Can't wait for the festive season in Melbourne? Dive into our guide for all the holiday activities! Whether you're rediscovering Melbourne or seeing it for the first time, this guide helps you create lasting holiday memories.
Popular events this Christmas include the enchanting Melbourne Myer Christmas Windows, where stunning displays bring stories to life in a dazzling fashion. The massive Federation Square Christmas Tree, adorned with vibrant lights, is a charming spot for families to gather and enjoy the festive atmosphere. And the Christmas in the City event is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing an array of exciting entertainment and shopping opportunities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Melbourne
- Christmas in the City
- Melbourne Myer Christmas Windows
- Federation Square Christmas Tree
- Carols by Candlelight
- Christmas Under the Big Top (Burnley)
- Love Actually in Concert (Southbank)
- Noël Noël Concert Series (Southbank)
- Christmas River Show (Southbank)
- The Nutcracker (Southbank)
- Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas (Southbank)
See these and even more events listed below!
Melbourne Holiday Light Displays
Christmas in the City
What to Expect:
Giant digital Christmas tree and iconic landmark light projections.
Description:
Melbourne transforms into a vibrant Christmas celebration with a giant 17.5m digital Christmas tree at Federation Square, light projections across iconic landmarks, and the famous Myer windows featuring incredible decorations.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Christmas in the City
Federation Square Christmas Tree
What to Expect:
Iconic LED Christmas tree with nightly sound and light shows.
Description:
The Federation Square Christmas Tree is a striking 17.5-meter LED tree that lights up each evening, featuring nightly sound and light shows amidst twinkling decorations.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Federation Square Christmas Tree
Fed Square Light and Sound Shows
What to Expect:
Enormous LED Christmas tree with nightly sound and light shows.
Description:
Fed Square transforms into Christmas Square with a striking 17.5-metre LED Christmas tree, nightly sound and light shows, and a variety of festive activities including live choirs, free gift wrapping, and Santa's Workshop.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Fed Square Light and Sound Shows
Melbourne Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Under the Big Top
What to Expect:
Interactive circus show with festive activities and character meet-and-greets.
Description:
Christmas Under the Big Top is a family-friendly event in Melbourne featuring an array of activities, including Circus Royale, carnival games, kids' rides, and delightful treats. Interactive experiences and thrilling performances make this event special, with opportunities to meet Mrs. Claus, Elmo, and Cookie Monster.
Where: Burnley | More Info: Christmas Under the Big Top
Carols by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Live music performance under candlelight.
Description:
Carols by Candlelight is a family-friendly event featuring a diverse selection of sacred and secular songs, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere with candlelight.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Carols by Candlelight
Christmas River Show
What to Expect:
Spectacular river show with water fountains, lasers, and light projections.
Description:
The Christmas River Show in Melbourne features dazzling water fountains, lasers, and light projections set to a festive soundtrack, running every 15 minutes each night.
Where: Southbank | More Info: Christmas River Show
Noël Noël Concert Series
What to Expect:
Joyous, uplifting, and unapologetically Australian take on Christmas tradition.
Description:
The Noël Noël Concert Series features timeless carols and rare festive works by the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Choir, celebrating Christmas with soulful and uplifting performances.
Where: Southbank | More Info: Noël Noël Concert Series
Love Actually in Concert
What to Expect:
Live orchestra performance of the film's soundtrack.
Description:
Love Actually in Concert features a live orchestra performing the iconic soundtrack to the beloved romantic comedy, with the film projected onto a huge screen at Hamer Hall.
Where: Southbank | More Info: Love Actually in Concert
Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas
What to Expect:
Family-friendly symphonic Christmas concert with traditional and modern holiday music.
Description:
Celebrate the season with a performance featuring traditional carols, modern holiday favorites, and classically Christmas selections by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
Where: Southbank | More Info: Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet that transports audiences to a richly detailed world of Christmas Eve magic. Snowflakes flutter, fireplaces crackle, and Clara embarks on a thrilling adventure as toys awaken and soldiers and mice frolic. With charming characters, glittering costumes, and beautiful music, this beloved tale has captivated audiences for over a century.
Where: Southbank | More Info: The Nutcracker
Koorie Krismas
What to Expect:
Celebrating Christmas with live performances and local art.
