Unique festivals & activities in Australia during Christmas

The event "Carols by Candlelight" has been around since 1938 with a very humanitarian purpose: to create a warm Christmas night for those without family or who have to celebrate alone. Since then, the people have turned this event into a festival of sharing.

Australians believe that candlelight symbolizes dispelling darkness, a wish for peace for the community. Therefore, although not mandatory, most people bring candles when gathering at squares, parks, or large outdoor stages.

However, what makes the candlelight night attractive is not only the meticulously staged artistic program with orchestras, singers, and choirs, but also the very distinctive community experience. Tens of thousands of people, from families with young children to the elderly, spread blankets on the grass, holding candles or small lights, singing along to familiar carols.

This activity is held in many major cities, but the most famous is on December 24th at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne. Vietnamese tourists visiting Melbourne during Christmas often prioritize participating in this event due to its clear community spirit and because it is the "heart" of Melbourne's Christmas events.

The event takes place on the evening of December 24th in Melbourne, usually starting in the late afternoon and lasting into the night.

At this time, the airfare Vietjet to Melbourne is quite reasonable, you can book early to join the legendary candlelight night. See details HERE.

The Australian Christmas festival is closely associated with the beach in almost every major city. As Christmas Day approaches, instead of heading out into the streets in thick sweaters, Australians gather at the beach, wearing shorts, t-shirts, Santa hats, and barbecuing while sunbathing. This is considered one of the most unique outdoor Christmas experiences on the planet. The image of Santa Claus in swim trunks has become a cultural symbol representing the Australian summer for over 20 years.

This tradition clearly reflects the lifestyle connected to the sea of Australians. More than 85% of the population lives near the coast, and major holidays throughout the year are almost always linked to the beach. Christmas, therefore, is no longer confined to churches or family dinners, but expands into the open sea and sky, where people can enjoy both the religious holiday and the beautiful summer weather.

The image of families gathering at Bondi Beach or St Kilda Beach on December 25 has become a tradition.

For Vietnamese tourists, if you want to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Christmas in Sydney, Bondi Beach is the ideal choice. On the 25th, the beach is very crowded, so arriving early in the morning is advisable if you want more space. You should prepare sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and water, while also following the lifeguard's instructions as the summer sea can have dangerous rip currents.

If you want to change things up for the holiday season, you can book a flight ticket Vietjet to Australia to experience Christmas in the refreshing summer. See detailsHERE.

In Australian culture, Christmas is inseparable from the activity of secret gift-giving known as “Kris Kringle,” similar to anonymous gift-giving in many Western cultures. Instead of focusing on material value, this tradition emphasizes fun, surprise, and humor in relationships between people.

In offices, schools, friend groups, or even in hostels and hotels for tourists, people often draw lots to find out who they will give a gift to, but the identity of the giver is not revealed until the last minute.

Gifts for Kris Kringle are usually of moderate value, sometimes just a few dozen Australian dollars, but are chosen to match the personality, habits, or interests of the recipient.

For Vietnamese tourists, if staying in dormitory-style hostels, backpacker hostels, or participating in tours with longer stays, you are likely to encounter announcements about Kris Kringle activities in the common area. Don’t hesitate to join in, as this is a great opportunity to integrate into the community and understand how Australians create joy from simple things. You can prepare gifts like chocolate, small souvenirs related to Vietnam, or a practical item like a notebook or water bottle, as long as it is neatly wrapped and accompanied by a short Christmas wish in simple English.

Christmas parades in Australia are an important part of the cultural life of the people, especially in cities with a long-standing tradition. The origin of the parade stems from the desire to create an event for children in the context of economic hardship, but over time, it has become a festival for the whole family.

The most notable is the Christmas parade in Adelaide, often referred to as the Adelaide Christmas Pageant. This event originated in 1933 and has maintained an impressive scale, with dozens of floats, thousands of volunteers, bands, dance groups, and a host of costumed characters, attracting hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets to watch each year.

