Cruise Mandurah like a pirate this Christmas while taking in the lights along the canals. 

Australia knows how to turn on the fun at Christmas! Here are some unusual Aussie Christmas events you’ll love this year.

Mandurah Pirate Ship Cruise

Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of rum, hop aboard The Pirate Ship for a Christmas cruise through Mandurah WA’s beautiful inland waterways and canals. The Pirate Ship offers 360 degree views, BYO alcohol and a steering wheel for the kids. Runs from 1st December to 6th January. 

Carrum Christmas Ski Show and Movie

Enjoy a free Christmas ski show at Carrum VIC, with food trucks, merchandise, and even a special appearance from Santa Claus. Stick around for an outdoor movie.National Water Sports Centre, Sunday, 17th December from 2pm.

Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens

Explore over four million lights at Pokolbin NSW. Don’t miss the rides, delicious food, and the famous New Year’s Eve fireworks. Runs until 28th January.

Geelong Lights Festival and Floating Tree

Enjoy the largest Christmas Lights Festival in Victoria with over three million lights, thrilling rides, live performances, and Santa’s visit. Christmas Festival of Lights at Adventure Park, Geelong runs until 31st December. And check out the Floating Christmas Tree Sound and Light Shows, Geelong until 7th January.

Christmas At The Cathedral

Christmas at the Cathedral has become a Sydney tradition. It is an annual event which draws hundreds of thousands of families, children, community groups and tourists together to experience the lights and sounds of Christmas. Amid the shimmering lights, stalls will serve up a mouthwatering array of food and there will be nightly music performances to captivate you. St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney CBD from December 14th to 25th. 

Dive-In Carols at Waterworld, City of Tea Tree Gully 

Sing along with carols livestreamed from Civic Park Carols onto the big screen while you relax in heated pools or whiz down waterslides. You also get to meet the man himself, Santa. Sunday, December 17th at Waterworld, Ridgehaven SA. 

Midnight Mass at St Paul’s, Melbourne

Of course, Christmas is not all about Santas and barbies. Places of worship across the country will be holding Christmas services, with some offering a traditional Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. 

One example is St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne, which will celebrate Midnight Mass on December 24th, beginning at 11pm. Expect a traditional service with carols for all to sing.