Christmas in Australia facts for kids
Christmas traditions in Australia share many similarities with those in countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, and Canada. You'll see familiar symbols like Santa Claus in his red suit and sleigh. Songs like "Jingle Bells" are also popular. However, Christmas in Australia happens during the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere. This warm weather has led to some unique local traditions.
Celebrating Christmas Down Under
Christmas in Australia is a special time, much like in New Zealand. The Christmas tree is a key part of the celebrations. Homes and streets are decorated with lights and tinsel. Stores start displaying decorations in November, and by early December, everything looks festive. Many families love to decorate the outside of their homes. These displays can be simple or very grand, with lots of lights. You might see Christmas trees, Santa, reindeer, or nativity scenes. Some neighborhoods are famous for their amazing light displays. People often drive or walk around to see them, even though the sun sets late in summer.
Festive Gatherings and Summer Breaks
Many workplaces hold a "Christmas Party" in December. These parties are often a way to celebrate the end of the year. They usually happen before Christmas Eve. Most people take holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day. Schools, colleges, and universities also close for summer break. Students finish classes in the week before Christmas. They return in late January or early February. After Christmas, some clubs and churches might change their usual schedules.
Leading up to Christmas, homes and businesses sparkle with lights. Families often enjoy evening drives to admire these decorations. Walking through neighborhoods to see front yard displays is also popular. Some local councils even organize competitions for the best lights. They often share maps to help people find the most impressive displays.
Christmas Eve Excitement
On Christmas Eve, children eagerly await Santa Claus. They believe he delivers presents. These gifts are placed under the Christmas tree or in stockings. Stockings are traditionally hung by a fireplace. Even without a fireplace, families find creative ways to keep this tradition alive. Snacks like milk and cookies are often left for Santa. Carrots are also left for his reindeer. The exciting moment of opening gifts happens on Christmas morning.
Christmas Day Feasts
Families usually gather for a big Christmas Day lunch. Traditional foods include prawns, oysters, and roasted meats. Roast turkey or chicken, ham, salads, and roasted vegetables are common. Before eating, people pull Christmas crackers. Because Christmas is in summer, many families now enjoy lighter meals. Cold meats, fresh seafood, and salads are very popular. Desserts are a mix of old and new. You might find plum pudding and mince pies. But also local favorites like pavlova and fresh fruits like berries. Candy canes are a sweet treat for everyone.
Popular Christmas Tunes
Certain songs become very popular each Christmas. The album Christmas by Michael Bublé often tops the music charts. Also, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey is a yearly favorite. These songs are heard everywhere during the festive season.
Summer Fun and Festive Films
Since Christmas is in summer, TV specials are not as big as in some other countries. Australian TV channels often show repeats during this time. However, many stations do play classic Christmas movies. You can watch films like It's A Wonderful Life or The Polar Express. On Christmas Day, many Australians enjoy outdoor activities. Playing street cricket or going for a swim are popular ways to celebrate.
Unique Australian Christmas Traditions
Australia has some fun, unique takes on Christmas. Some artists imagine Santa in Australian style. He might wear an Akubra hat and thongs. He could even ride in a ute pulled by kangaroos! Songs like Six White Boomers by Rolf Harris tell these stories. Other popular Australian Christmas songs include How to Make Gravy by Paul Kelly. Also, Aussie Jingle Bells by Colin Buchanan is a favorite. These creative ideas add a special Australian touch to the season.
Sending Festive Greetings
Sending Christmas cards is a popular tradition in Australia. There's even a special, lower price for Christmas stamps. If you use these stamps, you need to mark the envelope "card only."
Public Holidays for Celebration
Christmas Day and New Year's Day are public holidays in Australia. Boxing Day is also a holiday across most states. In South Australia, December 26th is Proclamation Day. This ensures the holiday is on the same date as Boxing Day in other states.
Christmas Across Australia
Australian Capital Territory
In Canberra, a "Christmas in July" winter festival took place in 2023. This offered a taste of a colder Christmas. Local markets also host special Christmas-themed events in December.
New South Wales
Sydney hosts "Carols in the Domain," a large carol concert. Since 2016, it has been held on the Sunday before Christmas Eve. On Bondi Beach, special events happen for tourists. These might include a turkey barbecue. Sometimes, Santa even makes a fun entrance by surfing to the shore!
South Australia
Adelaide celebrates the famous Adelaide Christmas Pageant. This huge parade is one of the biggest in the world. It attracts over 400,000 people each year. The pageant started in 1933. It takes place in early November, usually on a Saturday morning. This event officially kicks off the Christmas season. The parade features many floats, bands, clowns, and dancers. It all ends with the exciting arrival of Father Christmas. After the parade, Father Christmas used to go to the "Magic Cave" in a department store. Since 2019, the pageant now finishes at the Adelaide Town Hall. Smaller parades also happen in other towns. In South Australia, December 26th is Proclamation Day. Also, Christmas Eve from 7:00 pm to midnight is a public holiday.
Tasmania
In Hobart, the festive season starts with the Myer Hobart Christmas Pageant. This parade happens in November. It includes colorful floats and lively music. Launceston also has a special event. They celebrate by lighting the Christmas tree at Brisbane Street mall in late November.
Victoria
"Carols by Candlelight" is a beloved tradition that began in Melbourne in 1938. It has now spread across Australia and the world. People gather outdoors on Christmas Eve to sing carols. These large-scale concerts are lit by candlelight. The Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight in Melbourne is televised nationwide. Watching this performance has become a tradition for many Australian families.
Western Australia
The Perth Christmas Pageant has been held in the city center since 1972. It is organized by Seven West Media. Between 1999 and 2016, the City of Perth held an annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Since 2017, this has been replaced by the Christmas Lights Trail. This event features various Christmas-themed light displays around the City of Perth. It runs from late November until late December or early January.
