If you’re up for fun, fiestas and a fantastic time, you can’t go past Byron Bay in December. The place is positively buzzing!
Immerse yourself in the swirling end-of-year street crowds, watch the world go by as you tuck into a lazy gourmet brunch at a seaside cafe, or put your walking shoes on for a brisk and utterly glorious sunrise ascent to the Cape Byron Lighthouse. If walking is not your style, try a chauffeured sunset motorcycle tour.
With the promise of a never-ending summer ahead, December in Byron is nothing short of vibrant.
When it feels like it’s getting too much, there’s nothing better than retreating to the luxurious comfort of your private villa or indulging in a head-to-toe revitalisation at Osprey Spa.
With so many activities to choose from, we’ve come up with some of our favourite ways to enjoy the best of Byron in December. It’s a great mix of getting into the festivities, and finding those out-of-the-way places where you can avoid the crowds.
Enjoy our Top 5 Byron Bay for December.
The cicadas are starting to sing and the Northern Rivers region is coming alive with Christmas themed events. These festivities are a wonderful way to get into the spirit of this time of the year and experience the genuine warmth of our communities.
The renowned Bangalow Market is a monthly collection of artisan fashion, homewares, gourmet goodies and more held under the trees in the centre of this historic village. It’s widely acknowledged as the region’s best. This Christmas Eve the market will come alive with colours, music and smells of delicious food created by local providores and more.. the perfect place to pick up some last-minute Christmas gifts – especially for those hard to buy for!
For the children, even Santa himself can’t stay away from Byron Bay. In fact, he’ll be making appearances in Byron Bay, Suffolk Park and Brunswick Heads in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Click here to book your family photo with Santa.
Feasting is such an essential part of Christmas. Celebrate in style (with all the hard work done for you) at Azure Bar and Grill’s lavish Christmas buffet lunch. You’ll find tables laden with the freshest seafood and traditional favourites. Christmas lunch is open to resort guests only and requires a booking.
Make Christmas extra special with a trip to the McGregor’s Family Carnival. From early December, this Brunswick Heads-based fairground opens its doors every night. With dodgem cars, super swings, giant slides and fair games galore, this is a night of guaranteed family fun.
Christmas is the time for floaty summer linens and the perfect bikini, while New Year’s Eve calls for a killer dress. One way or another, luckily Byron Bay’s boutiques have you covered.
Jonson Street in the heart of Byron village is abuzz with locals and visitors bursting with that exciting foraging spirit. You’ll find local fashion labels and international brands all ready to kit you out for the celebratory season.
For the more adventurous, the Arts and Industry Estate, a stone’s throw from Elements of Byron, is the perfect choice. This area north of Byron town has been transformed into a hub of activity by some of Byron’s most creative artisans and designers. Not to mention the welcoming Habitat precinct, a village of cool cafes and beautiful boutiques.
In the late afternoon as the sun sets, the coolness of evening is perfect for a little retail therapy at the weekly Byron Bay Twilight Markets. Local artisans, designers, healers and musicians display their wares and you can find that perfect little take-home memento of Byron.
If you think Byron Bay is all about sun, unspoilt nature and sensational seascapes, think again. There’s one thing the town takes extremely seriously, and that’s our gastronomic scene.
From fine dining restaurants, such as Beach Byron Bay, helmed by award-winning chefs to more casual affairs where no-one will bat an eyelid if you wander in with a sarong on, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Ready to lock in your New Year’s Eve reservations? There’s simply no better place than at one of these iconic restaurants.
Just footsteps away from your villa you’ll find freshly made food inspired by the Northern Rivers region’s finest produce. Azure Bar and Grill combines cocktails by the fire and an award-winning wine list with culinary greatness right on your doorstep.
Step into the night at Moonlight Hibachi Grill and Wine Bar for a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine set against the bold black and white palette of this modern, central Byron village restaurant. Don’t forget to indulge in perfectly paired wines or cocktails that benefit from traditional Japanese cocktail techniques.
Turn New Year’s Eve dinner or New Year’s Day breakfast into an event rather than just a meal at The Farm. Stroll along crops and visit the animals of this working farm, throw out a rug and dive into a picnic basket or take a seat in the restaurant that makes paddock to plate an art.
Post dinner, grab a creative cocktail at a bar in town or simply revel in the feel of the sand between your toes as you take a stroll under the moonlight.
Bring in the New Year with the entire family at the Byron Bay Soul Street Festival. From 4pm Jonson Street will come alive with children’s entertainment, creative workshops and outdoor dining. Watch the roving performers or find your spot in front of the main stage at Dening Park.
The next morning, start the New Year with a sense of purpose and ceremony.
Strap on your walking shoes and make the pilgrimage to the whitewashed beauty of Byron Bay Lighthouse. Watch it light up as the sun rises on the possibilities of a brand new year.
Cast your hopes and resolutions out across the endless ocean view then start striding into the future.
There’s no better way to soak up the ho-ho-hos of the season and get a taste, literally, of Byron Bay culture than by popping in to the Farmers’ Markets.
Here, you’ll rub shoulders with locals as they catch up with each other over chai (everyone knows everyone in this tight-knit community), toe tap to live local music and sample some of the region’s freshest, most delectable produce.
Tuck in to a big gourmet brekkie at the Butler St Farmers Market on a Thursday then hit Main Beach to relax on the sand or a refreshing swim in the ocean.
For a hit of the picturesque hinterland, you’ll enjoy the easy 20-minute drive to Byron’s sister market, the Bangalow Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings.
After that, make sure to enjoy a refreshing pint at the beautifully preserved Bangalow Hotel nearby, before setting out to discover the town’s heady mix of excellent hatted restaurants, such as Caio, Mate! and You Beauty, vintage haunts and artisan shops.
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.
