Australia is located on the largest island in the world and its geographical position makes it observe summer during the month of December when the whole world is clad with winter and cool winds. Thus due to this reason, the Christmas comes during the summers. It is the summer holiday season and thus schools are off until February and there so much to enjoy and celebrate.
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Following is a brief detail on how Aussies celebrate their festive season along with a glimpse of events organized in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. These facts will certainly aid you in deciding how and where to celebrate the Christmas while you are in Australia.
Experience the Aussie traditions this Christmas:
Australians celebrate their Christmas with great fervour and charm. They follow a number of ancient traditions including some latest innovative once. In short, there is no short of activities in Australia during this epic holiday season. They decorate their houses with Christmas lights, ferns, palm leaves, Christmas bellflower, fake snow and “Christmas bush” which is a native tree with bright red flowers.
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They hang wreaths on their entrance doors. Moreover, they also decorate streets and landmarks with thousands of twinkling lights, which gives a magical touch to the whole place. Families come together for merrymaking and have holiday midday lunch together. Neighbours meet and greet each other, pay visits to see the light displays and organize light competitions.
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In short, there is a completely festive ambience and it seems like this festival brings everyone closer to a big family. They attend church service in the morning and then after spending a whole day, they attend the midnight mass. The Santa Clause is not in his original attire as the weather is hot so he cannot wear red fur coat so, he adapts summer clothes while visiting the children and rather than reindeers, he uses white kangaroos to drag his sleigh.
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Carol by candlelight:
Carol by Candle Light is the most important event of Christmas in Australia. In all the large and small towns and cities, carol services are organized and is attended by hordes of locals. In this event, people come out, light candles while singing and chanting carols and it gives a simulation of an outdoor concert. These events are also broadcasted on TV.
Christmas activities:
The Christmas happenings start from the end of November and stay until January. These five weeks of jovial celebration makes everybody immerse in the holiday spirit with activities for every soul. Aussie families love outdoor activities. First, because of the hot season and secondly these activities are so much fun in themselves.
They love to swim, surf, fish, backyard bar-b-cue, outdoor parties and festive visits. Many families opt to go on picnics, beaches and for camping. Moreover, the cities have their own distinct festivals, pageants, parades, and firework displays in the local parks and gardens.
Savour the Christmas delights:
Besides many fun attractions and activities, Aussies love to eat on Christmas. The Irish and British influence on the eating habits of Aussies is quite obvious. There are certain traditional treats that are prepared in almost every household every year. Roast turkey, glazed ham, brandy doused rich plum pudding, bar-b-cue with prawns and lobsters and heavy fruitcakes are some traditional items on Christmas Day. In addition to these, the scrumptious Pavlova (a soft meringue cake topped with fruits), pasta, salads, cold deli meats, shortbread, chocolates and steamed pudding are also included.
Boxing Day:
Christmas day is followed by Boxing Day on 26th of December, which is a public holiday. It is an old tradition originated from Britain and is celebrated in some countries. On this day, the alms and charity boxes in churches are opened and the collection is distributed among the poor and the needy.
People leave tips for their servants, postal workers, grocers and other staff so they can spend Christmas with their families as well. On this day people visit their friends, arrange bar be cue parties on beaches and the famous Sydney –Hobart Yacht Race in Tasmania is also held.
Christmas Festival in the city of Melbourne:
Christmas transforms this city into a dreamlike place and you get a chance to celebrate Christmas in a true Melbourne style. There is a long list of events and happenings during the Christmas season in this city. Some of these include:
Frankston’s Christmas Festival of Lights 2015 (28th Nov)
Santa’s Christmas Spectacular at Wonderland Fun Park (14th Nov to 24th Dec),
Christmas Lights Melbourne ( 1st Dec to 31st Dec),
Christmas Shopping Night at Sovereign Hill (4th Dec),
Kriskindl Festival 2015 ( 4th Dec 2015),
Resonance Music Series – Christmas Pageant (6th Dec 2015) ,
Christmas Festival at Rippon Lea 2015 (11th Dec),
Christmas Day Lunch 2015 at Melbourne Social Club (25th Dec)
And Santa’s Magical Kingdom (21st Nov to 23rd Dec) etc.
Christmas Festival in the city of Perth:
This whole city is decorated with lights and it oozes a Christmas spirit throughout the holiday season. From Christmas markets to community festivals, there is so much to catch up in Perth. Perth offers a range of events and activities for the festive season including Christmas lights and decorations, Christmas markets, Christmas carols and free community festivals. The city of Perth Annual Christmas festival commences with the “Turning On The Lights Event” on the 13th of November in which the Mayor along with Santa turn on more than 100,000 lights and decorations. Other important events in Perth include:
Perth City Christmas Carnival (28 – 29 Nov & 12 – 13 Dec),
Mandurah Community Christmas Pageant (8th Dec),
Perth City Christmas Place (5th – 6th Dec),
The RAC Christmas Pageant (5th Dec),
Princess May Christmas Market (11 Dec),
Mindarie Christmas Festival (12th Dec),
Symphony in the City (Christmas Concert, 12th Dec),
Burswood Carols in the Park (13th Dec),
etc.
Christmas Festival in Sydney:
The magic of Christmas transforms this metropolitan into a wonderland of life, colour, light and activities. With its sun-drenched days and balmy nights, this city will let you experience Christmas like no other in this world. In addition to the Harbor Bridge midnight lights and firework display, Sydney’s calendar is jam-packed with events. Some of the most prominent events include:
Fisher’s Ghost Carnival(13 Nov to 15 Nov),
Loy Krathong Festival on Parramatta River (14 Nov),
Abode Bistro Sparkling High Tea (13 Nov to 14 Feb),
Fisher’s Ghost Street Fair ( 14th Nov),
To Byzantium and Beyond, Flavours of the Spice Trail (19th Nov),
Darling Harbor Santa Fest (27 Nov – 24 Dec),
Lights of Christmas at St Mary’s Cathedral (10 to 25 Dec), etc.
Moreover, a 21 meter tall Christmas tree is also unveiled in Martin place, the heritage buildings are adorned with lights and street light disco banners are erected. The villages in Sydney organize free of cost family-friendly concerts to enhance the festive cheer. Moreover, there are Concerts, musical nights, free movies for families and children events in a number of places as well.
Flights and Holiday Packages to Australia:
As the festive time is drawing near so is the enthusiasm among the travellers who are planning to spend this spectacular time of the year in this sophisticated and trendy country. It is the summer vacation time in the continent so expect a lot going on. Book cheap flights to Australia before the festivity ends and spend some time with your family and friends at this beautiful destination.
In addition to bargain flight deals, Travelhouseuk offers cheap holiday packages for entire family, inclusive of accommodation and transportation to make your holidays memorable. So, get the advantage of the big Christmas sale and plan a tour with us to make this holiday season one of a lifetime experience for you.
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