Australia goes for Christmas and New Year in a big fashion. It’s the country’s principle holiday season, and consequently most of the city takes time off from work and school to enjoy a few days of family fun towards the end of December.

Both Sydney and Melbourne are known for being particularly enthusiastic when it comes to Yuletide and New Years. From the cities’ decorations to the events that are held on their streets, both metropolises get a huge dose of festive fever at the time of year. For backpackers, there can be few better places to be in the entire world for celebrating the festive season with joy and vigor.

Sydney

Sydney’s Christmas Program includes a variety of events and attractions that could keep the backpacker busy for days. Close to the top of this list has to be the lights that come to adorn much of Sydney come the third week of December; these light up the city like you’d never believe, and it’s possible to spend nights on end simply traipsing round the streets and gazing in awe at the illuminations on display.

The Sydney Town Hall is particularly worth a visit if you’re looking to see the light fantastic. A gorgeous old building, it’s lit up in vibrant colors every evening.

During the day, meanwhile, various ‘family concerts’ take place in the city’s many green spaces. Featuring live bands and a fun picnic scene, these concerts make for a great way to pass a gentle couple of hours. And, for the budget weary backpacker, they’re free to boot.

As is to be expected, New Year’s is more of an all-out party occasion than Christmas in Sydney. In fact, New Year’s here is known as being one of the most atmospheric and jumping parties you’ll find anywhere in the world.

New Year’s in Sydney is all about getting down to the Sydney Harbour, drinking and chatting with friendly strangers on the streets, and then watching as a magnificent fireworks display goes up at midnight. After that, people dance the night away, before finally filing back to their hostel Sydney come the early sunlit hours of the morning.

Melbourne

As with Sydney, Melbourne comes alive during December as festive cheer takes hold of one and all. Check in to a hotel or hostel Melbourne offers during this time and you’ll be sure to catch some event or other taking place, be it in the accommodation itself or somewhere in the surrounding vicinity.

Must see Christmas attractions in this Australian city include the light show at City Square, and the massive advent calendar at Federation Square. Shopping is also a must in the days leading up to Yuletide as Melbourne is known as a shopper’s hangout through and through.

Having recovered from the indulgences of Christmas, Melbourne picks itself up to party the night away with gusto on the night of December 31st. For an all-consuming New Year’s Eve itinerary here, go to Yarra Park for the ‘family party’ at nine, before then heading to the Docklands area for the real deal come midnight.

By: Jonny Cooper

About the Author:
Before settling down and becoming a copywriter for HostelBookers. Jonny Cooper did a backpacking tour of Australia , and stayed in some Melbourne hostels

Are you thinking of spending Christmas somewhere special with your family this year? Are you hoping to take them to a vacation for the holidays, but have no idea where to go? If so, then here is a list of some of the best Christmas vacations from different parts of the world. These destinations will certainly make your family Christmas a more memorable one.

Fun in the Sun – Hawaii

This place is ideal for families who love the sun. Hawaii has many exciting places and features that you can explore. You can also enjoy the beach and soak in the sun. There are a lot of vacation packages that you can avail of for your family but be sure to book early.

Islands in the Sun – Canary Islands (Spain)

This is another ideal destination for those who enjoy the sun. The Canary Islands, an archipelago in Spain, are comprised of seven large islands and some smaller islands. They are known for beautiful unspoiled beaches with clean fine sand. Each island has a characteristic that sets it apart from the others, an interesting fact that is worth exploring.

The Canary Islands, with its warm inviting climate, are a favorite destination of tourists during the Christmas season. You and your family will certainly enjoy your stay here. You can also get to observe the locals’ traditional way of celebrating Christmas.

Activities Galore – Dubai

The best time to visit Dubai is between the months of October and March, during which you can enjoy not-so-hot temperatures. There are parks and beaches here that your family can visit. However, a lot of these parks and beaches have days that are set apart strictly for women and children, so make sure you check the schedules before you visit. You can also go to the desert safari.

There is no dearth of activities to do in Dubai, which is why it belongs to the best Christmas vacations. You can go sight seeing and visit picturesque waterfalls and canyons. You can also take trips to Bedouin villages. If you are up to the adventure, you can go sand skiing. And of course, one of the best things you can do here is do some shopping!

Heading Down South – Australia

During Christmas season in the US, Australia is enjoying its summer days, so this is the perfect time to visit the beautiful island continent. You will get to enjoy lots of sun on the beaches. You will also see the Australians’ quite unique way of celebrating Christmas.

Australia is a place with lots of amazing places to go to. It is definitely one of the best Christmas vacations because your trip there will be worthwhile. You will never run out of things to do or destinations to visit.

Christmas with a Twist – Mexico

Mexico is a popular Christmas vacation place. Christmas in Mexico is a colorful and festive time. The celebrations start as early as the 16th of December and continue after Christmas.

There are family vacation packages available during the Christmas season. You can stay in beach resorts and enjoy clear blue waters and a relaxing atmosphere. You can go scuba diving or enjoy parasailing. Mexico also has many historical sites you can visit.

These are five of the best Christmas vacations in various locations around the globe. They are perfect for you and your family. If you want to try something new this Christmas, then these destinations are definitely worth a try.

By: Huzaili Aris

About the Author:
Huzaili Aris loves to travel and reveals more tips on how to find really cheap flights [http://funvacationideas.com/tips-for-finding-dirt-cheap-airline-flights] at his website. You’ll also find more ideas on the best family Christmas vacations [http://funvacationideas.com/articles/best-christmas-vacations-and-getaways.html] for you and the whole family.

Everyone is familiar with the festive fare that makes our Christmas dinner one of the most looked-forward to meals of the year. Roast turkey; Yorkshire puddings; Brussels Sprouts; Stuffing; Kilted Sausages; Roast Potatoes; all topped off with seasonal vegetables, lashings of gravy and a generous helping of cranberry sauce.

But have you ever wondered what adorns the yuletide platters of our worldwide neighbours on Christmas day? It’s not all turkey you know.

In Australia Christmas is celebrated at the height of summer, so there is no such thing to an Australian as a white Christmas! Whilst for many years our friends down under followed the English model of the turkey dinner, albeit served with the temperature gauge hitting more than 30 degrees, it has since become more practical with the Christmas picnic of seafood, cold meats, pastas, salads and ice cream taking over and of course, the Aussie outdoor favourite: the barbeque.