Forget snowmen and cosy fireplaces; in Australia, Christmas comes with sunscreen, seafood and a very good chance of a sunburn!
If it’s your first Aussie Christmas, this can feel a bit strange, especially if you’re used to a cold December. Here’s what to expect, so you can enjoy the festive season like a local.
It’s going to be hot!
Christmas Day temperatures in most cities average around 27 degrees, and it’s even hotter in states like Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Some years bring scorching days of 40 degrees or more, so make sure you slip, slop and slap!
Many Australians spend the day swimming, lounging in the shade or playing a bit of backyard cricket. Don’t forget to put on sunscreen, drink plenty of water and read our tips on staying cool in a heatwave and swimming safely. If you head to the beach, choose a patrolled area and swim between the flags.
Christmas day food and games
Hot roast dinners aren’t always the best meal in 35-degree heat, so lots of families go for seafood and salads on Christmas Day. Fresh prawns are a Christmas lunch favourite, and another classic is pavlova, a meringue dessert topped with cream and fruit. Cherries are also in season, and they’re a delicious gift for family and friends.
If you’re invited to your friends’ house for Christmas, you’ll probably be asked to bring something. This is where our guide to what “bring a plate” actually means might come in handy. Hint: it’s not an empty plate!
You might also get to participate in a Kris Kringle, so start thinking of a gift!
Boxing Day festivities
December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is almost as important as Christmas Day in Australia. You might be invited to a backyard barbie (barbecue), and there’ll most likely be a cricket test match on the TV. If you don’t know the rules yet, this is a handy guide.
Boxing Day is also a big shopping day, where many clothing, homewares and electronics stores have massive discounts on their products. Some people get a head start on next year’s Christmas shopping at the Boxing Day sales!
Christmas Day closures
Australia pretty much shuts down on Christmas Day. In past years, most supermarkets, shopping centres and department stores have all been closed, while petrol stations and some fast food outlets stay open. Check our guide to what’s open on Christmas Day and stock up on groceries early to avoid the big Christmas Eve rush.
In 2026, Christmas Day falls on Friday 25 December. Boxing Day is on Saturday, so every state and territory has a public holiday on Monday 28 December. If you’re planning on using public transport over the holidays, make sure to check timetables before you travel, as some services might change.
Still hunting for work or a way to fill your holidays? Retail and hospitality hire extra staff in December, so see our tips on finding Christmas casual work. Not heading home? Take a look at our ideas for spending the December holidays in Australia.
Your first Aussie Christmas might not look like the one you grew up with, but that’s part of the fun! Get involved in backyard cricket, take a bite of your first pavlova and enjoy the summer festivities.
