Christmas Day 2026 in Australia

On December 25, Australians celebrate Christmas with gifts, festive meals, and summer fun. While rooted in European traditions, the season is uniquely Aussie, shaped by sun, beaches, and local wildlife.

Is Christmas Day a Public Holiday?

Christmas Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

When Is Christmas Celebrated in Australia?

Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25 across Australia, but the festive season often begins in early December, with some places starting as early as November.

Homes, streets, and businesses are decorated with Christmas lights and decorations, and the summer weather brings a relaxed, outdoor feel to the celebrations as people of all backgrounds come together to mark one of the year’s most joyful holidays.

Best days to take off in Australia in 2026

What’s Open, What’s Closed?

Australian schools are on summer break during Christmas, so all schools are closed for the holidays. Some businesses also shut down between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Retail stores are generally closed on Christmas Day, with many reopening on Boxing Day (December 26) for post-Christmas sales, though opening hours can vary between states and individual retailers.

What Makes Christmas in Australia Unique?

Unlike the traditional Christmas imagery of snow and fireplaces, Christmas in Australia falls in summer, which shapes many of its traditions:

• Celebrations often happen outdoors, including picnics, BBQs, beach outings, and backyard cricket games.
• Seafood, especially prawns, is a staple on the Christmas menu, alongside salads, cold meats, fresh fruits, and desserts like pavlova.
• Australians frequently decorate with lights, tinsel, ornaments, and Christmas trees, often adapting traditional symbols to summer themes like Santa in board shorts.

Despite the heat, Northern Hemisphere influences remain strong in Christmas decorations—snowflakes, reindeer, and fir trees are still common motifs.

Traditions and Celebrations

Carols by Candlelight is one of Australia’s most cherished Christmas traditions. In the lead-up to Christmas Day, communities gather in parks and stadiums to sing carols, often by candlelight, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

Gifts are typically exchanged on Christmas morning. Many children leave milk and cookies for Santa Claus, and sometimes carrots for the reindeer.

In keeping with the local summer spirit, Santa is often depicted with an Australian twist—arriving by surfboard, wearing thongs (flip-flops), or enjoying the sunshine instead of snow.

State-Specific Events

• South Australia: The Adelaide Christmas Pageant, held in early November, is one of the largest public parades in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Western Australia: Perth has shifted from its traditional pageant to a Christmas Lights Trail through the city center.
• Tasmania: Hobart holds its own Christmas pageant in November.

Did You Know?

• The Australian rock ballad “How to Make Gravy” by Paul Kelly, set on December 21, has become an unofficial Christmas anthem.
• Some communities also celebrate “Christmas in July,” a light-hearted tradition that mimics Northern Hemisphere festivities during Australia’s cooler winter months. While not an official nationwide observance, it has become a popular novelty event in parts of the country.
• Australia Post offers discounted postage rates for Christmas cards if envelopes are marked “card only.”

Sun, Sea, and Christmas Cheer

Christmas in Australia offers a vibrant blend of traditional and summery celebrations, reflecting global and local influences. Whether it‘s beach cricket, seafood feasts, or candlelit carols, Australians have made the holiday uniquely theirs. It remains one of the country’s most cherished holidays.

For those spending the Christmas period “down under”, expect sunshine, community spirit, and a truly Australian Christmas experience.

About Christmas Day in Other Countries

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.