By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported
Want to lie on the beach, wearing shorts and bikinis, and celebrate Christmas with family and friends? Here’s another option — head to the Southern Hemisphere. From December each year to February the next, it’s summer in Melbourne. Just like in Europe, Melbourne’s Christmas celebrations have already begun, except here you won’t see people bundled up in coats — instead, it’s a cool sight of folks in summer attire and even bikinis!
Melbourne trams are decked out for Christmas. (Photo provided by Tourism Victoria)
Melbourne hosts a series of Christmas and New Year celebrations from November through March of the following year, along with the Grand Slam of the Asia Pacific — the Australian Open, the JBWere Golf Classic, the Phillip Island Round of the Superbike World Championship, and the Festival of Sails, one of Australia’s oldest sporting events that gathers hundreds of yachts and features various waterfront festivities. Here, there are plenty of competitive events during Christmas, and bikini-clad beauties are everywhere on the beach, creating an explosive Melbourne-style summer vibe.
Exciting sporting events kick off in full swing in summertime Melbourne. (Photo provided by Tourism Victoria)
On the highlight night of Christmas Eve, Federation Square becomes the stage for festive celebrations. Locals often gather here with family and friends to watch Christmas movies, join in sing-alongs, and more. Every year on Christmas Eve, live candlelight choir performances of Christmas carols are broadcast on the big screen at Federation Square.
The Melbourne New Year’s Eve countdown is also spectacular. Many people bring picnic mats to the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Yarra Park to join in the festive cheer. The fireworks show, which begins at 9:30 pm, is accompanied by full-screen projections on St Paul’s Cathedral, the State Library, and the National Gallery of Victoria, showcasing Melbourne’s uniqueness through distinctive projection art, taking the holiday atmosphere to new heights.