Travel Tips

10 Australian Christmas traditions you can only experience down under

Experience Christmas like an Aussie! From beach BBQs and surfing Santas to summer pavlova and backyard cricket, discover 10 unique Australian Christmas traditions.

I’ve been fortunate enough to spend Christmas in many parts of the world, but one of my most memorable ones was in Australia.

Christmas down under hits different. Falling in the middle of the summer, Australian Christmas traditions couldn’t be any further from the cosy, wintery celebrations most of us grew up with.

Instead of crackling fireplaces and roast dinners, you get BBQs on the beach, surfing Santas, and sunbathing sessions by the pool. It’s not Christmas as you know it, but you’ll fall in love with Australia’s version nonetheless.

Whether you’re planning to spend “Chrissy” down under or just wondering “What are some Christmas traditions in Australia?” read on. Here are 10 unique things Australians do at Christmas that you’ll fall in love with (just like I did)!

In this article

1. Beach Christmas Day BBQs

Aussies love their “barbies,” and there is no better time to head to the beach and fire up the grill than on Christmas Day.

You’ll see families gathering at beaches across the country, from Bondi to the Gold Coast to Perth, tucking into an epic festive spread of sausages and seafood.

Why do they do it?

As Christmas falls right in the middle of the Australian summer, it makes sense to enjoy the sunny weather and spend the day outside rather than being stuck inside a hot kitchen.

Travel note: Even if you’re traveling solo in Australia, you can still join the festive fun. Many hostels host Christmas Day BBQs so everyone can experience these Australian Christmas traditions together.

2. Surfing Santas

Source: Shutterstock

Many Aussies like to start their mornings with a surf, heading to the beach to catch some waves. But on Christmas, they do it with a twist— wearing a Santa suit!

Yes really. On Christmas morning, you’ll see dozens of surfing Santas in the waters.

The tradition started on Bondi Beach but quickly spread to the rest of the country. Some communities and surf clubs even turn it into a charity event, in keeping with the season of giving.

3. Carols by Candlelight outdoors

Every Christmas Eve, locals gather at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne for Carols by Candlelight.

During this beloved Australian Christmas tradition, families bring candles to light the warm summer nights and sing along to festive songs. The event is so iconic that it’s televised nationally, and tuning in is a tradition for many families throughout the country.

4. Christmas Bush and native floral decorations

Many Australians choose to celebrate Christmas with native floral decorations rather than traditional pine trees (which grow throughout the Northern Hemisphere).

The Christmas Bush, with its bright red and cream flowers, blooms in early summer just before the festive season. Hence, it’s the most popular choice for decorating homes and public spaces at Christmas.

5. Pavlova & seafood feasts

Source: Shutterstock

In Australia, Christmas feasts are all about fresh, summery flavours. Instead of steaming roasts, they enjoy a cold seafood spread, with prawns, oysters, and salads taking centre stage.

Then for dessert, pavlova (a light meringue topped with cream and fresh fruit) is non-negotiable. It’s one of the most popular Christmas traditions in Australia, akin to the Christmas pudding in the UK.

6. Backyard cricket after lunch

Cricket is an iconic Aussie pastime, and as Christmas is spent outdoors, you’ll see many people playing cricket in parks, beaches, or backyards after their Christmas lunch.

But as it’s Christmas, the rule book often goes out the window, and it becomes a hilarious game of lighthearted banter and playful rule-bending!

7. Christmas Day in the pool

Australia is one of the best places to spend Christmas if you’re a sun worshipper. December is a HOT month across the country, so most people enjoy a sunbathing session at the beach or by the pool on Christmas Day. To make it a bit more festive, they might play some Christmas tunes or pair their swimwear with a Christmas hat!

8. Boxing Day traditions

For Aussies, Boxing Day is a time for leisure, with some significant sporting events taking place.

For example, the Boxing Day Test Match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is a huge event. Australia plays against an international team, and watching at home is a national ritual.

Then, in the sailing community, Boxing Day sees the start of The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, one of the world’s most challenging and prestigious yacht races. Aussies in Sydney watch the race from the harbour, while others follow it online.

9. “Chrissy” slang & Aussie-style greetings

One fun fact about Australia is how they shorten almost every word. Afternoon becomes “arvo,” sandwich becomes “sarnie,” pavlova becomes “pav,” and Christmas?

You’ve guessed it… Chrissy!

While not a tradition per se, it’s a fun cultural quirk to know about if you’re planning a trip to Australia during the festive season. Many locals might greet you on Christmas Day, saying “Happy Chrissy!”

10. Outdoor Christmas lights in peak summer

Being peak summer, one of the most surprising Christmas traditions in Australia is the sheer amount of Christmas lights you’ll encounter.

Many suburbs in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth have Christmas light trails. Here, families light up their houses with twinkling lights, inflatable Santas, and animated decorations for their neighbours to enjoy.

As the evenings in December are warm and balmy, it’s become a beloved tradition to walk around the neighborhood and admire the spectacular displays.

Celebrate Christmas down under with Holafly

The best way to enjoy Australian Christmas traditions is to experience them firsthand. If you’ve ever fancied a warm Christmas and prefer BBQs over roasts, Chrissy down under is a festive adventure you’ll fall in love with!

And with a Holafly eSIM, you can stay connected throughout your trip, with unlimited data and reliable coverage from Sydney to Perth.

From sharing photos of surfing Santas to navigating light trails and keeping up with the cricket scores, Holafly eliminates expensive Australia roaming charges, giving you more to spend on your Aussie Christmas BBQ!

Get your Holafly eSIM for Australia here!