An Australian Christmas sounds different. It sits somewhere between beach umbrellas, backyard cricket, and late-arvo barbecues. Music sets the tone, and a good Aussie Christmas playlist can carry a whole day – from the slow morning cool to the golden summer evening. Here's a guide to building a modern Aussie Christmas playlist that blends festive classics with homegrown summer energy.
Start with the essentials
Every playlist needs its anchors. The classics still matter, even when the day is 30 degrees. Rather than loading up the same old carols, choose versions that feel lighter and more relaxed. Tracks like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", "Sleigh Ride", and "Last Christmas" still work, but pick versions with a fresh vocal or stripped-back production. They act as familiar markers without dragging the energy down.
Lean into the summer mood
The modern Aussie playlist works best when it feels like the season we're actually living in. Add songs that match bright mornings and warm evenings – indie pop, surf rock, electronic, or acoustic tracks with a breezy feel. Think Tame Impala, Ocean Alley, Lime Cordiale, The Teskey Brothers, or The Cat Empire. These aren't Christmas songs, but they fit the day.
A few well-placed Australian originals help anchor the mood. Paul Kelly's "How to Make Gravy" is the non-negotiable emotional core. Tim Minchin's "White Wine in the Sun" brings heart without sentimentality. You can also weave in local covers of holiday staples, which often blend well with summer playlists.
Add international tracks that suit an Aussie December
Not every song needs to be local. Choose international Christmas tracks that match the tempo of summer rather than winter. Modern pop and R&B Christmas releases tend to sit well here. Ariana Grande's "Santa Tell Me", Kelly Clarkson's "Underneath the Tree", or Michael Bublé's lighter arrangements give you festive flavour without feeling out of place in the heat.
If the crowd skews younger, blend in upbeat remixes or lo-fi Christmas tracks for background ambience during lunch.
Build playlists for each part of the day
Instead of one long playlist, consider a set of short mood-based lists.
Morning – Calm and warm
Acoustic Christmas covers, slow indie, gentle pop.
Midday – Bright and social
Upbeat Aussie bands, modern pop Christmas tracks, light funk.
Afternoon – Relaxed and nostalgic
Paul Kelly, The Teskeys, older classics, familiar pop tunes.
Evening – Festive wind-down
Soulful vocals, gentle electronic beats, soft carols for the transition into night.
Keep it flexible
The best playlists adapt to the crowd. Mix in a few wildcards to keep things interesting – a surf-rock cover of "Jingle Bells", a classic from Mariah Carey, or a '90s hit that everyone secretly loves. An Aussie Christmas is social by nature, and the soundtrack should shift with it.