What Is Happening in Melbourne During Christmas?
Melbourne comes alive during Christmas with festive lights, Christmas markets, live entertainment, family activities and seasonal decorations. Visitors can enjoy Christmas Square at Federation Square, explore the Yarra River and Docklands, shop at festive markets, attend Christmas shows and enjoy special Christmas Day dining. It’s a great time to explore Melbourne’s festive atmosphere and summer attractions.
Melbourne Sphere editors · Editorial team
2 min read
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Christmas is a wonderful time to visit Melbourne, with the city transformed by Christmas lights, festive decorations, markets, live entertainment and family activities. During December, areas such as Federation Square, Docklands, the Yarra River and Melbourne's CBD become popular places to experience the festive atmosphere.
Christmas Square at Federation Square
One of the main places to experience Christmas in Melbourne is Christmas Square at Federation Square. The area features a large illuminated Christmas tree, festive decorations and family-friendly activities. It provides a central location for visitors to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere while exploring Melbourne's CBD.
Christmas Square is also a convenient starting point for exploring other festive attractions around the city.
Christmas Lights and City Decorations
During December, Melbourne's streets and public spaces are decorated with Christmas lights and installations. Federation Square and areas around the Yarra River are particularly attractive in the evening, when the decorations and city lights create a festive atmosphere.
Visitors can take an evening walk around the CBD, stop for photographs and enjoy the Christmas displays without necessarily booking a ticketed event.
Christmas Markets and Shopping
Christmas is also a popular time for shopping in Melbourne. Visitors can explore seasonal markets and city shopping areas for gifts, handmade products, food and local designs. Fed Square also hosts First Nations makers and specialty retail experiences during the festive season.
For a traditional Melbourne market experience, Queen Victoria Market is another place worth exploring, although visitors should check its Christmas and public-holiday trading schedule before going.
Christmas Events at Fed Square
Fed Square's festive program includes a variety of entertainment. Depending on the year, visitors can find Christmas films, choirs, live performances, family activities, cultural celebrations and Christmas-themed events. The current festive program also includes Koorie Krismas and Christmas outdoor cinema.
These activities make Federation Square a useful choice for families and visitors who want several Christmas experiences in one central location.
Enjoy Christmas by the Yarra River
The Yarra River is another great place to experience Melbourne during the festive season. Southbank and South Wharf offer restaurants, cafés, waterfront walks and city views, while the surrounding buildings and decorations create a lively atmosphere during December.
Visitors can enjoy an evening meal, take a walk beside the river or simply relax while looking across at Melbourne's illuminated skyline.
Christmas Shows and Entertainment
Melbourne's theatres also offer festive entertainment around Christmas. The December program includes productions such as The Nutcracker, as well as concerts, theatre performances and other live entertainment.
This makes a theatre performance a good option if you're looking for something different from outdoor Christmas activities.
Christmas Day Dining
If you're actually in Melbourne on 25 December, several hotels and restaurants offer special Christmas Day meals. Options can include festive buffets, set menus and lunches overlooking the city or Yarra River.
Because Christmas Day is a public holiday, reservations are generally important and opening hours can differ from normal days.
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