Red and Green and HOT?!
Sydney Harbor during Christmas
Christmas in Australia is truly unique in every way. The reason? Location! Australia, being situated in the southern hemisphere is one of the few countries that celebrate Christmas in summer. So when in Australia, be sure to carry sunscreen lotion to your Christmas parties!
Sounds bizarre, doesn’t it? Well, that’s how it is down-under. Christmas is celebrated in the middle of summer vacations for schools. So it is often a tradition to go out camping into the jungle to cool off. The sizzling temperatures make it impossible for the typical and clichéd practices like sitting by the fire and enjoying ahot cupcocoa. So what do the Australians do? They innovate! And how! The fire is provided by the sun anyway and what about a drink you ask? How about a citrus cocktail or a chilled beer?
It isn’t that any of the traditions are dispensed with. The children do go out to sing Carols on Christmas Eve. In fact, there are special caroling services that are broadcast throughout the country. They also have beautiful red and green wreaths that decorate the houses. But the Boxing Day traditions involve something very Australian. You guessed it! A delicious barbeque! What’s more? It’s at the beach!
One thing is for certain, if you are spending Christmas in Australia there is never going to be a dull moment. There always is so much to do! And the best place to be in is Sydney.
Sydney is a stunning cosmopolitan city and it is definitely the place to be for a very Australian Christmas. To be on Bondi Beach in the sweltering heat and shout “Merry Christmas” to fellow beach-bums or frolicking in the water while watching the “barbies” sizzle and hiss is a surreal experience. The food gets a summery twist and so does the fun. The beaches have these natural rock swimming pools that you can take a leisurely dip in and enjoy the sunset. If it gets too hot you can always take a trip to the Blue Mountains to cool off. Alternatively, head over to Hyde Park with the kids for a Christmas on the greens. Another interesting thing to do is to go on a Christmas lunch cruise which is available from the famous area called “the Rocks”
Come evening, if you prefer something a bit more traditional, do surely check out the Martin’s place children’s concert. The concert is undoubtedly brilliant but the whole place is mesmerizing. All the trees and buildings are lit up with a thousand lights kindling the spirit of Christmas in everyone. There are also fireworks and other displays. Most importantly, this event is held for a good cause and truly keeps the idea of Christmas alive. There are also many night cruise parties that you can head off to after the concert. Watching the fireworks display at Sydney harbor is also something everyone swears by.
But are you not so interested in the gorgeous lighting, music and fireworks? Are you a slightly eccentric creature who likes to do things differently? Never fear! Or do because, The “Nightmare on Christmas” is the jazziest and creepiest party that takes you through all the strangest parts of Sydney.Exploring the lore, magic, music and all the creepy displays are sure to please the Goth spirit in you.
That sort of a thing isn’t for everyone though. Those with a slightly gentler spirit can head over to The Rocks where they decorate the tree and have many fun activities. To be honest, there is so much to do it cannot all be wrapped into a single post! One thing is for certain, there is no limit to the fun that can be had in Sydney during Christmas! No matter where you go you will have a Red, Green and hot Christmas!
A bit of caution is advised though. The Sydney Christmas and Sydney New Year are very popular so be absolutely certain to book all tickets in advance. Make sure that you have transport options available. Hiring a car is a good idea as the public transport cannot be completely relied upon on the day. With a little bit of caution and a little bit of care the unique Sydney experience is sure to make your Christmas vacation memorable and stay with you forever!
Swati Avid Traveler 