As the warm Australian summer approaches and the countdown officially begins, households across the country are gearing up for a bigger, brighter, and more budget-savvy festive season. With early shopping now the norm, shifting décor trends, and family-focused celebrations gaining popularity, Christmas 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most creative and community-driven seasons we’ve seen.

This guide explores the latest insights and statistics, last year’s consumer trends, this year’s growing themes, and the Top 10 essential things to prepare for Christmas in Australia. Whether you’re organising décor, food, gifts, or activities, this article gives you everything you need to plan a memorable celebration.

Latest Christmas Insights & Statistics for Australia

Australian shoppers are preparing earlier each year—and 2024 set new records that continue to influence 2025:

• 53% of Australians began Christmas shopping by mid-October 2024, the earliest start in nearly a decade.

• The average Christmas spend reached around $660 per person in 2024, a 10% increase compared to 2023.

• 70% of shoppers relied on sales, discounts, and promotions to manage their budgets.

• 84% of Australians still preferred visiting physical stores, despite strong online shopping growth.

• A significant 74% of Aussies set a Christmas budget, but less than one-third stuck to it.

The takeaway? Consumers are planning earlier, spending strategically, and mixing online convenience with in-store browsing more than ever.

Top 10 Things to Prepare for Christmas in Australia (2025 Edition)

1. Embrace New Christmas Décor Trends

Australian décor trends are evolving, with bigger colours, bolder statements, and personalised styles taking centre stage. The standout theme this year is vibrant, expressive colour palettes making homes feel joyful and modern. Heat-tolerant outdoor decorations are also trending due to Australia’s hot summer Christmas.

Interesting Insight: DIY décor projects are booming as families look for more meaningful, affordable decorations.

2. Choose the Perfect Christmas Tree

Whether you prefer real or artificial, Christmas trees continue to be the focal point of festive décor. Many Aussies are now designing their trees to match their home’s interior style or colour theme. Adding bows, lights, sprinkles, and personalised ornaments remains a popular way to elevate the look. Check out Aldi & Bunnings Christmas Trees.

Interesting Insight: Tree-sketching is trending – families draw their ideal Christmas tree design before decorating the real one.

3. Elevate Your Home with Creative Wall Art

Wall décor, festive wallpaper, and hand-drawn Christmas art are becoming favourite ways to brighten the home. Families are leaning into unique creative displays, including colouring-in activities for kids. These personalised touches bring warmth and charm to living spaces.

Interesting Insight: Colour-in stations and family drawing walls are trending in Australian Christmas households.

4. Plan Christmas Gifts Early

With the early shopping trend stronger than ever, Australians are planning their gifts well before December. Creating a gift list by category – fashion, toys, tech, beauty, home, experiences – helps streamline buying and budgeting. Shoppers are also keeping a close eye on the November sale period.

Interesting Insight: November has overtaken December as Australia’s busiest Christmas shopping month for the first time in nearly 10 years.

5. Prepare Your Christmas Party Outfit & Festive Look

Aussies love going all-out for workplace celebrations, family gatherings, and summer-evening events. Light fabrics, stylish accessories, and festive details help keep outfits practical yet celebratory. Seasonal beauty trends like Christmas-themed nails are also growing rapidly.

Interesting Insight: Most Australian companies now host Christmas parties in early December due to staff leave and school holidays.

6. Line Up Your Christmas Movies & Entertainment

Movie nights are a staple for many families, especially with the rise of at-home celebrations. Classic favourites and kids’ seasonal releases ensure there’s something for everyone. Creating a cosy movie setup at home has become part of modern Australian festive culture.

Interesting Insight: Streaming platforms set record traffic every Christmas week as families stay in for themed movie marathons.

7. Organise Christmas Lunch & Sweet Treats

Australian Christmas tables feature a mix of cold seafood, barbecued meats, fresh salads, desserts, and chilled drinks. Planning early ensures you get the best quality and deals on festive favourites. Desserts featuring themed chocolates, sprinkles, or creative toppings continue to trend.

Interesting Insight: Holiday food spending in Australia hit almost $28 billion last year and is forecast to rise again in 2025.

8. Step Up Your Outdoor Decorations & Lighting

Outdoor Christmas lights and local display trails are huge across Australian suburbs. Whether it’s fairy lights, themed installations, or blow-up characters, lighting transforms evening gatherings. Families are also returning to community events, such as Christmas pageants and neighbourhood light walks.

Interesting Insight: Melbourne was crowned Australia’s “Christmas Lights Capital’’ in 2024, showcasing over 1,400 displays in one region alone.

9. Plan Kids’ Activities & Family Traditions

Family traditions are more important than ever, with many choosing to stay local during the festive season. Activities like colouring-in sheets, DIY ornaments, and festive treasure hunts keep kids engaged while adding meaning to the celebrations. Christmas countdown activities (“How many sleeps?”) keep excitement alive throughout December.

Interesting Insight: Australian families are shifting toward more creative, non-tech Christmas activities to reduce screen-time during the holidays.

10. Set a Realistic Christmas Budget

Creating a budget for gifts, food, décor, and events helps keep spending under control especially in a cost-of-living environment. With most Australians struggling to stick to their budgets, early planning is essential. Many households now combine online and in-store shopping to get the best value.

Interesting Insight: Over 89% of Australians now shop across multiple channels (online + in-store) during the festive period.

Additional Aussie Christmas Tips

• Retailers like Kmart, Big W, Aldi, Myer and Bunnings release seasonal items early sign up for alerts or check weekly catalogues.

• The Myer Christmas Windows remain a must-see tradition in Melbourne and Sydney.

• Summer-friendly décor is now more popular than traditional “winter Christmas” themes.

• Local pageants, school concerts, and light trails help families get into the festive spirit.

• Countdown calendars (“days till Christmas” or “how many sleeps until Christmas”) keep both adults and kids on track.

Final Thoughts

Christmas 2025 in Australia is about colour, creativity, community and clever planning. With families preparing earlier, embracing personalised décor, and focusing on meaningful experiences, the festive season is evolving in exciting ways.

By preparing these ten key areas in advance, you’ll be ready to welcome a joyful, stress-free Christmas full of great food, bright décor, fun activities, and memorable summer celebrations.