The most wonderful time of the year is nearly here, and if you’re looking for wonderful Christmas events, we’ve got good tidings for you. Melbourne is full of festive things to see and do this Christmas season, from mesmerising concerts to activities for the whole family. In no particular order, here are our merry recommendations of things to do this Christmas.
1. Feel dazzled by the Melbourne Christmas Festival
Melbourne will be transformed into a bright and colourful wonderland for the Christmas season. See cool projections and twinkling lights, then try some fun Christmas activities around the city. Check it out from November 29 to December 25.
📍Melbourne
2. Go on a wild adventure at the Myer Christmas Windows
Take a peek inside the iconic Myer Christmas Windows this festive season, and embark on an adventure with the Irwin family. Go on a trip across Australia Zoo in a delightful journey that blends the magic of the holidays with the wonders of wildlife. The Myer Christmas Windows are back for for its 69th year, and you can check it out every day, from 7:30am to 10pm, from now until Saturday January 5.
📍314/336 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. Feel the festive season at Fed Square
There’s heaps of things to do at Fed Square this December. Admire the twinkling Christmas tree, have fun on the bell swings, watch Christmas films and more. See what’s happening here.
📍Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
4. Sing along to some jolly Christmas carols
What better way to embrace the Christmas season than to listen to some merry carols? Head to Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Christmas Eve and take part in the beloved Melbourne tradition of Carols by Candlelight.
Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Kings Domain Gardens, Linlithgow Ave, Melbourne VIC 3000
5. Enjoy an enchanting Christmas Candlelight concert
Candlelight is keeping things festive this December with a special series of shows that will be celebrating the holiday season inside Collingwood Town Hall. From “Last Christmas” to “Sleigh Ride”, listen to cheerful Christmas hits as well as songs from iconic films, like The Polar Express and Love Actually, performed by a string quartet amid a sea of candles.
Collingwood Town Hall, 140 Hoddle St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
6. Have fun at Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland
Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland is taking over Caulfield Racecourse with multiple themed zones, festive characters and fun activities. Find it under the Big Top from Friday November 29 to Tuesday December 24.
📍Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145
7. Find the perfect present at a Christmas market
If you’re looking for a gift, or hoping to treat yourself, you can’t go wrong with a local Christmas market. There’s heaps of lovely markets to discover, both in the city and in the suburbs. See what’s on here.
Various locations around Melbourne
8. Get into the holiday spirit by watching A Christmas Carol
Five time Tony Award winner and West End sensation, A Christmas Carol, is playing at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne. This classic Christmas tale by Charles Dickens is a must-see, with interactive elements, merry music, and a message of hope. Check it out from November 22.
Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000
9. Swing by the Summer Night Market for some festive fun
The Summer Night Market is coming back to Queen Victoria Market on Wednesday nights, and for the whole month of December, they’re getting into the holiday spirit. Look out for Santa and his elf as they roam through the market, spreading Christmas cheer and posing for photos. On Queen Street, you’ll find a towering Christmas tree, and every hour, on the hour, there will be magical, falling snow.
📍Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
10. Marvel at the spectacular Crown Christmas River Show
Head to Southside Promenade outside of Crown and see a Christmas River Show on the Yarra. Gaze at water fountains, lasers and light projections set to festive tunes. Shows will run every 15 minutes each night from November 29 to December 25.
📍Southbank Promenade VIC 3006
11. Check out the delightful Christmas Carnival
Head to the banks of the Birrarung for the spectacular Christmas Carnival. Ride the Ferris wheel, drive the dodgems, play carnival games and munch on classic carnival food. Entry is free and tickets for rides can be purchased on-site. The carnival will run from December 6 to 24.
📍3 Boathouse Dr, Melbourne VIC 3004
12. Laugh your way through Love Actually? The Musical Parody
From the writers of Friends! The Musical Parody comes a festive new musical parody inspired by Love Actually. Watch nine couples looking for love in this romantic comedy. Love Actually? The Musical Parody will play at the Athenaeum Theatre from December 6 to 23. See more here.
