Spending Christmas Day in Cairns? You’re in for something a little different! Instead of the traditional cold-weather Christmas, you can celebrate the festive season surrounded by tropical beaches, palm trees, warm sunshine and some of Australia’s most spectacular natural attractions. Cairns is a fantastic destination for Christmas, offering everything from Great Barrier Reef cruises and tropical island adventures to rainforest experiences, scenic flights and relaxing waterfront activities.
Whether you’re visiting Cairns on holiday, travelling with family or looking to do something special this Christmas, there are plenty of ways to make December 25 memorable. Many of Cairns’ popular tour operators run selected services over the Christmas period, although availability and operating schedules can vary each year. Here are our top 10 suggestions for things to do in Cairns on Christmas Day.
1. Spend Christmas Day on the Great Barrier Reef
What better way to celebrate Christmas than exploring one of the world’s most famous natural wonders? A Great Barrier Reef cruise is one of the best experiences you can enjoy while visiting Cairns, and selected reef operators offer special Christmas Day departures.
Spend the day snorkelling over colourful coral gardens, spotting tropical fish and sea turtles, or enjoying an introductory or certified scuba dive. Popular options are Seaquest and Aquaquest, they’re both a fantastic way to enjoy a tropical Christmas while experiencing the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
With limited boats operating on December 25, it’s important to organise your reef trip well in advance.
2. Enjoy a Christmas Lunch Cruise on the Spirit of Cairns
If you’d prefer a relaxing Christmas Day without worrying about preparing lunch, why not celebrate aboard the Spirit of Cairns? This popular dining cruise offers a wonderful way to enjoy Christmas while taking in the beautiful tropical scenery of Trinity Inlet.
The special Christmas Day lunch cruise includes a welcome drink, a festive buffet featuring traditional Christmas favourites, fresh seafood and delicious desserts, along with a standard drinks package. Sit back, enjoy the waterfront views and let someone else take care of the cooking and washing up!
The Spirit of Cairns Christmas Lunch Cruise is a particularly good option for couples, families and visitors wanting something a little special. Christmas Day departures are limited, so advance reservations are essential.
3. Visit Green Island for a Tropical Christmas
Located just off the Cairns coastline, Green Island is a beautiful tropical island surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef. With sandy beaches, clear tropical waters and lush rainforest, it’s a wonderful destination for a Christmas Day escape.
Depending on available Christmas Day services, you can enjoy a ferry trip to the island, spend time relaxing on the beach, explore the rainforest walking tracks or discover the underwater world with snorkelling and glass-bottom boat experiences.
Green Island is particularly popular with families because there are activities for swimmers and non-swimmers alike. If you’re looking for a tropical island experience without travelling too far from Cairns, this is a great option to investigate.
4. Explore the Outer Reef at a Floating Pontoon
For families and visitors wanting a full day of reef activities, a floating pontoon experience is another fantastic option. Several Cairns reef operators offer pontoon experiences at the outer Great Barrier Reef, where visitors can enjoy a range of activities in one location.
Depending on the operator and departure, activities can include snorkelling, scuba diving, semi-submarine tours, underwater observatories and glass-bottom boat rides. Some pontoons also feature waterslides and swimming areas, making them particularly appealing for families with children.
Sunlover Cruises Moore Reef Pontoon cruise is always a Christmas Day favourite, but it fills up quickly, so book ahead.
5. Take a Scenic Flight Over the Great Barrier Reef
For something truly memorable, take to the skies and experience the Great Barrier Reef from above. Scenic flights from Cairns provide spectacular views of the reef systems, turquoise waters, coral formations and tropical islands scattered along the coastline.
You can choose from fixed-wing aircraft flights or helicopter experiences, with some longer flights offering views of both the Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding rainforest. It’s an incredible way to appreciate just how enormous and beautiful the reef really is.
A scenic flight also makes a wonderful Christmas gift or special family experience. Flights are weather dependent, particularly during the summer wet season, and Christmas Day operating schedules should be checked before booking.
6. Spend the Day at Fitzroy Island
Another beautiful island escape close to Cairns is Fitzroy Island. Surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, this tropical paradise offers beautiful beaches, rainforest walking tracks and excellent opportunities for snorkelling.
Visitors can explore the island’s walking trails, relax at Welcome Bay, hire snorkelling equipment or make their way to the famous Nudey Beach. The island has a more natural, rainforest feel than Green Island and is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing day away from the city.
Please be aware that not all the usual service operate to Fitzroy Island on Christmas Day, this means the Fitzroy Island Christmas Day cruises that do operate fill up very quickly..
7. Enjoy Christmas Day at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
If you’re staying in Cairns city and would prefer something free, the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is one of the best places to spend Christmas Day. This enormous saltwater swimming lagoon is located right on the waterfront and offers a fantastic place to cool off during the tropical summer.
Bring your swimmers, a towel and some sunscreen and enjoy a relaxing swim with beautiful views across Trinity Inlet. There are shaded areas, grassy picnic spaces and plenty of room for families to enjoy the day.
The lagoon is a particularly good option for visitors who don’t have a hire car or haven’t booked a Christmas Day tour. It is generally open throughout the Christmas holiday period, although it’s worth checking local operating notices before heading down.
