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.

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.