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, installations and projections. Admire projections at Flinders Street Station and Melbourne Town Hall. Feel dazzled by twinkling lights above Bourke Street Mall and city laneways. Check out a Giant Reindeer in Docklands, a spectacular Christmas Star on Evan Walker Bridge, and Nutcracker soldiers around the city. See sparkling Christmas trees throughout the CBD. On the Yarra River, you’ll find the delightful Row Ho Ho Christmas Installation, featuring Santa on a floating sleigh, as well as enchanted dolphins.
📍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 16.5 metre tree, Santa’s workshop and plenty of festive events and activities. Enjoy the annual Koorie Krismas, discover Christmas in the Wizarding World, listen to carols, take part in workshops and much, much more.
📍Fed Square, Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. Get into the holiday spirit by watching A Christmas Carol
Five time Tony Award winner and West End sensation, A Christmas Carol, is now playing at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne. Starring David Wenham has Scrooge, this classic Christmas tale by Charles Dickens is a must-see, with interactive elements, merry music, and a message of hope. Tickets from $49.50.
📍Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000
4. Dazzle your senses with the stunning Christmas Festival of Lights at Adventure Park
Journey to Geelong, and bask in the glow of 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 new rides and live performances. Tickets from $39.50.
📍Adventure Park, 1249 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington VIC 3222
5. Have a snuggly Christmas-themed staycation at DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne
Feel transported to the Northern Hemisphere and treat yourself to a magical staycation at this hotel near Flinders Street Station. There’s two dreamy rooms to choose from. Will you stay in the White Christmas room, decked out in snowflake lights and fluffy sheepskin rugs from Ugg Express? Or will you channel your inner elf and stay in Santa’s Workshop? Bookings are available from now until January 10.
📍270 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
6. Have a merry time in the Atrium at Crown
The Atrium at Crown will bustle with Christmas cheer from December 1 to Christmas Eve. Meet Santa Claus, see a spectacular Christmas Show inspired by The Rockettes, enjoy roving entertainment, listen to carollers and more.
📍Crown, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006
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. Browse through String Bean Alley at Queen Vic Market, explore the Good Food & Wine Show Christmas Market in the Royal Exhibition Building and much more.
📍Various locations around Melbourne
8. Sing along to some jolly Christmas carols
What better way to embrace the Christmas season than to listen to some merry carols? There’s the classic Carols by Candlelight at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Christmas Eve, as well as lovely carolling events in the suburbs, complete with kids’ entertainment, visits from Santa and even fireworks.
📍Various locations around Melbourne
9. Explore Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland at Burnley Oval
Follow the sound of sleigh bells to Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland, a Christmas paradise filled with multiple themed zones, activities, skating, food and more. Have fun at this festive space from November 25 to December 24. Tickets from $35.63.
📍Burnley Oval, Burnley, VIC 3121
10. Listen to an enchanting Candlelight Concert
These mesmerising Candlelight Concerts are keeping things magical with special shows for the holiday season. Head to Athenaeum Theatre and listen to a string quartet perform tunes from The Nutcracker on December 10. Listen to a mixture of Christmas classics and contemporary favourites, from Joy to the World to All I Want For Christmas Is You, at Meat Market on December 21. And finally, listen to a jazz ensemble perform hits like Jingle Bells and What A Wonderful World at Meat Market on December 23.
📍Various locations around Melbourne
11. See Home Alone in Concert by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Enjoy your annual viewing of the 1990 Christmas film, Home Alone, in a spectacular fashion at Hamer Hall. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will perform the score live on December 14 and 15. Tickets from $75.
More info here.📍Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004
12. Have fun in the festive pop-up bar Tinseltown in Docklands
Head to The District Docklands for the over-the-top Christmas pop-up. Sip on a special Christmas cocktail, and admire the overflowing decorations, such as baubles, tinsel, wreaths and bows. At Tinseltown, you’ll also find Santa, elves, presents and plenty of joyful Christmas tunes. Tinseltown is open Wednesdays to Sundays, from November 23 to December 30. Tickets from $12.
