The Times Australia
Fisher and Paykel Appliances
The Times Australia
.

15 Fun and Festive Christmas Costumes Aussies Are Loving This Year




The case of Christmas in Australia is not so different. Where the other parts of the world put on ugly sweaters and warm hot cocoa by the fire, the Australians are basking in the sun, going to beach barbies and celebrating in a very summer-like way. The dressing up has been one of the traditions that have not weakened even in the country. Whether it be party at the office or a gathering with relatives, festival costumes are a success among people of all ages.

So these are 15 of the most loved and fun Christmas costumes that Aussies are loving this year. You want to crack the jokes, have something elegant, or want everyone to get down to the nitty-gritty, these sure can come to serve your purpose of every type of party.

1. Surfing Santa

It comes as no surprise that Surfing Santa is number one in Australia. Wearing board shorts, shades and a Hawaiian shirt, this Aussie take on the traditional Santa is an Aussie summer yum Cha take on outdoor celebrations and beachside barbies. Throw in a surf board prop or inflatable beachy perks to get that summer feel.

Why aussies love it: It’s hip, comfy and takes a Sydney Sept about you.

2. Kangaroo with a Santa Hat

It is not an Aussie Christmas without the inclusion of exotic animals. The best option, which will keep everybody in the family very amused, is the kangaroo costume that includes a red Santa hat or the red Christmas scarf. Other models even include a joey pouch to pack your snacks or gifts in!

Great for: Christmas parades, family events, or themed school parties.

3. Aussie Elf

Abandon the typical green-and-red tights and replace it with something that suits the weather. The tank top, shorts and the pointy ears are common accessories to the Aussie Elf in its costume, providing a humorous twist on the North Pole helper.

Pro tip: Add a stubby cooler and some flip-flops to complete the look.

4. Reindeer Onesies

Warm, fuzzy and never out of fashion, reindeer onesies are the standard Christmas costume that Australians flaunt throughout the season. They are the particular favorite among children and adults in search of something relaxed and holiday-like.

Hip designs: the light up antlers, Rudolph noses and the zip up onesies that have pockets.

5. Christmas Tree Dress

Well yes you can be the real Christmas tree! These costumes are an act of creativity and celebration with the tinsel trimmings and bauble touches as well as layers of green. Some even light up!

Perfect for: Those women and teens who are seeking a special, festive look, which is elegant and fun.

6. BBQ Chef Santa

Another uniquely Aussie option, this costume mixes Santa’s charm with backyard barbecue vibes. Think red apron, chef’s hat, faux sausages or tongs, and a beer holder.

Why it’s trending: It pays homage to the Aussie Christmas BBQ tradition and never fails to get a few laughs.

7. Gingerbread Man

A classic costume with timeless charm, the Gingerbread Man is still going strong this year. Easy to recognise and always adorable, it’s great for kids and adults alike.

Bonus: You can match it with candy cane or peppermint-themed outfits for a sweet group theme.

8. Sexy Santa or Miss Claus

No matter what Christmas event you are going to whether it is a nightclub Christmas bash or an adult party with a naughty invite, the Sexy Santa/Miss Claus trend does not die. These Halloween costumes will impress you with a good style of looking distinctly different and not losing the spirit of the holiday.

Popular styles: Velvet mini dresses , faux-fur collars and red and white crop tops.

9. Aussie Animals in Christmas Gear

Wombats with tinsel, koalas with Santa beards, and cockatoos in elf outfits — animal-themed costumes with a festive twist are exploding in popularity. They’re great for kids, easy to accessorise, and perfect for photo ops.

Family tip: Get the whole family dressed up as different Australian animals for a super cute family costume.

10. Frosty the Snowman (Aussie Edition)

Yes, snow isn’t part of the summer holiday here — but that doesn't mean Frosty can’t make an appearance. The Aussie version typically includes short sleeves, foam circles, and maybe even a melting ice effect!

Why it works: It’s a humorous nod to traditional Christmas iconography, reinterpreted for the Australian summer.

11. Present Box Costume

Wrap yourself up like a gift — literally! The present box costume is easy to DIY or buy online. Pop on a large bow on your head, a nice “To: Mum, From: Santa” tag and you’ll have a blog talking point!

Where you see it most: Office holiday party, Christmas carnivals, and costume contests.

12. Elf on the Shelf

Popularised by the holiday trend, the Elf on the Shelf costume is quirky, fun, and instantly recognisable. These outfits usually feature red tights, a red-and-white top, and a cute little hat.

Why teens love it: It’s trendy, meme-worthy, and easy to personalise with a mischievous twist.

