December in the Whitsundays 2024
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 December in the Whitsundays! With an array of holiday activities, vibrant events and tropical tours.
Christmas Events in Airlie Beach
Family Photos with Santa
Santa Claus is coming to town! Ahead of his big day of delivering presents, Father Christmas will be dropping in to Northerlies to say hello. Gather the family together and head to the beautiful beachside bar and restaurant on Saturday 14th December, and you'll get the chance to take a photo with Santa. Mr Claus will be chilling out at Northerlies from 12:30pm to 2:30pm, so why not enjoy a delicious lunch on the waterfront after you secure your Santa snap?
Northerlies New Year's Eve Party
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!
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.
Jubilee Tavern Christmas Lunch
Not up for hosting Christmas lunch this year? Why not head down to Jubilee Tavern on December 25th and enjoy a festive feast! Forget the stress of timing your dinner, accommodating for fussy eaters, and burning the turkey, and focus on spending Christmas Day with your loved ones. If you're interested, be sure to book this event in advance, as it's bound to be a popular pick this year!
Reef Gateway Christmas Day Lunch
Similarly, the Reef Gateway Hotel will be hosting Christmas Lunch from 11:30am on Christmas Day. Those who book a table will be treated to a buffet of honey-glazed ham, slow-roasted turkey, fresh seafood, salads, succulent desserts, and so much more.
Magnums 4-Day NYE Festival
Beloved Airlie Beach hostel and bar Magnums is hosting a 4-day New Year's Eve extravaganza, chock full of fun and games to ring in 2025. Kicking off on Saturday 28th December and finishing with a bang on Tuesday 31st December, you can expect competitions, cash prizes, silent discos, foam parties, toad racing, five different bars, and over 20 music acts!
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!
Visit Whitehaven Beach on one of these amazing tours!
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!
