Australia

With the average Christmas Day temperature in both Perth, Western Australia, and Brisbane, on the East Coast, a pleasant 25°C, it’s easy to see why many opt for a beachside barbie over sprouts and warm gravy!

Australia Holidays >

Rockefeller Centre Tree Lighting Ceremony

In a ceremony that dates back to 1933, thousands of people gather every year to witness the tens of thousands of lights that adorn the iconic Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree being switched on, with millions more watching on TV at home.

New York Holidays >

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime, Jakarta seven, Abu Dhabi four, and Honolulu ten hours behind. Both Christmas Day and Boxing Day are public holidays in Hong Kong, and the lights and decorations around Tsim Sha Tsui are as bright as in any western city.

Hong Kong holidays >

Toronto

The Cavalcade of Lights has grown from a one night event in Nathan Phillips Square to a six week celebration of light and sound across Downtown Toronto, with live music, ice skating and wonderfully festive LED illuminations.

Toronto Holidays >

South Africa

Malva pudding is sponge cake made with caramelised apricot jam and a sweet butter milk sauce, often served with custard or ice cream. Seconds please!

South Africa holidays >

Mere Kirihimete

Whilst Christmas isn’t traditionally celebrated in Māori culture, “Mere Kirihimete” and other translations of common festive phases are heard across New Zealand over the holiday period as people spend time with friends and family. Likewise children hope that “Hana Kōkō” will come…

New Zealand Holidays >

Malaysia

Fireworks light the sky on most holidays in Malaysia and Christmas Eve is no different, though often accompanied by a New Year’s Eve style countdown. Beforehand there is dancing and merriment, and huge Christmas buffets at many hotels in Kuala Lumpur. Come Christmas Day however, it’s business as usual for most.

Malaysia holidays >

Melbourne

A major fundraiser for the charity Vision Australia, Carols by Candlelight has become an Aussie institution. So quickly do the 10,000 tickets to attend the event at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl sell out, that tickets are now also sold to watch the dress rehearsal the day before!

Melbourne Holidays >

Kalua pig

Christmas in Hawaii means its time for a Lūʻau – a feast with family and friends, with live music and dancing. A variety of traditional dishes are enjoyed, but Kalua pig always tops the menu. Cooked underground wrapped in banana leaves, the pork takes on a delicious earthy, smoky flavour.

Hawaii Holidays >

Making “Christmas Trees” out of Lobster Pots

The fishermen of Barrington, a village on the southern tip of Nova Scotia, made the first lobster trap tree, with those from Louisbourg, Lunenburg, Dennis Point, Port Mouton and Peggy’s Cove, to name but a few towns and villages soon joining in.

Nova Scotia holidays >