Melbourne shines during Christmas, offering a unique blend of traditional festivities with its cosmopolitan flair. From iconic light displays to pop-up markets and cozy family-friendly events, the city presents a festive atmosphere that captivates visitors and locals alike.
Whether you’re here to witness the glittering Christmas decorations in the CBD or prefer exploring seasonal markets and outdoor events, Melbourne ensures there’s something for everyone.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top places to visit in Melbourne during the holiday season and how you can make the most of Christmas in this beautiful city.
Where To Go Christmas In Melbourne?
Melbourne is well-known for its dazzling Christmas lights, with different suburbs and landmarks going all out to showcase their decorations.
Here are some key places you can visit to enjoy the best displays and things to do christmas day melbourne:
Federation Square And City Centre
The heart of Melbourne is where the magic truly happens during Christmas, with Federation Square becoming the hub of festive cheer. You’ll find giant, beautifully decorated Christmas trees, interactive light displays, and regular performances that create a lively holiday vibe.
Walk over to Bourke Street Mall and Collins Street, which are both adorned with decorations, offering a perfect background for your Christmas photos.
Federation Square also hosts a massive digital Christmas tree, illuminated nightly and surrounded by various Christmas-themed stalls and activities.
Be sure to catch the light shows in the evening, as they bring a mesmerizing display that is fun for families, couples, and friends alike.
Nearby, the State Library Victoria and Melbourne Town Hall are also illuminated with holiday projections, making the city centre a top spot for festive light displays.
Myer Christmas Windows
A classic Melbourne tradition, the Myer Christmas Windows on Bourke Street have been a family favourite for over 60 years.
Each year, the windows feature a new theme inspired by a children’s story, with intricate, animated displays that bring the narrative to life.
Kids and adults alike find the experience enchanting, and the creative, artistic displays have a magical quality that keeps everyone returning year after year.
Since it’s a free activity, it tends to attract large crowds, especially closer to Christmas. Visiting early in the season or during quieter weekday hours is often a good idea to avoid the hustle and bustle.
If you’re visiting with young children, keep an eye out for Myer’s Santaland Express, a mini-train inside the store that leads to Santa’s grotto, where kids can meet Santa himself.
Festive Markets And Shopping Spots
Melbourne’s Christmas markets offer a variety of unique gifts, handmade crafts, and seasonal treats that make shopping for friends and family a memorable experience.
The festive atmosphere, combined with live music, street food, and pop-up stalls, brings out the best of Melbourne’s artisanal culture.
Queen Victoria Christmas Market
One of the city’s most popular Christmas markets is held at Queen Victoria Market, which is transformed into a winter wonderland.
Here, visitors can enjoy everything from Christmas carolers to unique gifts and holiday decor.
The market’s food section is particularly popular, offering festive treats like gingerbread cookies, mulled wine, and Christmas puddings, alongside the usual fresh produce.
Queen Victoria Market also hosts a night market during the holiday season.
This is a wonderful way to enjoy Christmas shopping under the stars, with a variety of food trucks, craft stalls, and live entertainment to add to the festive atmosphere.
It’s also an excellent place to buy last-minute gifts and indulge in seasonal eats that showcase flavours from around the world.
Arts Centre Melbourne Christmas Market
For those looking for locally crafted gifts and artwork, the Arts Centre Melbourne Christmas Market is a great choice.
Located at the Southbank promenade, this market specializes in handmade jewellery, homewares, and artisan crafts created by local artists.
It’s an ideal spot for finding one-of-a-kind items, with the scenic backdrop of the Yarra River adding to the experience.
The Southbank area is also known for its culinary variety, so after exploring the market, you can stop by one of the many nearby restaurants for a festive meal.
If you’re looking for unique decorations or sustainable, eco-friendly gifts, this market is especially popular among locals who enjoy supporting Melbourne’s artisan community.
Family-Friendly Christmas Events And Activities
Melbourne’s Christmas season is packed with family-friendly activities, from holiday performances to interactive displays that captivate kids and adults alike.
Santa’s Magical Kingdom
Santa’s Magical Kingdom is an annual event that combines Christmas cheer with the wonder of a circus.
Held at Caulfield Racecourse, this magical experience brings the North Pole to Melbourne, complete with Mrs Claus’ kitchen, an interactive snow land, and circus performances that include acrobats, jugglers, and a special Christmas-themed show.
Kids can meet Santa and have their photos taken, while parents can enjoy holiday-themed refreshments and browse through festive stalls.
With plenty of rides and Christmas-themed attractions, Santa’s Magical Kingdom has something for every family member. It’s highly popular, so booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Christmas Square At Federation Square
Federation Square doesn’t only shine with lights—it’s also a gathering spot for family-friendly holiday events.
The square transforms into Christmas Square, with a giant Christmas tree, Santa’s House, and a range of free activities for kids. Families can visit Santa’s House to take photos and interact with the friendly elves.
There are also story-time sessions, arts and crafts, and a variety of seasonal workshops, all of which create a welcoming space for kids and parents alike.
The atmosphere here is particularly festive in the evenings, with carolers and musicians adding to the Christmas spirit.
Federation Square’s location makes it easy to combine this visit with other nearby attractions, like the Myer Christmas window or a stroll along the decorated streets.
Carols By Candlelight
Carols by Candlelight is a Melbourne Christmas tradition that brings together locals and visitors to celebrate the holiday season with song.
Held at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, this annual event features performances by local and international artists singing holiday classics.
The atmosphere is warm and family-friendly, with thousands of people gathering to enjoy a candlelit evening under the stars.
The event is also televised, making it accessible to those who prefer watching from home.
However, attending in person offers a unique and heartwarming experience, as you sing along to carols surrounded by fellow holiday enthusiasts.
Proceeds from the event go to Vision Australia, adding a charitable element to the festive celebration.
Conclusion
Melbourne is a wonderful city to experience the magic of Christmas. With its vibrant light displays, festive markets, and family-friendly events, the city offers a wide array of activities that capture the spirit of the season.
From the dazzling lights at Federation Square to the enchanting Myer Christmas Windows and the bustling Queen Victoria Christmas Market, Melbourne creates a magical holiday experience that appeals to all ages.
Whether you’re visiting with family, exploring with friends, or enjoying a romantic outing, Melbourne’s Christmas events and attractions provide countless ways to celebrate.
So, put on your Christmas sweater, grab a cup of mulled wine, and head out to experience the festive cheer that fills Melbourne’s streets and squares each December.
With so many unique places to go and traditions to participate in, celebrating Christmas in Melbourne is sure to be an unforgettable experience.