Sun, sea, and celebrations: Experiencing Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Australia's summer

Sun, sea, and celebrations: Experiencing Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Australia's summer

When the winter semester in RMIT Australia wraps up, for all the exchange or transfer students, it’s a great time to relax, explore new places, and enjoy every moment in the lively festive season! Australia, with its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, offers a unique and diverse way to celebrate the holiday season and ring in the New Year.

If you’re planning your exchange/transfer plan, being there already, or just curious about how to spend the break in an enjoyable way, check out this article to find inspiration from RMIT students like Hang Anh and My Hanh. 

Celebrating Christmas in the summer? 

“Instead of snow and cold weather, it’s all about sunshine, beaches, and BBQs!” - Hang Anh, a transfer student at RMIT Melbourne, shared her first impression of the Christmas atmosphere in Australia. 

Christmas celebrations in Australia are uniquely different because they take place during the summer season. “We often share the funny first impressions: ‘It’s so hot here!’ or ‘I can’t believe Santa wears shorts!’ - said by My Hanh, an exchange student from Vietnam. Thanks to the warm weather, families and friends often gather in backyards and parks, enjoying delicious seafood dishes, particularly fresh prawns that are barbecued to perfection. 

Unlike in Hanoi, Vietnam, where hot drinks are common in the cold winter months, Australians love to sip on chilled beverages while relaxing at the beach. The enticing aroma of grilled food fills the air, mixed with the sound of laughter and festive cheer throughout the gatherings. People raise their ice-filled glasses under the sun, embracing the laid-back atmosphere. This blend of outdoor fun, tasty food, and a relaxed atmosphere truly makes Christmas in Australia something special! 

Still, Christmas decorations are still a must-have for the festive season. Wandering through vibrant street markets and admiring the charming decorations displayed by local Australian households are delightful experiences that Vietnamese students can enjoy during their time here. 

kokoblack-venue-decoration Kokoblack venue decoration (Photo credit: My Hanh, RMIT Vietnam exchange student).
rmit-student-my-hanh-at-flinders-station. My Hanh at Flinders Station (Photo credit: My Hanh).

Get ready for the New Year’s Eve in Australia

New Year is a perfect time for taking a moment to reflect on the past year. During these days, people often let go of any negative thoughts while recognising the challenges and hardships they have faced. It is seen as an opportunity to release the burdens of negative experiences, thoughts, and emotions, allowing for personal growth and renewal. This time of year, it’s all about embracing new beginnings, leaving behind what no longer serves us, and looking forward to the bright possibilities that lie ahead!

This time of year, I love to take a moment to look back at my goals from the beginning of the year and see what I have accomplished over the past twelve months. I also enjoy spending some time reflecting on my favourite moments, jotting them down in my diary and printing out photos to keep those moments alive. I like to write about both good and challenging experiences since it really helps me set new, exciting goals for the year ahead!

a-group-of-rmit-students-going-out-on-a-picnic Hang Anh and her friends at St Kilda beach (Photo credit: My Hanh).

To international students, the iconic scene of New Year’s Eve in Melbourne, with fireworks lighting up the skyline with brilliant colours, could be a magical and memorable experience. Everywhere you look, the streets are filled with happy people celebrating and enjoying the moment together! However, there will be some moments when being away from family for occasions like this feels challenging. These feelings can linger, reminding us of the warmth and connection we miss, as we navigate through the celebrations without their comforting presence. 

“It felt bittersweet celebrating away from family, but it gave me a chance to bond with friends and experience a more laid-back, outdoor-focused celebration compared to the Tet traditions back home when we always prioritise family dinners and gatherings. For me, this holiday season has been about embracing these traditions and creating new memories in the Aussie summer spirit.” - shared Hang Anh. Missing home and family, she still found the new experiences of celebrating New Year in Australia enjoyable and enriching.

Unwrap Your Holiday: Exciting Activities to Try This Season! 

If you’re in Melbourne this holiday season, here are the exciting activities and sights recommended by our Vietnamese students at RMIT Melbourne: 

  1. Be captivated by the enchanting Christmas projections at Melbourne Town Hall. 
  2. Take a short trip to nearby gems like Williamstown Beach, Mornington, and Phillip Island for a tranquil escape.  
  3. Looking to go a bit further? Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo uniquely combine history, natural beauty, and festive spirit—making them perfect for your holiday adventures! 
The insightful talkshow at Sensory Symphony Hang Anh and her friends at Flagstaff Garden (Photo credit: My Hanh).

To sum it up, the festive season in Australia will be an incredible chance for students to experience the magic of the holidays in a completely new way. From unique summer traditions to vibrant cultural celebrations, there’s so much to explore and enjoy. So why not make the most of your RMIT journey by joining the exchange or transfer program to Melbourne? I hope that you can take this period of time to embrace new experiences and create lifelong memories outside your homeland. Happy holly jolly Christmas and head to another wonderful year everyone! 

This article is written by Chau Nguyen, a Bachelor of Professional Communication student at RMIT Vietnam, and does not reflect the views of RMIT University. 

19 December 2024

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