We started the year Down Under in Australia, facing the impossible challenge of mentioning every wonderful destination that Oz offers in just 400 words. So now, for our Christmas column, let’s end 2019 by celebrating Christmas in Australia.

But not with that oh-so-predictable Christmas dinner on Sydney’s Bondi beach. Instead, we head 724 miles (1165km) east to Adelaide, South Australia’s magnificent coastal capital – a glittering jewel (or in this case a ‘Christmas bauble’) on the St Vincent Gulf.

Seasonal attractions aplenty

As Australia’s fifth-largest city, Adelaide is a four-season joy with its vibrant Central Market, many churches, revitalising Himeji Garden, hikes up Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty, and seaside Glenelg’s breath-taking coastal views. Now add some seasonal attractions and see why Adelaideans claim to do Christmas better than anyone else in Australia.

Start with the giant Christmas tree in Victoria Square and Grote Street’s towering Santa Claus. Don’t miss myriad Christmas lights in the mesmerising displays at Westminster School, Lobethal and Ninth Avenue either. Or the warm Christmas welcome at super-cool Ebenezer Night Market.

What about something completely different when other attractions are closed on Christmas Day? You could always head for Adelaide Zoo near the Karrawirra Parri (River Torrens) river to celebrate with its giant panda, Sumatran tigers, adorable penguins and mischievous white-cheeked gibbons – hang onto your crackers!

Christmas dinner, Adelaide-style

Feeling hungry? As well as checking out Adelaide’s acclaimed fine dining scene, you’ll want to sample all-year-round treats such as Kitchener Buns, late-night pie floaters or North Adelaide’s enigmatically-
named ‘AB’ – South Australia’s answer, perhaps, to Canada’s poutine?

Then, come the big day, savour a traditional Christmas lunch al fresco with friends and family. Make sure to book early before celebrating in style at a classy city restaurant such as the Rob Roy Hotel, Fullerton’s Arkaba or the stylish Stamford Grand on the beach in Glenelg.

For a change of scene on Boxing Day, grab the leftover Christmas ham, a bottle of the Adelaide Hills’ finest (Adelaide is, arguably, Australia’s wine capital) and some Goodieson’s Christmas Ale. It’s the perfect recipe for a picnic at West Beach, in Elder Park or in the beckoning hills out east of town.

Merry Christmas everyone

If you’re going Down Under, Adelaide really should be on your must-visit list. If not this Christmas, how about making a New Year’s resolution to celebrate Adelaide-style in 2020?

Merry Christmas everyone!