Language and culture experts Preply conducted a study using regional search data to determine which cities in Australia are the most and least festive.
Dubbo claimed the top spot with a festive monthly search volume of 22,156 per capita, surpassing the national average by 63%. Residents have shown unparalleled enthusiasm through their online searches for holiday events, decorations, and celebrations.
Conversely, Mackay showed the least interest in Christmas, with a monthly search interest per capita 87% lower than Dubbo. Whether due to unique local traditions or other factors, the residents of Mackay seem to approach the holiday season with a more subdued spirit.
The study by Preply examined over 1,000 Christmas-related keywords searched from October 2022 to December 2022 to determine each cities inclination towards festive activities and holiday celebrations.
But, which cities have been crowned the most festive in Australia?
The most festive cities in Australia
The least festive cities in Australia
The festive findings:
- Most festive city is Dubbo, followed by Sydney and Orange
- Most festive search terms in Australia include ‘Christmas tree’, ‘Christmas decorations’ and ‘Christmas holiday movies’
- The least festive city is Mackay, followed by Warrnambool and Shepparton-Mooroopna.
Sylvia Johnson, language expert from Preply, says:
“We embarked on a journey to explore the heartbeat of holiday joy in cities across the nation. Our festive campaign revealed the incredible diversity of celebrations, from the spirited enthusiasm of the most festive cities to the subtle charm of the least festive ones.
The festive spirit of a city is a reflection of its unique cultural tapestry. From longstanding traditions to local customs, each city weaves its own narrative of celebration. Factors like community engagement, historical influences, and the collective enthusiasm of residents all play a part in creating a dynamic and festive atmosphere. It’s the blend of these elements that makes some cities shine brighter during the holiday season, showcasing the beautiful diversity that defines our cultural landscape.”