📍The District Docklands, 440 Docklands Dr, Docklands VIC 3008
13. See the iconic Myer Christmas Windows
One of the classic things to do in Melbourne for Christmas is to pay a visit to the iconic Myer Christmas Windows. Celebrate 100 years of Disney, with plenty of gorgeous windows that will take you right back to your childhood. From Peter Pan to The Lion King, you’ll see some of The Walt Disney Company’s favourite characters come to life as part of the 67th edition of this Melbourne tradition.
📍314/336 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3004
14. Listen to the fabulous Noël! Noël! Concert Series
The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and the Brandenburg Choir will perform their annual Noël! Noël! concert series with special guest and award-winning First Nations singer Marcus Corowa. Expect plenty of carols, rare medieval hymns and more festive musical surprises. They will perform at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday December 17, at 5pm and 7:30pm. Tickets from $30.
More info here.📍31 Sturt St, Southbank VIC 3006
15. 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 16. Tickets from $70.
📍1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave VIC 3160
16. Get in the holiday mood with Love Actually in Concert
Watch this heart-warming holiday flick alongside a live orchestra at the Plenary Theatre on December 17 at 4pm or 8pm. Tickets from $131.55.
Learn more here.📍1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
17. Explore the Oz Comic-Con Xmas Edition
This fantastic pop culture event is back, and just in time for Christmas. Explore the stalls and find unique gifts. See special guests from Stranger Things, The Walking Dead and Battlestar Galactica. Then, take part in some festive activities, including gingerbread decorating competitions, an Elf on the Shelf Photo Scavenger Hunt, Yuletide-themed mini D&D sessions, ugly sweater competitions and more. It’s all happening on December 10 and 11 at the Melbourne Showgrounds. Tickets from $37.50.
More info here.📍 Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032
18. 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 12. See Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert on December 16. Watch the Tchaikovsky’s popular Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker, come to life with The Australian Conservatoire of Ballet from December 20 to 22. And more!
See the full list of events here.📍100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004
19. Have fun around the Christmas Roller Rink
Roll around to classic tunes on the pop-up rink in Argyle Square, with free entry and $5 skate hire. The piazza will get a Christmas makeover to help you get into the festive spirit, with a giant purple Christmas tree and decorations. After you skate, stroll down Lygon Street for a scrumptious lunch or dinner. It’s all happening from December 10 to 24.
📍Argyle Square, Carlton, VIC 3053
20. 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 23.
📍Birrarung Marr, Melbourne VIC 3004
21. Feel amazed by the Christmas Eve Circus Spectacular
Enjoy this special performance at Melbourne Town Hall. Fun for the whole family, this interactive performance will take you on a circus comedy adventure. On top of the incredible performance, everyone will go home with a treat. Tickets cost $5 and all proceeds will go towards Make Room, a project assisting people out of homelessness. As suggested by the name, the show will take place on Christmas Eve, from 11am to 12:30pm.
📍Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
22. 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
23. Wander through the Docklands Christmas Maze
Help Santa find his elves by venturing into a giant, present-themed maze in Docklands. There’s also fun interactive games to try, with a chance to win vouchers to use at The District Docklands. This maze is free to try, and is open from November 26 to December 24.
📍NewQuay Central Park, 429-437 Docklands Dr, VIC 3008
24. Play in the Christmas pop-up playground
A Christmas pop-up playground will take over Queensbridge Square from November 25 to December 24. Swing on a giant illuminated bell, have fun on the dance floor, play with an interactive canopy of flower petals or conduct your own orchestra. The orchestra will take over the red stairs from December 15 to 24.
📍Queensbridge Square, 3 Queens Bridge St, Southbank VIC 3006
25. Take part in the Greek Quarter Christmas Feast
The Greek Quarter will throw a decadent laneway party on Waratah Lane and Heffernan Lane. Indulge in delicious food from nearby businesses, and enjoy music, performers and giveaways. The Great Greek Christmas Feast is a ticketed event, and will run on Sunday December 18.
More info here.📍Waratah Lane and Heffernan Lane
26. Meet Santa at Prahran Market
While you do your Christmas shopping, be sure to keep an eye out for Santa Claus! He’ll hang out in Market Square for photos with your pets on December 17, and photos with children on December 18. After that, he’ll roam the aisles from December 20 to 24. Just remember to bring your own camera, and a gold coin for donation.
📍Prahran Market, Queensbridge Square, 3 Queens Bridge St, Southbank VIC 3006