parade, and the Christmas tree lighting followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

🎄New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Melbourne
Melbourne ends the festive season with dazzling New Year’s Eve events:

New Year’s Eve Midnight Fireworks Cruise: Experience front-row views of Melbourne’s iconic fireworks display from the Yarra River, complete with gourmet dining options for a memorable celebration.

Christmas in Queensland

✅ Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols

The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols is a heartwarming celebration filled with music and festive cheer.

Featuring performances by talented Australian artists and a special visit from Santa, this event brings the community together to share the joy of the holiday season.

✅ Toowoomba Christmas Wonderland

The Toowoomba Christmas Wonderland is a beloved annual Queens Park Botanic Gardens charity event.

Perfect for families, it features enchanting Christmas lights, live performances, and festive activities, all while supporting local charities.

When: 7-23 December 2024, from 7 PM to 10 PM daily (7 PM to 9 PM on Christmas Eve).
Where: Botanic Gardens, Lindsay St, Toowoomba.
Cost: Gold coin donation or ‘Tap & Go’ payment at entry points.

Highlights:

Stunning traditional Christmas light displays.
Performances by local and roving entertainers.
BBQs, raffles, and glowing products to enjoy.
Entertainment and activities for the whole family.

Donations raised go to organisations like the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, The Toowoomba Hospice, Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland, making it a festive event that gives back to the community.

✅ Brisbane Events

🎄The Collective Markets Christmas Edition
Explore a festive wonderland at the Collective Markets’ Christmas Edition at Stanley Street Plaza in South Bank.

Stalls adorned with fairy lights offer a variety of traditional Christmas products, including decorations, gifts, cards, toys, clothing, and delicious food.

When: 14-22 December 2024, from 10 AM to 9 PM.
Where: Stanley Street Plaza, South Bank, Brisbane.
Cost: Free entry.

✅ Bridgeman Christmas Lights Festival 2024

This dazzling event at Bridgeman Baptist Community Church offers festive fun with a Christmas Show running multiple times each evening and a live retelling of the Bethlehem Story.

Highlights include a Tunnel of Light with over 50,000 LEDs, food stalls, and boutique markets.

When: 11-13 December 2024, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM.
Where: Bridgeman Baptist Community Church, Bridgeman Downs.
Cost: Not specified, likely free.

✅ Jingle All the Bay

Jingle All the Bay brings Christmas cheer to Brighton Street in Sandgate with a lively street parade, markets, and a Santa Claus visit. Activities include live entertainment, kids’ workshops, photo booths, amusements, and rides like a train ride and an animal farm.

When: Date not specified, from 3 PM to 9 PM.
Where: Brighton Street, Sandgate.
Cost: Free.

✅ Moggill Twilight Christmas Markets

The Moggill Twilight Christmas Markets offer a relaxed, family-friendly festive experience.

Featuring food vendors, a visit from Santa, and stalls showcasing local small businesses and arts and crafts, it’s a great place to support the community while enjoying holiday cheer.

When: Date not specified, 3 PM to 7 PM.
Where: Moggill Markets, Moggill.
Cost: Not specified, likely free entry.

✅ Nundah Christmas Twilight Markets

The Nundah Christmas Twilight Markets create a festive atmosphere filled with holiday treats and cheerful vibes. Browse through a variety of market stalls while enjoying the seasonal charm of this evening event.

When: Date not specified, 4 PM to 10 PM.
Where: Nundah Market, Nundah.
Cost: Not specified, likely free entry.

✅ Portside Christmas Markets

Set along the picturesque Brisbane River, the Portside Christmas Markets offer a curated selection of stalls featuring local businesses, live music, and a festive atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for riverside shopping and soaking in the holiday spirit.

When: Date not specified, 3 PM to 7 PM.
Where: Portside Wharf, Hamilton.
Cost: Not specified, likely free entry.

✅ Gold Coast Events

Surfers Paradise Christmas Twilight Market

Set along the stunning Surfers Paradise Foreshore, this festive twilight market offers a magical beachside Christmas experience.

With over 100 market stalls, live music, and kids’ activities, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy spectacular Christmas decorations while soaking up the coastal vibes.

When: 14 December 2024, from 4 PM to 9 PM.
Where: Surfers Paradise Foreshore.
Cost: Not specified, likely free entry.

Christmas in Western Australia

✅ Perth Christmas Pageant

The Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant is a cherished annual event in Perth, bringing festive cheer to the city’s streets.

