From Markets to Lights: The Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Melbourne in 2025

Are you planning to spend Christmas in Melbourne, Australia? Here’s your guide to Christmas decorations, lights, events and Xmas Day dining.

As a city that’s vibrant and fun year-round, we know how to celebrate the festive season in style. From dazzling Christmas decorations and festive events to family-friendly activities, the city really turns it on during the holiday season.

So, it’s time to get into the Christmas spirit and discover what’s happening around Melbourne over the holiday period with this mammoth list of Christmas activities, events and decorations (a list that’s been checked twice!).

Weather for Christmas Day in Melbourne

Expected to be cloudy with a top of 18 – with a small chance of rain!

Best Christmas lights and decorations in Melbourne

Melbourne is famous for its Christmas lights and decorations. Here are the best ones to check out.

Myer Christmas windows

The Myer Christmas windows have been a tradition since 1956, when they were first unveiled at the department store’s Bourke Street location. Every year, they launch in the weeks leading up to Christmas to the much-anticipated delight of Melburnians, who flock to view their creative designs.

From traditional fairy tales to pop culture homages, each window celebrates a different theme from one year to the next. It’s become a beloved part of Melbourne culture that draws in visitors from all over Australia for this spectacular event.

My expert tip: Plan to line up! The windows get busy, especially when they are first unveiled and on weekends.

Dates: 8 November 2025-6 January 2026
Cost: Free
Where: Myer Bourke St
More information: Myer website

Federation Square

Fed Square is one of the best places to experience the magic of Christmas in Melbourne. The square is transformed into a Christmas wonderland, with a giant 17.5-metre-tall LED Christmas tree, festive lighting displays and a bustling Christmas market.

There are also plenty of family-friendly activities, including Christmas carols, live performances and visits from Santa Claus himself.

Every night, on the hour, there’ll be a sound and light show that celebrates the Christmas spirit. There’ll also be Christmas film screenings and entertainment across the month.

Dates: 28 November-25 December 2025
Cost: Free
Where: Fed Square
More information: Fed Square website

Christmas projections

This year, Melbourne Town Hall will come alive with Christmas projections.

From November to December, the exterior of the building is lit up with festive animations and bright colours – all powered by wind power. There’s something magical about walking around Melbourne at night and seeing Christmas ornaments, snowmen and colourful reindeer projected on the facades. The perfect spot for a Christmas selfie!

Dates: 28 November-25 December 2025
Cost: Free
Where: Melbourne Town Hall
More information: City of Melbourne website

Christmas tree at 333 Collins

A particular highlight in Melbourne is the beautiful Christmas tree that’s put up each year at 333 Collins St.

The 8-metre-tall beauty takes a whole weekend to put up. It’s beautifully decorated with lights, ornaments and ribbons.

Dates: From 24 November 2025
Cost: Free
Where: 333 Collins St, Melbourne
More information: The doors to 333 Collins are open between 8am and 6.30pm

Crown Christmas River Show

Watch the Birrarung (Yarra River) light up with a spectacular light show.

Watch the show from Southbank Promenade, where you’ll catch water fountains, lasers and light projections alongside the sounds of Christmas songs. The show runs every 15 minutes.

Dates: 28 November-25 December 2025, 9-11pm
Cost: Free
Where: Southbank
More information: Website

Christmas Lights Cruise

Sail past sparkling Christmas decorations as the sun sets and the city lights come alive. Watch the Yarra glow with colour and see Crown’s Christmas Fountain Show, where water, music and lights create a breathtaking festive display.

Dates: 7-24 December 2025
Cost: Adults – $49; children – $35
Where: Departs from Southbank
More information: Website

Adventure Park Christmas Festival of Lights

For something really amazing, head to Adventure Park in Geelong. As usual, the park is going all out, with 3.3 million lights and more than 1000 installations and displays.

Among the highlights this year are astonishing light installations that promise to leave you in awe. There are unicorns, rocket ships, horse and carriages, giant teddy bears and more.

