For many of us, Christmas is about spending time with the family, standing over a barbecue pit, pulling Christmas crackers and getting in a game of lawn cricket. Meanwhile, Christmas is also a very popular time for a holiday with many city businesses closing for the period between Christmas and New Year.

If you’re planning your Christmas getaway – act fast as tickets and accommodation tend to book out quickly.

Here are some of the top destinations for the season:

-          Melbourne – you’re in for a real treat if you’re spending Christmas in Melbourne. Christmas in the City events include a free concert featuring Santa’s grand arrival in Bourke Street Mall. Keep an eye out for him as he’ll be popping up everywhere throughout the city through the month of December – even scuba diving at the Melbourne aquarium. For New Year, families love the festivities at Yarra Park before checking out the city’s very own fireworks extravaganza – snaking its way through many parts of the city.

Tip: Melbourne is known for its great tram network, so they’ll be the easiest mode of transport to get you around the city this holiday season.

-          Sydney - the City of Sydney hosts a number of great Christmas events for the season including the popular Christmas Concert in Town Hall, Carols in the Domain and of course, the David Jones’ window displays.  And if you’re looking for the ultimate New Year’s Eve party – there’s very little that tops Sydney’s spectacular New Year’s Eve on the Harbour. Over 1.5 million people stake out their spot along the foreshore to enjoy one of the most extravagant fireworks displays in the world.

Tip: Book early for cheap accommodation – Sydney is one of the most popular holiday destinations.

-          Gold Coast – residents in the Gold Coast are known to really get into the spirit of the season with many homes dressed up for the occasion. The Gold Coast City Council hosts an annual Christmas Lights Competition – judges visit homes and businesses between 30 November and 5 December to award the best lighting displays, with an awards ceremony held on 9 December. Check out 2010′s winners when you spend your Christmas in the Gold Coast.

Tip: Those staying in Gold Coast hotels will find that convenient bus tours run from 10 to 24 December to take visitors around to view the spectacular lighting displays. Bookings are essential – phone 13 22 51.

Where are you spending your Christmas holidays?