This year, the pageant returns to its traditional route along St. Georges Terrace on Saturday, 7 December 2024, from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

The parade features a vibrant array of colourful floats, marching bands, and beloved Christmas characters, creating a magical atmosphere for families and spectators.

As a highlight of Western Australia’s festive season, the pageant embodies Christmas’s community spirit and joy.

✅ Perth City Christmas Festival

Perth’s city centre comes alive during the festive season, transforming into a magical Christmas wonderland with plenty to explore and enjoy.

Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail: Running from 22 November 2024 to 1 January 2025, this dazzling trail features 20 stunning light installations across Perth City and Northbridge.
Christmas Markets:
- Brookfield Place Christmas Markets: From 19 to 21 November 2024, discover artisan and specialty stalls offering unique festive finds.
- Perth Makers Market – Christmas Twilight: Held on 29 November 2024 at Supreme Court Gardens, this market showcases locally handcrafted treasures perfect for holiday gifting.

✅ Special Events

🎄Snowflakes in Yagan Square
From 22 November 2024 to 1 January 2025, enjoy nightly snowflake projections in Yagan Square from 7:30 to 8:30 PM.

🎄Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair
A festive carnival at Elizabeth Quay featuring rides, delicious food, and a lively Christmas atmosphere.

🎄Santa Claus at Council House
You can meet Santa at Council House from 5 PM until late on 6-7 December and 13-24 December 2024.

🎄Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant
On 7 December 2024, St Georges Terrace hosts a vibrant Christmas pageant with colourful floats and festive cheer.

🎄Brass on the Grass
On 8 December 2024, enjoy a relaxing evening at Victoria Gardens with the City of Perth Brass Band.

🎄Lotterywest Christmas Spectacular
This event, held at Perth Town Hall on 14 December 2024, featured a stunning West Australian Symphony Orchestra performance.

🎄Carols in the City
Join the festive singalong at Supreme Court Gardens on 21 December 2024.

🎄Christmas Nativity Concert
A magical retelling of the nativity story through music and performance at Forrest Place on 22-23 December 2024.

✅ Regional Events

🎄Mandurah Christmas Celebrations

Mandurah Christmas Lights Trail: From 29 November 2024 to 5 January 2025, explore 30 dazzling light installations around Mandurah.

Mandurah Christmas Pageant: The streets of Mandurah come alive on 29 November 2024 with a vibrant Christmas pageant.

Mandurah Cruises Christmas Lights Cruise: A festive boat tour through the illuminated canals, capturing the magic of Mandurah’s Christmas lights.

Mandurah Christmas Twilight Markets: Held at Smart Street Mall, this market offers unique gifts and holiday treats in a lively setting.

✅ Other Regional Events

🎄Hamersley Carols Under the Gum Trees
Celebrate the end of the school year and the festive season at this community event in Hamersley.

Enjoy carol singing, family-friendly activities, and a joyful atmosphere under the gum trees.

🎄Perth Hills Artisan Christmas Markets
Explore the largest indoor Christmas market in the Perth Hills. This market features an array of local artisans selling handcrafted gifts, gourmet foods, and unique treasures.

✅ Festive Dining and Entertainment

🎄Gin School at Republic
Participate in a festive gin-making experience, crafting your unique blend to enjoy during the holiday season.

🎄Festive Long Lunch at Duxton Hotel Perth
Indulge in a traditional festive buffet lunch at Firewater Grille, offering a delightful spread of holiday favourites.

🎄Duxton Christmas Dinner Dance
Celebrate with colleagues, family, and friends at this festive dinner dance featuring delicious cuisine and lively entertainment.

🎄Big A$! Xmas Party
Join the Christmas party at the Lakeview Function Centre, offering a fun-filled evening of festivities.

🎄Christmas Around the Hearth
Enjoy special Christmas Eve menus, providing a warm and festive dining experience.

🎄A Celtic Christmas
Experience a festive celebration of Celtic music and culture, bringing traditional tunes and dances to the holiday season.

🎄Handel’s Messiah
Attend a performance of the classic oratorio, capturing the spirit of Christmas through timeless music.

✅ Family-Friendly Activities

🎄Christmas at Lakeside Joondalup
Enjoy family-oriented Christmas activities, including festive workshops, entertainment, and holiday displays.

🎄Tiny Treasures Christmas Art Sale
Discover unique, locally-made gifts at this art sale, which is perfect for finding special presents for loved ones.

Christmas in Tasmania

Tasmania celebrates the festive season with various unique events and activities in 2024.

