Musical Advent Calendar

Australian Christmas songs

Like a fine box of assorted chocolates, our Advent Sound Calendar has something for all tastes.

We have cherrypicked a diverse collection of Christmas songs from the NFSA collection for your listening pleasure.

From traditional to humorous, respectful to risqué, this collection showcases the creativity and diversity of Australia’s musical talent (plus a couple of New Zealanders).

We are adding a new song every day until it is completed with 24 tunes.

Album cover featuring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. They are holding cups aloft. The text reads 'This Christmas - John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John'.

Deck the Halls by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John

‘Deck the Halls’ is from the album This Christmas by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, released 9 November 2012 - just in time to be the perfect stocking-filler.

An album cover depicting an abstracted prismatic image of a star. Text reads 'WG James Australian Christmas Carols'.

Carol of the Birds by The Adelaide Singers and the South Australian Symphony Orchestra

‘Carol of the Birds’ is from the album Australian Christmas Carols and performed by the South Australia Symphony Orchestra and Adelaide Singers.

An album cover showing photographs of children at the beach. The text reads 'Paul Kelly Greatest Hits'.

How to Make Gravy by Paul Kelly

‘How to Make Gravy’ has a cultish following these days; with five million downloads, a legion of Kelly’s fans have claimed 21 December as the official how-to-make-gravy day.

An album cover with an illustration of an angel playing a flute. Text reads 'The Spirit of Christmas 2004'.

Six White Boomers by Russell Coight

Written in 1960 ‘Six White Boomers’ is another Christmas song with a local theme; Santa unhooks his reindeers and delivers Christmas presents to Australian children with the aid of six large white

An album cover with a photograph of a choir performing in a church.

Hosanna to the Son of David by the Choir of St George's Cathedral, Perth

'Hosanna to the Son of David' is performed by the Choir of St George’s Cathedral; the recording took place within the cathedral, located at 38 St George’s Terrace, Perth.

An album cover showing Santa in a sleigh with a kiwi. The sleigh is being pulled by two kangaroos. Text reads 'Christmas Down Under: An Australian and New Zealand Christmas'.

Little Donkey by Neva Eder

'Little Donkey' was first released in 1959 by English singer Gracie Fields.

An album cover showing a beach. The text reads 'Delltones. There's No Smow Here (At Christmas Time).

There's No Snow Here (At Christmas Time) by The Delltones

'There’s No Snow Here (At Christmas Time)' is a Christmas song paying homage to our Southern Hemisphere festive style.

An album cover with an illustration of an angel playing a drum in the sky. Text reads 'The Spirit of Christmas 2008'.

Silent Night by Archie Roach

'Silent Night' was first performed 200 years ago this Christmas Eve in Salzburg, Austria.

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the following program may contain images and/or audio of deceased persons

Christmas Kangaroo by Jewel Blanch with the Kanga-Rollers

'Christmas Kangaroo' was released in 1964 by the Australian travelling country music family The Blanches. The song was written by Arthur and Bernice and performed by their daughter, Jewel.

An album cover with text on it that reads 'AC/DC: The Razors Edge'.

Mistress for Christmas by AC/DC

If you like your Christmas with hard-hitting rock’n’roll, AC/DC’s offering may be just the song.

An album cover depicting a city skyline and night sky. The text reads 'The Spirit of Christmas '94'.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs

‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ was written for the MGM musical Meet Me in St Louis (Vincente Minnelli, USA, 1944).

An album cover showing a children's choir. The text says 'Qantas presents Australia's Christmas Spirit'.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing by The Australian Girls' Choir and The National Boys' Choir

‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ is performed by the Australian Girls’ Choir and the National Boys’ Choir from the album Australia’s Christmas Spirit.

An album cover with a picture of a silver star on a gold background. Text reads 'The Spirit of Christmas 1995'.

Carol of the Drum by Christine Anu

'Carol of the Drum' is a popular Christmas song written by American classical composer Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941; it is also known as ‘The Little Drummer Boy’.

An album cover with a photograph of The Wiggles and Captain Feathersword. The text reads 'Yule Be Wiggling: The Wiggles'.

And the World is One on a Christmas Morning by The Wiggles

'And the World is One on a Christmas Morning' is from The Wiggles’ album Yule Be Wiggling.

An album cover showing a picture of Tim Minchin with a dark background. The text says 'Tim Minchin live: Ready for This'.

White Wine in the Sun (live) by Tim Minchin

Don't be fooled by Tim and his piano: ‘White Wine in the Sun’ is a powerful song and has been known to have many adults in tears by the end, thanks to its thought-provoking lyrics.

An album cover showing an illustration of Santa on a train with The Seeker's heads on top of the illustration. Text reads 'The Seekers: Morningtown Ride to Christmas'.

Morningtown Ride to Christmas by The Seekers

'Morningtown Ride to Christmas' is the title track from The Seekers’ first and only Christmas album.

A vinyl record that says 'Fable: 'Santa Never Made it into Darwin''.

Santa Never Made it to Darwin by Bill and Boyd

News bulletins interrupted normal television and radio programming on Christmas Eve to break the news of Cyclone Tracy.

The Christmas Song by Venetta Fields

'The Christmas Song' is another song featured on The Spirit of Christmas.

An album cover showing an illustration of Santa and two children. Text reads 'Patsy's Christmas Album'.

Frosty the Snowman by Patsy Biscoe

'Frosty the Snowman' appears on Patsy’s Biscoe’s fifth album, Patsy’s Christmas Album.

An album cover with text on it reading 'Painters and Dockers: Hickory Dickory Dock'.

Merry Xmas, Carrol by Painters and Dockers

‘Merry Xmas, Carrol’ is a sombre offering from Melbourne band Painters and Dockers, featured on their EP Hickory Dickory Dock.

An album cover with an illustration of two reindeers. The text reads 'Christmas Favourites' and then there is a track listing below.

All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth by Frankie Davidson

Melbourne-born singer and actor Frankie Davidson can be described as your consummate all-round entertainer; he is acknowledged as one of Australia’s most versatile performers.

An album cover showing a young John Farnham dressed in a Santa outfit complete with hat. The text reads 'Christmas is ... Johnny Farnham'.

It Must Be Getting Close to Christmas by John Farnham

Long before John Farnham was ‘The Voice’ he was known as Johnny Farnham, Australia’s teen pop idol and honoured with the King of Pop crown from 1967 to 1979.