Here are the most festive towns in Australia

From twinkling lights and Christmas markets to carols by candlelight, these charming destinations deliver all the festive cheer you need to make the season merry and bright.

The holiday season in Australia is a different kind of magic than in the northern hemisphere. From sun-soaked beachside celebrations to country towns decked out in twinkling lights, the festive spirit is alive and well across the country.

Whether you’re after a winter wonderland vibe (minus the snow) or a beachy Christmas experience, these towns know how to deliver on festive cheer.

1. Hahndorf, SA

Step into a fairy-tale Christmas village in Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest German settlement. Come December, this charming town in the Adelaide Hills transforms into a Christmas wonderland straight out of Europe. The streets are lined with heritage buildings adorned in festive lights, and local shops offer up a treasure trove of artisan goods perfect for gift shopping.

an event in Hahndorf festooned with fairy lights — Watch live performances under twinkling fairy lights.

Don’t miss the Christkindlmarkt, a traditional German-style Christmas market where you can indulge in mulled wine, gingerbread, and bratwurst while browsing handcrafted decorations and gifts. The twinkling fairy lights, carols and festive fare will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a snow globe, even though the sun is shining.

people browsing through the stalls at the Christkindlmarkt in Hahndorf — Shop handmade decorations and gifts at the German-style Christmas market.

2. Ballarat, Vic

This Gold Rush town knows how to celebrate Christmas with old-world charm and sparkle. Sovereign Hill’s Christmas in July may get all the attention, but come December, Ballarat comes alive with festive spirit once again.

Christmas in Ballarat is a magical time of year. (Image: Meda Designs Au)

The entire town is lit up with Christmas lights and festive markets pop up in historic streets filled with local crafts, food stalls and live entertainment.

reindeers festooned with fairy lights in Ballarat — The historic streets turn into a Christmas wonderland. (Image: Meda Designs Au)

One of the highlights is the Ballarat Christmas Tree; a massive display that stands proudly in the town square alongside carol services that bring the community together in a joyful celebration.

people sitting inside a huge Christmas ball in Ballarat — Snap a selfie inside a huge Christmas bauble. (Image: Meda Designs Au)

3. Hunter Valley, NSW

The Hunter Valley is known for its world-class wineries, but come Christmas, it transforms into a festive wonderland. The Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular is the largest light display in the southern hemisphere, with over four million lights illuminating the beautiful gardens.

a family walking under a garden arch with vibrant lights in Hunter Valley — The annual Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular.

Stroll through the themed light displays, including Fairyland, Winter Wonderland and the new Candyland, while enjoying live entertainment, food stalls and family-friendly activities. New to The Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular this year are 10+ metre Christmas trees, the five-metre Teddy Bear seat and Mr and Mrs Claus.

It’s the perfect spot for a festive evening under the stars and if you’re a wine lover, it’s a win-win Christmas destination.

an epic thrill ride at the Hunter Valley Gardens — Carnival rides take the fun up another level.

4. Mandurah, WA

Mandurah transforms into a sparkling wonderland during the holiday season with its famous Mandurah Christmas Lights Trail .

the light display at Mandurah Christmas Lights Trail — Marvel at the colourful Mandurah Christmas Lights Trail.

The entire foreshore and waterways are adorned with dazzling light displays, creating a magical spectacle that attracts locals and visitors alike.

Christmas tree displays light up on the waterway, Mandurah — Dazzling Christmas trees are perched on the foreshore. (Image: West Beach Studio)

You can get up close to the illuminated houses or enjoy a stroll along the waterfront to soak in the festive atmosphere.

a vehicle decorated for Christmas in Mandurah — You’ll find Christmas displays scattered across town.

Mandurah also hosts family-friendly events, including carols by candlelight and a vibrant Christmas pageant that winds through the heart of the city, making it one of WA’s most festive destinations.

a huge Santa statue in Mandurah — A visit to Mandurah will have you feeling merry.

5. Launceston, Tas

When it comes to festive charm, Launceston delivers with country warmth and a sprinkling of holiday magic.

people wandering around Launceston — Launceston comes alive with festive fun during the holiday season.

The streets of Tasmania’s second city are illuminated with sparkling lights and the city hosts several Christmas events throughout December.

a crowd of people watching a live performance in Launceston — Catch live music performances in the great outdoors. (Image: Adam Gibson)

One of the standout features of the city’s Silverdome Christmas Market. It offers a great opportunity to pick up handmade gifts and seasonal treats and the City of Launceston Lions Club Christmas Parade is a beloved event where the streets come alive with festive floats, marching bands and cheerful crowds, adding to the town’s festive atmosphere.

a fireworks display in Launceston — Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display.

6. Stanthorpe, Qld

Known for its wineries and cool climate, Stanthorpe transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season. Located in the Granite Belt, this charming country town goes all out with twinkling Christmas lights, community carols and festive markets.

colourful flowers at the annual Apple and Grape Festival, Stanthorpe CBD — The Apple and Grape Festival highlights the region’s produce and pretty blooms. (Image: Supplied)

A must-visit is the Granite Belt Christmas Farm , where you can pick your own real Christmas tree, wander through the festive shop filled with decorations and gifts and even meet Santa’s farm animals.

a family strolling around the Granite Belt Christmas Farm — Select your Christmas Tree from the farm. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

With local wineries hosting festive-themed events, Stanthorpe offers a cosy and magical countryside Christmas experience.

Christmas decor on display at the store, Granite Belt Christmas Farm — Find every kind of Christmas decoration you could imagine inside the onsite store.

7. Lobethal, SA

The Lobethal Lights are nothing short of legendary, with this quaint town in the Adelaide Hills putting on South Australia’s largest Christmas light display. For over 60 years, the Lobethal Lights Festival has been illuminating homes, businesses and streets, drawing visitors from far and wide.

Wander through the town’s Living Nativity scenes, enjoy local markets brimming with handcrafted goods and join the community in celebrating Christmas. The lights and celebrations continue for most of December, offering plenty of time to experience the magic of Lobethal at its festive best.

8. Chiltern, Vic

Nestled in Victorian High Country, Chiltern is known for its stunning natural beauty, but it’s also a town that knows how to do Christmas right.

Christmas crochet and yarn bombs in Chiltern, Vic — Poles and bollards are dressed in crocheted characters around town.

Sharing its festive spirit by covering the street bollards with crocheted decorations, Chiltern will fill your heart with holiday joy.

a Christmas decoration on the streets of Chiltern, Vic — Not even phone booths are overlooked.

Ready to deck the halls? These festive Aussie towns are guaranteed to get you feeling merry and bright this holiday season. Pack your Santa hat and get ready to celebrate!

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .