Celebrating the holiday season in Australia

If you can’t head home this holiday season, we’ve got plenty of ways you can discover Australia and get into the festive spirit these holidays.

In Australia, it is most common to celebrate Christmas on December 25, where some members of the community may attend church or celebrate the day with family and friends. Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas yourself, there is always something to do and celebrate during the holiday season in Australia.

Places that you should visit

Whether you are based in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide, each Australian city has something unique to offer during the festive season. As it is summer in Australia, why not escape to one of our many beaches in Bondi or Torquay to soak up the sun, or explore the mountains in Blue Mountains or Adelaide Hills for a bushwalk.

Melbourne

A much-loved Australian tradition is visiting the Myer Christmas Windows on 314-336 Bourke St, Melbourne. A 68-year tradition of enchanting Australians, this year the theme is Bluey’s Christmas. Once you visit the windows, head over to Federation Square which has been transformed into Christmas Square, filled with a Christmas Tree and an hourly sound and light show.

Discover the Christmas Carnival on the banks of the Birrarung, where you can ride on top of the Ferris Wheel, drive dodgem cards or spin on the Sky Flyer. Then skate your way over to the Christmas Roller Rink in Carlton, a pop-up roller skating rink that brings a bit of winter to the festival season.

Sydney

Visit the tallest Christmas tree in NSW that is decorated with more than 110,000 LED lights and 800 tree branches, dressed with 15,000 flowers representing 9 different kinds of Australian flowers. Head on over to the historic streets of The Rocks, where the streets are transformed into a Christmas Wonderland, filled with fun festivities and food.

The Jolly Market is also returning on December 15, that offers a unique experience with artisanal products, delicious food, fine wines and live music. Inspired by Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets, discover the jolly experience in Australia.

Brisbane

Across December you can visit Brisbane’s most anticipated light show presented by the Royal Caribbean on Roma St, Parkland. This Enchanted Garden is brought to life through holograms, lasers and video projections, following the storyline of a mischievous Australian Possum.

If you’re busy shopping, take a break by visiting the live festive entertainment in Queen Street Mall, with pop-up performances and roaming acts happening across the day.

Adelaide

Take time away from the city, with only an hour drive to the Barossa Valley and experience some of the best wine in Australia. With various Christmas themed wine and distiller tastings; give the gift of a great experience these holidays.

On the way back, check out the soaring 25 meter Giant Christmas Tree in Victoria Square, dazzling with lights each night.

Festive things to do during Christmas

If you can’t get out and about during the holiday period, there are many experiences to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. This time of year is great to experiment with baking, discover your creative side by making Christmas crafts or sitting back on the couch to watch holiday television.

Enjoy the Christmas carols experience

If you’ve never experienced Australian Christmas Carols, this is the year to tune in. Each year Melbourne hosts the Carols by Candlelight on December 24, at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Experience the holiday spirit and watch various performers sing up until midnight or enjoy watching from the comfort of your home. If you’re based in Sydney, you can watch the Carols in the Domain on December 23, located in the Domain Gardens.

Boxing Day sales

Get ready to spend big on Boxing Day, a national public holiday in Australia on 26 December. The day boasts a variety of sales and offers from most retailers, both in-store and online. Shops open from as early as 6am, for customers to head in-store to grab the best deals. Experience the fun and thrill at Pitt Street Mall, Rundle Mall, Melbourne Central or Chadstone.

Boxing Day Test match

If you’re not a big fan of shopping, the cricket test match is held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground between Australia and the touring national team. Enjoy from home or grab tickets to experience the popular sporting event as a local.

Our call centre will be unavailable from 23 December to 26 December and 30 December to 2 January 2024, and we will respond to all requests upon our return. Our campuses will be closed from Saturday 16 December until Monday 2 January, so make sure you have everything you need before they shut for the year.

From all of us here at Torrens University Australia, we wish you a safe and happy festive season!