While many people may think it’s too early to start thinking about plans for Christmas, in reality it’s not. If you’re planning on traveling for Christmas you’ll need to figure out where you’re going, buy your plane tickets and get our accomoodation in order. Especially since it’s such a peak travel period, you want to make sure you get the good deals.
Christmas is a time for celebration and fun, but in certain places it’s 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 doesn’t mean there is any less opportunity for those who want to go all out on the Christmas spirit. These are the 5 most festive places to spend Christmas in Australia, sans snow.
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’s sure to have some good Christmas tunes and the jolly spirit associated with the holiday.
Cradle Mountain
If you’d 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.
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 don’t forget about Wonderland Fun Park, complete with candy canes and Santa’s house. And if you come to Melbourne, you’ll 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’s something not to miss.
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’s 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 sand and general Christmas excitement will make you forget about the drama of cooking Christmas dinner or Christmas shopping.
Mildura
Although small, Mildura has some of the most festive Christmas celebrations in Australia. Don’t 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 don’t feel like you’ll be short of opportunities to show some Christmas spirit and sing some carols. In fact, you’ll find yourself wondering why you hadn’t spent Christmas in one of these 5 places before.
