Christmas in Melbourne 2025: Festive Fun for Everyone
From twinkling lights to carols under the stars, there’s no better place to celebrate than Melbourne at Christmas.
Every year, I’m reminded why I love spending Christmas in Melbourne. The city absolutely comes alive — streets lined with glittering lights, carols echoing from every corner, and that unmistakable festive buzz in the air. Whether you’re shopping for gifts at a local market, catching a Christmas concert, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, there’s something magical for everyone.
Here’s your guide to enjoying Christmas in Melbourne, with plenty of activities to make your 2025 season extra special.
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Related reading: Major Christmas Church Services in Melbourne 2025
Celebrate A Melbourne Christmas 2025
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.
Head to the Comedy Theatre for A Christmas Carol (27 Nov – 24 Dec 2025); an award-winning production featuring Lachy Hulme as Scrooge, a captivating storyline, and beloved carols.
Discover the magic of the mean one this holiday season with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s take on How the Grinch Stole Christmas at Hamer Hall (Thu 4, Fri 5, and Sat 6 Dec 2025).
Head to the Princess Theatre for the BIG Christmas Spectacular (Sat 6 – Mon 8 Dec 2025), filled with dazzling performances, award-winning musical theatre stars, festive music and breathtaking choreography, this enchanting production will transport you to a Christmas wonderland.
Melbourne Recital Centre will host Noël! Noël! (Sat 6 December 2025). Heartfelt and festive, this beloved annual celebration with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra returns with choir, candlelight, and Christmas spirit. Tickets from $59. Receive our 20% discount on A & B reserve seats using code SENIORSMELB20 Find out more here.
Related reading: 10 Thoughtful Australian-Made Gifts for a Special Christmas
More Christmas Events Melbourne
Step into a festive wonderland at the Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show Christmas Market (Fri 5 – Sun 7 Dec 2025). 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.
Join Morning Melodies for a spectacular Christmas concert filled with joyous music at Hamer Hall on Monday, 8 Dec 2025! Revel in traditional carols performed by a talented choir and big band, alongside special guest appearances.
Plan a visit to Como House for a nostalgic 1880s Christmas experience where you can wander through elegantly decorated rooms, participate in festive crafting workshops, and visit the Como Christmas Market for handcrafted gifts. Various festive activities are happening until 11 Jan 2026.
Melbourne Recital Centre is also hosting two enchanting Christmas events. Beloved vocal ensemble The Idea of North joins forces with the Young Voices of Melbourne for their Silver Stars Christmas tour on Wednesday 10 Dec 2025, filling the stage with dazzling harmonies, Christmas favourites, and jazz-infused storytelling. For a family-friendly treat, Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas takes the stage on Thursday 11 Dec 2025, with live music from Darebin City Brass Preston Band, bringing festive cheer, laughter, and heartwarming melodies to audiences of all ages.
Head to The Capitol Theatre on Friday 12 Dec 2025 for a live orchestra and a screening of the beloved Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life.
Then we have the Victoria Chorale on Saturday 13 Dec 2025 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.
Love Actually? The Musical Parody is on again at Athenaeum Theatre from 5 – 23 Dec 2025. From the creators of “Friends! The Musical Parody,” this comedic production explores love through the antics of nine quirky couples, delivering awkward meets cute and grand gestures that will have you laughing and singing along.
Don’t miss The Nutcracker at the Princess Theatre this Christmas! Journey to the enchanting Land of Sweets, perfect for all ages. From 11 – 23 December 2025. Matinees available most days. Book here.
Christmas Events Melbourne & Victoria
On Sunday 7 December 2025, The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic (RMP) Choir and Orchestra presents Handel’s Messiah 2025, world record 246th performance in Melbourne Town Hall. The 42nd Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Concert. Alternatively, enjoy the RMP Carols in the Cathedral concerts on 19 + 20 December 2025 at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Sign up for a festive craft workshop with Laneway Learning, Melbourne’s cheap and fun art classes for all ages, throughout November and December 2025.
Enjoy a festive morning of music in Moonee Ponds with Rejoice and Be Merry on Tuesday 9 December, 2025, at the Clocktower Centre.
Explore the harmonies of Handel’s Messiah with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Hamer Hall. Join the tradition and feel the power of the iconic “Hallelujah” chorus on 13 – 14 December 2025. A must-see celebration of music and wonder!
Celebrate the holiday season with Candlelight: A Night of Christmas Classics at Collingwood Town Hall on Sat 20 December 2025. 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.
Cherry picking in the beautiful Yarra Valley is a perfect way to celebrate the festive season! From November through December, head to Cherryhill Orchards in Wandin East or in Coldstream, for a classic cherry-picking adventure. Alongside gathering your own sweet, juicy cherries, you can enjoy the Cheese, Cherries and Chocolate day trip or a midweek Cherries, Wine and Dine experience.