✅ George Town Christmas Carnival

Themed “Aussie Christmas,” the George Town Christmas Carnival brings festive cheer to Macquarie Street on Friday, 6 December 2024, from 3 PM to 8 PM.

Highlights:

A Christmas parade featuring Australian-themed floats and costumes, starting at 5:30 PM (float marshalling at 4:45 PM at the George Town Fire Station).
Live music performances with Aussie hits.
Christmas carols, including beloved Australian favourites.
Food and market stalls offering local flavours and crafts.
Family-friendly activities, games, and photos with Santa.

✅ Hobart Christmas Events

Hobart lights up for the holiday season with festive events and activities that unite the community.

🎄Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant
On Saturday, 23 November 2024, Hobart’s streets come alive from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM with over 40 festive floats, energetic dancers, marching bands, and special appearances by Bluey and the Tasmania JackJumpers.

🎄Hello Christmas, Hello Hobart Window Display
From 23 November to 15 December 2024, enjoy a festive walking trail featuring creatively decorated shop windows, perfect for adding a touch of holiday magic to your city stroll.

🎄Christmas Tree Lighting
On Friday, 29 November 2024, Hobart’s largest Christmas tree will be illuminated in a heartwarming event with carol singers spreading festive cheer.

🎄Free Christmas Bus Service
From 9 to 24 December 2024, a free bus loop will run Monday to Saturday, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, making holiday shopping in the city easier and stress-free.

✅ Launceston Christmas in the City

Launceston’s annual Christmas in the City – Lighting of the Tree brings festive joy to the Brisbane Street Mall.

Date: Friday, 29 November 2024
Time: 6 PM to 9 PM
Highlights: Kids’ activities, face painting, live music, a special visit from Santa Claus, and the grand Christmas tree lighting at approximately 8:30 PM.

✅ Other Notable Events

🎄Twilight Christmas Market at Mount Gnomon Farm
On Monday, 23 December 2024, this free community market offers a festive experience at one of Tasmania’s picturesque farms, complete with unique local goods and holiday cheer.

🎄Burnie Christmas Parade
Organised by SeaFM Burnie, this lively event includes a festive parade and a Christmas market in the CBD. Registration for participants closes on 20 November 2024.

🎄Christmas Buffet Lunches and Dinners
Hobart venues such as Crowne Plaza and Mr Good Guy will offer special Christmas meals on 25 December 2024, providing a festive dining experience for families and friends.

🎄A Cappella Christmas
On 6 December 2024, St. David’s Cathedral in Hobart hosts a magical evening of a cappella performances to celebrate the season.

🎄Bach’s Christmas Oratorio
The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra presents Bach’s Christmas Oratorio on 7 December 2024 at the Federation Concert Hall in Hobart, bringing classical holiday music to life.

Christmas in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory combines tropical warmth with festive cheer for Christmas celebrations in 2024, offering unique events and activities across the region.

✅ Darwin Christmas Events

🎄A Very Darwin Christmas Pageant

Date: Saturday, 16 November 2024
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Darwin CBD
Highlights: Christmas-themed floats parade through the city centre, with dance and musical performances, a visit from Santa, and free entry for everyone.

🎄Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Date: Saturday, 16 November 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Smith Street Mall, Darwin
Event: The Lord Mayor officially lights Darwin’s Christmas tree, marking the beginning of the festive season.

🎄Santa’s Village

Dates and Locations:
- Nightcliff Library: 21–23 November
- Karama Library: 28–30 November
- Casuarina Library: 5–7 December
- Galleria, The Mall, Darwin: 9–21 December
Features: Meet Santa, snap a festive photo, and enjoy holiday-themed activities designed for kids.

✅ Elf on the Shelf Competition

From 21 November to 21 December 2024, Darwin Libraries invite you to join the fun in their Elf on the Shelf Competition. Search for the mischievous elf hidden in each library for a festive and interactive holiday challenge.

✅ Casuarina Christmas Pool Party

Dive into the festive spirit at the Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre on Saturday, 23 November 2024, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

Highlights:

A special visit from Santa.
Fun Bus activities and a petting zoo.
DJ and live performances create a lively atmosphere.
Free treats, including a sausage sizzle, cake, and icy poles.

✅ Santa’s Fun on Wheels

Join in on the action-packed Santa’s Fun on Wheels event at the Nightcliff foreshore and pool on Saturday, 14 December 2024, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Activities:

A bike, scooter, or skating ride along the foreshore for all ages.
Free entry to the Nightcliff pool from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM for a refreshing splash after the ride.

