December in the Whitsundays 2021
Updated 26/11/21
Jingle yourself all the way to the Whitsundays this Christmas for an utterly magical festive getaway to remember! Whether you’re dreaming of a family Christmas in paradise, a simple summer escape or a crazy New Years countdown in Airlie Beach, there really is no place more special to spend the silly season!
Hang on to your Santa hats as our festive team of locals take you through the very best spots to spend your Christmas in the Whitsundays! With an array of holiday activities, vibrant events and tropical tours, read on to tailor your December in the Whitsundays to perfection.
Christmas Events in Airlie Beach
Northerlies Christmas Banquet
Spending Christmas Day in the Whitsundays? There really is no better place to soak up the beachy festivities and enjoy a scrumptious banquet than Northerlies. Make sure to book your tickets to this special event, because with an array of fresh seafood, themed cocktails and roast goodies, it will sell out. Relax, celebrate and enjoy your enchanting Christmas Day. And, don’t tell the kids, but we’ve heard there is a certain jolly fellow on the exclusive guest list… and he’s got pressies!
Image: Northerlies Bar & Grill
Airlie Beach Markets
Perfect for those looking for a last-minute Christmas gift, the Airlie Beach Market runs every Saturday from 7 am until 1 pm! Stroll at your leisure through the colourful medley of boutique stalls, coffee in hand. Indeed, the Airlie Markets are a well-loved morning pastime amongst locals and tourists alike! Stock up on unique gifts, handmade goods, beachy knick-knacks and more as you enjoy a slow morning of simple pleasures.
Carols by the Beach
It is indeed beginning to look a lot like Christmas, so head on down to the ever-charming Christmas Carols on the 5th of December to get into the festive spirit! Organised by the Airlie Beach Rotary Club, bring the kids, a picnic blanket and your best carol voice to play, sing and cherish the moment with your family and friends. Food and drink are available for purchase, and not to mention a special, beachside visit from Santa!
Image: Airlie Beach Rotary Club
Boaty’s Christmas Day Feast
A relaxed, buffet-dining experience awaits you on Christmas Day at Boaty’s, so head on down and fill up your plate! An idyllic choice for a classic Aussie Christmas lunch or early dinner, with an abundance of delectable dishes on offer for an affordable price for the whole family. Serving from 11 am until 6 pm, Boaty’s will provide festive vibes, delicious food and fantastic service in the heart of Airlie Beach. Get in touch with the team at Boaty’s to secure your Christmas Day booking.
Image: Boaty's
DJ Brooklyn at Boom Nightclub
Looking to get really silly this season? Boom nightclub is welcoming the internationally-loved DJ Brooklyn to spin, dance and mix at this adults-only party on the 11th of December! Renowned for her irresistible beats, wicked dance moves and ability to fill the dancefloor, come and dance the night away at Boom nightclub! Whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, don’t miss this night of debauchery and unforgettable tracks with DJ Brooklyn, as well as a few awesome supports!
Image: Boom Nightclub
New Years Eve in Airlie Beach
Check out our guide to New Years Eve events in Airlie Beach 2021 to find the perfect countdown celebration for you and your crew! From foreshore fireworks to massive dance parties and live music to brilliant pubs, bring in the New Year in style amongst the thriving, colourful Airlie Beach nightlife scene!
Christmas Sailing the Whitsunday Islands
What better way to see the idyllic Whitsunday Islands than with a Christmas time sail? With a variety of overnight adventures, luxurious catamarans and jam-packed day trips, there is something for everyone this Christmas in the Whitsundays! Whether you’re looking for a unique accommodation option, a first-timers tour of the impeccable Whitsunday Islands or an underwater journey through the stunning Great Barrier Reef, we’ve got you covered here at Sailing Whitsundays. The Whitsundays in December is laden with sun-kissed days, beachside hangouts and sparkling turquoise waters… c’est magnifique!
But, get in quick - tours, accommodation and island experiences are getting booked up quickly at this busy time of year so get in touch with one of our local island agents to secure your unforgettable holiday sail today!
Whitsunday Weather in December
Hot days, golden glows and turquoise waters are at your fingertips this Christmas in the Whitsundays! With average temperatures ranging from 27°C to 32°C, make sure you slip, slop and slap with a shoulder-coverage, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen this summer. December in the Whitsundays is alike to most classic QLD weather patterns; hot and humid days followed by short, tropical showers, usually in the afternoons. However, the fun doesn’t stop a quick drizzle! Snorkelling, scuba diving and island adventuring are all super popular in December, where quick showers are short-lived and closely followed by sunshine! Check our guide to Whitsunday weather for more information and packing tips!
Cheap Christmas Activities in Airlie Beach
Christmas BBQs by the bay
Pack the snags and a picnic rug and head on down to the grass-fringed bays of Cannonvale or Shute Harbour for a classic Aussie Christmas lunch… alfresco! With Paul Kelly’s “how to make gravy” pumping and the fabulous company of friends and family, special Christmas memories are don’t have to cost you a fortune this year.
Family road trip to the Bowen
Boasting a spectacular array of local history, secluded bays and beautiful beachside walking trails, Bowen is an incredible spot for a journey further north! Hire a rental car and enjoy a scenic, hour-long drive north of Airlie Beach with the fam. Unmissable spots include the Bowen Big Mango, Horseshoe Bay, Point Edgecumbe hiking trail, Summergarden Cinemas and Birds Fish Bar!
Waterfall swims at Cedar Creek Falls
With the summer rains come flowing waterfalls and lush native flora at Cedar Creek Falls. Lying alongside the stunning rainforest of Conway National Park, Cedar Creek Falls are a stunning hidden gem and a perfect family and friend adventure. Just a 30 minutes drive out of Airlie Beach, slow it down, have a cool dip and reconnect with nature during the ever-busy Christmas season! Check out our guided tour to this beautiful spot!
Brunch at Treehouse
Whether you’re looking for a trendy, kid and dog-friendly spot to enjoy a morning coffee or looking for the best avo on toast in town, Airlie Beach Treehouse is a perfect place to perch for a Sunday morning brunch! With plenty of specials, morning live acoustic sessions, views of the Airlie lagoon and some of the best lattes in Airlie Beach, Treehouse is a spectacular spot for a Whitsunday brunch! You can even extend your boozy brunch into a delicious lunch with their extensive cocktail and food menus
Image: Treehouse Airlie Beach
Bushwalks and hiking trails
With a vast selection of stunning bush walks and hiking trails on both the Whitsunday Islands and mainland, there is something for every kind of weekend walker! We recommend the Honeyeater Lookout Trail and Hydeaway Bay for mainland walks, and the Hill Inlet Lookout Trail and Whitsunday Cairn Track for island walks… just to name a few!
