Ever imagined Santa ditching his fur for shorts, sunglasses, and a surfboard? That’s the spirit of Christmas on Christmas Island, an Australian territory closer to Asia than the mainland! This unique island celebrates Christmas with light shows, carols, and beach parties.
A Natural Wonderland
Christmas Island’s isolation has led to a unique ecosystem with amazing flora and fauna. This volcanic island in the Indian Ocean is surrounded by cliffs, secret beaches, coves, and limestone caves, creating a haven for unique species.
This geography also makes it an incredible place to swim with whale sharks. 
Here you can swim in grotto pools, shower under rainforest waterfalls, and snorkel with whale sharks. You can see rare birds like red-footed and brown boobies.
But the island’s most famous spectacle is the red crab migration. Sir David Attenborough, described it as “one of the 10 most memorable moments of his life.”
Red Crab Migration: A Crimson Tide
Each rainy season (October to January), Christmas Island transforms as millions of red crabs migrate to the sea to mate and spawn. The scale of this event, where millions of crabs carpet the land, is one of the planet’s most remarkable natural spectacles.
The migration is triggered by the first rain. The males usually lead, followed by the females. It lasts about 10-14 days so to see it, it’s best to stay a week or so. If you’re lucky, you might even see 120 million crabs on the move during Christmas or even Chinese New Year! Roads are sometimes closed, or crab bridges are built to allow the crabs to cross safely. Driving here becomes a unique island ritual, carefully navigating around these creatures.
The most predictable event is the spawning, when females release their eggs into the sea during high tide, often in the early morning hours of December. You’ll see baby crabs emerge from the eggs, then scurry towards the ocean. Aside from red crabs, the island is home to 14 other species of land crab, including the stunning blue Christmas Island crab and the large, thieving robber crab.
Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Prepare to see lots of tropical birds! Christmas Island is a birdwatcher’s dream, offering diverse habitats and numerous opportunities to spot local and migratory birds:
Start from the Golf Course Lookout for sunrise views, and then to Lily Beach, where you can enjoy brunch while watching nesting birds. Then head to Ethel Beach, and finally, visit the booby bird nesting areas.
The annual Bird ‘n’ Nature Week allows visitors to explore the island with scientists. You’ll learn about tagging birds, collecting data and more. You may also be able to add a trip to the Cocos Islands.
The Lazarus Lizards
Hidden in the rainforest, the Pink House is a research center and sanctuary. Its “Lizard Lounge” (open on Wednesdays) is home to blue-tailed lizards, a species brought back from extinction. The lizards move through the greenery like living emeralds, symbols of resilience.
Turtle Hatching: A Coastal Spectacle
Green and Hawksbill turtles roam the waters off Christmas Island. The turtles come ashore to nest from November to March, making Dolly and Greta Beaches nesting sites. The hatchlings, like tiny lights, make their way to the ocean during the night and early morning. In Flying Fish Cove, you can snorkel or dive with these creatures, marveling at their elegance.
