Christmas in Darwin

Darwin

Ok, we're heading far north to the Top End! A hot, picturesque and amazing holiday destination if you’re after something completely different! Darwin feels like another country with laid back life and a completely different climate from the rest of Australia.

It truly is a Christmas destination that you would never think of and why not do something different post-COVID and embrace our beautiful land.

If you love a bit of Christmas drama then the wet season is for you! Darwin has two seasons, the wet season and the dry season. The dry season is typically May – October, featuring a lovely mild (still hot) temperature with minimal humidity. Whereas the Wet season covers from November – April and is wet, humid and HOT!

The Wet season brings in the most epic storms, torrential rain and epic colours in the sky that you have never seen before. So what can you do during the wet season? Let's take a look.

Local Lights – Always my number one go-to as it is family friendly and doesn’t cost you a cent. Visit Facebook or Territory FM to be up to date with the best streets around Darwin and Palmerston areas.
Carols by Candlelight – Held annually in The George Brown Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre this is a great family event that will bring joy, excitement and many carols that you will remember for years to come.
Markets – Now Darwin is known very well for the vast amount of markets around the city, but please check over the wet season as some of these don’t go ahead due to the weather. The most talked about is definitely Mindil Markets – held on the beach every Thursday and Sunday nights and known for epic sunsets there is a vast array of local crafts and local foods of all cultures. So grab a bite to eat around 5.30 pm and wander down to the beach where the sun is quite literally clapped down and everyone marvels in the amazing colours of the sky. Nightcliff Markets, every Saturday 8 am – 2 pm – also a great little market that has local foods and crafts and a great atmosphere to wander around and lose yourself in the vibe. Parap Markets, every Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm – The vibe of this market feels like you're in the streets of Vietnam with vendors cooking and bartering with passers-by. Grab yourself the iconic breakfast Laksa and enjoy the different stalls at this market every Saturday morning. This is to just name a few but there are markets all over the city so jump online and see what ones are close to you.
The lighting of the Tree – Located at Darwin Mall this is symbolic of the festive season beginning. Where local boutique stalls are present, and the Christmas feeling is strong!
Casuarina Pool Party – Humidity levels are high over the Christmas season so what better way to cool down than at the pool. With food, DJs, sausage sizzles and Giant inflatable water slides, this is the best place to be this Christmas.
Santa on Wheels Parade – Come down and check out Santa for a bike ride along the Darwin Foreshore. Deck out in tropical attire and join the big man himself for this year’s ride. At the end of the ride meet Santa, get your goody bag and cool down at the Nightcliff Pool. There are jumping castles, photo booths and amazing activities for all ages.
Go camping – Escape the busy season and adventure out to the national parks and falls. Remember to always check what’s open over the wet season as many places close and you can’t swim. But this is an absolute must-do around Darwin and the Northern Territory.
Walk the streets and check out the Decorations – Darwin’s Christmas decorations are special, fun and quirky. With festivals popping up all over the city hosting live music and performances and a whole range of children’s activities and entertainment.