10 Most Festive Places to Spend Christmas in

Australia

Christmas is a time for celebration and fun, but in certain places, it is not about the snow or the bundling up by the fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate. Australia is one of these places, but that does not mean there is any less opportunity for those who want to go all out in the Christmas spirit. These are the ten most festive places to spend Christmas in Australia, without snow.

1. Bondi Beach

This has become quite a tradition for people living in Sydney and is a place many flock to on Christmas day. Complete with little trees, cookouts and fun hanging around, it is sure to have some good Christmas tunes and the jolly spirit associated with the holiday.

 2. Cradle Mountain

If you would rather spend your Christmas in a bit more of a secluded area, then this is the place for you. Rent a cabin and spend Christmas in the woods hiking, going rafting or generally being active and then have yourself a huge Christmas meal overlooking the forests and wildlife Australia is known for.

3. Melbourne

As one of the biggest cities in Australia, Melbourne goes all out for this holiday. Federation Square is all decked out with Christmas trees and lights and do not forget about Wonderland Fun Park, complete with candy canes and Santa’s house. And if you come to Melbourne, you will see the biggest LEGO Christmas tree in the southern hemisphere. Also, be sure not to miss the Christmas lights that are projected onto Flinders Street Station. Everything from Christmas ornaments to a “Merry Christmas” message, it is something not to miss.

4. Sydney

In addition to Bondi Beach, Sydney has a festive “high tea” at the Shangri-La, carols at the Scots Church, a live nativity play, Christmas lights are St. Mary’s Cathedral and more.

5. Brisbane

Brisbane goes all out for Christmas with its The Wonder Of Christmas festival that lasts the four weeks leading up the holiday. You will be able to enjoy everything from free concerts, performances, caroling, and other Christmas festivities throughout the city and along South Bank. Do not miss out on the nightly Christmas parade, Christmas Fireworks Spectacular, and the City Hall Light Spectacular. We assure you they will, in fact, be spectacular.

6. Perth

The whole city of Perth decks itself out in lights and holiday cheer, but the highlight of the festivities is the gorgeous Christmas tree erected in Forrest Place and the nativity scene at Council House. If you are lucky, you will even see Santa as he walks around laughing jovially and handing out treats.

7. Cairns

Although it is likely to be very hot over the Christmas period, Cairns knows how to dish out some holiday spirit. Enjoy concerts and caroling throughout the month and do not forget about the Tully Christmas Street Party with live entertainment, magical Christmas lights and some great holiday shopping.

8. Adelaide

While not the most well known and most exciting Australian city, the people of Adelaide know how to show some festive Christmas spirit. In late November you can enjoy the Christmas Craft Fair, enjoy Santa’s Wonderland come the beginning of December and listen to carols all month long. Lights, candy, singing and more makes Adelaide a hive of activity during the Christmas season.

9. Darwin

Each year in Darwin the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is not one to miss. Full of cheer, excitement, and caroling, it is sure to be the highlight of the season. Alternatively, head to the Casuarina Coastal Reserve for a relaxing and Christmassy vibe. Spontaneous caroling, people building Christmas trees out of the sand and general Christmas excitement will make you forget about the drama of cooking Christmas dinner or Christmas shopping.

10. Mildura

Although small, Mildura has some of the most festive Christmas celebrations in Australia. Do not miss out on the Carols by Candlelight, a tradition Mildura has been holding for nearly 70 decades. Trees, lights, Christmas spirit and a strong community feel will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Australia offers so many fun things to do during the Christmas season so do not feel like you will be short of opportunities to show some Christmas spirit and sing some carols. In fact, you will find yourself wondering why you had not spent Christmas in one of these ten places before.

Hannah Stein, November  2016, 10 Most Festive Places to Spend Christmas in Australia, Womanitely Travel, recovered from: https://womanitely.com/festive-places-christmas-australia/