What to eat in Melbourne in December: Seasonal delicacies
What to eat in Melbourne in December: Seasonal delicacies
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Fish and chips at St Kilda Beach
In December’s early summer heat, takeaway fish and chips on the sand at St Kilda is a classic. Many shops around Acland Street prepare crumbed fish, chips and sauces to go. Eat at the foreshore wall around sunset, watching boats and, sometimes, penguins.
Chocolate biscuits and boutique blocks are easy edible souvenirs, especially around Christmas when you may look for gifts. Visit Haigh’s Chocolates or similar city shops in December, ideally on weekday mornings to avoid peak Boxing Day sale crowds.
In December’s early summer heat, takeaway fish and chips on the sand at St Kilda is a classic. Many shops around Acland Street prepare crumbed fish, chips and sauces to go. Eat at the foreshore wall around sunset, watching boats and, sometimes, penguins.
Chocolate biscuits and boutique blocks are easy edible souvenirs, especially around Christmas when you may look for gifts. Visit Haigh’s Chocolates or similar city shops in December, ideally on weekday mornings to avoid peak Boxing Day sale crowds.
December is one of Melbourne’s most iconic months. With average highs around 24°C (75°F) and nearly 15 hours of daylight, the city leans fully into summer—sun glinting off the Yarra, Christmas lights sparkling in the arcades, and festive crowds filling the streets. The Boxing Day Test at the MCG, post-Christmas sales, and New Year’s Eve fireworks make the city feel cinematic and celebratory. Yes, crowds swell and prices climb, but duck into museums, explore neighbourhoods, or catch a rooftop sunset to find your own space. In December, Melbourne wears its brightest costume.
Melbourne in December at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 24°C
Minimum temperature: 14°C
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Daylight
Around 15 hours of daylight
Sunrise: 5:45am
Sunset: 8:45pm
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Key events
Melbourne Christmas Festival, Boxing Day Test Match, New Year’s Eve fireworks
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Crowds
Tourist-heavy, with long queues at attractions, crowded streets, and seasonal events adding to the buzz.
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What to pack
Light clothing, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, compact umbrella, festive attire.
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Seasonal treats
Christmas mince pies at local bakeries, festive gelato, seafood platters, gingerbread at Town Hall
Festivals and events in Melbourne this December 2026
From late November to Christmas Day, central Melbourne hosts a coordinated Christmas program of trees, light projections and displays. Evenings are busy around City Square, Town Hall and Federation Square, especially close to Christmas and on Friday and Saturday nights.
Starting on 26 December, this five-day cricket Test at the MCG draws up to 70,000 people on day one. It overlaps with post-Christmas sales, so public transport, city shops and nearby hotels are all busy. Day tickets are generally available except for marquee series.
On 31 December the city launches coordinated midnight fireworks from CBD rooftops and along the Yarra. Official viewing zones in major gardens host DJs and food trucks. Public transport is free after evening and runs overnight, but crowd density is very high around midnight.
Plan ahead: must-visit experiences for Melbourne in December
