A Parade of Red Crabs Pulling Sleighs – Celebrate Christmas on Christmas Island with Marine Life

By Hully

At the mention of “Christmas Island,” many might imagine a faraway Nordic land covered in snow all year round... In reality, the real “Christmas Island” belongs to Australia. Its Southeast Asian geographical location means it enjoys year-round tropical heat, with sunshine, beaches, and island vibes that completely defy expectations.

▲ To welcome Christmas, Christmas Island replaces reindeer with its iconic creature — the “red crab” — to create a tropical version of sleigh-pulling. (Photo credit:Christmas Island Tourism Facebook Fan Page, same for the following)

About 70% of Christmas Island is a national park, rich in natural resources, offering unforgettable ecological sights both on land and underwater. The island’s most representative creature is the red crab. From November to December each year, they embark on their annual migration to breed. This year’s egg-laying period falls on December 29–30, when you can witness masses of crab eggs on the shore, along with whale sharks that come for the tasty eggs.

▲ (Left) From November to December, red crabs migrate en masse, covering roads and beaches. (Right) Newly hatched booby chicks are fluffy and super cute.

Sitting by the coast and looking up, you’ll easily spot numerous boobies soaring through the sky, of various species. Among them, the masked booby is endemic to the island. With a breeding cycle of once every two years and habitat destruction, it has become an endangered species. For those who want to explore further, dive into the underwater world of Christmas Island. Over 70 kilometers of the island’s coastline are surrounded by coral reefs, home to up to 200 colorful species. The sea also hosts many rare creatures, making it a secret paradise for diving enthusiasts.

   

▲ (Left) The clear waters of Christmas Island are perfect for snorkeling, with diverse coral reefs visible. (Right) The sea is also home to many rare creatures, such as this brightly colored giant jellyfish (shared by Jon Faulkner on the Christmas Island Tourism Facebook Fan Page).