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.

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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.

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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!

The Mornington Peninsula is a coastline of contrasts, where convict and military history meets shipwrecks, wild seas and adventures above and below the surface.

The Mornington Peninsula can be the kind of place where salt-tangled hair feels like a badge of honour – proof you’ve been somewhere wild, raw and real. Peel back the layers and you’ll discover stories that anchor this region to something other than its famed food and wine.

This land is the traditional Sea Country of the Bunurong/Boon Wurrung people. Long before grapevines were planted and artisanal goods were crafted, the Bunurong Traditional Owners lived in deep connection with the land and sea. Today, places such as Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary echo that tradition, with families exploring its rockpools in search of colourful sea stars and crabs at low tide and learning how these fragile ecosystems have been cared for across countless generations.

a group of people visiting the Port Nepean National Park — Take in the rugged coastal landscape at Port Nepean National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

A visit to Point Nepean National Park feels like stepping back through time. The fort, built in 1882, protected the narrow entrance to Port Phillip Bay until the end of the Second World War. It was here that the first Allied shot of the First World War was fired – at a German cargo ship trying to escape just hours after war was declared. Nearby, the old Quarantine Station, one of Australia’s first permanent quarantine facilities, established in 1852, still stands. Walking through the hospital and disinfecting complex evokes stories of those who arrived from faraway shores.

Not far from here is a story of survival that inspired the Aussie phrase ‘you’ve got Buckley’s chance’. In 1803, escaped convict William Buckley vanished into the bush near what’s now Sorrento. Everyone thought he had no hope of surviving, but he reappeared 32 years later, having lived with local Aboriginal people.

Even the waters here hold history. The infamous stretch known as The Rip, just three kilometres wide at the entrance of Port Phillip Bay, is among the most treacherous waterways. Countless ships were lost here in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and in 1967, Australia’s own Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared while swimming off the coast, never to be found.

a seal swimming in Port Phillip Bay — A seal swimming in Port Phillip Bay. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

But for all its danger, the sea here also holds extraordinary beauty. Dolphins are often seen near Sorrento’s cliffs, while below the surface, seagrass meadows and rocky reefs teem with life. Marine tours offer a viewing to this underwater wonderland, while back on terra firma, walking trails lead along beaches, through coastal scrub, and over rock pools.

And if you think you’ll forget about the Mornington Peninsula once you’ve left? You’ve got Buckley’s chance.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the suite interior at InterContinental Sorrento — Luxury interiors at the historic InterContinental Sorrento. (Image: Greg Elms)

Point Nepean Discovery Tents is immersive glamping beside the historic Quarantine Station. Or upgrade to luxury at the 1875-built InterContinental Sorrento.

Playing there

an aerial view of Cape Schanck Lighthouse — Make your way to the Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Bayplay Adventure Tours offer eco-adventures from snorkelling with sea dragons to kayaking with dolphins and cycling Point Nepean. Cape Schanck Lighthouse is fascinating to explore on a guided tour, which takes you into the lighthouse and keeper’s cottage.

Eating there

Portsea Hotel is a beautifully restored 1876 Tudor-style pub right on the beach, serving seasonal local fare.

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.

1. Hahndorf, SA

2. Ballarat, Vic

3. Hunter Valley, NSW

4. Mandurah, WA

5. Launceston, Tas

6. Stanthorpe, Qld

7. Lobethal, SA

8. Chiltern, Vic

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The Mornington Peninsula is a coastline of contrasts, where convict and military history meets shipwrecks, wild seas and adventures above and below the surface.

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Staying there

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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.

1. Hahndorf, SA

2. Ballarat, Vic

3. Hunter Valley, NSW

AI Prompt

4. Mandurah, WA

5. Launceston, Tas

6. Stanthorpe, Qld

7. Lobethal, SA

8. Chiltern, Vic

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The Mornington Peninsula is a coastline of contrasts, where convict and military history meets shipwrecks, wild seas and adventures above and below the surface.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Playing there

Eating there