It’s the most wonderful time of the year, 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 fun carnivals and activities for the whole family. In no particular order, here are our merry recommendations of things to do this Christmas.
1. Admire the dazzling decorations and projections from the Melbourne Christmas Festival
The whole city of Melbourne is lighting up with Christmas cheer, thanks to an array of colourful decorations and projections. Feel dazzled by candy canes and koalas along Bourke Street Mall. Admire projections at State Library Victoria and Melbourne Town Hall. Check out a Giant Reindeer in Docklands, a spectacular Christmas Star on Evan Walker Bridge, and Nutcracker soldiers around the city.
Melbourne CBD
2. Discover all the wonderful things to do at Fed Square
Fed Square is lighting up for the Christmas season, with a spectacular 17.5 metre tree. Every night, from November 24 to Christmas Day, there will be light and sound shows from 9pm. There’s heaps of other events and activities to enjoy too, including the annual Koorie Krismas, Christmas choirs and more. Explore their website for more info.
Fed Square, Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. 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 14 to 24.
Birrarung Marr, Melbourne VIC 3004
4. 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. Starring Owen Teale has Scrooge, 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 12 to January 7.
Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000
5. Sleep in Candy Cane Lane at DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne
Excited for the holidays? Sleep in a festive, themed room this November at DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne. Sleep surrounded by stockings, candy canes, Christmas trees and more. The Candy Cane Lane room can sleep up to four people, and stays are available from November 24 to December 27. Bookings can be made via their website.
270 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
6. 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
7. 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
8. Explore Christmas Under the Big Top
Follow the sound of sleigh bells to Christmas Under the Big Top, a Christmas paradise filled with carols, shows, crafts, rides and more. Have fun at this festive space from November 24 to December 24.
Burnley Oval, Burnley, VIC 3121
9. Listen to an enchanting Candlelight Concert
These mesmerising Candlelight Concerts are keeping things magical with special shows for the holiday season. Head to Fitzroy Town Hall and listen to live music accompanied by ballet dancers, with songs like Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, on December 8. Then, listen to a string quartet perform some Christmas favourites, including a Polar Express Medley and Jingle Bell Rock, on December 9. And finally, listen to a jazz ensemble perform Christmas specials at the Athenaeum Theatre on December 22. Get your tickets here.
Various locations around Melbourne
10. See Bluey at the Myer Christmas Windows
Take a peek inside the iconic Myer Christmas Windows this festive season, and celebrate the animated Australian TV show, Bluey. See the lovable Blue Heeler dog, Bluey, and her Mum, Dad and little sister Bingo, in detail as they celebrate a classic Aussie Christmas Day. The Christmas Windows are back for for its 68th year, and you can check it out every day, from 7:30am to 10pm, from now until Saturday January 6.
314/336 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3004
11. Listen to the fabulous Noël! Noël! Concert Series
The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and the Brandenburg Choir will perform their annual Noël! Noël! concert series. They will be joined on stage by guest artist and saxophonist Christina Leonard. They will perform at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday December 16, at 5pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are from $40. Learn more here.
31 Sturt St, Southbank VIC 3006
12. 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 23, at 3:30pm or 7:30pm, or on Sunday December 24 at 1pm. Tickets are from $60.05. Learn more about Love Actually in Concert here.
100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004
13. 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 festive things to see and do, including cosplay photo opportunities with Santa, gingerbread decorating and more. Find it at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on December 9 and 10. See more here.
1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
14. 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 11. Have fun with the whole family with Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas on December 16. And watch The Nutcracker come to life on December 21 and 22. See what’s coming up here.
100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004
15. Have fun around the Christmas Roller Rink
Roll around to classic tunes on the pop-up rink in Argyle Square, with free entry and $10 skate hire. The piazza will get a Christmas makeover to help you get into the festive spirit, with colourful decorations and light-up bell swings. Bookings open from November 24, and the pop-up rink will run from December 14 to 24.
Argyle Square, Carlton, VIC 3053
16. 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
17. Wander through the Docklands Christmas Maze
Help Santa find his elves by venturing into a giant, present-themed maze in Docklands. Play fun interactive games throughout the maze and find all the elves for the chance to win prizes. The maze is free to explore, and is open from November 29 to December 24.
NewQuay Central Park, 429-437 Docklands Dr, VIC 3008
18. Marvel at the spectacular Christmas River Show
Look out onto the Yarra River and admire the fabulous Christmas River Show, complete with water fountains, lasers, light projections and festive tunes. Shows will run every 15 minutes each night. Find it near Evan Walker Bridge. The show will run from November 24 to December 25.
📍Between Sandridge Bridge and Evan Walker Bridge, Southbank VIC 3006
19. Catch a film at the Christmas Cinema
Can’t resist a good Christmas movie? Look forward to a mixture of classic flicks and family favourites at Christmas Cinema. Head to the Capitol Theatre and enjoy screenings of Elf, The Polar Express, The Grinch and more, on select days from December 2 to 23. Tickets are $5, and proceeds go towards Make Room, a project assisting people out of homelessness.
📍113 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
20. 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 from December 7 to 23. Get your tickets here.
📍1/135 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182
21. 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 16, from 5pm to 7pm. Learn more here.
📍 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
22. Join Rhys & Joel’s Family Christmas
Joel Creasey and Rhys Nicholson are celebrating campness, Christmas and comedy with their hilarious show, Rhys & Joel’s Family Christmas. After cracking up audiences last year, the duo are back for another round, with the help of other comedians, drag artists and musicians. Check it out at Thornbury Theatre on Saturday December 9. Learn more here.
📍859 High St, Thornbury VIC 3071
23. Visit this gin pop-up shop in Fed Square
Looking to get in the Christmas spirit? Head to the Four Pillars Australian Christmas Gin pop-up shop at the entry of Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters in Fed Square. You’ll find Christmas gin, as well as Christmas pudding, gift boxes, marmalades, ham bags and more. You’re also welcome to stay for a drink and enjoy an exclusive cocktail, or visit Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters for their festive lunch on Sundays. See more here.
📍Federation Square, Tenancy 26/2 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3004
24. Have a staycation at Pullman & Mercure Melbourne Albert Park
Need to get away from it all? Indulge in a Christmas staycation at Pullman & Mercure Melbourne Albert Park. Enjoy two nights accommodation, breakfast, welcome drinks and a discount to their Christmas Buffet Lunch. Stays are available from December 23 to 26, and the lunch will take place on Christmas Day. Learn more here.
📍65 Queens Rd, Albert Park VIC 3004
25. Journey to the North Pole on the Polar Express thanks to Puffing Billy
The Polar Express Train Ride is coming back to Puffing Billy. Inspired by the book and film of the same name, this magical train adventure will take you through the lush greenery of the Dandenong Ranges, and on towards the North Pole. Meet Santa and characters from the film, swing your legs on the carriage sills and more, from December 9 to 17. Tickets from $72 for adults.
Emerald Lake Rd, Emerald VIC 3782
26. 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, as well as rides and performances. This special Christmas Festival at Adventure Park will run from November 17 to December 31.
Adventure Park, 1249 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington VIC 3222