With almost 70% of Aussies constituting the Christian population, Christmas is essential in Australia. Christmas in Australia is very similar to how it is celebrated in the West. But specific geographical and topographical reasons make Christmas very unique in the Australian setting.
December 25th worldwide marks Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. Commonly, The best parts of Christmas are not only the secret Santa adventures but also the food! The specialty and variety offered during Christmas are so huge that specially designed menu courses exist. Christmas lunch in Sydney, Melbourne, and other parts of Australia dedicate an entire week to celebrate the exquisiteness of Christmas meals.
Christmas in Australia
Aussies enjoy Christmas a little differently. Worldwide, Christmas is celebrated in winter. But December in Australia is peak summer. So how do Aussies replace the bonfire and marshmallows? Most of them celebrate Christmas on the beaches–nothing like the warmth of the outbacks! Aussies also have a unique bush called the Christmas Bush that they ornate during Christmas instead of the classic evergreen pine or fir tree.
Another unique thing that Aussies do is sing carols. In particular, some neighbourhoods get together to sing “Carols by Candlelight.” In this event, people gather in clusters and merrily sing carols while holding a candle!
Christmas Festivities
Not only is the time of celebrating Christmas and seasons different in Australia, but there are several other cultural and regional variations in celebrating Christmas. From ornaments to desserts, Aussies have upscaled Christmas to fit into the vibe of the outbacks truly.
- Santa Claus: Santa has historically been the focal point of endearment for kids and adults alike across the world. Suited in red and white with the signature Christmas hat, we imagine Santa gliding across the snow on his mobile sled and snow dogs. But to Aussies, Santa looks a little different. Santas are clad in traditional Australian clothing and accessories–warm sweaters, Akubra hats, and riding utes pulled by kangaroos!
- Food: Western Christmas delicacies usually have a turkey feast with a scrumptious lineup of desserts and drinks. Australian dishes are not that far off, but what’s Aussie food without seafood! Many places that offer Christmas lunch in Sydney, Queensland, Melbourne, and others locally source the best produce, high-quality seafood and fix an entire menu on it.
From cooling salads to seafood ceviches, these courses come with their fancy bottle of champagne or sparkling wine! Most menus that offer Christmas lunch in Sydney and Western Australia also primarily provide continental cuisines. This means that one’s Christmas lunch can be spent exploring the flavours of different places worldwide!
Desserts are the natural cherry on top here. Not only are there Australian delicacies like pavlovas, but mince pies, cheese boards, and chocolate fountains for the kids are all part of the fun!
- Carols and Pageants: This is another event in Australia. Carols in Candlelight and Carols in the Domain are two events where people gather to sing carols and storytelling. These are usually very large-scale, almost like concerts. These events have become such a popularised Aussie tradition that it is televised every year!
Pageants are indeed a twist. Adelaide and Western Australia host pageants that resemble huge parades of people just dressing up and having fun. With loud music, bands, clowns, and floats, people start walking from the morning of December 25th towards arenas that hold other fun activities! These two pageants have their sponsors and companies. However, small-scale regional pageants are also held for fun.