December is festive and hot, with average highs of 25°C (77°F) and daylight from 5:55 am to 8:45 pm. The Boxing Day Test at the MCG and New Year’s Eve fireworks are major draws. Outdoor cinemas open, and Christmas markets fill Queen Victoria Market. Heatwaves above 35°C are possible, and long days mean plenty of time for exploring. Accommodation and event tickets for Boxing Day and NYE sell out by October. Pack for both heat and air-conditioned venues. December is Melbourne’s most celebratory month, with a packed calendar and summer energy.
What to eat in Melbourne in December: Seasonal delicacies
What to eat in Melbourne in December: Seasonal delicacies
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Stone fruit and summer produce (Queen Victoria Market)
In December, Queen Victoria Market shifts into peak summer produce, with peaches, nectarines, and other stone fruit in strong supply. It suits Melbourne’s long days and pre-Boxing Day pace. Go early for the freshest picks, then eat it as a picnic by the Yarra or pair it with a flat white nearby in the CBD.
In December, the classic Australian meat pie, minced beef in gravy inside pastry, becomes a Boxing Day Test staple at the MCG. It is built for stadium seating and long sessions. Buy it during a session break to dodge queues, and if you add sauce, ask for it on the lid to keep the pastry intact.
In December, a South Melbourne dim sim, an oversized pork-and-cabbage dumpling that Melbourne made its own, works as a quick, salty snack between markets and city sightseeing. You can get it steamed or fried and eat it walking. Buy one from South Melbourne Market, then pair it with a cold drink before heading back to the CBD.
In December, Mornington Peninsula cellar doors hit peak season, and the region’s cool-climate Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris are at their most accessible for visitors. It suits long summer days and coastal drives. If you go, plan a designated driver or join a tour, and pair Pinot with a late lunch at a winery restaurant before returning to Melbourne.
In December, Victorian cherry season runs strongly at Queen Victoria Market, with fruit commonly sourced from growing regions like the Goulburn Valley. Cherries suit Melbourne’s hot afternoons and are easy to carry for a riverside snack. Shop early for the best selection, then keep them cool and eat them the same day for peak texture.
Stone fruit and summer produce (Queen Victoria Market)
In December, Queen Victoria Market shifts into peak summer produce, with peaches, nectarines, and other stone fruit in strong supply. It suits Melbourne’s long days and pre-Boxing Day pace. Go early for the freshest picks, then eat it as a picnic by the Yarra or pair it with a flat white nearby in the CBD.
In December, the classic Australian meat pie, minced beef in gravy inside pastry, becomes a Boxing Day Test staple at the MCG. It is built for stadium seating and long sessions. Buy it during a session break to dodge queues, and if you add sauce, ask for it on the lid to keep the pastry intact.
In December, a South Melbourne dim sim, an oversized pork-and-cabbage dumpling that Melbourne made its own, works as a quick, salty snack between markets and city sightseeing. You can get it steamed or fried and eat it walking. Buy one from South Melbourne Market, then pair it with a cold drink before heading back to the CBD.
In December, Mornington Peninsula cellar doors hit peak season, and the region’s cool-climate Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris are at their most accessible for visitors. It suits long summer days and coastal drives. If you go, plan a designated driver or join a tour, and pair Pinot with a late lunch at a winery restaurant before returning to Melbourne.
In December, Victorian cherry season runs strongly at Queen Victoria Market, with fruit commonly sourced from growing regions like the Goulburn Valley. Cherries suit Melbourne’s hot afternoons and are easy to carry for a riverside snack. Shop early for the best selection, then keep them cool and eat them the same day for peak texture.
A citywide run of festive markets that typically operate from late November until December 24, with Queen Victoria Market as a primary hub. Expect gift stalls, food vendors, and evening entertainment as the city shifts into holiday mode. Go early for better browsing and shorter food lines, and avoid peak weekend nights if you dislike crowds.
Melbourne’s outdoor cinema season runs through summer at venues like Rooftop Cinema in the CBD and Moonlight Cinema in the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s a classic warm-night plan that fits long daylight hours. Book ahead for popular sessions, especially on weekends and around holiday periods when locals pack out prime time screenings.
A December schedule of outdoor seasonal programming at Federation Square, including live music, free film screenings, cultural events, and New Year lead-in activity. It’s central and easy to combine with laneways and Southbank at night. Arrive early for seating at screenings, and expect heavy foot traffic near Flinders Street Station.
An annual Boxing Day Test cricket match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with Day 1 often drawing about 90,000 ticket holders. It is one of Melbourne’s biggest summer traditions and shapes late December travel. Buy tickets as soon as they are released, Day 1 can sell fast, and plan for heat management inside the stadium.
A Christmas Eve outdoor carol concert at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, staged by Vision Australia and running since 1937. It is a large community singalong with celebrity performers in an open-air setting. Arrive early for better seating and picnic setup, and plan transport, nearby roads and parking can be congested close to start time.
A large-scale citywide New Year’s Eve program with family-friendly 9:30 pm fireworks from the Yarra and midnight fireworks from city buildings, drawing crowds above 400,000. Southbank and the Yarra River precinct act as key viewing areas. Arrive early, transport and footpaths become heavily congested near the river and CBD edges.
Melbourne in December at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 40°C
Minimum temperature: 14°C
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Daylight
Around 14 hours 50 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 5:55am
Sunset: 8:45pm
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Key events
Christmas Markets Melbourne, Outdoor Summer Cinema Season, Boxing Day Test Match, Carols by Candlelight
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Crowds
Tourist-heavy, with long queues at attractions, crowded streets, and seasonal events adding to the buzz.
