In this story:
- 1. Learn to make a Christmas wreath in Redfern, NSW
- 2. Make pro-level Christmas cookies in Camberwell, VIC
- 3. Craft DIY Christmas baubles in Petrie, QLD
- 4. Crochet the Grinch in Coomera, QLD
- 5. Visit the tallest Christmas tree in NSW
- 6. Make a clay Christmas tree in Coolbellup, WA
- 7. Celebrate Christmas in Sydney, Korean style
- 8. See Melbourne at its most sparkly
- 9. Make fused-glass Xmas decorations in Belair, SA
- 10. Become a chocolatier for a day in Canberra
- 11. Make macramé decorations in Bli Bli, QLD
- 12. Choose your own adventure
Short on time? Skip directly to the Christmas activities.
Let's be real. Christmas in Australia is... weird. While our Northern Hemisphere friends are roasting chestnuts over an open fire, we’re praying for a summer sans bushfires.
Dressed like smug snowmen, they drink hot chocolate at cute Christmas markets. Us? We swelter under the skin-scorching sun and consume our body weight in cold prawns.
Days are long, humidity is high and ugly Christmas sweaters are (sadly) not an option. It’s hardly the “winter wonderland” Michael Bublé sings about over the supermarket speakers.
Dream as we might, Christmas in the land down under is less turkey and mistletoe and more bindies and sunburn. And while most of us love it that way, a little extra festive flair never goes astray.
If you’re struggling to get in the mood in 2024, don’t let your inner Grinch win the day. Dust off your Santa hat and get your fix of festive spirit with these fun Xmas activities.
1. Learn to make a Christmas wreath in Redfern, NSW
In the lead up to Christmas, the local legends at Merchant & Green host a popular wreath-making workshop in their light-filled studio. One of the most festive Xmas activities in Sydney, this hands-on class includes a complimentary glass of bubbles and a generous amount of fresh foliage and botanicals. When the hour's up, head up the road to Bourke Street Bakery for pastries, coffee and people-watching.
More Christmas activities in Sydney
2. Make pro-level Christmas cookies in Camberwell, VIC
Cookies + Christmas = a match made in heaven. Head to one of Miss Biscuit’s much-loved cookie-decorating workshops and learn to ice and decorate gingerbread biscuits like a pro. At the end of the class, you’ll have a collection of treats so sweet you won’t want to eat them. (Not true.)
More Christmas activities in Melbourne
3. Craft DIY Christmas baubles in Petrie, QLD
This unique workshop in Petrie might just one of the best Xmas activities for small groups. Gather six of your closest friends and join Caroline Barber for a cosy crafternoon playing with vibrant alcohol inks. After achieving your desired look, you’ll head home with six unique baubles to hang on the tree. Store-bought decorations? So last year.
More Christmas activities in Brisbane
4. Crochet the Grinch in Coomera, QLD
Rather than wallow in self-pity or stare into the abyss*, get your besties together for a cute Christmas-themed crochet class. Under the guidance of Sakra from Mummashark Crochet, you’ll bring Dr. Seuss’ grouchy green villain to life with nothing more than a hook and some yarn. Snacks, tea and coffee are complimentary. All you need to bring is a generous dose of yuletide spirit. *That's a reference only fans of The Grinch will understand.
More Gold Coast Christmas activities
5. Visit the tallest Christmas tree in NSW
Come December, Sydney’s bustling business district gets a festive makeover. Head to Martin Place to marvel at NSW’s tallest Christmas tree and its 330 bespoke baubles. When you’ve taken a sufficient amount of selfies, stroll down George Street to The Fox Hole for a gin-tasting experience.
More Christmas activities in Sydney
6. Make a clay Christmas tree in Coolbellup, WA
The Moody Rabbit hosts a cute ceramic Christmas ornament-making workshop that’s perfect for anyone aged 10 and up. With help from expert ceramicist Hannah, you'll learn about the slab building method and get hands-on experience making six ceramic decorations for your tree. From black cockatoos to gum trees, there’s a variety of native designs to choose from, giving your Chrissy decos a distinctly Australian touch.
More Christmas activities in Perth
7. Celebrate Christmas in Sydney, Korean style
Meet your new favourite dessert, ggot tteok. Made with rice flour, sesame, soybean powder and sugar, these tiny Korean rice cakes are quite possibly the cutest Chrissy dessert ever – and you’re going to learn how to make them. Based in Surry Hills, Elin Kim’s Korean dessert-making classes are some of the most unique Xmas activities in Sydney. If you’re looking for fun Friendsmas ideas, it doesn’t get better than this. Whether you're celebrating with your pals, parents or co-workers, there are plenty more fun Christmas activities in Australia to explore.
More Christmas activities in Sydney
8. See Melbourne at its most sparkly
With its 17.5-metre Christmas tree and nightly sound-and-light show, Fed Square comes alive at Christmas time. A little elf told us there may even be complimentary gift wrapping on offer, but you’ll have to wait and see. Visit between November 24 - December 25 to see Melbourne’s most-loved meeting place transformed into a festive wonderland.
More Christmas activities in Melbourne
9. Make fused-glass Xmas decorations in Belair, SA
First time hearing about glass fusing? That makes two of us. After discovering Joy Levin’s beautiful glass art workshops, I had to add this seasonal special to the list. Over two hours, you’ll learn to fuse pieces of glass together to create delicate decorations in the shape of snowflakes, trees or presents. This is one of the most unique Christmas activities in Adelaide and there are plenty of dates available.
More Christmas activities in Adelaide
10. Become a chocolatier for a day in Canberra
Potentially unpopular opinion: A box of Favourites is not a good gift. Yes, they’re delicious – but deep down, we all know it’s a half-assed thing to bring to a Christmas party. A box of handmade chocolates? Now you’re talking. Head to this Christmas Chocolate Making Class in Braddon and learn to make truffles with the experts at Choc’d Full. Fueled by chocolate fondue, you’ll learn to temper and decorate your own sweet treats, before packaging them up for someone special. (Yourself included.)
More Christmas activities in Canberra
11. Make macramé decorations in Bli Bli, QLD
Not a fan of tacky decorations and LED lights? Welcome to the club. Bring your Pinterest board to life with this macrame Christmas decoration workshop on the Sunshine Coast. Under the guidance of art teacher Violet, you’ll learn to make a tree, an angel and a santa, adding a boho touch to your festive décor.
More Sunshine Coast Christmas activities
12. Choose your own adventure
From wreath-making classes to Xmas cocktail workshops, these fun Christmas activities make it easier than ever to dial up the festive enthusiasm. No matter your budget or location, there are hundreds of Christmas events around Australia just waiting to be discovered. Have a holly-jolly one, friends!
2k 
Runs regularly
Pakenham, Ferntree Gully & Mount Evelyn
1 to 40 guests
$89 - $119
