Turn Christmas on its head this year by flying down under and spending it in Australia. The best places to spend Christmas in Australia range from the big-city celebrations of Sydney and Melbourne to the surf towns of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, the islands of the Whitsundays and the cooler, foodie waterfront of Hobart.
Say goodbye to short days and miserable weather and hello to golden beaches and endless sunshine. Below you'll find nine destinations, from Sydney to Byron Bay, with what's on, where to eat and where to stay in each, plus how to choose between them.
We'll also give you a bit of background on what to expect at Christmas in Australia, including what Australians eat, unique Aussie Christmas traditions and whether people really spend the day throwing a barbie (barbecue).
Everything To Know About Spending Christmas in Australia
When is Christmas in Australia?
Like their friends in the UK, Australians celebrate Christmas on 25 December, with families, friends and loved ones gathering to exchange Christmas gifts and eat a lot of delicious food. Boxing Day on the 26th is a public holiday too, and for many Australians it's the start of the long summer break.
What's the weather like at Christmas in Australia?
Christmas falls in the middle of the Australian summer, but the country is so big that the weather varies enormously. The south, including Melbourne, Adelaide and Hobart, is usually warm and dry but changeable, and Hobart can be cool enough for a jumper in the evening. Sydney, the Gold Coast, Byron Bay and the Sunshine Coast are classic beach weather. Tropical Queensland, including the Whitsundays, is in its wet season, which means heat, humidity and afternoon storms. Check the local forecast and any fire or heat warnings before you travel.
Is Christmas a busy time to visit Australia?
Yes. Christmas coincides with the Australian summer school holidays, so beaches, flights and accommodation are at their busiest and most expensive from mid-December into January. Book flights and hotels as early as you can, and reserve Christmas Day restaurants well in advance.
Do they have Father Christmas in Australia?
Of course! Santa goes all over the world at Christmas and Australia is no different. In Australia, Father Christmas arrives on Christmas Eve, but because it's so hot, he ditches his heavy coat and trousers and changes into shorts. According to Aussie folklore, he also gives his reindeer a break and uses kangaroos to help him deliver his presents.
Do they sing Christmas Carols in Australia?
Yes, they do sing Christmas carols in Australia, but with a twist: they sing them outdoors on warm summer evenings. In Melbourne, thousands gather for Carols by Candlelight, where the crowd sings along by candlelight. Carols by candlelight events are held all over the country, but the Melbourne event is by far the most show-stopping.
What are the Christmas Dishes in Australia?
At Christmas in Australia, people tend to eat turkey, ham or prawns, followed by a fruit pudding, Christmas cake or pavlova. But a classic Aussie tradition is having a barbecue or a picnic on the beach. It is summer there, after all!
The 9 Best Places To Spend Christmas in Australia
Ready to book? Away.ai handles the flight and hotel.
1. Gold Coast
Christmas on the Gold Coast is glamorous, sporty and largely spent outside, which makes sense given the stunning beaches and reliable summer weather. On the Gold Coast, it's totally normal to spend Christmas on the beach surfing, sunbathing, playing cricket or having a barbecue. With its theme parks close by, it's also one of the easiest places in Australia for a family Christmas.
What's on at Christmas on the Gold Coast
- Festive markets
- Carol events
- Special cinema screenings
Where to have Christmas Dinner on the Gold Coast
The Star | 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
The Star has previously served a Christmas Day harvest buffet with all the trimmings. Check this year's menu, price and inclusions on its website before you book.
Where to stay at Christmas on the Gold Coast
Surfers Aquarius | 4-12 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise, 4217, AU
An ultra-modern hotel with stunning sea views.
2. Adelaide
At Christmas in Adelaide you can expect plenty of festive events for the whole family. The city's Christmas season includes a Santa trail, choir concerts and lots of free family activities to help you get into the Christmas spirit. The famous Christmas Pageant takes place in November, so it's worth arriving early if you want to see it.
What's on at Christmas in Adelaide
- Christmas Pageant (held in November)
- Adelaide Christmas Tree Lighting
- Christmas Crafternoon (Paper Star Lanterns)
Where to have Christmas Dinner in Adelaide
Garçon Bleu | 108 Currie St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Garçon Bleu has previously offered a festive menu of fresh seafood and entrées, mains served to your table and a buffet of Christmas desserts. Check this year's menu and book ahead.