📍188 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
13. Listen to the fabulous Noël! Noël! concert series
The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and the Brandenburg Choir will perform their annual Noël! Noël! concert series. Listen to timeless classics, as well as some surprises. They will perform at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday December 7, at 5pm and 7:30pm. Learn more here.
31 Sturt St, Southbank VIC 3006
14. Have a very Koorie Krismas
Koorie Heritage Trust is bringing Koorie Krismas back to Fed Square. Browse through a market, meet Koorie Klaus and have fun with performances and workshops. It’s all happening on Saturday December 14 from 10am to 3pm. See more here.
📍Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
15. Head to The Malthouse for F Christmas
This hilarious Christmas extravaganza will redefine the holidays and satirise capitalism with a motley crew of performers. Look foward to aerial elves, a tap-dancing turkey, an off-brand Father Christmas and more in this yuletide variety show. F Christmas will play at The Malthouse from Wednesday November 27 to Sunday December 15. Learn more here.
📍113 Sturt St, Southbank VIC 3006
16. Check out Oz Comic-Con’s Xmas Edition
This fantastic pop culture event is back, and just in time for Christmas. At Oz Comic-Con’s Xmas Edition, you’ll find plenty of fun things to see and do, such as exhibits, cosplay, gaming, an entertainment stage and more. Find it at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on December 7 and 8. See more here.
1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
17. Get in the holiday mood with Love Actually in Concert
Watch this heart-warming holiday flick alongside a live orchestra at Hamer Hall on Saturday December 21 and Sunday December 22. Tickets are from $69. Learn more about Love Actually in Concert here.
100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004
18. Watch Home Alone in Concert
Watch the Christmas comedy classic, Home Alone, accompanied by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Hear John Williams’ familiar score performed live as the film unfolds. Home Alone in Concert will take place at Hamer Hall from December 5 to 7. See more here.
📍100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004
19. See what’s happening at QV
An 11-metre-tall Christmas tree will be revealed in the open-air square at QV Melbourne on November 21. Every Friday from November 29 to December 20, from 1pm onwards, you can receive a complimentary jar of QV Christmas Candy under the tree. You can also receive a personalised bauble if you spend $50 or more in one transaction at participating stalls. The QV Bauble Customisation Station will open from 12pm to 4pm on weekends from December 7 to 22.
📍Cnr Lonsdale Street and, Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
20. See something incredible at Arts Centre Melbourne
There’s lots of lovely Christmas things to do at Arts Centre Melbourne this festive season. Listen to the annual Christmas Melodies concert in Hamer Hall on December 9. Have fun with the whole family with Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas on December 14. And watch The Nutcracker come to life from December 18 to 20. See what’s coming up here.
100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004
21. Celebrate Christmas at The District Docklands
Head to The District Docklands and find plenty of holiday magic at Santa’s Festival. Meet Santa Claus and get a photo together in Santa’s Grotto, join a craft-making workshop for all ages and let the kids have fun with toy making. Check it out from Wednesdays to Sundays, from November 29 to December 22. See more here.
📍440 Docklands Dr, Docklands VIC 3008
22. Catch a film at the Christmas Cinema
Can’t resist a good movie. Head to the Capitol Theatre and enjoy screenings of Home Alone and more festive flicks in the Christmas Cinema. Screenings will take place on December 14, 21 and 22. Tickets are $5.
📍113 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
23. Lose yourself in the magical Christmas store, Ambiance
This incredible store in Queen Victoria Market has a massive range of Christmas ornaments and decorations from all over the world. If you’re looking for a little something special to add to your decorations this year, pop into Ambiance for a unique find. Learn more here.
509-511 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000
24. Take part in a festive workshop at Brunetti Classico
Brunetti Classico in Carlton is hosting some fun and festive events in their private dining room. Children are welcome to take part in gingerbread decorating classes every Saturday in December from 2pm to 5pm, and every Sunday from 10am to 1pm. Meanwhile, grown ups can join a Build & Sip workshop on Friday and Saturday nights. Make your own gingerbread house while enjoying an aperitivo and a snack. Learn more about the workshops here.