Description:
Koorie Krismas is a free, fun-filled day at Federation Square featuring live music, comedy, and dance performances by local First Peoples artists. The event includes a gum leaf painting workshop, market stalls selling unique gifts, and a special screening of Barrumbi Kids.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Koorie Krismas
Christmas Carol Performances
What to Expect:
Immersive experience with music and merriment.
Description:
A timeless adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, featuring 12 heartwarming Christmas carols and a powerful journey of one man's transformation from resentment to redemption.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Christmas Carol Performances
Melbourne Other Holiday Activities
Melbourne Myer Christmas Windows
What to Expect:
Interactive Bluey-themed Christmas display with character meet and greets.
Description:
The Myer Christmas Windows in Melbourne feature a festive display of Bluey's Christmas, with interactive zones, character meet and greets, and exclusive merchandise. The event showcases a beloved Australian family tradition, celebrating the holiday season with vibrant scenes and cherished moments.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Melbourne Myer Christmas Windows
Santa's Village
What to Expect:
Immersive Christmas experience with interactive activities and festive entertainment.
Description:
Santa's Village is a vibrant Christmas celebration featuring interactive activities, festive decorations, and delightful entertainment. Visitors can meet Rudolph and Frosty, decorate their own reindeer antlers, and enjoy a variety of rides and games. The village offers a delightful selection of hot and cold food and drinks, as well as opportunities to take photos with Santa and his elves.
Where: Burnley | More Info: Santa's Village
New Year's Eve Midnight Fireworks Cruise
What to Expect:
Front-row fireworks display with gourmet dining.
Description:
Celebrate New Year's Eve with a stunning firework extravaganza on the Yarra River, enjoying breathtaking waterfront views and a wide range of gourmet food and drinks.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: New Year's Eve Midnight Fireworks Cruise
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Melbourne City Centre (0 miles)
- Southbank (1 miles)
- Richmond (2 miles)
- South Yarra (2 miles)
- Brunswick (3 miles)
- Kew (4 miles)
- Northcote (4 miles)
- Hawthorn (4 miles)
- Hawthorn South (4 miles)
- Coburg (4 miles)
- Glenferrie (5 miles)
- Essendon (5 miles)
- Preston (5 miles)
- Malvern East (6 miles)
- Camberwell (6 miles)
- Brighton (7 miles)
- Glen Iris (7 miles)
- Reservoir (7 miles)
- Balwyn North (7 miles)
- Glenroy (8 miles)
- Bentleigh East (9 miles)
- Doncaster (9 miles)
- Thomastown (9 miles)
- Bundoora (10 miles)
- Mount Waverley (10 miles)
- St Albans (10 miles)
- Doncaster East (10 miles)
- Saint Albans (11 miles)
- Lalor (11 miles)
- Greensborough (11 miles)
- Mill Park (12 miles)
- Truganina (12 miles)
- Cheltenham (12 miles)
- Glen Waverley (12 miles)
- Roxburgh Park (13 miles)
- Caroline Springs (13 miles)
- Wheelers Hill (13 miles)
- Point Cook (14 miles)
- Greenvale (14 miles)
- South Morang (14 miles)
- Springvale (14 miles)
- Wantirna South (15 miles)
- Craigieburn (15 miles)
- Hoppers Crossing (15 miles)
- Noble Park (15 miles)
- Wollert (16 miles)
- Mernda (16 miles)
- Tarneit (17 miles)
- Keysborough (17 miles)
- Rowville (17 miles)
- Dandenong North (17 miles)
- Werribee (17 miles)
- Dandenong (17 miles)
- Croydon (17 miles)
- Boronia (18 miles)
- Doreen (18 miles)
- Ferntree Gully (19 miles)
- Wyndham Vale (19 miles)
- Mooroolbark (19 miles)
- Endeavour Hills (20 miles)
- Sunbury (21 miles)
- Hampton Park (22 miles)
- Carrum Downs (23 miles)
- Narre Warren (24 miles)
- Frankston East (24 miles)
- Narre Warren South (24 miles)
- Frankston (24 miles)
- Cranbourne North (26 miles)
- Berwick (26 miles)
- Langwarrin (27 miles)
- Cranbourne (27 miles)
- Cranbourne East (28 miles)
- Mornington (28 miles)
- Pakenham (33 miles)
- Geelong (40 miles)