If you can hear the voices of Mariah Carey or Michael Bublé in the distance, it’s because Christmas is just around the corner. And there’s so many holly, jolly activities and decorations coming to town as part of the City of Melbourne’s beloved Christmas celebrations. Look forward to new festive displays, including a new 60 metre decoration with over 25,000 lights above Bourke Street Mall, as well as familiar sights on landmarks like Evan Walker Bridge. The festivities will kick off with the lighting of the 17.5 metre Christmas tree in Fed Square on Friday November 28.
Christmas in the City of Melbourne 2025
Over 2 million visitors are expected to flock to the city over the holiday season. And with over 650 decorations sparkling along the streets and laneways, there’s a lot to admire. See dazzling displays across landmarks like Melbourne Town Hall, Flinders Street Station, St Paul’s Cathedral, Bourke Street Mall and Chapter House.
Highlights include:
- Crown Christmas River Show – this popular show made its debut last year, and is coming back bigger and brighter than ever. Now 130 metres long, you can expect water fountains, lasers, lights and projections, set to a festive soundtrack mixed by Melbourne DJ Grant Smillie. The show will take place each night from 9pm to 11pm.
- Christmas Square – see the marvellous tree at Fed Square and watch as it twinkles with 110,000 lights. Throughout the season, you can also look forward to more festive events like Christmas films on the Big Screen, Koorie Krismas, Pillars of Light and the queer cabaret As Camp as Christmas.
- Myer Christmas Windows – take part in this beloved Melbourne tradition and look at the festive displays in Bourke Street Mall from November 8.
- Christmas Paddle – watch a community group of stand-up paddleboarders make their way down the Yarra in merry costumes, including Santa.
- Christmas Cinema and Bubble Show – visit the Capitol Theatre for screenings of holiday flicks and family-friendly bubble displays.
- Community choirs – listen as they perform at City Square every Thursday evening.
- Theatre and music – get into the spirit of things by watching The Nutcracker at Princess Theatre, Australian Pops Orchestra at the Melbourne Recital Centre, A Christmas Carol at the Comedy Theatre and Love Actually in Concert at Melbourne Town Hall.
- Skyline Attractions – see the Ferris wheel in South Wharf get the festive treatment, with decorations, Santa photos and craft workshops.
The festivities will run from November 28 to December 25.