📍380 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
25. Watch a film at Moonlight Cinema
Moonlight Cinema is coming back to the Royal Botanic Gardens, and they’ve got a selection of Christmas movies playing this December. Sit back and relax under the stars, and watch timeless flicks like Love Actually, Elf and How The Grinch Stole Christmas. See the full program here.
📍Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne VIC 3004
26. Spice things up at A Very Naughty Christmas
Have a laugh at the adults-only comedy concert, A Very Naughty Christmas. The production includes stand-up comedy, singing, dancing, burlesque, and skits with a salacious edge. After seeing this show, you’ll never hear Christmas carols the same way again. The show will run at the Alex Theatre from December 5 to 15. Get your tickets here.
1/135 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182
27. See the Nth Pole at Marvel Stadium
Stadium Square at Marvel Stadium will be transformed into the Nth Pole. Check out a 360-degree cinema, enjoy Santa photography and gaze at a nine-metre-tall Christmas tree of Marvel heroes, as well as plenty of other trees dedicated to AFL clubs. Check it out from December 3 to 23.
📍Stadium Square (Gates 2 & 3), Marvel Stadium, 740 Bourke St, Docklands VIC 3008
28. Fall in love with The Holiday in Concert
A special screening of the beloved Christmas classic The Holiday will be held at the Plenary in Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre along with a live orchestra this festive season. The Holiday in Concert will take place on Saturday December 14, from 5pm to 7:40pm. Learn more here.
1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
29. Pop over to the Bubble Show
Feel amazed by epic bubble displays in the Bubble Show for Christmas. Watch the mayhem unfold when Santa’s official bubble builder, Dr Bubble, accidentally brings Milkshake the Bubble Clown to life. Shows will take place on December 23 and 24.
📍113 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
30. Indulge in a feast on Christmas Day
Indulge in all of your festive favourites, like glazed ham and Christmas pudding, and book yourself in for a hearty Christmas feast on December 25. Find inspiration here.
📍Melbourne
31. Step back in time at Como House & Gardens
Experience the magic of a Victorian-era Christmas at Como House & Gardens. Check out the ‘Seasons Greetings’ exhibition, take photos by the Christmas tree and make your own Victorian Christmas decorations to take home. Take part in workshops, like sustainable wreath making, for an extra $10. After that, explore the gardens and relax with a picnic on the lawn. Como House & Gardens will be open for festive visits from November 24 to December 15. See more here.
📍Williams Rd &, Lechlade Ave, South Yarra VIC 3141
32. Kick off the holiday season at Frankston’s Christmas Festival
Frankston’s Christmas Festival is coming back to Melbourne for its 26th year. The celebration is set to be its biggest one yet, with new experiences like a European Christmas Village, as well as other fun stuff like fireworks, a parade, a twilight market and more. It’s all happening from 4:30pm to 9:30pm on Saturday November 30.
📍Frankston VIC 3199
33. Head to the Yarra Valley for Cinema in the Vines
The family-owned winery Tokar Estate is bringing back Cinema in the Vines. Watch Home Alone and The Polar Express the weekend before Christmas, while enjoying local wines and delicious food. This outdoor cinema will be open on Saturday December 21 and Sunday December 22.
📍6 Maddens Ln, Coldstream VIC 3770
34. Dazzle your senses with the stunning Christmas Festival of Lights at Adventure Park
Journey to Geelong, and bask in the glow of 3.3 million lights at this gorgeous festival. Wander down enchanting trails and glittering bridges in this 50-acre wonderland. On top of the glistening lights, there’s plenty of Christmas activities and entertainment for the family. This special Christmas Festival at Adventure Park will return from mid-November. See more here.
Adventure Park, 1249 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington VIC 3222
35. Join the Elf Academy in Bendigo
Santa’s little helpers can join the Elf Academy training facility in the historic Central Deborah Gold Mind in Bendigo. Learn how to be an elf with craft activities, games and challenges. Santa will also be there for photos. It’s all happening from December 19 to 23. Learn more here.
📍76 Violet St, Bendigo VIC 3550