13. Christmas Cracker Duo

This hilarious duo costume idea is perfect for couples or best mates. One dresses as the cracker, the other as the prize or joke inside — think dad jokes on a sign or a glitter crown as a headpiece.

Fun factor: Through the roof. Expect to win “Best Dressed Couple” at any event.

14. Tinsel Terror

Not for the faint of heart, this costume involves covering yourself in layers of mismatched tinsel, baubles, wrapping paper, and even fairy lights. It’s chaotic, shiny, and somehow incredibly fun.

Where it works best: Uni parties, pub crawls, or events where creativity is key.

15. Santa and His Helpers (Group Costume)

You can’t go wrong with a coordinated group costume, and Santa with his helpers (reindeer, elves, Mrs. Claus, gifts) is still one of the most loved group themes this year. Offices, schools and families will love them.

What makes it popular: It offers freedom on the level of fanciness (or informality) you would like to have - great with mixed-age groups.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Christmas Costume in Australia

These are some quick tips on when you are out holiday shopping or DIY-ing your holiday outfit:

  • Keep it cool: Wear light and airy material during the outings.

  • Check the weather: December is the month that is rainy/stormy in some states in Australia.

  • Be sun smart: If your costume includes sleeveless elements, don’t forget sunscreen!

  • Comfort is key: You’ll likely be moving around, eating, or dancing — so avoid anything too stiff or complicated.

Where to Buy Christmas Costumes in Australia

Aussies have plenty of great online and in-store options for picking up the perfect festive costume:

  • Blossom Costumes – Great range for kids and adults with fast shipping across Australia.

  • CostumeBox – A trusted favourite with an excellent selection for group themes.

  • Kmart, Big W & Target Value items and baby /toddler costumes.

  • Local Party Stores – Never with out first looking in Party stores to see what you can find to put on last minute.

Final Thoughts

No matter where you are going this Christmas a beach Christmas celebration, a school Nativity scene or an office party, dressing up is one of the fun modes of getting in the holiday mood. It may include the Surfing Santa, the blinged Christmas tree and more, but the wide variety and inventiveness of the costumes that are catching in the fancy of the Aussies this season is as varied as the people wearing them.

So go ahead — let the Internet do the talking, choose your appearance, take the shot and turn your 2025 Christmas party into a memory.

Times Magazine

Australia’s electric vehicle surge — EVs and hybrids hit record levels

Australians are increasingly embracing electric and hybrid cars, with 2025 shaping up as the str...

Tim Ayres on the AI rollout’s looming ‘bumps and glitches’

The federal government released its National AI Strategy[1] this week, confirming it has dropped...

Seven in Ten Australian Workers Say Employers Are Failing to Prepare Them for AI Future

As artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates across industries, a growing number of Australian work...

Mapping for Trucks: More Than Directions, It’s Optimisation

Daniel Antonello, General Manager Oceania, HERE Technologies At the end of June this year, Hampden ...

Can bigger-is-better ‘scaling laws’ keep AI improving forever? History says we can’t be too sure

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman – perhaps the most prominent face of the artificial intellig...

A backlash against AI imagery in ads may have begun as brands promote ‘human-made’

In a wave of new ads, brands like Heineken, Polaroid and Cadbury have started hating on artifici...

The Times Features

The way Australia produces food is unique. Our updated dietary guidelines have to recognise this

You might know Australia’s dietary guidelines[1] from the famous infographics[2] showing the typ...

Why a Holiday or Short Break in the Noosa Region Is an Ideal Getaway

Few Australian destinations capture the imagination quite like Noosa. With its calm turquoise ba...

How Dynamic Pricing in Accommodation — From Caravan Parks to Hotels — Affects Holiday Affordability

Dynamic pricing has quietly become one of the most influential forces shaping the cost of an Aus...

The rise of chatbot therapists: Why AI cannot replace human care

Some are dubbing AI as the fourth industrial revolution, with the sweeping changes it is propellin...

Australians Can Now Experience The World of Wicked Across Universal Studios Singapore and Resorts World Sentosa

This holiday season, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), in partnership with Universal Pictures, Sentosa ...

Mineral vs chemical sunscreens? Science shows the difference is smaller than you think

“Mineral-only” sunscreens are making huge inroads[1] into the sunscreen market, driven by fears of “...

Here’s what new debt-to-income home loan caps mean for banks and borrowers

For the first time ever, the Australian banking regulator has announced it will impose new debt-...

Why the Mortgage Industry Needs More Women (And What We're Actually Doing About It)

I've been in fintech and the mortgage industry for about a year and a half now. My background is i...

Inflation jumps in October, adding to pressure on government to make budget savings

Annual inflation rose[1] to a 16-month high of 3.8% in October, adding to pressure on the govern...