Where to stay at Christmas in Adelaide
St Francis Winery | 14 Bridge Street, Old Reynella, 5161, AU
A picturesque winery with a heated indoor pool and a fantastic on-site restaurant.
3. Sydney
One of the most iconic places to spend Christmas in Australia is Sydney. Known worldwide for its epic New Year's Eve fireworks, Sydney also knows how to celebrate Christmas with flair. From the giant Christmas tree at Martin Place to the Christmas markets, the city's festive atmosphere is hard to beat. Bondi Beach is the ultimate Christmas Day hangout, where locals and visitors alike embrace the sun, sea and sand. And no visit is complete without a stop at St Mary's Cathedral for its Christmas light projection show. Stay on for Boxing Day, when the Sydney to Hobart yacht race sets sail from the harbour.
What's on at Christmas in Sydney
- Christmas Lights Spectacular
- Carols in the Domain
Where to have Christmas Dinner in Sydney
Quay | Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
For a Christmas dinner for the books, Quay has previously served a multi-course Christmas menu overlooking the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Check whether it's open on Christmas Day this year and book early.
Where to stay at Christmas in Sydney
The Langham | 89-113 Kent St, Millers Point, NSW 2000, Australia
Stay in pure luxury with lavish rooms, impeccable service and fantastic views over Darling Harbour.
4. Perth
Spending Christmas in Perth means warm weather, sandy beaches and festive spirit all around. Perth's summer atmosphere in December is perfect for outdoor celebrations, with plenty of fun Christmas events and Christmas markets adding to the cheer.
What's on at Christmas in Perth
- Christmas Nativity at Supreme Court Gardens
- City of Perth Christmas Lights Trail
Where to have Christmas Dinner in Perth
Wildflower | 1 Cathedral Ave, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Wildflower serves a contemporary take on Australian cuisine with sweeping city views, and has previously offered a seasonal Christmas menu. It's a stunning spot for a holiday meal.
Where to stay at Christmas in Perth
COMO The Treasury | 1 Cathedral Ave, Perth WA 6000, Australia
This luxury hotel blends historic charm with modern elegance, perfect for a comfortable and stylish Christmas stay in the city.
5. Byron Bay
For a relaxed, beachy Christmas vibe, head to Byron Bay. Known for its hippy vibes, love of surfing and breathtaking beaches, Byron Bay is perfect if you're after a low-key Christmas holiday, especially as a couple. Locals and visitors celebrate Christmas on the beach, often with a casual barbecue or a picnic. It's an ideal place to unwind and embrace a more laid-back festive experience.
What's on at Christmas in Byron Bay
- Christmas Day at Main Beach
- Byron Bay Christmas Market
Where to have Christmas Dinner in Byron Bay
Beach Byron Bay | Clarkes Beach, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
Beach Byron Bay has previously offered a Christmas menu of fresh seafood and classic Australian dishes, with stunning ocean views for a festive feast.
Where to stay at Christmas in Byron Bay
Elements of Byron | 144 Bayshore Dr, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
Stay in eco-luxe villas surrounded by native greenery, with beach access, pools and luxurious amenities for a truly magical Byron Bay Christmas.
6. Melbourne
A Melbourne Christmas blends tradition with a cosmopolitan twist. From Christmas shopping in grand department stores to over-the-top (in the best way) Christmas lights, Melbourne offers endless photo opportunities. Stop by Federation Square and Bourke Street Mall for the decorations, or head to one of Melbourne's many rooftop bars to toast the season under the stars. Sports fans can stay for Boxing Day, when the Boxing Day Test is traditionally played at the MCG.
What's on at Christmas in Melbourne
- Myer Christmas Windows
- Carols by Candlelight at Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Where to have Christmas Dinner in Melbourne
Vue de Monde | Rialto Tower, 525 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
High above the city, Vue de Monde is known for French-inspired fine dining and sweeping views of Melbourne's skyline. Check its website for Christmas opening and menus.
Where to stay at Christmas in Melbourne
The Langham | 1 Southgate Ave, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
For a luxurious stay right on the Yarra River, The Langham delivers elegance, exceptional service and easy access to Melbourne's best Christmas sights.
7. Sunshine Coast
A Christmas on the Sunshine Coast is all about beachside bliss. Known for its pristine beaches, national parks and relaxed vibe, the Sunshine Coast is ideal if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle for a relaxing Christmas by the sea. Head inland to the hinterland towns for a quieter Christmas with views over the coast.
