Aussie Christmas traditions are truly one of a kind. Celebrate the season with a look at the uniquely Australian ways we do Christmas.
Christmas in Australia looks a little different from the northern hemisphere with its snowy scenes. Instead of roaring fires, Aussies celebrate the festive season while enjoying the summer weather. From beach cricket to Christmas lights twinkling in the warm evening air, our southern hemisphere traditions bring a uniquely Aussie flavour to the festive season—one filled with sunshine, laughter and a laid-back sense of joy.
Here are some Australian Christmas traditions that you can enjoy with the kids, creating lasting memories without breaking the bank.
1. Have a bush Christmas adventure
Why not embrace the outdoors with a bush Christmas? A family picnic on Christmas Day can be a wonderfully relaxing way to enjoy quality time together and have some fun in the sun. Pack a leisurely Christmas lunch with a mix of cold salads, finger foods, platter favourites, cold drinks and a great dessert, and soak up the summer vibes (in the shade, of course). Many families love to go camping over the Christmas season, whether it’s a bush getaway or a stay at a caravan park near the lake or beach. It’s the best of everything: Fresh air, swimming spots, BBQs and plenty of family fun all rolled into one relaxing holiday.
A bush Christmas is a beautiful way to celebrate the season while enjoying the best of Australian nature. You can make your Christmas celebration as relaxed as you want, filled with fun activities and fantastic opportunities to reconnect as a family. Kids can explore nature, learn about the environment and create lasting memories, all while celebrating Christmas in a truly Australian way.
2. Enjoy backyard or beach cricket on Christmas Day
Nothing says Aussie summer quite like a friendly game of cricket. Whether it’s on the sand or in your backyard, it’s a great way for kids (and adults) to burn off Christmas energy.
As backyards become smaller or non-existent, head to the beach for Christmas Day to enjoy a game of cricket in the sun. Pack a picnic and bring along a beach ball and cricket gear. Playing beach cricket is budget-friendly, active and a fantastic way to include the kids in family fun. It also gives everyone a chance to experience the summer weather while celebrating Australian Christmas traditions.
Whether you’re at home or at the beach, don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water and snacks. It’s Christmas time and in this part of the world, the sun can be intense!
3. Go on a Christmas lights hunt
One of the most magical Aussie Christmas traditions is wandering around to admire Christmas lights. Many neighbourhoods in Australia put on stunning displays that the whole family can enjoy. Sure, they do it in the northern hemisphere too, but it’s only here where you can admire the twinkling lights while wearing shorts, without feeling like your nose is about to fall off from the cold.
Pack the car with snacks, maybe a blanket (because it could get cool) and take the kids on a night drive to see the houses lit up in all their glory.
This is a budget-friendly activity that gets everyone outside, enjoying Christmas cheer without spending a fortune. To make it extra fun, create a checklist of things to spot, such as Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen or Aussie icons like kangaroos in Santa hats.
4. Decorate the Christmas tree together
Nothing says Christmas quite like a sparkling tree twinkling in the corner. Make the tradition extra special by getting the kids involved in decorating it with a mix of handmade ornaments and treasured family keepsakes. For a fun, budget-friendly twist, look around the house or garden for inspiration. You could paint pinecones, craft little papier-mâché figurines, cut out stars from recycled Christmas cards or make simple paper decorations together. While we don’t have a white Christmas, there’s no reason why we can’t have a bit of fake snow around the Christmas tree.
Decorating the Christmas tree is a beautiful way to kick off the festive season and a perfect excuse to slow down and make memories as a family. Play “Aussie Jingle Bells” or your favourite carols, and enjoy the moment the kids step back, eyes shining, to admire their Christmas masterpiece. If it helps, pick a Christmas theme that everyone in the family can contribute to.
5. Make Christmas cards and small gifts
Hand-making gifts and cards is a fantastic way to keep the kids busy over the holidays and get them into the spirit of giving. Gather materials like coloured paper, markers, glue sticks and even old magazines for a fun, artsy crafty kind of day. Get creative with native flora and make it a cost-effective way to celebrate Australian Christmas traditions by making wattle or gum leaf wreaths, painting shells for decorations or designing handmade cards to gift family and friends.
