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.
The best things to do in Melbourne this Christmas season
Feel dazzled by the decorations around Melbourne
Melbourne will be transformed into a bright and colourful wonderland for the Christmas season. See cool projections and twinkling displays, including a new 60-metre decoration above Bourke Street Mall. Swing by Fed Square to see the iconic 17.5 metre tree. The festivities will kick off on Friday November 28. Learn more about it here.
📍Melbourne
Feel enchanted by the Myer Christmas Windows
Stroll over to Bourke Street Mall and take part in this beloved Melbourne tradition. Take a peek inside the Myer Christmas Windows this festive season, 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. You can check it out every day from now until Sunday January 11.
📍314/336 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
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. You could also swing by for the Rehearsal Night on December 23.
📍Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Kings Domain Gardens, Linlithgow Ave, Melbourne VIC 3000
Enjoy an enchanting Christmas Candlelight concert
Candlelight is keeping things festive this December with some special shows that will celebrate the holiday season. Head to the Athenaeum Theatre and listen to some songs from your favourite Christmas films, such as Love Actually or How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Or, visit Collingwood Town Hall for a cheerful night of festive hits, like The Most Wonderful Time of the Year or Jingle Bell Rock. Both shows will take place on Saturday December 20.
Candlelight: Christmas Movie Soundtracks
Candlelight: A Night of Christmas Classics - 4.5 · 36 reviews
📍Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 or Collingwood Town Hall, 140 Hoddle St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Feel the festive season at Fed Square
There’s heaps of things to do at Fed Square this December. Admire the twinkling Christmas tree, watch Christmas films, see a festive cabaret and more. See what’s happening here.
Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Go shopping at a French Christmas market
Alliance Française de Melbourne are bringing their annual Christmas Market back to Abbotsford Convent. Find plenty of holiday cheer and French culture at this delightful market, with artisan stalls, live entertainment, and yes, plenty of delicious French food. The market will take place on Saturday November 22 and Sunday November 23.
📍1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
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. Check it out from November 28 to December 24. Learn more here.
📍Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145
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 Thursday November 27.
📍Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Laugh your way through Love Actually? The Musical Parody
From the writers of Friends! The Musical Parody comes a festive production 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 5 to 23. See more here.
📍188 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Go on a Christmas Lights Cruise
Melbourne River Cruises is celebrating the season with a Christmas Lights Cruise. Drift along the Yarra and gaze at sparkling lights and decorations. The trip lasts around 60 minutes, and will run on select nights this December. See more here.
📍Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006
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
Feel delighted by the 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 Crown Christmas River Show will take place each night from 9pm to 11pm, from November 28 to December 25.
📍Outside Crown, Southbank Promenade, Melbourne VIC 3006
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 6, at 5pm and 7:30pm. Learn more here.
📍31 Sturt St, Southbank VIC 3006
Watch Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas Live In Concert
Watch the Christmas classic, Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, accompanied by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Hear James Horner’s familiar score performed live as the film unfolds. The concert will take place at Hamer Hall on Friday December 5 and Saturday December 6. Learn more here.
📍100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004
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 family-friendly activities. It’s all happening on Saturday December 13 from 10am to 3pm. See more here.
📍Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Go shopping at Boho Luxe Market: Christmas Edition
Head to the Atrium at Fed Square for the special Christmas Edition of Boho Luxe Market. Find gifts from jewellers, illustrators, artists and more, then enjoy a bite from vegan food trucks. This market will take place on Sunday December 14 from 10am to 4pm. Learn more here.
📍Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
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, entertainment and more. Find it at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on December 6 and 7. See more here.
📍 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
Visit Dorsett Melbourne for festive treats and stays
Dorsett Melbourne is packed with plenty of things to do this Christmas. Indulge in a staycation with their Miracle on Little Lonsdale Street package. This package includes a personalised letter from Santa, a Christmas teddy bear to keep and complimentary breakfast for kids.
If staying overnight isn’t for you, pop by for a merry high tea, try some festive cocktails or tuck into a handmade Christmas pudding.
📍615 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Get in the holiday mood with Love Actually in Concert
Watch this heart-warming holiday flick alongside a live orchestra at Melbourne Town Hall on Sunday December 21 and Monday December 22. Learn more about Love Actually in Concert here.
📍90/130 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Save room for dessert at Pidapipo
Impress your guests with Pidapipo’s Pandoro Gelato Cake. This dessert is layered with chocolate, cherry cream and redcurrant gelato, and is encased in Italian pandoro sponge and topped with a handmade edible bauble. This cake serves 12 to 15 people and is $120. Pre-orders are available from November 5 to December 21, with collection available from December 9 to Christmas Eve.
You can also purchase Milk Chocolate Baubles, which come in a pack of four for $25. Otherwise, pop by the store for festive gelato flavours like trifle or Christmas pudding.
📍Melbourne CBD, Carlton, Fitzroy and Windsor
Find festive magic at this Disney pop-up shop
Experience Disney’s Once Upon a Christmas Shop, a dreamy space filled with festive décor, gift ideas and exclusive merchandise that’s not available anywhere else in Australia. The Disney Store Pop Up is open at Westfield Southland from Saturday November 15 to Sunday December 21. There’s new releases every week, so you’ll just have to come back for more!
📍Level 2 near David Jones, Westfield Southland, 1239 Nepean Hwy, Cheltenham VIC 3192
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 8. Have fun with the whole family with Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas on December 13 and 14. And have a laugh with A Fountain Lakes Christmas Carol from December 9 to 21. See what’s coming up here.
📍100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004
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
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. Take part in a Build & Sip workshop, where you’ll make and decorate your own gingerbread house, while enjoying a drink and a treat. This experience is on from Fridays to Sundays, from November 28 to December 1. Learn more here.
📍380 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
Find something lovely at the Good Food and Wine Christmas Market
Find artisan food, wine and thoughtful gifts at the Good Food & Wine Show Christmas Market. Find goods from over 150 producers, as well as cooking demonstrations and wine tastings. It’s all happening at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from December 5 to 7. See more here.
📍1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
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. Time your visit with a festive event, workshop or activity, such as a Christmas Stocking workshop or a Christmas Market. See the full program here.
📍Williams Rd &, Lechlade Ave, South Yarra VIC 3141
Kick off the holiday season at Frankston’s Christmas Festival
Frankston’s Christmas Festival is coming back to Melbourne for its 27th year. Explore the European Christmas Village, see a parade, find gifts at the market, watch the tree lighting and marvel at the spectacular fireworks display. It’s all happening from 4:30pm to 9:30pm on Saturday November 29. See more here.
📍Frankston VIC 3199
Dazzle your senses with the 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 of Lights at Adventure Park will return from November 29. See more here.
📍Adventure Park, 1249 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington VIC 3222