Your go-to resource for holiday fun in Melbourne City Centre is here! Explore our guide for all the best events and activities. From hometown residents to holiday guests, our guide highlights the best festive activities in Melbourne City Centre.
One of the highlights of the festive season is the Melbourne Myer Christmas Windows, where enchanting displays captivate passers-by with their whimsical storytelling and intricate designs. Another must-see is the Christmas in the City event, which transforms the streets with vibrant lights and festive entertainment, creating a lively atmosphere for all to enjoy. And the Federation Square Christmas Celebrations is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring live performances, a Christmas market, and a stunning light show. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Melbourne City Centre
- Christmas in the City (Melbourne)
- Melbourne Myer Christmas Windows (Melbourne)
- Federation Square Christmas Celebrations (Melbourne)
- Carols by Candlelight (Melbourne)
- Christmas Wonderland at Burnley Oval (Burnley)
- Christmas Under the Big Top (Burnley)
- Santa's Village (Burnley)
- Love Actually in Concert (Melbourne)
- Noël Noël Concert Series (Melbourne)
- The Nutcracker (Melbourne)
See these and even more events listed below!
Melbourne City Centre Holiday Light Displays
Christmas in the City
What to Expect:
Spectacular light projections and iconic decorations.
Description:
Melbourne's Christmas Festival transforms the city into a vibrant celebration with a giant 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
Christmas Light and Sound Shows at Fed Square
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with a giant LED Christmas tree.
Description:
At Fed Square, Melbourne, the Christmas Light and Sound Shows feature a striking 17.5 metre LED Christmas tree, nightly sound and light displays, and festive decorations.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Christmas Light and Sound Shows at Fed Square
Melbourne City Centre Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas River Show
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas tree and festive market shopping.
Description:
Melbourne's Christmas celebrations feature a giant Christmas tree at Federation Square, Myer Christmas Windows, and various markets offering festive shopping. The city is adorned with dazzling decorations and projections, making it a special time for family-friendly activities and catch-ups at bars and restaurants.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Christmas River Show
Melbourne City Centre Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Carols by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Iconic Christmas concert at Sidney Myer Music Bowl supporting Vision Australia.
Description:
Carols by Candlelight is a long-standing Christmas event in Melbourne and Sydney, featuring a star-packed list of artists performing at the iconic Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The event has humble beginnings dating back to 1938 and has grown into an institution, raising funds for Vision Australia's children's services while families and friends gather to celebrate the festive season.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Carols by Candlelight
Christmas Under the Big Top
What to Expect:
Interactive circus performances and festive activities.
Description:
Christmas Under the Big Top is a family-friendly event featuring interactive activities, thrilling performances by Circus Royale, carnival games, kids' rides, and delightful treats. Enjoy an interactive walkthrough under the big top tent, festive storytelling with Mrs. Claus, and meet Elmo and Cookie Monster from Sesame Street.
Where: Burnley | More Info: Christmas Under the Big Top
Noël Noël Concert Series
What to Expect:
Joyous, uplifting Christmas concert with classic chorales and delightful musical surprises.
Description:
The Noël Noël Concert Series by the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra features timeless carols and rare, soulful works in an unapologetically Australian take on Christmas tradition.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Noël Noël Concert Series
Love Actually in Concert
What to Expect:
Live orchestra performance accompanying the iconic film soundtrack.
Description:
Revisit the classic British rom-com 'Love Actually' with a live orchestra performing the soundtrack as the film plays. This event features an all-star cast and evocative music, making it a memorable holiday experience.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Love Actually in Concert
Christmas Melodies concert
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas concert with big band and choir.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas with a traditional Morning Melodies concert featuring all your favourite carols and songs, accompanied by a big band and choir, and some very special guests.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Christmas Melodies concert
Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas
What to Expect:
Family-friendly symphonic performance with traditional and modern Christmas music.
Description:
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas, featuring traditional carols, modern holiday favorites, and selections from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. The event includes a vocal quartet from Melba Opera Trust and is suitable for families, with a relaxed performance option available.
Where: Melbourne | 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, world-famous traditional classical ballet featuring Clara at her Christmas party, where she ventures into the magical land of the Nutcracker Prince. The production includes the famous sugar plum fairy pas de deux, breathtaking snow scenes, and a beautiful Christmas tree. It showcases outstanding classical ballet skill with a rich display of mesmerising performances by world-class dancers.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: The Nutcracker
Koorie Krismas at Fed Square
What to Expect:
Celebrating Christmas with live performances and local market stalls.
Description:
Koorie Krismas at Fed Square is a free, family-friendly event celebrating the festive season with live music, comedy, and dance performances by First Nations artists. The event features market stalls selling local crafts and art, as well as workshops like gum leaf painting and badge making. Koorie Klaus makes a special appearance, and the day concludes with a screening of Barrumbi Kids.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Koorie Krismas at Fed Square
Arts Centre Melbourne Christmas Events
What to Expect:
World-class performances and screenings in a festive setting.
