Christmas is a magical time of year, but, let’s be real, it can also get really overwhelming. Stressing about presents, arguing with relatives at dinner, keeping everything perfect, it’s all a bit much. So, you might be better off doing your own thing that day. Maybe you don’t celebrate Christmas. Maybe your loved ones are overseas or your friends are busy. Whatever it is, keep yourself happy and occupied with these great things to do around Melbourne on Christmas Day.
Go to the zoo
Three Zoos Victoria locations will be open on Christmas, so take your pick! Will you go into the city and visit Melbourne Zoo, or venture out east towards Healesville Sanctuary or west to Werribee Open Range Zoo? Soak in the summer sunshine and hang out with animals all day long. The only location closed will be Kyabram Fauna Park, Learn more about the zoos and book your tickets here.
Go to the aquarium
If you’d rather chill with animals inside instead of outside, visit Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, the home of Pesto the Penguin. They’re also open on Christmas, and have heaps of adorable penguins, cool sharks and interesting fish to keep you busy. They’re open from 9am to 5pm. Book your ticket before you go.
Have a merry time at Metartworld
Immerse yourself in dazzling art exhibitions, VR adventures, a 9D cinema and more at Metartworld. Located in Port Melbourne, this venue will be open on Christmas Day from 10am to 6pm. Get your tickets here.
Relax at Peninsula Hot Springs
Does dinner with the relatives stress you out? Get away from it all and escape to Peninsula Hot Springs on Christmas Day. Immerse yourself in the healing waters and let all your troubles melt away. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself. Stay a little longer and spend the night in one of their Eco Lodges.
If you want to go for a nice long drive, sister location Metung Hot Springs in Gippsland will also be open.
Take part in this free breakfast from Queerspace
Queerspace will hold their 8th annual Free Breakfast on Christmas morning. LGBTQIA+ folk and allies are invited to go to the Provincial Hotel for a hearty breakfast, good company and entertainment. The event runs from 9am to 11:30am. Learn more here.
Start your day with yoga
Start your day breathing, meditating and celebrating life with a bit of Christmas Morning Yoga. Join Eliza from Feel Good Flows as she takes you through the experience, while listening to live music. The session will take place on South Beach Reserve in St Kilda. Bring along a yoga mat or a beach towel as well as some water, and even your bathers if you feel like swimming afterwards. The morning starts at 9am, and you’re welcome to linger around after the session for a picnic. Learn more here.
Meet new people at the Melbourne Social Club Christmas Day Lunch
Not taking part in a traditional family Christmas lunch? Why don’t you meet some new people at this Melbourne Social Club gathering in Queen Victoria Gardens. Bring your own food and drink, a picnic blanket, rug or chair, sunscreen, and if you like, some outdoor games equipment like a football. You can bring food for yourself, or to share with others. A name tag will be handy too. You’ll find the group underneath a shady tree opposite Arts Centre Melbourne. The event will start at 12pm and end at 3pm. Learn more here.
See the Myer Christmas Windows
Stroll over to Bourke Street Mall on Christmas Day and take part in this beloved Melbourne tradition. Take a peek inside the Myer Christmas Windows and marvel at a fantastic display of LEGO. This year, follow the travels of a child’s letter from a Melbourne post office to Santa’s North Pole workshop.
Join the party at Section 8
Section 8 is celebrating the season with their Orphan’s Xmas party. Rock up to this container bar from 12pm, and treat yourself to a free BBQ. DJs will be playing tunes until late. Vegan options will be available, and fur babies are welcome to come along.
Soar up to Melbourne Skydeck
Spend your Christmas Day on top of the world by taking things to the next level at Melbourne Skydeck. Head up to the highest observation deck in the southern hemisphere and take in unbelievable views of the city. They’re open from 12pm to 5pm, with last entry at 4:30pm. See more here.
Sing your heart out with karaoke
There’s a few karaoke spots around Melbourne that are open on Christmas Day, including KBOX and Kono Coin Karaoke.
Go to the cinema
Spend the day at the cinemas and pass the time by watching some awesome movies. Enjoy screenings at Palace Cinemas, Cinema Nova, Hoyts, Village Cinemas and more.
Grab a bite to eat at some incredible restaurants
A variety of restaurants around Melbourne are open for Christmas Day dining. Get out of the kitchen and indulge in a hearty feast instead. Bookings are strongly recommended. See what’s open here.
Walk through The Great Gummy Bear Escape
Have a whimsical time wandering through The Great Gummy Bear Escape at The District Docklands. Spread across four precincts around the shopping centre, you’ll see colourful installations, twinkling lights and plenty of photo opportunities. It’s free to visit, and will stay open on Christmas Day.
Take part in a workshop
Get creative and join a class at Heer Pottery on Christmas Day. Make candles, create your own jewellery, make ceramics and more. See what’s available here.
Go to the beach
If the weather looks good, head outside and soak in the summer at some fabulous beaches. There’s plenty of lovely beaches in Melbourne for you to visit on Christmas Day, as well as some picturesque places around Victoria. If you’ve got a furry friend, take them to a dog beach and play in the sand! Hug the shoreline and embark on a coastal walk, explore some coastal towns, and keep an eye out for some great seaside attractions.
Get out into nature
Pack a picnic and have a grand time exploring some stunning parks and gardens around Melbourne, including the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, Victoria State Rose Garden in Werribee and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden. For a little more adventure, head out to some national parks, dip into a swimming hole or chill out by a lake.
Go for a walk
If you ate too much ham, or if you need to take a break, why don’t you stretch your legs on a nice walk? There’s some easy walks to try near Melbourne, like around Jells Park or Cardinia Reservoir Park, as well as stunning trails further out in Victoria. Go on forest walks, look out for koalas, check out popular spots and more.
Go on a day trip
Get in the car and go! Drive to far away beaches, wander through the trees and enjoy gorgeous views. Check ahead of time to see if there are any local restaurants open, or bring your own food for the journey. There’s plenty of scenic drives for you to admire, such as Black Spur Drive, the Great Alpine Road and the Great River Road, as well as exciting road trip destinations. If you don’t want to drive, you can hop on a V/Line and explore regional towns like Ballarat and Bendigo.