What's on at Christmas on the Sunshine Coast
- Christmas Boat Parade at Mooloolaba
- Hastings Street Christmas Carnival
Where to have Christmas Dinner on the Sunshine Coast
The Long Apron | 68 Balmoral Rd, Montville QLD 4560, Australia
Tucked into the hinterland, this fine-dining restaurant has previously offered a Christmas lunch built on locally sourced ingredients, with beautiful views.
Where to stay at Christmas on the Sunshine Coast
Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas | 33A Viewland Dr, Noosa Heads QLD 4567, Australia
Set in lush, tropical surroundings with views of the coast, Peppers Noosa is the ultimate holiday escape, offering both villas and resort-style amenities.
8. The Whitsundays
For a Christmas you'll never forget, swap the dinner table for a boat. The Whitsunday Islands sit on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, and spending Christmas sailing between them, snorkelling the reef and stopping at the white sands of Whitehaven Beach is about as far from a British Christmas as it gets. It's a brilliant choice for couples and groups of friends.
What to know before a Whitsundays Christmas
- December is the tropical wet season, so expect heat, humidity and the odd storm
- It's also marine stinger season, so wear a stinger suit when swimming and follow local advice
- Sailing trips and island resorts book up early for Christmas week
Where to base yourself in the Whitsundays
Airlie Beach or the islands
Airlie Beach is the main mainland base, with the most sailing and reef trips leaving from its marina. For something more special, stay on one of the island resorts, such as Hamilton Island, and have Christmas lunch by the water.
9. Hobart
If the idea of a scorching Christmas Day doesn't appeal, Tasmania's capital is the answer. Hobart is cooler than the mainland, surrounded by mountains and water, and famous for its food and wine. The city comes alive after Christmas, when the yachts from the Sydney to Hobart race start arriving at the waterfront, and a summer food festival brings the harbour to life around New Year.
What's on at Christmas in Hobart
- The arrival of the Sydney to Hobart yachts after Boxing Day
- Summer food and drink festival on the waterfront
- Salamanca Market on Saturdays
Where to base yourself in Hobart
Salamanca Place and the waterfront
Stay close to Salamanca Place and the harbour to be in the middle of the action, with restaurants, bars and the yacht arrivals all on your doorstep.
Choosing Where To Spend Christmas in Australia
With nine very different options, the best place to spend Christmas in Australia depends on the kind of Christmas you want.
- For a classic big-city Christmas: Sydney or Melbourne
- For families: the Gold Coast, Adelaide or the Sunshine Coast
- For couples: Byron Bay, the Whitsundays or Hobart
- For a quieter Christmas: the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Hobart or Adelaide
- For Christmas on the beach: Bondi in Sydney, the Gold Coast or Byron Bay
Sydney or Melbourne for Christmas?
| Sydney | Melbourne | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Beaches and the harbour | Food, shopping and culture |
| Christmas Day | Bondi Beach | Rooftop bars and long lunches |
| Carols | Carols in the Domain | Carols by Candlelight |
| Boxing Day | The start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race | The Boxing Day Test at the MCG |
| Weather | Reliable beach weather | Warm but changeable |
If you can't choose, you don't have to: many visitors spend Christmas in Melbourne and fly to Sydney in time for the New Year's Eve fireworks.
Ready to Spend Christmas in Australia?
Although the flight doesn't come cheap, you won't forget spending Christmas in Australia. Whether you want to listen to angelic choirs in Melbourne, sail the Whitsundays or eat your way around Hobart, you're going to experience a whole new side to Christmas. So if you're still undecided about how to spend Christmas 2026, take this as your sign to fly down under.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to spend Christmas in Australia?
Sydney is the most iconic choice, with Christmas Day on Bondi Beach and the harbour on your doorstep. Melbourne is best for carols, food and shopping, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast suit families, Byron Bay and the Whitsundays suit couples, and Hobart is the pick if you'd prefer a cooler, quieter Christmas.
How far in advance should I book Christmas in Australia?
As early as possible. Christmas falls in the Australian summer school holidays, so flights, hotels, sailing trips and Christmas Day restaurant bookings sell out and prices rise the closer you get to December.
Is Boxing Day a holiday in Australia?
Yes. 26 December is a public holiday across Australia, and it's a big day for sport, with the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race in Sydney.
Do Australians celebrate Christmas in July?
Some do. Because Christmas falls in summer, some Australians hold an informal "Christmas in July" celebration in mid-winter, with a roast dinner and all the trimmings. It isn't a public holiday, and 25 December is still the main event.