Detours Gay Travel Blog
Christmas in Paradise: How Sunny Destinations Celebrate the Holidays
- Aug 22, 2024
When you think of Christmas, you probably picture snow-covered rooftops and cozy nights by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa. But for a lot of people around the world, Christmas is all about sun, sand, and waves! Celebrating Christmas on the beach is a totally different experience, where holiday traditions meet the chill vibes of a beach day. From festive BBQs to beachside fireworks displays, here’s a peek at how some places celebrate Christmas by the sea.
Australia: "Barbies" & Surfing Santas
In Australia, Christmas lands right in the middle of summer, and the beach is where everyone goes. One of the coolest traditions is the Christmas Day barbecue. Families and friends come together on the beach to grill up everything from prawns and steaks to sausages, all while soaking up the sun. You might still find a classic Christmas roast here and there, but it's usually paired with chilled salads, fresh seafood, and plenty of cold drinks to stay cool.
Another fun Aussie tradition is the "Surfing Santa." On beaches like Bondi in Sydney, it's not unusual to see Santa—or actually, a bunch of Santas—catching waves in full costume. It’s a quirky, fun spin on the usual Santa image and totally reflects the laid-back, outdoor vibe of an Australian Christmas.
Is a fun gay trip to Australia over the holidays on the horizon? Learn more about our '10 Days in Australia' trip here.
South Africa: "Braais" & Beach Games
Christmas hits right in the middle of summer vacation in South Africa, so naturally, everyone heads to the beach. The "braai" (a barbecue) is a big part of the festivities, much like in Australia. Families and friends bring portable grills to the beach, cooking up all kinds of meats, seafood, and classic sides like 'pap' (a maize porridge) and 'chakalaka' (a spicy veggie relish).
Playing games on the beach are also a big deal. Whether it's cricket or volleyball, these friendly competitions bring everyone together and add a fun, energetic vibe to the big day. And since it’s summer, a refreshing dip in the ocean often wraps up Christmas Day—definitely a far cry from the freezing cold waters in the Northern Hemisphere.
If you are looking for a fun gay adventure through South Africa, check out our '11 Days in South Africa' trip here.
Costa Rica: Tamales & Fireworks
Costa Rica is all about family, faith, and tradition. The festivities start early in December with "Las Posadas," a nine-day reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, featuring nightly processions, prayers, and caroling. Homes and communities glow with lights and the “Portal,” a detailed nativity display often filled with hand-crafted figures and miniature landscapes.
Christmas Eve, known as "La Noche Buena," is the heart of the holiday season in Costa Rica. Families come together for a big dinner, typically featuring tamales made from corn dough filled with pork, rice, and veggies, along with roast pork and rompope, a creamy eggnog-like drink. After dinner, many head to the "Misa de Gallo" (Midnight Mass) to celebrate the birth of Christ. The night often wraps up with a big fireworks display, and in coastal areas, families hit the beach Christmas Day for some relaxation and fun in the sun.
If a gay tour through Costa Rica is just what the doctor ordered, learn more about our '11 Days in Costa Rica' trip here.
The Beach IS the Tradition
Whether it’s a beachside barbecue, a friendly game of cricket, or fireworks lighting up the sky, Christmas on the beach is all about blending holiday traditions with summer vibes. These celebrations show how different cultures put their own spin on Christmas, creating a holiday that’s as warm in spirit as it is in temperature.