1. 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 towards Healesville Sanctuary or 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, which joined the Zoos Victoria family earlier this year. Book your tickets online here.
📍Melbourne Zoo, Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052
📍Werribee Open Range Zoo, K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030
📍Healesville Sanctuary, Glen Eadie Ave, Healesville VIC 3777
2. Visit the aquarium
If you’d rather chill with animals inside instead of outside, visit Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. They’re also open on Christmas, and have heaps of adorable penguins, cool sharks and interesting fish to keep you busy. Book your ticket before you go.
📍King St, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. 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.
If you want to go for a nice long drive, sister location Metung Hot Springs in Gippsland will also be open.
📍140 Springs Ln, Fingal VIC 3939
4. Take part in this free breakfast from Queerspace
Queerspace will hold their 6th annual Free Breakfast on Christmas morning. LGBTQIA+ folk and allies are invited to go to the Provincial Hotel for breakfast, good company and entertainment. The event runs from 9am to 11am. Gluten-free, vegan and halal options will be available. Learn more here.
Provincial Hotel, 299 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
5. Start your day with yoga
Spend your Christmas morning breathing, meditating and celebrating life with a bit of yoga on the beach. The morning starts at 9:30am with breath, meditation and movement, followed by a picnic, games and kris kringle exchanges. Afterwards, hang out with new friends, have a dip in the ocean or go about your day. See more here.
📍In between the pier and the sea baths, St Kilda Beach VIC 3182
6. Meet other 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. See more here.
📍Queen Victoria Gardens, St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004
7. Go to the movies
Spend the day at the cinemas and pass the time by watching some awesome movies. Enjoy screenings at Lido, Classic and Cameo Cinemas, as well as Cinema Nova.
8. 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.
📍Melbourne
9. Take part in Orphan’s Xmas at Section 8
Section 8, an iconic Melbourne container bar, is throwing a party on Christmas Day. Entry is free, and the event will last from 12pm to 11pm. DJs will be there spinning some tunes, and there’ll be a lovely free barbeque to enjoy too. Find more information here.
📍27-29 Tattersalls Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
10. 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!
11. Explore different gardens and parks
Enjoy the beauty of nature and walk around some fabulous national parks or gardens around Victoria. Pack your own picnic and settle down in the perfect picnic spot, try hiking along the Grampians trail, explore walking trails around the state, look for flowers and more.
📍Victoria
12. 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, and 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.
📍Victoria