WISHING YOU A
MERRY "aussie" CHRISTMAS
AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW
ABOUT AUSTRALIA AT CHRISTMAS TIME
While we might be wrapping up warm and prepping turkey and all the trimmings, Christmas in Australia retains many similar traditions. Here is our guide to Christmas Down Under.
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
CAROLS BY CANDLEIGHT
The annual Australian tradition of Carols by Candlelight sees crowds gather in parks and outdoor venues to listen to carols sung by candlelight. The largest event takes place on Christmas Eve in Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl and features celebrity performances. The event attracts thousands of spectators and is broadcast throughout Australia. Sydney also hosts a similar event known as Carols in the Domain, while the Adelaide Christmas Pageant features floats, bands and a variety of entertainers as well as an appearance from Santa Claus and attracts 400,000 people.
AUSTRALIAN FOOD at christmas
The dining experience is one of the biggest differences, given that Australia
celebrate Christmas in the middle of their summer!
The dining experience is one of the biggest differences, given that Australia celebrate Christmas in the middle of their summer!
Families typically gather for Christmas lunch, which is enjoyed al fresco in the backyard. In place of a hot roast, Australians will prepare a turkey or ham in advance to carve and serve cold, and, while each family has its own variation, typically the roast is glazed with honey, maple or apricot and sometimes even pineapple juice.
But the king at Christmas is seafood, specifically prawn cocktails and barbequed Tiger Prawns. Australians consume 45,000 tonnes of prawns throughout the holidays. After the main meal, a fruit platter with golden mangoes and ruby cherries is handed around. Later on in the day, Australians indulge in Pavlova covered in fresh fruit, Christmas Pudding with a scoop of cold custard, mince pies and White Christmas, which is a no-bake slice loved by children.
And with Christmas at the beach, surfing Santas, carols and chocolate calendars there is plenty to celebrate and enjoy.
So when you are unwrapping your Christmas Lions bobble hat and heading out for a winter walk, spare a thought for all those Aussies on the beach and know it won’t be long until you are Down Under for real!
AUSTRALIAN FOOD & dining AT CHRISTMAS
The dining experience is one of the biggest differences, given that Australia celebrate
Christmas in the middle of their summer!
Families typically gather for Christmas lunch, which is enjoyed al fresco in the backyard. In place of a hot roast, Australians will prepare a turkey or ham in advance to carve and serve cold, and, while each family has its own variation, typically the roast is glazed with honey, maple or apricot and sometimes even pineapple juice.
But the king at Christmas is seafood, specifically prawn cocktails and barbequed Tiger Prawns. Australians consume 45,000 tonnes of prawns throughout the holidays. After the main meal, a fruit platter with golden mangoes and ruby cherries is handed around. Later on in the day, Australians indulge in Pavlova covered in fresh fruit, Christmas Pudding with a scoop of cold custard, mince pies and White Christmas, which is a no-bake slice loved by children.
And with Christmas at the beach, surfing Santas, carols and chocolate calendars there is plenty to celebrate and enjoy.
So when you are unwrapping your Christmas Lions bobble hat and heading out for a winter walk, spare a thought for all those Aussies on the beach and know it won’t be long until you are Down Under for real!
