Celebrating Christmas in New Zealand: A Kiwi Summer Festivity

While many of us associate Christmas with snow, hot chocolate, and cosy fires, Christmas in New Zealand tells a very different story. 

Taking place in the heart of summer, Kiwi Christmas celebrations are filled with sunshine, beaches, and backyard barbecues. Let’s take a closer look at how New Zealanders celebrate Christmas in a style that is uniquely their own.

1. Christmas in the Summertime

Since New Zealand is located in the Southern Hemisphere, December marks the beginning of summer, meaning Christmas falls during warm, sunny weather. 

Instead of wrapping up in winter coats, New Zealanders spend their Christmas in shorts, sun hats, and jandals (flip-flops). Many families head to the beach or set up the traditional "Kiwi Christmas BBQ" in the garden, making the most of the long summer days.

2. Kiwi Barbecue and Seafood Feasts

Traditional British Christmas dinners with roast turkey and gravy have their place in some New Zealand households, but the summer climate often calls for a lighter, fresher menu. Barbecues with sausages, steaks, lamb chops, and fresh seafood like prawns and crayfish are popular. For dessert, you might find pavlova, a meringue-based dish topped with whipped cream and fresh summer fruits like strawberries and kiwifruit – a quintessentially Kiwi sweet treat.

3. The Pohutukawa Tree – New Zealand’s Christmas Tree

New Zealand’s unique take on Christmas extends to its natural environment. Instead of the traditional pine tree, many Kiwis look to the Pohutukawa tree as a symbol of Christmas. This native tree blooms with bright red flowers in December, and its vibrant colour and beauty have earned it the nickname "New Zealand's Christmas tree." The sight of Pohutukawa trees along coastlines in full bloom perfectly complements the summery Christmas feel.

4. Festive Outdoor Fun

A New Zealand Christmas often includes plenty of outdoor activities. Families and friends gather for games of cricket in the garden, beach picnics, or a day spent swimming, paddleboarding, or surfing. The emphasis is on togetherness, relaxation, and making the most of the beautiful summer weather.

In some regions, communities also host outdoor Christmas parades, concerts, and events, with many people enjoying these gatherings under the evening sun.

5. Santa in the Sun

Despite the warm weather, Santa Claus remains a beloved figure in New Zealand’s Christmas celebrations. Many towns and cities hold Santa Parades, where floats, dancers, and performers showcase the festive spirit. It’s not uncommon to see Santa swapping his sleigh for a surfboard, jet ski, or a decorated tractor, fully embracing the summer vibes.

6. Carols by Candlelight

A cherished tradition in New Zealand is Carols by Candlelight, where families and communities come together to sing Christmas carols in parks or outdoor venues. Held in the lead-up to Christmas, these events often include live music, performances, and a festive atmosphere as people light candles at dusk, enjoying the Christmas spirit in the glow of summer twilight.

7. Christmas Presents and Holiday Breaks

In true Kiwi fashion, many people give practical, outdoor-themed gifts like beach gear, summer clothing, or sporting equipment. Christmas Day is typically spent with family, but it also marks the beginning of a long holiday break. With school holidays and many businesses closing between Christmas and New Year, it’s a prime time for summer road trips, camping, or heading to the bach (a holiday home) by the beach.

8. Boxing Day Tradition

Boxing Day (26th December) is also widely celebrated in New Zealand. It’s a time for extended family gatherings, more barbecues, beach trips, and of course, Boxing Day sales in the shops. Many Kiwis use the day to relax after the busyness of Christmas Day or to spend time outdoors making the most of the summer break.

Conclusion

Christmas in New Zealand is a unique fusion of festive traditions and summery vibes. With barbecues, beach outings, and the vibrant Pohutukawa tree, Kiwis celebrate Christmas in a way that perfectly suits their warm-weather lifestyle. Whether you're a local or a visitor, experiencing a New Zealand Christmas is a joyful, sun-soaked celebration that captures the laid-back, friendly spirit of the country.

Meri Kirihimete! (Merry Christmas in Māori)

A Kiwi Christmas: Tradition, Sunshine, and Surprises

As part of a series, That's Christmas is looking at how Christmas is celebrated in different part of the world. Today we are looking at Christmas in New Zealand.

Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness, and it's celebrated in diverse ways all around the world. In the land down under, New Zealand, Christmas is a unique and delightful affair that combines traditional elements with the beauty of a Southern Hemisphere summer. 

Let's dive into the fascinating world of a Kiwi Christmas and explore the customs and traditions that make it so special.

Summer Down Under

One of the most striking differences between Christmas in New Zealand and many other parts of the world is the season. Christmas in New Zealand falls during the Southern Hemisphere summer, meaning December 25th is a day of sunshine and warmth. While the Northern Hemisphere often experiences a white Christmas, Kiwis enjoy long, sunny days, and average temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F). This allows for unique Christmas traditions that revolve around outdoor activities, barbecues, and trips to the beach.

The Pohutukawa Tree

While Christmas trees are common worldwide, New Zealand has its own special version - the Pohutukawa tree. Often referred to as the New Zealand Christmas tree, it's known for its brilliant crimson flowers that bloom in December. These vibrant blooms are a vivid symbol of the festive season in the country, and you'll find them decorating homes and streets.

Outdoor Celebrations

Given the beautiful summer weather, it's no surprise that Kiwis love to celebrate Christmas outdoors. Picnics, barbecues, and gatherings at the beach or in local parks are common. Families and friends often come together for a relaxed and sun-soaked feast, complete with New Zealand's famous barbecue specialties like lamb, seafood, and sausages. Pohutukawa blossoms and native ferns are used for decoration, enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings.

A Christmas Dip

Christmas Day is often accompanied by a refreshing swim. Many New Zealanders take the opportunity to visit the beach or local swimming spots to cool off. It's a tradition that celebrates the spirit of summer and the joy of the ocean. Children build sandcastles and play in the waves, and families relax on the sandy shores, making cherished memories together.

Santa's Mode of Transport

In New Zealand, Santa's traditional sleigh and reindeer take on a unique twist. To accommodate the warmer weather and lack of snow, Santa is often depicted arriving on the shores in a surfboard or a waka (a traditional Māori canoe). This charming Kiwi adaptation adds a touch of humour and showcases the Kiwi spirit of innovation.

Māori and Pacific Influences

New Zealand's cultural diversity is reflected in its Christmas celebrations. Māori and Pacific Island communities have their own unique customs and add their rich traditions to the festive season. Māori waiata (songs) and Pacific Island dances often make appearances at Christmas events, providing a multicultural blend that truly defines the Kiwi way of life.

Gift-Giving and Family Time

Like in many parts of the world, gift-giving is a cherished tradition in New Zealand. Families come together to exchange presents and celebrate the joy of giving. While traditional Christmas dinners are common, a laid-back approach to the day prevails, with the emphasis being on spending time with loved ones and enjoying the outdoors.

New Zealand's Christmas celebrations are a harmonious blend of tradition, natural beauty, and a unique Southern Hemisphere twist. Whether you're picnicking on the beach, decorating a Pohutukawa tree, or enjoying a barbecue, a Kiwi Christmas is a memorable experience. It's a time to embrace the spirit of the season while appreciating the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture that make New Zealand's Christmas truly one of a kind.

(Image of a New Zealand church courtesy of ApplesPC from Pixabay)