8. Head to the Cairns Northern Beaches
Christmas in Cairns is all about enjoying the tropical outdoors, and the northern beaches are a wonderful place to spend a relaxing day. Just a short drive north of the city, you’ll find beautiful coastal locations including Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, Clifton Beach and Ellis Beach.
Palm Cove is particularly popular, with its picturesque palm-lined beachfront, relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views across the Coral Sea. Trinity Beach is another excellent choice, with a lovely beachfront park and plenty of space to enjoy a picnic.
Remember that December falls within tropical marine stinger season. Always swim in designated netted enclosures where available, wear a suitable stinger suit and pay attention to local swimming and crocodile safety warnings.
9. Enjoy a Christmas Picnic or BBQ on the Cairns Esplanade
For a traditional Australian Christmas with a tropical twist, pack a picnic or organise a BBQ along the Cairns Esplanade. There are beautiful grassy areas overlooking the waterfront, public BBQ facilities and plenty of space to enjoy lunch with family and friends.
You could bring along some fresh seafood, salads, tropical fruit and cold drinks and enjoy a relaxed Christmas lunch outdoors. It’s a great alternative to an expensive restaurant meal and gives visitors the opportunity to experience a little of the local Cairns lifestyle.
The Esplanade is also home to several playgrounds, walking paths and outdoor fitness facilities, making it a good choice for families travelling with children. Remember that shops and supermarkets are generally closed on Christmas Day, so purchase your food and supplies beforehand.
10. Explore the Cairns Night Markets
If you’re looking for something to do after a relaxing Christmas Day, the Cairns Night Markets are worth considering. Located in the heart of the city, the markets feature a collection of souvenir shops, local gift stores, clothing, jewellery and food outlets.
It’s a great place to wander around, pick up a few holiday souvenirs or enjoy an inexpensive meal. The air-conditioned shopping area is also a welcome break from the tropical heat.
The Night Markets have traditionally traded throughout the Christmas period, including Christmas Day, although individual shop and food outlet opening hours can vary. Check locally before making a special trip.
Tips for Visiting Cairns on Christmas Day
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Australia, so a little preparation will make your visit much easier. Here are a few things worth remembering:
- Book tours early: Christmas Day tour departures are limited, and popular reef cruises and island trips can sell out well in advance.
- Check operating schedules: Not all Cairns tour operators operate on December 25. Always confirm that your chosen tour is actually departing on Christmas Day.
- Organise food and supplies: Most major supermarkets and retail shops close on Christmas Day, so purchase groceries, snacks and drinks beforehand.
- Prepare for tropical weather: December is hot, humid and part of the wet season. Bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of drinking water.
- Be aware of stinger season: Marine stingers are present in tropical waters from approximately November to May. Wear a suitable stinger suit when swimming in the ocean.
- Allow for afternoon storms: Tropical thunderstorms are common during December, so consider booking morning activities where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Day in Cairns
1. Are tours operating in Cairns on Christmas Day?
Yes, selected Cairns tour operators run special departures on Christmas Day. These can include Great Barrier Reef cruises, island trips and Christmas lunch cruises. However, many operators close for the day, so it’s important to check availability before booking.
2. Can you visit the Great Barrier Reef on Christmas Day?
Yes. Selected reef operators offer Christmas Day departures from Cairns. Reef Experience is one example of an operator advertising Christmas Day reef trips. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
3. Can we visit Kuranda on Christmas Day?
While some shops may be open in Kuranda on Christmas Day both the Skyrail and Scenic Train don’t operate on the 25th.
4. Are restaurants open in Cairns on Christmas Day?
Some Cairns restaurants, hotels and tour operators offer special Christmas Day lunches and dining experiences. Many restaurants close or operate with limited seating, so reservations are essential.
5. Can I visit Green Island or Fitzroy Island on Christmas Day?
Yes. While all Island ferry services can operate during the Christmas period, not every operator runs on December 25. Click here for Green Island and here for Fitzroy Island options that operate on the 25th.
6. Is Cairns hot on Christmas Day?
Yes. December is part of Cairns’ tropical summer, with daytime temperatures typically around 30–32°C. Expect warm, humid conditions and the possibility of tropical afternoon rain.
7. Is it safe to swim at Cairns beaches in December?
December falls within marine stinger season. Visitors should use designated stinger enclosures where available, wear protective stinger suits and follow local safety advice.
8. Are shops and supermarkets open in Cairns on Christmas Day?
Most major supermarkets, shopping centres and retail stores are closed on Christmas Day. Some convenience stores, service stations and selected food outlets may operate with reduced hours.
Make the Most of Christmas in Tropical Cairns
Christmas Day in Cairns offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a very different type of festive celebration. Whether you’re spending the day snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, relaxing on a tropical island, enjoying a Christmas lunch cruise or simply cooling off at the Esplanade Lagoon, there’s something special about celebrating Christmas in Far North Queensland.
If you’re planning to visit Cairns over Christmas, we recommend organising your tours and activities well in advance. With limited Christmas Day departures and plenty of visitors travelling to the region during the festive season, the best experiences can book out quickly.
Browse our range of Cairns tours and activities to find the perfect experience for your tropical Christmas holiday.
