Looking forward to festive cheer in Southbank? Our guide has everything you need to know! For Southbank regulars and holiday explorers, this guide is your companion for festive fun.
Popular events during this season include the enchanting Carols by Candlelight, where locals gather to sing favourite carols under the stars. Featuring a dazzling display, the Christmas River Show presents a spectacular array of lights and festive displays along the Yarra River. And the Christmas Under the Big Top is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing thrilling performances under a grand circus tent. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Southbank Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Southbank
- Carols by Candlelight (Melbourne)
- Christmas River Show (Melbourne)
- Christmas Under the Big Top (Melbourne)
- Love Actually in Concert (Melbourne)
- Noël Noël Concert Series (Melbourne)
- Fed Square Christmas (Melbourne)
- Christmas Carnival (Melbourne)
- THE LUME Melbourne (Melbourne)
- The Explorer: Melbourne Gardens (Melbourne)
- New Year's Eve Midnight Fireworks Cruise (Melbourne)
See these and even more events listed below!
Southbank Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Carnival
What to Expect:
Giant digital Christmas tree and iconic landmark light projections.
Description:
Melbourne's Christmas Festival transforms the city into a vibrant celebration with a giant 17.5 m digital Christmas tree at Federation Square, light projections across iconic landmarks, and the famous Myer windows featuring incredible decorations.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Christmas Carnival
Fed Square Christmas
What to Expect:
Enormous LED Christmas tree with nightly sound and light shows.
Description:
Fed Square transforms into Christmas Square with a 17.5-metre LED Christmas tree, nightly sound and light shows, and twinkling decorations. The event is presented by the City of Melbourne in partnership with Fed Square.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Fed Square Christmas
Lights of Christmas at St Mary's Cathedral
What to Expect:
Spectacular display of 30 million Christmas pixels.
Description:
St Mary's Cathedral presents an extraordinary display of over 30 million Christmas pixels, creating a dazzling spectacle that transforms the cathedral into a vibrant and colorful celebration.
Where: Sydney | More Info: Lights of Christmas at St Mary's Cathedral
Southbank Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas River Show
What to Expect:
Dazzling city decorations and festive events.
Description:
Melbourne's Christmas celebrations feature a giant Christmas tree at Federation Square, Myer Christmas Windows, and various markets offering festive shopping and dining experiences. The city is adorned with dazzling decorations and projections, making it a special time for family-friendly activities and catch-ups.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Christmas River Show
Christmas Markets
What to Expect:
Evening festivals featuring global food and cocktails.
Description:
Cambridge Markets presents a variety of Christmas markets across Sydney, offering high-quality products such as food, fashion, gifting, homewares, art, and craft. These markets cater to different audiences with a focus on local artisans and unique shopping experiences.
Where: Sydney | More Info: Christmas Markets
Southbank Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Carols by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Iconic Christmas concert supporting children with low vision.
Description:
Carols by Candlelight is a long-standing Christmas event at Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl, featuring a star-packed lineup of artists and raising funds for Vision Australia's children's services.
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 Circus Royale, carnival games, kids rides, and delightful treats. Interactive experiences include an interactive walkthrough under the big top tent, festive storytelling with Mrs. Claus, and a Christmas show with Elmo and Cookie Monster from Sesame Street.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Christmas Under the Big Top
Noël Noël Concert Series
What to Expect:
Heartwarming Christmas concert with classic chorales.
Description:
The Noël Noël Concert Series by the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra is a heartwarming celebration of Christmas with timeless carols and rare, soulful works. The event features the Brandenburg Choir and Orchestra in a joyous, uplifting take on the traditional Christmas spirit.
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 Christmas-themed British rom-com with a live orchestra performing the hit soundtrack as the film is projected onto a huge screen. Join in as stories of love around Christmas unfold, featuring an all-star cast and celebrating over 20 years of festive favourites.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Love Actually in Concert
Woolworths Carols in the Domain
What to Expect:
Large-scale Christmas concert with fireworks and snow.
Description:
Woolworths Carols in the Domain is Australia's most joyous Christmas event, held annually in Sydney's historic Domain. The event features a lineup of national and international performers, festive pre-show entertainment, and activities. It includes fireworks and snow, making it a memorable holiday celebration.
Where: Sydney | More Info: Woolworths Carols in the Domain
The Christmas Portal
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling with unique characters and activities.
Description:
The Christmas Portal is a premium immersive Christmas event in Sydney where families can embark on a story-led adventure through an enchanted forest, interacting with unique characters and participating in activities like toy-building, snowball fights, and learning the Elf Dance. The event includes a visit to Santa's Toy Factory and a special Santa Pantomime show, making it a memorable holiday experience.
Where: Sydney | More Info: The Christmas Portal
The Australian Chamber Orchestra presents The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Live classical music and ballet performance for children aged 2-8.
Description:
The Australian Chamber Orchestra presents The Nutcracker, a captivating ballet featuring Tchaikovsky's beloved music, performed live by an ACO quintet, with dance and narration in an immersive theatrical experience. Created in collaboration with David McAllister, this adaptation brings together music, dance, and theatre for young audiences.
Where: Sydney | More Info: The Australian Chamber Orchestra presents The Nutcracker
Sydney Santa Spectacular
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas event with unlimited rides and activities.
Description:
Sydney Santa Spectacular is a family-friendly event at Blacktown Showgrounds featuring amusement rides, an Enchanted Christmas walk-through with falling snow, live stage shows, and interactive activities for all ages.
Where: Sydney | More Info: Sydney Santa Spectacular
The Night Before Christmas in Concert
What to Expect:
Live orchestral performance of Danny Elfman's iconic score.
