What are 5 fun facts about Christmas in Australia?
While the whole world celebrates Christmas in the winter with snowflakes, bonfires, and cozy clothes, it’s a different story in Australia! This is one of the most unique countries in the world that celebrates Christmas in the summertime. It’s wild to see people in red and white swimsuits celebrating the festival on the beaches. But it’s a lot of fun and something different. For the Aussies, this has become a traditional way of celebrating Christmas and wouldn’t change the tradition of summer Christmas. As a tourist or student, you will love experiencing Christmas in Australia.
There are many events and festivals celebrated in Australia. Brisbane is one city that has the most fun festivals and events hosted to bring life to the student population who cannot be with their family. If your student accommodation in Brisbane is close to the CBD, you should go and explore the city. You can witness the biggest Christmas tree in King George Square, live in action at QPAC or have lunch with friends.
And, here’s to many reasons why Christmas is fun in Australia with these fun facts:
Christmas in summer
Because Australia is located in the northern hemisphere, the summertime starts from December to February. The Aussies call it half Christmas as it is celebrated in July, and it has become a familiar name among the locals. This is the way Christmas has been celebrated since the 19th century and is officially observed as a traditional summer festival. But, the tradition has stayed the same as in other countries, whether it’s decorations, food and Christmas gifts! Except for the celebrations happening mainly outdoors! For first-timers, this will be a whole new experience and it’s something for everyone to put on the to-do list.
Starts early in Australia
Because it starts in the summertime, people start preparations by late October. Unlike other countries in the world, Australia does not celebrate Thanksgiving, so Christmas is all they have. By starting early, it also means that kids in Australia wake up by 5 am and prep up! It is also one of the longest days, and families like to make good use of their time as it is one of the biggest celebrations in the country.
Christmas Eve is a big day
Like in every other country, Christmas Eve plays an integral part in the Christmas traditions. This is the most auspicious day for Aussie Christians as it is believed that Jesus was born at midnight time. So, families gather together to celebrate the birth of Christ. In Australia, people host get-togethers with friends and family, and most of them do it after attending. Some activities follow up, like sending Santa letters, a treasure hunt, Christmas Eve dinner, or going out to visit families and neighbors and watching lights in the city.
Christmas lights and decorations are popular
What’s Christmas without lights, right? Though the Aussies celebrate it in summer, this is the best part of Christmas. The joy of bringing families and friends together is the decorations. It is a fun time to deck up the halls, the roof, and the whole house. Since the kids have the most extended summer school holidays and parents have business holidays, it is a time to be merry and bond after long months of hard work and busy life.
There are competitions also hosted for the best lights and decorations in many areas and cities in Australia. Whether you are in Brisbane, Sydney, or Adelaide, you will be mesmerized by how big the lighting tradition is in Australia. Even student housing in Brisbane is decked out with lights and warm decorations!
Christmas tradition is celebrated differently
Instead of sitting by the fire indoors on a cold winter night, the Aussies take it outdoors. Though they can’t have the traditional barbeque, they do it outside, maybe on the beach with beers. Then, there’s the extensive tradition of eating prawns for some reason, probably because it’s hot! The gift exchange is called the Kris Kringle, a secret Santa concept as an element of surprise. It is done during Christmas lunch. On the streets, you will witness parties, caroling, and many other events.
What are the best things to do for Christmas in Australia?
If you are planning on a trip or are in Australia for the Christmas holidays, here is what to do:
- Brisbane: Visit King George Sq and City Hall
- Melbourne: Christmas Square
- Sydney: Visit Martin Place Christmas tree in CBD
- Perth: Santa Symphony at South 9 Parklands, etc
- Adelaide: Visit Victoria Square/tarntanyangga to check out the Christmas tree
Christmas holiday in Australia is also much more than just these traditions. There are party places everywhere, too, to have fun with your friends. You can watch fireworks, enjoy so many water sports, barbeque parties, etc. Remember to have fun, but stay safe and enjoy Christmas in Australia.