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Celebrate Christmas in Melbourne: Things to Do and See
From late November, Melbourne transforms into a festive wonderland, offering endless opportunities to celebrate Christmas in Melbourne.
Things to do and see include the giant 17.5m digital Christmas tree at Federation Square, the Christmas Carnival, and the North Pole at Marvel Stadium. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning light projections on Melbourne Town Hall and the State Library of Victoria, and the Crown Christmas River Show.
Families will love festive movies, Christmas shows, and the famous Myer Windows, and the many Christmas markets scattered across the city. Don’t forget to make a visit to see Santa, of course! Carols by Candlelight and stunning Christmas decorations across the city complete the festive atmosphere.
Best of all, many of these activities are free, making Melbourne the perfect destination for holiday celebrations.
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Christmas Festival
Celebrate the festive season with Melbourne’s month-long Christmas Festival, filled with events, activities, and dazzling decorations. Highlights include the giant sparkling tree at Christmas Square, a magical Christmas river show, screenings of favourite festive films, thrilling rides at the Christmas Carnival, and spectacular lights, projections, and decorations across the city.
Christmas Carols around Melbourne
Celebrate the festive season with Christmas carols across Melbourne in 2024! Enjoy iconic events like Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and free community carols at Como Park. Other highlights include Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight, Bayside Christmas Carols, and local favourites such as Manningham and Monash Carols. These events feature live music, kids’ activities, Santa visits, and fireworks. Pre-book tickets where needed or enjoy the free events with family and friends.
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Melbourne Christmas Markets
Explore the best of Melbourne’s Christmas markets this year, where local makers and vendors come together to offer unique gifts, tasty treats, and festive fun for the whole family. Highlights include the Good Food & Wine Show Market (6-8 Dec), The Makers and Shakers Market (9-10 Nov), the Heide Christmas Market (14 Dec), and the Big Design Market (29 Nov-1 Dec) and many more.
Visit Santa in Melbourne
If you are after a Santa photo in Melbourne, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you are looking for a traditional experience, a pet-friendly session (Santa Paws or Pawtraits), or something more inclusive like Sensitive Santa or Auslan Santa sessions, you will find a variety of locations offering unique photo opportunities to suit your needs.
Search for Santa Photos in Melbourne
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Atrium Christmas Musical Extravaganza
Get into the festive spirit at Crown Melbourne with a spectacular Christmas Musical Extravaganza! Enjoy live performances featuring talented dancers, vocalists, The National Boys Choir, the Australian Girls Choir, and, of course, Santa Claus himself on the Atrium Stairs. Receive a free photo with Santa direct to your mobile phone.
Dates & times:
Christmas Musical Extravaganza: 13 – 15 & 20 – 24 December 2024, 1 pm, 3 pm & 5 pm
Santa: 1 – 24 December 2024, 11am – 5pm
Location: 8 Whiteman St, Southbank, VIC
Price: FREE
Myer Christmas Windows -– An Irwin’s Christmas Story
Experience one of Melbourne’s beloved holiday traditions at the 2024 Myer Christmas Windows, featuring An Irwin’s Christmas Story. This year’s six-window display follows Ace the Eagle through to Australia Zoo, encountering animals like meerkats, elephants, tiger cubs, and crocodiles across diverse landscapes.
Dates: 17 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Location: 314–336 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria
Price: FREE
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North Pole at Marvel Stadium
Experience the holiday magic at Marvel Stadium’s Nth Pole this December. Stadium Square (Gate 2/3) will transform into a Christmas wonderland, featuring Melbourne’s only Christmas-themed 360° Cinema, the 9-metre Marvel Tree of Heroes, 18 AFL Club-themed Christmas trees, and Santa photography with AFL club colours. Enjoy free Santa photos daily (10 am – 3 pm) and tasty food.
Date: 3 – 9 December 2024
Time: 10 am – 6pm
Location: Marvel Stadium, 740 Bourke Street, Docklands VIC
Price: some events are free and some ticketed
Family-friendly Christmas Shows
Melbourne offers a fantastic lineup of Christmas shows for all ages. From the magical ballet The Nutcracker to the heartwarming A Christmas Carol and festive concerts like Home Alone in Concert.
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Christmas Wonderland
Experience the magic of Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland this November at Caulfield Racecourse! Under the Big Top, families can enjoy festive delights, including a snowy ball pit in Snow Land, crafting keepsakes at Elf’s Workshop, selfies with animatronic reindeer in Rudolph’s Barnyard, and creating ornaments at the Christmas Craft Village. Meet beloved characters like Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman, and decorate tasty treats at Mrs Claus’ Bakery.
Date: 29 November – 24 December 2024
Location: Station Street, Caulfield East, VIC
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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