Description:
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert features the animated classic on the big screen with a live symphonic performance of Danny Elfman's musical score by the Sydney Lyric Orchestra, conducted by Vanessa Scammell.
Where: Sydney | More Info: The Night Before Christmas in Concert
Southbank Other Holiday Activities
The Explorer: Melbourne Gardens
What to Expect:
Live commentary in an open-air minibus.
Description:
Explore the beauty of Melbourne Gardens on a guided tour, admiring rolling lawns and stunning living collections while enjoying live commentary in an open-air minibus.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: The Explorer: Melbourne Gardens
THE LUME Melbourne
What to Expect:
Interactive digital art gallery with cutting-edge technology.
Description:
THE LUME Melbourne is a digital art gallery featuring immersive experiences with iconic masterpieces brought to life through stunning projections, immersive soundscapes, and engaging storytelling. It offers a unique space for corporate events, wellness classes, and immersive dining experiences.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: THE LUME Melbourne
Monopoly Dreams
What to Expect:
Immersive Monopoly-themed games and 4DX cinema experience.
Description:
MONOPOLY DREAMS Melbourne offers a fully immersive and interactive Monopoly experience featuring games, challenges, and an exclusive 4DX cinema. Visitors can try to crack Mr. Monopoly's vault, explore Water Works and Electric Company, and enjoy High Tea with exquisite sweet and savory delights.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Monopoly Dreams
New Year's Eve Midnight Fireworks Cruise
What to Expect:
Prime fireworks viewing on the Yarra River.
Description:
Join Melbourne River Cruises for a New Year's Eve Midnight Fireworks Cruise along the Yarra River. Enjoy stunning cityscape views, a glass of champagne, and a prime position to witness the incredible midnight fireworks display. The event offers a unique way to celebrate the new year with great music, lively atmosphere, and memorable experiences.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: New Year's Eve Midnight Fireworks Cruise
The Story of the Moving Image
What to Expect:
Interactive experiences that let visitors animate shadows, craft optical toys, and create soundscapes.
Description:
The Story of the Moving Image is a comprehensive exhibition at ACMI, exploring the evolution of film, television, videogames, and digital art through interactive experiences and captivating stories. It features ancient shadow puppets, Victorian-era magic lanterns, original cameras, iconic costumes, and contemporary art, showcasing the major moments in moving image history.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: The Story of the Moving Image
Belongings: Objects and Family Life
What to Expect:
Examining the significance of everyday objects in family life.
Description:
This exhibition at the Old Treasury Building explores the stories behind objects that have shaped family life in Australia over the decades. From smartphones to wedding dresses, it considers how families make and preserve cultural traditions through craft, food, and belief.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Belongings: Objects and Family Life
Old Melbourne Ghost Tour
What to Expect:
Immersive night tour exploring the gaol's darker history.
Description:
Embark on a spine-chilling journey through the Old Melbourne Gaol, where seasoned guides lead you through decades of unexplained sights, sounds, and encounters in the gaol's cold stone walls.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Old Melbourne Ghost Tour
Melbourne Skydeck
What to Expect:
Panoramic views and cutting-edge VR experiences.
Description:
Melbourne Skydeck offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Melbourne from 88 levels high, featuring interactive 3D models, VR experiences, and dining options like Bar 88 and Eureka 89.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: Melbourne Skydeck
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 (1 miles)
- Melbourne (1 miles)
- South Yarra (2 miles)
- Richmond (2 miles)
- Kew (4 miles)
- Brunswick (4 miles)
- Hawthorn (4 miles)
- Hawthorn South (4 miles)
- Northcote (4 miles)
- Glenferrie (5 miles)
- Coburg (5 miles)
- Malvern East (6 miles)
- Preston (6 miles)
- Essendon (6 miles)
- Camberwell (6 miles)
- Brighton (6 miles)
- Glen Iris (6 miles)
- Balwyn North (7 miles)
- Reservoir (8 miles)
- Bentleigh East (8 miles)
- Glenroy (9 miles)
- Doncaster (9 miles)
- Mount Waverley (10 miles)
- Thomastown (10 miles)
- Bundoora (10 miles)
- Doncaster East (10 miles)
- St Albans (10 miles)
- Saint Albans (11 miles)
- Cheltenham (11 miles)
- Greensborough (11 miles)
- Lalor (11 miles)
- Glen Waverley (12 miles)
- Truganina (12 miles)
- Mill Park (12 miles)
- Wheelers Hill (13 miles)
- Point Cook (13 miles)
- Springvale (13 miles)
- Caroline Springs (14 miles)
- Roxburgh Park (14 miles)
- South Morang (14 miles)
- Greenvale (14 miles)
- Wantirna South (14 miles)
- Noble Park (15 miles)
- Hoppers Crossing (15 miles)
- Craigieburn (15 miles)
- Keysborough (16 miles)
- Rowville (17 miles)
- Dandenong North (17 miles)
- Tarneit (17 miles)
- Mernda (17 miles)
- Wollert (17 miles)
- Dandenong (17 miles)
- Werribee (17 miles)
- Croydon (17 miles)
- Boronia (18 miles)
- Doreen (18 miles)
- Ferntree Gully (19 miles)
- Wyndham Vale (19 miles)
- Endeavour Hills (19 miles)
- Mooroolbark (19 miles)
- Hampton Park (21 miles)
- Sunbury (21 miles)
- Carrum Downs (22 miles)
- Frankston East (23 miles)
- Narre Warren (23 miles)
- Narre Warren South (24 miles)
- Frankston (24 miles)
- Cranbourne North (25 miles)
- Berwick (26 miles)
- Langwarrin (26 miles)
- Cranbourne (27 miles)
- Cranbourne East (27 miles)
- Mornington (28 miles)
- Pakenham (33 miles)
- Geelong (40 miles)