For Vietnamese tourists, the Christmas parade is a rare opportunity to observe the urban rhythm of Australia in a different state than usual. If you visit Adelaide in November or early December, you can check the event schedule on the official city website, knowing the route and the areas that are closed to vehicles. It is advisable to use public transport as central traffic is often restricted on the day of the parade.

In Sydney, this event contributes to the vibrant atmosphere of the Sydney Christmas festival, attracting a large number of international tourists.

Christmas markets are an essential part of the Christmas atmosphere in many countries, but in Australia, this activity takes on a very unique color thanks to the characteristic climate and lifestyle. Instead of the cold markets with steam rising from hot drink stalls like in Europe, Christmas markets in Australia take place in pleasant weather, usually in the evening, where visitors can stroll, enjoy the cool breeze, and savor street food.

• In Sydney, the area of The Rocks near the harbor is a frequent host of Christmas markets with dozens of stalls selling crafts, jewelry, prints, scented candles, Christmas tree decorations, and traditional holiday foods.
• In Melbourne, the Queen Victoria Market also has a special edition for the Christmas season, with brightly decorated stalls, a live music stage, and an outdoor dining area.
• Other cities like Adelaide and Brisbane also have their own Christmas markets, smaller in scale but still maintaining a lively and cozy spirit.

Vietnamese tourists just need to check the operating schedule of each market on the official tourism website of the city. The locations of these markets are usually convenient, close to the center, and well-connected by buses and trains. You should bring a fabric bag to reduce the use of plastic bags and prepare a small amount of cash in case some stalls do not accept international cards.

Christmas markets are an ideal destination if you want to enjoy the slow, close-knit culture of Christmas in Australia.

Light shows and fireworks, which are held quite frequently in major cities, are also a unique outdoor Christmas experience you shouldn't miss. In Sydney, the area around St Mary’s Cathedral and the square in front often becomes the focal point with a series of programs called “Christmas at the Cathedral,” lasting several nights in December.

Additionally, some areas like Darling Harbour in Sydney or the harbors and squares in other cities also organize fireworks displays on weekends close to Christmas. This activity is usually free; people just need to choose a spot on the riverbank, harbor, grassy area, or steps and wait for the fireworks to start.

For Vietnamese tourists, the Christmas festival in Australia is an opportunity to see the city in its most vibrant attire.

Vietjet is currently operating many flexible flights to Australia, making it easy for you to arrange a memorable Christmas Eve journey. See details HERE.

If you want to find an experience that is both relaxing and a bit romantic, a Christmas cruise is the ideal choice. In Sydney, harbor cruises are often specially designed for Christmas with menus, decorations, and entertainment programs that fit the occasion. Guests can enjoy lunch or dinner while admiring famous landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from the water's perspective.

To participate, travelers should book tickets in advance from Vietnam on tour booking sites or directly from cruise operators in Sydney. The trip usually lasts from two to three hours, depending on the service package. Choosing a seat near the window or on the deck is a top priority if you want to take beautiful photos. In the evening, even in summer, the breeze on the bay can be a bit chilly, so a light jacket is still an essential item. If you are prone to seasickness, you may want to take anti-nausea medication about half an hour before the boat departs.

For Vietnamese travelers, a cruise also offers the opportunity to see New Year's fireworks if you go at the right time.

Christmas in Australia is an interesting story about how a country harmonizes religious traditions with the local climate and lifestyle. There, people still sing carols, light candles, and give gifts, and there is still Santa Claus and Bible stories, but all set against the backdrop of a bright summer, blue seas, and outdoor activities.

If you are looking for a destination that is both familiar and strange for the end of the year, be proactive tickets Vietjet to Australia in December so you don't miss this brilliant moment. Don't forget to keep an eye on the domestic and international flight promotion program of 0 Dong (excluding taxes and fees) every day from 12 - 2 PM to enjoy discounted ticket prices. See details HERE.

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