When Do Christmas Decorations Go Up in Australia, and When Do Outdoor Decorations Go on Sale?

Every November, when the days start stretching out and the evenings feel warmer, I get the urge to pull the Christmas boxes out of the shed. But the big question always comes up: When is the right time to start decorating? And just as importantly: When should I shop for outdoor Christmas decorations so I don’t pay top dollar?

Over the years, I’ve experimented, sometimes too early, sometimes too late, and sometimes grabbing bargains that had to sit in storage for eleven months. Through all that trial and error, I’ve figured out a rhythm that works here in Australia. If you’ve been wondering when Christmas decorations usually go up in Australia and when outdoor Christmas decorations typically go on sale, here’s the guide I wish I had when I first started.

When Do Australians Usually Put Up Christmas Decorations?

For most households across the country, 1 December is the magic date. Some people wait until the first weekend of December so the whole family can join in, especially if December 1 falls during the work week.

It’s almost become tradition: once the calendar flips, the trees come out, the fairy lights go up, and front yards start to sparkle. Growing up, my mum always insisted we wait until December 1. “It makes the season feel special,” she’d say. Now that I’ve got my own place, I find myself following the same rule.

But decorations start showing up earlier in public spaces. In Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, by mid-November, the streets, shopping centres, and store windows are glowing. Melbourne’s famous Myer Christmas Windows usually open around this time, and they signal to everyone that the season has arrived.

So the pattern is pretty clear:

• Mid-November, public and retail decorations.
  
  

• December 1 or the first weekend , most Aussie households.
  
  

Do People Ever Decorate Earlier?

Of course. Some families can’t resist. A neighbour of mine starts pulling boxes out in late October. By mid-November, his house looks like Santa’s workshop exploded. Kids love it, and he gets plenty of compliments from passers-by.

The trade-off? His lights are working overtime, and by Boxing Day, some strands look a little worse for wear. That’s the main reason many Australians prefer December; it keeps things festive without stretching the season so long that it loses its magic.

When Do Outdoor Christmas Decorations Go on Sale?

Now for the part that can save you real money. If you’ve ever waited until mid-December to shop, you’ll know the shelves look half-empty and the prices have quietly gone back up. That’s why timing is everything.

Here are the four main sales windows in Australia:

1. Early November: Pre-Christmas Launches

Online stores like HomeMyGarden often start running discounts in the first two weeks of November. This is when you’ll see fresh stock roll out, lights, inflatables, yard decorations , often with bundle deals or early-bird specials. The savings aren’t the deepest, but this is when you’ll find the widest variety.

2. Late November: Black Friday & Cyber Monday

Toward the end of November, Australia joins the global Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping wave. This has quickly become one of the best times to buy outdoor decorations before Christmas. Prices drop sharply, and the selection is still strong. Personally, I find this the sweet spot. I can get good deals without worrying about the stock running out.

3. Early December: Small Promotions

Some retailers throw in quick promos to catch last-minute shoppers. But by this time, the most popular items, such as warm-white fairy lights, solar garden strings, and roofline icicles, are already thinning out. If you wait too long, you risk paying more for whatever’s left.

4. Boxing Day and January: Deep Clearances

If you’re happy to buy for the next Christmas, the Boxing Day sales and January clearances are unbeatable. Stores, including HomeMyGarden, drop prices heavily to clear shelves. The downside is obvious: you won’t use the décor until the following year. But if you’re building up your collection, this is when you’ll score inflatables, motifs, and large light sets at their lowest.

My Personal Shopping Strategy

After a few missteps, here’s what I do now:

• If I need something for this Christmas (say, an extra light string or a new projector), I shop in late November during Black Friday week.
  
  

• If I’m planning ahead for next year, I shop Boxing Day sales at HomeMyGarden and stash the bargains in a labelled storage tub.
  
  

It’s a two-pronged system that’s saved me money while keeping my decorations fresh and fun.

Checklist Before You Buy Outdoor Christmas Décor

Before hitting “add to cart,” here are some lessons I’ve learned the hard way:

1. Check the weather rating. Outdoor lights should be IP44 or higher to handle rain and storms.
   
   

2. Pick one colour temperature. Mixing warm white and cool white can make your display look mismatched.
   
   

3. Sort your power setup early. Decide between solar, mains, or low-voltage LED. This prevents extension cord chaos.
   
   

4. Think about storage. Clearance bargains are great, but giant inflatables and motifs need a safe spot for the off-season.
   
   

5. Timers are lifesavers. A simple smart plug or outdoor timer saves you from running outside at midnight to switch everything off.
   
   

So, When’s the Best Time?

To bring it all together:

• When do decorations go up in Australia?
  Most homes start on December 1 or the first weekend of December, while public displays appear from mid-November.
  
  

• When do outdoor decorations go on sale?
  
  

• Early November, first discounts, best variety.
  
  

• Late November (Black Friday) is the best balance of price and stock.
  
  

• December, small promos, but limited selection.
  
  

• Boxing Day, deepest discounts, perfect for next year.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Putting up Christmas decorations in Australia has its own charm, warm evenings, BBQ dinners, and kids running around barefoot while fairy lights glow. Whether you’re someone who waits for December 1 or you like to start a little earlier, the trick is to shop smart.

For me, that means browsing HomeMyGarden in November for the pieces I need this season and then keeping an eye on the Boxing Day clearances to grab extras for the following year.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how much you spend or whether your lights outshine your neighbour’s. It’s about that magical feeling when you flick the switch on a summer evening, the yard lights up, and suddenly Christmas feels real.