Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Lights! The Ultimate Family Guide to Aussie Festive Fun

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 🎅 From sparkling Christmas trees to streets aglow with dazzling light displays, Australia truly knows how to bring the holiday magic. The best part? You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy it—many of these festive wonders are free! So, grab your little elves and head out on a twinkling adventure in your state. 🎄✨

New South Wales – Sydney Sparkles

• Martin Place Christmas Tree
  Nothing says Christmas like Sydney’s Martin Place tree! This massive, 25-meter beauty is decked out with thousands of lights and even sings carols. Nearby, Pitt Street Mall is strung with stunning festive decorations perfect for a family stroll.
• The Hills District – Baulkham Hills & Castle Hill Lights
  The suburbs of Baulkham Hills and Castle Hill are famous for their jaw-dropping home light displays. Streets like Excelsior Avenue and Glenhaven Road light up with twinkling Santas, reindeer, and snowmen.
• Christmas Lights at Hunter Valley Gardens (Paid)
  While not free, the Hunter Valley Gardens’ Christmas Lights Spectacular is a family Favorite. With over three million lights, it’s a magical wonderland worth the trip!

Victoria – Magical Melbourne

• Myer Christmas Windows
  A long-time Melbourne tradition, the Myer Christmas Windows are a hit with kids (and parents nostalgic for their own childhoods). Walk along Bourke Street and soak in the magic for free.
• Ivanhoe Boulevard, Ivanhoe
  This suburban gem draws crowds every year for its incredible home light displays. Families love walking the streets together and spotting their Favorite decorations.
• Federation Square Christmas Tree & Light Projections
  Federation Square’s tree is a sight to behold, and the nightly light projections on nearby buildings are pure Christmas magic. Pro tip: head to the Birrarung Marr playground afterward to let the kids burn off some energy!

Queensland – A Glittering Sunshine Christmas

• Brisbane’s Christmas Lights Trail
  Take a self-guided tour through Brisbane’s suburbs to see homes transformed into festive wonderlands. Top picks include Bunya Street in Everton Hills and Baroona Road in Paddington.
• Roma Street Parklands’ Enchanted Garden
  A free light display with glowing tunnels, fairy-lit trees, and twinkling pathways, this is a magical experience for all ages. It’s stroller-friendly too!
• Gold Coast Christmas Lights Competition
  Each year, Gold Coast residents compete for the best-decorated homes. Streets in Helensvale and Burleigh Waters are packed with jaw-dropping displays. Load up the car and make an evening of it!

South Australia – Adelaide’s Sparkle Spectacular

• Lobethal Lights Festival
  This Adelaide Hills tradition is free to explore and features entire streets dressed up in lights. Many homes include interactive displays, making it a hit with kids.
• Seaton Terrace, Seaton
  This suburban street goes all out with colourful, themed displays. You might even spot Santa handing out candy canes!
• Victoria Square Christmas Tree
  Adelaide’s tallest Christmas tree is a glowing landmark in the city centre. Pair your visit with a stroll along Rundle Mall, where festive window displays and buskers add to the holiday cheer.

Western Australia – Perth’s Festive Glow

• Christmas Lights Trail, Perth CBD
  With over 30 light installations scattered across the city, this free walking trail is a family favorite. Look out for giant baubles, glowing reindeer, and sparkling Christmas trees!
• Nolla Court, Wanneroo
  One of Perth’s most famous Christmas streets, Nolla Court residents go all out to create an incredible light display for families.
• Mandurah Canals Christmas Lights (Free to Stroll)
  While boat tours are available, families can also stroll along the canals to admire the beautifully lit houses for free.

Tasmania – Tassie’s Tiny Twinkle Towns

• Hobart’s Salamanca Square
  Salamanca Square’s giant Christmas tree and fairy lights create a magical atmosphere, perfect for an evening picnic.
• Devonport’s Christmas Lights Trail
  This self-guided trail takes families through some of the most festively decorated homes in town. Kids will love voting on their Favorites!

Northern Territory – Christmas in the Tropics

• Darwin Waterfront Christmas Tree
  Enjoy a relaxed evening by Darwin’s waterfront, where a glowing tree spreads holiday cheer. Combine it with a picnic or fish and chips for a laid-back family outing.
• The Boulevard, Palmerston
  Known for its community spirit, this street is a must-visit for families who love over-the-top Christmas lights. Many homes also feature interactive displays.

Australian Capital Territory – Canberra’s Christmas Cheer

• Christmas Lights Trail in the Suburbs
  Suburbs like Forrest, Calwell, and Ngunnawal come alive with dazzling light displays. Load up the car, pop on some carols, and let the kids vote for their Favorite house.
• Glebe Park Christmas Village
  This free event features a giant tree, festive markets, and live entertainment. Let the kids meet Santa while you sip on some mulled wine.

Tips for a Festive Family Outing

• Go early: Crowds can build up quickly, especially in popular neighbourhoods.
• Pack snacks: A thermos of hot chocolate and some gingerbread cookies make for a perfect festive treat.
• Get the kids involved: Bring along a clipboard for a Christmas light scavenger hunt—how many Santas can they spot?

Wherever you are in Australia, there’s festive magic waiting to be discovered. So, bundle up the kids, hit the road, and let the Christmas cheer light up your family’s holiday season!

Merry Christmas from all of us at LM Bambini! 🎄✨