Description:
Arts Centre Melbourne presents a diverse range of Christmas events, including concerts by Paul Kelly, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet. The schedule also features screenings of classic Christmas films and the annual Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Arts Centre Melbourne Christmas Events
Festive Performances at Hamer Hall
What to Expect:
Innovative jazz performance by a renowned bassist and vocalist.
Description:
Esperanza Spalding, a five-time GRAMMY winner, presents a transformative performance at Hamer Hall, featuring selections from her previous albums and a special preview of her forthcoming project. This event showcases her masterful vocals, musicianship, and songwriting in a unique and intimate configuration with three musicians and two contemporary dancers.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Festive Performances at Hamer Hall
Melbourne City Centre Other Holiday Activities
Melbourne Myer Christmas Windows
What to Expect:
Iconic Victorian murals and Streamline Moderne architecture.
Description:
The Myer Christmas Windows in Melbourne feature a beloved Australian family tradition, showcasing intricate scenes and historical moments, including a tribute to influential women in arts, opera, literature, and fashion.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Melbourne Myer Christmas Windows
Federation Square Christmas Celebrations
What to Expect:
17.5-meter LED Christmas tree with nightly sound and light shows.
Description:
Federation Square transforms into Christmas Square, featuring a 17.5-meter LED Christmas tree and nightly sound and light shows. Enjoy live choirs, Santa's Workshop, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Federation Square Christmas Celebrations
Christmas Wonderland at Burnley Oval
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with interactive activities and festive fun.
Description:
Melbourne's Christmas Wonderland at Caulfield Racecourse offers an immersive, walk-through experience filled with festive activities like Snow Land, Santa Photos, Elf's Workshop, and more. Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences, roller skating, carnival games, and themed rides. The event is ideal for children under 10 and features a variety of holiday-themed activities.
Where: Burnley | More Info: Christmas Wonderland at Burnley Oval
Santa's Village
What to Expect:
Immersive Christmas activities for kids.
Description:
Santa's Village at Melbourne's Christmas Wonderland offers a variety of interactive activities, including Snow Land, Santa Photos, Elf's Workshop, Mrs Claus Bakery, and more. Visitors can meet Rudolph and Frosty, decorate their own reindeer antlers, and enjoy roller skating and carnival games. The event is designed for children aged 10 and under, with a focus on creating memorable Christmas experiences.
Where: Burnley | More Info: Santa's Village
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Melbourne (0 miles)
- Southbank (1 miles)
- Richmond (2 miles)
- South Yarra (2 miles)
- Brunswick (3 miles)
- Kew (4 miles)
- Hawthorn (4 miles)
- Northcote (4 miles)
- Hawthorn South (4 miles)
- Coburg (4 miles)
- Glenferrie (5 miles)
- Preston (5 miles)
- Essendon (5 miles)
- Malvern East (6 miles)
- Camberwell (6 miles)
- Glen Iris (7 miles)
- Brighton (7 miles)
- Reservoir (7 miles)
- Balwyn North (7 miles)
- Glenroy (8 miles)
- Bentleigh East (9 miles)
- Doncaster (9 miles)
- Thomastown (10 miles)
- Bundoora (10 miles)
- Mount Waverley (10 miles)
- Doncaster East (10 miles)
- St Albans (10 miles)
- Lalor (11 miles)
- Greensborough (11 miles)
- Saint Albans (11 miles)
- Cheltenham (12 miles)
- Mill Park (12 miles)
- Glen Waverley (12 miles)
- Truganina (12 miles)
- Wheelers Hill (13 miles)
- Roxburgh Park (13 miles)
- South Morang (14 miles)
- Caroline Springs (14 miles)
- Point Cook (14 miles)
- Greenvale (14 miles)
- Springvale (14 miles)
- Wantirna South (14 miles)
- Craigieburn (15 miles)
- Noble Park (15 miles)
- Hoppers Crossing (15 miles)
- Mernda (16 miles)
- Wollert (16 miles)
- Keysborough (17 miles)
- Rowville (17 miles)
- Tarneit (17 miles)
- Dandenong North (17 miles)
- Dandenong (17 miles)
- Croydon (17 miles)
- Werribee (17 miles)
- Boronia (18 miles)
- Doreen (18 miles)
- Ferntree Gully (19 miles)
- Mooroolbark (19 miles)
- Wyndham Vale (19 miles)
- Endeavour Hills (19 miles)
- Sunbury (21 miles)
- Hampton Park (22 miles)
- Carrum Downs (23 miles)
- Narre Warren (24 miles)
- Narre Warren South (24 miles)
- Frankston East (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)