Related reading: Cherry Picking Festival at CherryHill Orchards: A Perfect Summer Outing
Free Christmas Events Melbourne
We love stopping by the Christmas Festival at Federation Square, starting from 28 Nov 2025. It features a giant Christmas tree, live performances, and interactive activities, making it an essential stop for festive fun. Best of all, it’s free.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more quirky, visit the Crown Christmas River Show (also from 28 Nov 2025). These nightly light shows run every 15 minutes from 9 pm to 11 pm, and create a magical display that pairs perfectly with an evening walk along the Yarra River.
Another highlight is visiting The District Docklands, transformed into a winter wonderland, inviting families to immerse themselves in a magical holiday experience. From December 9 to January 7, the precinct is brimming with festive cheer, offering a variety of exciting activities.
Don’t forget to check your local library for free Christmas activities happening throughout the month.
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.
Celebrate with Koorie Krismas at Fed Square on Saturday 13 Dec 2025. 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 . It’s a free, family-friendly celebration!
For a sweet taste of Christmas in the city, Brunetti Oro is the spot. Fresh panettone, great coffee and a festive buzz make it a holiday highlight — especially with their seasonal deals: a panettone slice with a regular coffee for $9.90, or slice with prosecco for $15.90. You can even take home a whole traditional panettone for $39.90, with a beautiful gift box available for just $5.
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.
Many of Melbourne’s popular Sunday Markets take on a Christmas focus during December.
Find our full list of Christmas Markets 2025 here.
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’s theme is an impressive LEGO Christmas Story using nearly half a million LEGO bricks.
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.
If you’re exploring the city at night, the Melbourne Town Hall will once again be illuminated with vibrant Christmas projections, bringing a touch of magic to the heart of the city. Chapter House lights up each night with an Australian backyard Christmas lunch. The city’s laneways, of course, all sparkle under festive lights, too.
Southbank and the many bridges leading across the Yarra have stunning Christmas decorations to admire. And the gorgeous golden reindeer returns to Docklands in all its sparkling glory. If you saw them last year, you’ll know it’s so worth a visit after 9 pm during this magical season.
From 7 – 24 December 2025, Melbourne River Cruises is offering a unique way to see the city lights with an evening cruise past sparkling city decorations, all reflected beautifully on the Yarra River. Book your spot here.
Related reading: The Best Shopping in Melbourne: A Guide to Iconic Spots and Hidden Gems
Kid-friendly Christmas Activities Melbourne
If you’ve got the grandkids, celebrate the joy of Christmas at Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland from November 29 to December 24, 2025. This family-friendly event at Caulfield Racecourse includes exciting activities like a snowball pit, roller skating, and Christmas carnival games.
Uncover the magic of Christmas with the Polar Express train ride experience at the Bellarine Railway, happening on 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 December 2025. Or visit another time and simply enjoy a ride on the Swan Bay Express. Read our review here.
Explore Christmas at the City of Melbourne libraries with festive activities from December 8 to 19! Join in for special Christmas Storytimes, and Crafternoons designed for children ages 2 to 12. Enjoy stories, songs, and crafts, all while getting into the holiday spirit.
Celebrate the season with Christmas Cinema at The Capitol! Enjoy festive favourites like Home Alone and Elf in the stunning Capitol Theatre. Tickets are from $5, with proceeds supporting local food relief initiatives. Screenings run 6–21 December 2025. Arrive early to grab your seats and soak up the holiday cheer!
Join the 2025 Melbourne Christmas Treasure Hunt at Mary Martin Bookshop. Help the island realm of Aquinta by navigating a treasure map inspired by Amelia Mellor’s exciting novel, The Wicked Ship. Designed for ages 5-12, this free adventure runs from December 1-31. Collect clues, solve puzzles, and earn prizes!
Enjoy the festive fun at Myer Santaland! Capture memorable moments with Santa through professional photo sessions, including Baby’s First Christmas and Sensory Santa experiences. Families can also bring their pets for special Santa Paws sessions. Book online now, available at selected Myer stores across Australia.
Visit any Kmart store to participate in Operation Santa, a partnership with The Salvation Army to provide gifts to children who might otherwise miss out. Shoppers can select a gift tag from the tree in-store and purchase a gift for a child in need.
Find more ways to give back locally, with 24 Christmas Donations to Support Local Charities
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.
Melbourne’s diverse dining scene caters to all tastes, here are our highlights:
- Henry and the Fox: A vibrant city spot offering modern European cuisine with a relaxed, garden-inspired atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner.
- Robata – Sleek Japanese grill offering premium yakitori and charcoal dishes.
- Taxi Kitchen, Fed Square: Enjoy exclusive menu specials like Oysters Kilpatrick and succulent Western Plains roast pork belly.
- BangPop – Colourful riverside eatery serving authentic Thai street food.
- The Langham – Serving up festive magic from 24 November with sparkling dining, spa experiences, gift-worthy treats, and a dazzling New Year’s Eve celebration.
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 comfortable 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 2025
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 2025 unforgettable. How will you be celebrating?
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