A new drone show will light up the sky, while there’s also a chance to meet Santa himself and plenty of theme park rides.

My expert tip: Book early, as tickets go quickly!

Dates: 29 November-24 December 2025
Cost: $42.50 (kids under 90cm free)
Where: Adventure Park, Geelong
More information: Adventure Park website

Best Christmas lights in Melbourne’s suburbs

It’s not just the city that lights up each Christmas. In the ‘burbs you’ll find plenty of festive cheer too.

From neighbourhoods in the east to suburbs in the west, homeowners decorate their homes with festive lights and decorations, creating a twinkling wonderland in residential streets. Take a stroll or drive around your local area at night to experience the joy of Christmas in Melbourne.

Check out which homes are lighting up this Christmas in your neighbourhood.

Christmas events, festivals and concerts in Melbourne

As well as stunning Christmas lights and decorations, there are plenty of events around the city to get you into the holiday spirit.

Myer Santaland

Myer’s Santaland is back in 2025. Pop in to get a photo with Santa, take a ride on the train to the North Pole and post your Christmas letter to Santa. Your furry friend can even get a snap with Santa!

Santa is pretty busy, though, so make sure you book your photos ahead of time.

For families who need something special, there are Sensory Santa sessions with minimal music and quieter booking times.

Cost: Santaland bookings are free, professional photo packages start from $29.95
Where: Myer, Bourke St, Melbourne
Book online: Myer website

Christmas Wonderland

Visit an immersive, walk-through experience where every moment of Christmas has been beautifully brought to life. There’s Santa photos, roving characters, a North Pole post office so you can send off those last-minute letters to Santa, carnival games, roller skating and more.

Dates: 28 November-24 December 2025
Cost: From $42.50
Where: Caulfield Racecourse
More information: Website

A Christmas Carol

The Tony award-winning production of the Charles Dickens classic is playing at the Comedy Theatre.

Australian actor Lachy Hulme plays Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly central character. Set in Victorian London, this timeless classic follows Scrooge as he is visited by four ghosts – The Ghost of Christmas Past, The Ghost of Christmas Present, The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come and his old business partner Jacob Marley. Through these visits Scrooge is forced to confront his past and future, ultimately leading him to reassess his life.

Dates: 27 November-24 December 2025
Cost: From $79.90
Where: Comedy Theatre
More information: Website

Get a photo with Santa

You can’t have Christmas without a photo with the big guy! Most major shopping malls around the city will have Santa stopping by to take photos with families – some even have photos with your furry pals.

Check out the opportunities for a photo with Santa at:

• David Jones
• Myer
• The MCG
• Chadstone
• Westfield Doncaster
• Westfield Knox
• Westfield Southland

Vision Australia’s Carols by Candelight

One of the most beloved Christmas traditions in Melbourne, Carols by Candlelight returns to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Christmas Eve. There’s also a sneak peek performance on 23 December at the final rehearsal.

The event is a charity fundraiser for Vision Australia, and it’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit while supporting a good cause.

Sing along to your favourite Christmas carols and enjoy performances by popular Australian musicians and celebrities. Can’t make it to the live event? Watch it at home on telly.

Dates: 23 and 24 December 2025
Cost: From $26 (rehearsal) and $53 (main night)
Where: Sidney Myer Music Bowl
More information: Website

Candelight Concerts

Events group Fever has designed two stunning Christmas-themed Candelight Concerts for this year. The concerts are all performed under the gentle glow of candelight, creating a truly magical experience.

A string quartet will perform classic Christmas songs like White Christmas, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Let It Go (from Frozen) at the Collingwood Town Hall on 20 December. Book tickets online here.

Christmas movie classics come to life with Fever’s Christmas Movie Soundtracks performance at the Athenaeum Theatre on 20 December. The kids will especially love listening to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late) from Alvin and the Chipmunks. Book tickets online now.

Candlelight: Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake & More ft. Ballet

Another beautiful instalment in the Candlelight series, two ballet dancers and a string quartet will perform Christmas classics like The Nutcracker Suite, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Swan Lake.

The performance will take place in Collingwood Town Hall under the glow of candles, creating a magical Christmas experience. Book tickets online now.

Christmas Outdoor Cinema: Naughty or Nice

Bring the family to Fed Square for an early “nice” film, or – if you prefer your Christmas with a twist – stay as the sun goes down for a “naughty” classic.

“Nice” films include The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and Elf, while “Naughty” films are Gremlins, Krampus and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

Dates: 8-11 December 2025
Cost: Free
Where: Fed Square
More information: Website

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas Live in Concert

Why is the Grinch such a grouch? No one seems to know, until little Cindy Lou Who takes matters into her own hands and turns both Whoville and the Grinch’s world upside down, inside out and funny side up in her search for the true meaning of Christmas.

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will perform the score for this beloved film, live to picture.

Dates: 5-6 December 2025
Cost: From $84
Where: Hamer Hall
More information: Website

A Fountain Lakes Christmas Carol

Fountain Lakes gets a drag makeover in this hilarious parody play. Make your yuletide very gay with these iconic characters hilariously parodied by Art Simone (RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under), Thomas Jaspers (Granny Bingo, The Gays Are Revolting), Leasa Mann (Club Broadway) and Scott Brennan (Neighbours, Comedy Inc.).

Dates: 9-21 December 2025
Cost: From $50
Where: Fairfax Studio
More information: Website

Koorie Krismas

Head to the Koorie Heritage Trust at Fed Square for the family-friendly, all-day festivities.

Celebrating Christmas the Koorie way, there’ll be First Nations musicians, performers and comedians, market stalls with everything you need to finish off your Christmas shopping list, creative workshops and a visit from Koorie Klaus.

Date: 13 December 2025, 10am-3pm
Cost: Free
Where: Fed Square
More information: Website

Christmas Melodies

Get into the Christmas spirit early at Hamer Hall. The Christmas Melodies extravaganza will feature a big band, choir and some special guests.

Dates: 8 December 2025
Cost: From $20
Where: Hamer Hall
More information: Website

Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas

The MSO will perform a magical mixture of traditional carols, modern holiday favourites and classically Christmas selections.

A separate Relaxed Performance (where the sensory elements of the show are adjusted) will also be held.

Dates: 13-14 December 2025
Cost: $28
Where: Hamer Hall
More information: Website

The Nutcracker

The classic ballet will transport you to a magical winter wonderland. Totally family-friendly event.

Dates: 11-23 December 2025
Cost: From $78
Where: Princess Theatre
More information: Website

Love Actually in Concert

Come hear a live orchestra perform the soundtrack of this now-classic while the film is projected onto a huge screen.

Dates: 21-22 December 2025
Cost: From $109
Where: Melbourne Town Hall
More information: Website

Love Actually: The Musical Parody

For those who’ve ever questioned whether Love Actually really is a Christmas movie – this one is for you!

This hilarious send-up follows nine quirky, questionable couples as they search for love across the pond at the most wonderful time of the year. 

Dates: 5-23 December 2025
Cost: From $79
Where: Athenaeum Theatre
More information: Website

Celebrating Christmas at Como: Family Festive Day

Come help the team at historic Como House celebrate Christmas. Step back in time to the 19th century and see classic toys and gifts, help decorate the Christmas tree and create a Christmas wreath.

There’ll be specialty tours of Como House as well as delicious food from Stables of Como.

Dates: 14 December 2025, 1-6pm
Cost: Adults $20
Where: Como House
More information: Website

Melbourne Christmas markets

Get your last-minute Chrissie gifts at these Melbourne Christmas markets.

• Alliance Française Xmas Market, Abbotsford Convent, 22-23 November 2025
• The Big Design Market, Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton, 28-30 November 2025
• Boho Luxe Christmas Market, Fed Square, 14 December 2025

Read my full guide to the best Christmas markets in Melbourne.

Best Christmas shops in Melbourne

Looking for some holiday decorations? Check out these Christmas shops in Melbourne for all your ornaments, Christmas trees and lights.

Ambiance Gifts

Famous for their home decor, Ambiance Gifts is even more well-known for Christmas decorations. Shop in-store at the Queen Vic Market shop or buy online. I love that they have a video online so you can peek inside their store and see their Christmas wonderland!

Address: 509-511 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
Website

Christmas Elves

With two stores in Melbourne with a combined space of 1900 square metres, you’ll find any Christmas decorations you need at Christmas Elves. Stores are open year-round.

Santa will be visiting the Preston store in November and December, with one appearance at the Ferntree Gully store.

Preston: 10 Gower Street, Preston
Ferntree Gully: 827 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully
Website

Christmas Kingdom

Get your Christmas trees, lights, decorations and more at Christmas Kingdom. With three shops in Melbourne and an online store, you’ll find everything you need.

Mentone: 379-383 Lower Dandenong Rd, Dingley Village
Flemington: Cnr of Ascot Vale Rd & Duncan St, Flemington
Dandenong: 106-108 Frankston-Dandenong Rd, Dandenong South
Website

Christmas Mall

Got a Christmas decorating idea? Make it come to life with Christmas Mall. While they’re online only, they’ve got detailed product information and a great customer service team willing to help.

Website

Melbourne Christmas Tree Farm

Want to buy a real Christmas tree this year? Check out the selection at Melbourne Christmas Tree Farm. But get in quickly as there’s limited supply. Trees delivered from $100 or you can do click and collect.

And $10 from every tree sold goes to the Good Friday Appeal.

Address: 319 Leakes Road Plumpton
Website

Where to eat in Melbourne on Christmas Day

Take the stress out of Christmas and let someone else do the cooking for you. Melbourne’s dining scene is world famous, and many restaurants are putting on Christmas Day lunches. With everything from traditional roasts to fancy-schmancy spreads, there’s something for all budgets.

Here are my personal picks for the best places to eat Christmas lunch in Melbourne this year.

My expert tip: Book well in advance as these restaurants tend to fill up quickly during the Christmas season!

Arbory Bar & Eatery

Grab a table by the river and celebrate Christmas at Arbory. You can book tables for 1-20 people with a minimum spend of $85 per person on food and beverages, or there’s a banquet option available. Book a table online.

Melbourne River Cruises

Float down the river in style and enjoy a massive hot and cold buffet. There’s the usual roast meats and veggies, along with salads, fresh prawns and Tasmanian smoked salmon. Oh, and free-flowing drinks over the three-hour dining experience.

Adults: $285 per person
Children: 13-17 years – $155 per person, 2-12 years – $135 per person

See the full menu and book online.

Chancery Lane

Feast on oysters, prawns and Wagyu beef at Scott Pickett’s Chancery Lane this Christmas. There’s even a special menu for the little ones.

There are two sittings: 11.30am, 2.15pm.

Adults: $185 per person
Kids 12 and under: $65 per person

See the full menu and book a table online.

Hotel Esplanade

The Espy is putting on a seafood banquet in the Main Bar. Enjoy oysters, prawns, scallops, crispy porchetta and king salmon. There’s pav for dessert, of course.

A three-hour beverage package is included with tap beers, sparkling wine, house wines and soft drinks.

For walk-ins, there’s also pizzas, seafood snacks and cocktails.

Adults: $195 per person
Children: $65 per person (under 12), kids under 5 eat free

Book online.

The Hotel Windsor

Celebrate Christmas in style at The Windsor with a menu of scampi terrine, roast turkey with pistachio crust and a classic pudding finished with warm vanilla anglaise.

Accompanying the delicious food are free-flowing beverages.

Adults: $479
Children: $198

See the full menu and book online.

The Duke of Wellington

Share a 3-course Christmas feast with family and friends at The Duke. There are the usual turkey and leg ham served with traditional roast veggies on the side, along with oysters and prawns, and pav for dessert.

Book one of the two sittings: 11am and 2pm.

Adults: $165 per person
Kids 12 and under: $49 per person

Book online here.

Arbory Afloat

Chill out at Arbory Afloat on Christmas Day. Book a table (with minimum spend of $95 per person) or a banquet feast. There’ll be Christmas crackers and plenty of music from the line-up of DJs.

Try one of the banquets. Banquets start from $80.50 per person for three shared courses.

Book online now.

Conservatory

Celebrate Christmas in the elegant surroundings of Conservatory at Crown Melbourne. Christmas lunch includes Conservatory’s famous buffet, with everything from seafood, hot meats, salads, Asian food and soups.

Finish your meal off with Christmas pudding, trifle and the chocolate fountain.

Live entertainment will accompany the meal.

Adults: Lunch – $495; Dinner – from $350
Child: Lunch – $257.50; Dinner – from $175

See the full buffet menu and book online.

Bistro Gillaume

Indulge in French luxury, with a five-course menu at Bistro Gillaume. Included in the menu are smoked salmon blinis with caviar, scallops, Wagyu beef and Parisian dessert, along with a glass of Veuve Clicquot NV.

For kids, pescatarians and vegetarians, there are special menus.

Price: $260 per person

See the menus and book online.

Things to do on Christmas Day

In town and don’t want to do the traditional Christmas lunch – or maybe you don’t celebrate the Christmas holiday? Here are 7 things to do in Melbourne instead.

1. Head to the beach

If the weather’s looking good, kick back on the beach with a picnic and some tunes. Check out St Kilda or Williamstown beaches.

2. Pack a picnic

Set up a picnic in one of Melbourne’s many parks. Try the Botanic Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens or Edinburgh Gardens for a chilled-out day.

3. Visit the Melbourne Zoo

The zoo is open on Christmas Day, so spend the day surrounded by wildlife.

4. Volunteer your time

Many charity organisations need extra hands on Christmas Day. Check out The Salvation Army, Wesley Mission and Sacred Heart Mission for volunteer opportunities (although many do require you to have already put in a few volunteer shifts).

5. Head out for a hike

Strap on your hiking boots and hit one of the many hiking trails in and around Melbourne.

6. Grab a meal

Plenty of restaurants in Melbourne operate as normal on Christmas Day. Try Chinese food in Chinatown or a meal at a pub.

7. See a movie

Catch a flick without the crowds. Cameo Cinemas, The Lido and Classic Cinemas are open on Christmas Day. Palace Cinemas’ Pentridge and Brighton Bay cinemas will also be open.

Wrap up: Christmas in Melbourne

However you like to spend Christmas in Melbourne, there’s plenty going on to keep you busy in the lead up – as well as events for Christmas Day.

I hope you have a memorable and festive Christmas in Melbourne!

Christmas in Melbourne: FAQs

Does public transport run in Melbourne on Christmas Day?

Public transport runs on a reduced timetable in Melbourne on Christmas Day. All metropolitan train services, the tram network and some bus services run on Christmas Day with regular weekday evening timetables. Public transport is free on Christmas Day. Check your route online.

What is the weather like in Melbourne at Christmas?

The weather in Melbourne at Christmas is usually mild and sunny during the day, with temperatures ranging from 14-24 degrees Celsius. However, it can also get hot, with some Christmas Days in the past seeing temps of 35 or even 40 degrees.

What can I do on Boxing Day in Melbourne?

On Boxing Day in Melbourne, get out and explore the city. Take advantage of sales across many stores, or even head out for a day of cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. A lot of people head to the beach if the weather is good.

What are you doing on Christmas Day this year in Melbourne?

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Related posts

Before you go… you might be interested in these Melbourne travel blogs:

• The very best things to do in Melbourne (by a local!)
• The best time to visit Melbourne + the best events by month
• Where to stay in Melbourne – the best neighbourhoods
• The best Melbourne Christmas markets
• Support local with this Melbourne Christmas gift guide

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