Melbourne has something for everyone in the holiday season! You'll want to visit these places at least once during the holiday period. Christmas lights are an integral part of the festive season in Victoria, with many families spending hours decorating their homes and yards with twinkling lights.
Magic awaits Melbourne residents at venues like the City Square Plaza, the Melbourne Town Hall, and Fed Square. The Christmas Festival in Melbourne runs from mid-November through the holidays.
Christmas Square
Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square or Fed Square will be transformed into an immersive winter wonderland! As the sun goes down, the stunning Christmas tree will glow brightly in the city center. A new addition to the Square includes sparkling neon trees, lifesize Christmas adornments, and hanging Christmas ornaments. The decorations start November 19th, don't miss these!
Chapter House Lane projections
This historic city arcade is getting a festive makeover, with nightly projections from the 12th of November. See colorful displays splashing against the walls of St Paul’s Cathedral, Chapter House, and Torren University. Don’t miss the Instagram-worthy Christmas walls projections at St Paul's Cathedral.
Melbourne Town Hall
The town hall projections are an annual event held every year during the Christmas season. During the day, you'll see a fun display of Christmas decorations on the Town Hall. And starting November 15th, you'll see colorful Christmas projections light up the side of the hall, featuring a countdown until Christmas.
Hamer Hall Projections and Arts Centre Laser Show
During the Christmas season, you'll see the Arts Center and Hamer Hall light up all the way from the Yarra River. After sunset, head to Prince’s Bridge at night for the best views. From late November, enjoy the magnificent glow of the spectacular Arts Centre Spire lit by lasers!
Photo courtesy WhatsOn
The Giant Reindeer
The beautiful gold reindeer returns to the harbor esplanade from the 12th of November in all his glittering splendor. More decoration opportunities await at Docklands. A fun present box dance floor has also been installed at District Docklands.
Photo courtesy WhatsOn
Hidden Laneway Decorations
During Christmas time, the city's notorious laneways will be sparkle with Christmas decorations. Don't miss the famous display at Degraves Street! Maybe grab dinner along Hardware Lane, take a photo under the trees in Meyers Place, or stand in awe along Machester Lane and Centre Place.
Photo courtesy WhatsOn
Santa and His Dolphins Sailing on the Yarra
Yep, you read that right. From December 1st, see a spectacular floating sleigh along the Yarra River at twilight. It has been reported that there may be some dolphins involved too! Santa might be seen from outside ArtPlay on Birrarung Marr. But be sure to keep an eye on the river at night!
Other Fun Melbourne Christmas To-Dos
Myer Christmas Windows
A Christmas staple in Melbourne for six decades is the Myer Christmas Windows. This year's theme is based on Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit. See Peter and his adorable woodland pals at an enchanting exhibition packed full of charming details. Also, meet Santa! Ride on the Santaland express, snap photos with Santa, or send him a letter.
Photo courtesy WhatsOn
Myer Christmas Windows
Myer Melbourne Bourke Street
Sun 14 Nov – Fri 24 Dec, 7:30am – 10:30pm
City Gift Wrapping Service
After you’ve picked out the perfect presents for everyone on your list, go straight down Bourke Street to find the free gift wrapping store. Enjoy Melbourne wrapping paper designs created by local artists, and leave the challenging wrapping projects to the experts!
Photo courtesy WhatsOn
City Gift Wrapping Service
Cnr Royal Lane, 239 Bourke St
Fri 19 Nov – Sat 24 Dec, 12pm – 7pm Sat & Sun, 12pm – 9pm Thu & Fri
Food Truck Stop at Queen Vic Market
Go to Queen Victoria Market for some delicious food from Melbourne’s favorite food trucks and carts! Enjoy tasty treats from different countries across the globe surrounded by Christmas decorations and holiday cheer.
Food Truck Stop at Queen Vic Market,
Queen Street, Queen Victoria Market
Wed 1 Dec, Wed 8 Dec, and Wed 15 December, 5 pm-10 pm
In Short,
Melbourne has plenty of attractions for visitors and locals alike. It's home to some of Australia's most famous Christmas attractions. There are also plenty of local activities to enjoy, such as visiting the beach, going shopping, or participating in one of the city's many festivals.
Christmas is a time when families get together and celebrate. Melbourne has so much to offer! It’s full of things to see and do for everyone. With some planning, you'll be able to find something for everyone here.
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