✅ Liquid Light – Christmas Wonderland

Dates: 30 November – 25 December 2024
Location: Darwin Waterfront
Highlights: Spectacular light displays create a magical atmosphere perfect for families, with free entry for all.

✅ City of Darwin Carols by Candlelight

Date: Sunday, 1 December 2024
Location: George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
Highlights: Enjoy live carol performances, a vibrant community gathering, and festive food stalls under the stars.

✅ Alice Springs Christmas Events

🎄Alice Springs Christmas Show

Celebrate the festive season at the Alice Springs Christmas Show on Saturday, 23 November 2024. This family-friendly event brings the community together with various activities and festive fun.

Highlights:

Water play to beat the heat.
Free icy poles to keep everyone cool.
Photos with Santa for a special holiday keepsake.
The Duck Cup charity fundraiser supporting a great cause.
Christmas market stalls offering unique gifts and treats.
Rumball Hall competitions add a playful twist to the celebrations.

Christmas in ACT

The ACT embraces the festive season with markets, performances, and concerts that bring the holiday spirit to life.

✅ Christmas Markets and Shopping Events

Geek Markets Xmas Edition: Held on 30 November 2024 at Exhibition Park in Canberra, this market is perfect for unique, geeky gifts.

Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar: Discover Scandinavian-inspired Christmas goods and traditions on 24 November 2024 at Albert Hall.

Christmas Markets at Brindabella Business Park: Browse holiday treasures on 28 November 2024 in this bustling Canberra business hub.

The Handmade Market: From 13-15 December 2024, at Exhibition Park, you can shop from over 260 Australian-made small businesses offering handcrafted gifts and goods.

✅ Festive Performances and Concerts

The Christmas Spectacular: From 9 to 10 December 2024, this event combines music, circus, dance, and magic in a lively celebration of Christmas (venue details to be announced).

Candlelight Holiday Special—Christmas Classics: On 20 December 2024, enjoy an intimate concert featuring timeless holiday classics at the National Gallery of Australia.

Candlelight Holiday Special—Christmas Movie Soundtracks: On 20 December 2024, the National Gallery of Australia will host this event, which will showcase iconic Christmas film soundtracks in a candlelit setting.

✅ Community Events and Carols

🎄Christmas Paws Party
Celebrate with your furry friends at the Christmas Paws Party on 24 November 2024 at Haig Park, Canberra.

🎄Santa’s Arrival
Santa makes his grand entrance at Majura Park Shopping Centre on 23 November 2024, spreading festive cheer for all ages.

🎄Molonglo Valley Christmas Carols
Join a heartwarming evening of carols on 7 December 2024 at Charles Weston School in Coombs, Canberra.

✅ Christmas Dining Experiences

Christmas Lunch 2024: Enjoy a festive feast on 25 December 2024 at 13 Gladstone St.

Christmas Day Lunch at Restaurant Two14: Celebrate Christmas Day with a special lunch at this Canberra venue.

Christmas Lunch at Midnight Hotel: On 22 December 2024, indulge in a festive lunch at Braddon Merchant.

✅ Family-Friendly Activities

Kids Mischievous Christmas Self-Portrait Workshop: This playful art session will help you get creative on 23 December 2024 at 13 Edgar St.

Kids Papercraft Christmas Workshop: On 23 December 2024, at 13 Edgar St, kids can craft their own Christmas treasures.

Santa’s Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast with Santa at Marketplace Gungahlin on 7 December 2024, with additional festive fun dates available.

✅ Special Events

🎄2024 Savoy Dance Christmas Party
Put on your dancing shoes for the Savoy Dance Christmas Party on 13 December 2024 at All Saints Church, Canberra. It will be a festive evening filled with music and celebration.

🎄Comedy Club Christmas Special
Laugh the night away at the Comedy Club Christmas Special on 18 December 2024 at Fun Time Pony, Canberra. A festive lineup of comedians guarantees a joyful evening.

🎄FWA Christmas Party 2024 – Canberra
Celebrate the season with the FWA Christmas Party on 5 December 2024 at the Canberra Innovation Network—ScaleUp Hub, which will bring together the city’s festive and innovative spirit.

Final Thoughts

Aussie Christmas is a magical experience filled with unique traditions, festive markets, dazzling light displays, and unforgettable events that unite communities.

Whether you’re planning a tropical celebration in the Northern Territory, exploring Tasmania’s cosy charm, or enjoying the vibrant festivities in New South Wales, there’s something special waiting for everyone.

Ready to uncover more holiday inspiration? Don’t miss out—check out my other Christmas posts here: