Christmas in Melbourne: Festive Fun for Everyone
As the festive season approaches, Melbourne transforms into a magical wonderland. Whether you’re after sparkling decorations, fun-filled activities, or lively Christmas events, Melbourne has something for everyone.
Here’s your guide to enjoying Christmas in Melbourne, with plenty of activities to make your 2024 season extra special.
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Related reading: Major Christmas Church Services in Melbourne 2024
Celebrate A Melbourne Christmas 2024
Christmas Events Melbourne
One of the highlights of Melbourne’s Christmas events is Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Held on Christmas Eve, this festive event brings families together for a night of carol singing under the stars. It’s a perfect way to celebrate Christmas Eve in Melbourne, with proceeds going to Vision Australia.
Step into a festive wonderland at the Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show Christmas Market (Fri 6 – Sun 8 Dec 2024). With over 150 producers offering the best in artisan food, wine and curated gifts it’s the perfect place to kick off the holiday season. Tickets from just $15.
Celebrate the season with Christmas Cinema at the stunning Capitol Theatre. Tickets are just $5, with proceeds supporting local food relief initiatives. Screenings run 7–22 December. Arrive early to grab your seats and soak up the holiday cheer!
Book a fun stage show, “Love Actually? The Musical Parody” at the Athenaeum Theatre from December 6 – 23, 2024. From the creators of “Friends! The Musical Parody,” this laugh-out-loud performance showcases the amusing sides of love with a charming cast, making it a must-see for all fans of the original film!
Experience the magic of Christmas with Victoria Chorale on December 14 at St Paul’s Cathedral. Featuring Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit Pour Noël and a variety of festive carols, this concert promises joy and community spirit.
Tony Award-winning production, A Christmas Carol, invites audiences into a heart-warming tale of redemption and holiday spirit. On from 22 Nov – 29 Dec 2024. Enjoy mid-week tickets for only $99.90 from 28 November to 12 December 2024. Book here.
Christmas Events Melbourne & Victoria
Celebrate the holiday season with Candlelight: A Night of Christmas Classics at Collingwood Town Hall on Saturday 21 December. Enjoy a beautiful selection of festive music, including “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Carol of the Bells,” performed live by the Spire Quartet.
Join Lise Rodgers for an engaging afternoon of “A Jane Austen Christmas” at The Johnston Collection on Saturday 7 December. Guests will enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and festive mince pies while delving into 18th and 19th-century Christmas customs. This unique artist talk event blends history, literature, and seasonal cheer in a delightful setting.
Celebrate the festive season in Stonnington! Enjoy a diverse Christmas program, including Carols concerts, Twilight Markets, festive activities, and street decorations throughout December.
If you’ve got the grandkids with you, celebrate the joy of Christmas at Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland from November 29 to December 24, 2024. This family-friendly event at Caulfield Racecourse includes exciting activities like a snowball pit, roller skating, and Christmas carnival games.
Cherry picking in the beautiful Yarra Valley is a perfect way to celebrate the festive season with family and friends! From November through December, head to Cherryhill Orchards for a classic cherry-picking adventure with a twist. Alongside gathering your own sweet, juicy cherries, you can enjoy the Cherries, Wine, and Dine Experience. This unique treat lets you pair local wines with freshly picked cherries—a delicious combination that makes for a memorable day of flavours and fun.
Related reading: 10 Thoughtful Australian-Made Gifts for a Special Christmas
Free Christmas Events Melbourne
Another Christmas event Melbourne families love is the Christmas Festival at Federation Square. It features a giant Christmas tree, live performances, and interactive activities for children, making it an essential stop for festive fun. Best of all, it’s free.
Celebrate the festive season with Christmas Choirs at Fed Square! Enjoy beautiful performances by Melbourne’s diverse community choirs in the Atrium on Friday nights. From traditional carols to contemporary songs in multiple languages, each evening is filled with joy and harmony. Free performances run 29 November–20 December – don’t miss it!