Kids love adding their personal touches, and it’s a perfect way to spread Christmas cheer. The kids will feel proud to give their handmade creations to friends and family, reinforcing the idea that Christmas is about giving, not just receiving.
6. Watch Christmas movies together
A classic Aussie Christmas tradition is curling up with the kids to watch Christmas movies. You could even set up an outdoor projector for a backyard movie night. Whether you enjoy timeless Christmas stories or funny holiday comedies, this is a perfect way to unwind after a busy Christmas Day. Include favourites like animated Christmas movies for the little ones or a more traditional Father Christmas tale for older kids.
You can make it extra special by enjoying popcorn, frozen fruit snacks, iced chocolate or even a small Christmas pudding while watching movies. Christmas films are usually available leading up to Christmas or just after, making it a flexible activity for lots of families.
7. Head out to a community Carols by Candlelight event
One of the best ways to soak up the Christmas spirit in Australia is by attending a local Carols by Candlelight event. Unlike colder climates where bundling up can make the experience a little uncomfortable, the warm summer evenings make it easy to relax, sing along and enjoy the festivities. Kids can run around safely while you settle in with a picnic blanket, and the gentle glow of candles and fairy lights adds a magical, cosy atmosphere. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to connect with the community, enjoy live music and create lasting memories without worrying about shivering through the night.
8. Countdown to Christmas with Advent activities
The tradition of counting down to Christmas is a fun way to build excitement for Christmas morning. You can create simple Advent activities for the kids, like hiding small gifts or making your own Advent calendar. For each day leading up to December 25, the kids open a new tiny gift or enjoy a fun Christmas activity. Get the kids involved in the gifting by making an Advent calendar for other members of the family too.
Whether it’s a classic chocolate Advent calendar, a homemade version or a mix of little treats and crafts, counting down the days adds an extra touch of magic to Christmas. It’s also a lovely way to bring the family together, sharing the fun and laughter of each day’s surprise.
9. Attend a Road to Bethlehem event
Going for over 30 years now, Road to Bethlehem is one of Australia’s biggest free Christmas events and a meaningful way to bring the Christmas story to life for your family. It’s an immersive experience that lets you walk through the story of Jesus’ birth—complete with shepherds, wise men and that humble stable where it all began. Kids (and adults!) can see, hear and feel the wonder of that first Christmas night in a way that’s far more memorable than just reading about it. It’s a beautiful reminder of why we celebrate: The birth of Jesus, God’s greatest gift to the world.
Bonus tips for budget-friendly Aussie Christmas fun
- Reuse decorations: Instead of buying new ornaments every year, let the kids reuse and personalise decorations from previous years.
- Potluck style Christmas lunch: Invite friends or extended family over and share the cost of Christmas lunch.
- DIY gifts: Handmade gifts like bookmarks, painted jars or Christmas cards are meaningful and inexpensive.
- Explore local events: Check if any special local events are happening around Christmas for the community to enjoy together.
- Get creative outdoors: Take advantage of summer holidays by playing backyard games, having a water balloon fight or enjoying an evening barbecue with your neighbours.
- Boxing Day fun: Have a leftovers picnic, grab some Boxing Day sales or do a karaoke party—anything to enjoy more family quality time and fun.
Making the most of Australian Christmas traditions
Australian Christmas traditions are all about fun, family and celebrating in a way that fits our summer weather. Whether you’re playing beach cricket, crafting Christmas cards, enjoying Christmas pudding or simply watching Christmas movies, these activities encourage quality family time and festive bonding.
By incorporating budget-friendly ideas into your celebrations, you can focus on what truly matters: Creating memories with your kids, spreading Christmas cheer and enjoying every magical moment of the festive season.
The great thing about Aussie Christmas traditions is that they can be adapted to any family, home and budget. Just because money may be tight doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.
So this festive season, embrace the warmth of Australian Christmas traditions, laugh with your kids and celebrate December 25 in a way that’s uniquely Aussie.
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