Christmas in Australia is all about sunshine, fun, and family, which gives the traditional holiday vibe a unique twist. Instead of cosy fires and snow-covered landscapes, we enjoy backyard barbecues, fresh seafood, and outdoor fun in the warm December sun.
If you're hosting this year, here’s Tastebuds' guide to throwing an amazing Christmas lunch that suits the Aussie summer spirit, blending tradition with a laid-back, warm-weather vibe.
Planning Your Christmas Lunch
The key to a successful Christmas lunch is planning. First, think about the number of guests you’re inviting and their dietary preferences. Will you have any vegetarians, vegans, or picky eaters in the crowd? It’s important to cater for everyone, so once you have a good idea of your guest list, you can start planning a menu that covers all bases.
Next, decide on the type of lunch you're going for. Will it be a formal sit-down meal or a more casual buffet-style spread? In Australia, a buffet often works best because it allows guests to help themselves, leaving you more time to enjoy the day and relax. Plus, a casual atmosphere matches our laid-back Christmas style perfectly.
Set the Scene
Christmas in Australia might not have snowflakes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a festive atmosphere. A fun mix of traditional Christmas decorations like a tree, fairy lights, and a bit of tinsel, combined with beachy, summery elements (think eucalyptus garlands, fresh flowers, or even seashells on the table), can give your home a great holiday vibe.
Since it's likely to be hot, consider hosting the lunch outdoors, either in the backyard or on a deck or patio. Provide some shade with umbrellas, marquees, or trees to keep guests cool and comfortable. Having plenty of cold drinks on hand from the start also helps — welcome everyone with a glass of chilled sparkling wine, a fruity punch, or an icy cold beer. Don’t forget some refreshing non-alcoholic options, like homemade lemonade or iced tea.
The Menu – A Blend of Tradition and Aussie Flavours
Now for the main event — the food! Christmas lunch in Australia is an opportunity to blend the best of traditional Christmas fare with fresh, local ingredients that suit our summer weather. Here’s a breakdown of some food ideas that will be a hit.
Starters – Light and Fresh
You don’t want anything too heavy for starters, as guests will need to save room for the main event. Fresh seafood is a popular choice for Australian Christmas lunch, so consider serving chilled prawns with cocktail sauce, or a platter of smoked salmon, oysters, and calamari. These are easy to prepare ahead of time and scream "Aussie summer." You could also add a fresh garden salad or a crisp Greek salad to start the meal off on a light note.
Main Course – Something for Everyone
For the mains, you can’t go wrong with a mix of traditional and Aussie-style dishes. A glazed ham is a Christmas classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you go with a classic honey-glazed ham or something a little different, like a maple-mustard glaze, it’s the centerpiece of many Aussie Christmas tables.
If you want to avoid spending all your time in the kitchen, BBQing is a great option. A leg of lamb, marinated chicken, or fresh fish on the grill keeps things easy and adds a wonderful summery touch to the meal. You could also throw some prawns or seafood skewers on the barbie — nothing says “Australian Christmas” quite like grilled seafood!
For those who prefer plant-based options, grilled vegetable platters, stuffed mushrooms, and hearty salads (think roasted beetroot, quinoa, or pumpkin with feta) will keep vegetarian and vegan guests satisfied.
Sides – Simple but Delicious
Keep your sides seasonal and simple to complement the mains. A fresh potato salad (with mayo, herbs, and a touch of mustard) is always a hit, and roasted veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, and zucchini add a hearty touch without being too heavy for a summer meal. For something lighter, a mango and avocado salad, or a classic tomato and basil salad, will add freshness to the table.
Desserts – The Sweet Finale
When it comes to desserts, you have a choice between traditional Christmas sweets or light and refreshing treats. Many families love a traditional Christmas pudding or trifle, but in Australia, a pavlova topped with fresh berries, passionfruit, and whipped cream is a classic. Its light, airy texture is perfect for a hot day. You could also serve mini pavlovas or a fruit salad with a dollop of yogurt for a healthier, lighter option.
For an extra Aussie twist, consider adding a lamington cake to your dessert spread — it’s an iconic Aussie treat that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea to round off the meal.
Drinks – Stay Cool and Hydrated
On a hot December day, keeping your guests hydrated is key. In addition to offering a welcome drink, make sure you have plenty of options to keep everyone cool. A few jugs of iced water with slices of cucumber, mint, or lemon make for a refreshing and simple touch. Set up an easy-access drinks station where guests can help themselves to wine, beer, or soft drinks.
If you want to add a festive flair to your drinks, whip up a Christmas punch or a sangria filled with seasonal fruits like strawberries, watermelon, and oranges. For non-alcoholic options, consider a sparkling mocktail made with ginger ale, soda water, and fruit juice — a perfect thirst-quencher for both kids and adults.
Fun and Games
Christmas lunch isn’t just about the food — it’s about the fun too! Since it’s summertime, plan some outdoor activities to keep the energy up. Backyard cricket is a classic Australian Christmas tradition. Set up a game for the kids (and adults who still feel like kids!) to enjoy between courses or after lunch. A game of bocce, frisbee, or even a water balloon toss can add some laughs and excitement.
For a quieter option, Christmas crackers filled with jokes and paper crowns always go down well, and you could even prepare a Christmas trivia game or Secret Santa gift exchange to keep the festive spirit alive.
Don’t Forget to Relax!
Finally, while hosting a Christmas lunch can seem overwhelming, remember to enjoy yourself. Delegate tasks where possible — ask guests to bring a dish, help set up, or pitch in with drinks. The aim of the day is to celebrate, laugh, and make memories with loved ones. So, sit back, grab a plate of prawns, and enjoy the beautiful Australian summer with your friends and family.
With some good planning, a mix of fresh summer flavors, and a relaxed atmosphere, your Christmas lunch will be a day to remember!