If you’re in the mood for something a little more quirky, visit the Crown Christmas River Show. These nightly light shows bring festive cheer to the waterfront, creating a magical display that pairs perfectly with an evening walk along the Yarra River.
Need a hand getting around Melbourne? Travellers Aid is here to help, read more here.
Christmas Markets and Shopping
No Christmas in Melbourne is complete without a trip to the city’s Christmas markets.
Experience the magic of a German Christmas Market at the German Lutheran Trinity Church! Indulge in bratwurst, pretzels, and glühwein while exploring handmade gifts and festive decorations. Enjoy live music, a visit from St Nikolaus, and a joyful atmosphere. Free entry on 7 and 15 December – bring the whole family!
Celebrate the festive season at Koorie Krismas on Saturday, 14 December 2024, at Fed Square! Enjoy live First Nations performances, workshops, and meet Koorie Klaus. Don’t miss the market featuring unique gifts from talented Indigenous artists and makers like Clothing The Gaps and Mabu Mabu. It’s a free, family-friendly celebration!
Another must-visit is the Queen Victoria Market’s Christmas Night Market. Running on Wednesday evenings throughout December, this Melbourne Christmas event combines delicious food stalls, live entertainment, and artisan gift shopping. It’s a festive hub for families and friends to gather, enjoy some mulled wine, and get into the Christmas spirit.
Holiday cheer comes to the Yarra Valley as CherryHill Orchards is set to unveil its first-ever Christmas
Market, a magical celebration of the holiday season set against the stunning backdrop of its Coldstream
Orchards on 21-22 December.
Melbourne’s popular Sunday Markets take on a Christmas focus during December.
Christmas Lights and Decorations
For a dazzling display, head to the Myer Christmas Windows—a tradition that has delighted Melburnians for decades. Each year, Myer unveils a magical series of windows that tell a festive story through intricate displays. This year the windows display is an Aussie outback theme based around the Irwin family and Australia Zoo.
Don’t forget to take a stroll down Bourke Street Mall, which is adorned with twinkling lights and giant baubles, adding to the festive cheer of Melbourne’s bustling city centre.
The Melbourne Town Hall will once again be illuminated with vibrant Christmas projections, bringing a touch of magic to the heart of the city.
Related reading: The Best Shopping in Melbourne: A Guide to Iconic Spots and Hidden Gems
Christmas Activities Melbourne Style
Experience the magic of Handel’s Messiah with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Hamer Hall. This timeless oratorio brings joy to first-time listeners and loyal fans alike. Join the tradition and feel the power of the iconic “Hallelujah” chorus on 14–15 December. A must-see celebration of music and wonder!
Step back in time with Christmas at the Cottage! Visit Cooks’ Cottage, beautifully decorated with 18th-century Christmas charm, and discover the fascinating story of the pineapple’s festive significance. Open daily from 6–24 December, it’s a delightful way to celebrate the season with family while exploring history in the heart of Melbourne.
Bring the grandkids along to the Christmas Outdoor Cinema at Fed Square! Enjoy free screenings of festive favourites like Elf and It’s A Wonderful Life from 16–22 December. Bring a picnic and soak up the holiday spirit under the stars.
Christmas Eve Melbourne Dining
Planning where to eat on Christmas Eve in Melbourne? Many of the city’s finest restaurants offer special Christmas menus, featuring everything from traditional roasts to fresh seafood platters. Whether you’re after an intimate dinner or a large family gathering, Melbourne’s diverse dining scene caters to all tastes.
If you’re feeling fancy, book a spot at The Hotel Windsor, which offers a festive afternoon tea that blends classic Christmas treats with modern flavours. For something a little more laid-back, there are plenty of pubs and bistros offering festive fare across the city, making Christmas Eve in Melbourne a culinary delight.
We’re working on our list to provide personal recommendations, so let us know if you have any suggestions to include.
Celebrate Christmas Melbourne 2024
As you plan your festive season, Melbourne offers plenty of Christmas events and activities to enjoy with family and friends. Whether you’re admiring lights, singing carols, or indulging in treats, Melbourne has everything to make Christmas 2024 unforgettable.
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