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Spend Christmas in Melbourne in 2023 | Christmas Wonderlands, Light Displays, Santa's Village, and More!

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​Melbourne, one of the most liveable cities in the world, has a Christmas celebration that you must experience once. Australia's Melbourne sparkles during December when it's Christmastime, with public celebrations, lights, markets, and more! This year, if you are looking for a beautiful festive celebration, visit the city of Melbourne with your loved ones and enjoy everything the city has to offer.

Christmas in Melbourne - Why Spend Christmas in Melbourne?

Why Spend Christmas in Melbourne?

  • Melbourne has many Christmas markets set around the city where you can do some festive shopping and buy souvenirs to take back home.
  • Take part in a grand celebration at Melbourne's Federation Square, where a large Christmas Tree is decorated with ornaments and lights.
  • Watch displays and lights from the streets. Melbourne is a beautiful sight during Christmas, with all the buildings glowing in festive colours.
  • Join the Festival of Lights celebration at Melbourne's Adventure Park, where you can watch installations, displays, performances and decorations.
  • Watch fireworks at 12 AM while eating doughnuts at the parks in Melbourne like the locals. Many parks in the city are the hub for Christmas celebrations.

Top 12 Things To Do During Christmas In Melbourne

Christmas in Melbourne - Christmas markets

1. Shop at Christmas Markets in Melbourne

Local artists set up stalls at many Christmas markets in Melbourne. From decorations, clothes and accessories to homeware and food, you can buy all kinds of goods at these markets. It is a great way to kickstart your celebrations while supporting local artisans and lighting up their Christmas too!

Here are some of the famous Christmas Markets in Melbourne:

Christmas in Melbourne - Federation Square

2. Head to a grand celebration at Federation Square

Melbourne knows how to party during Christmas. With a giant Christmas Tree set up right at the center and many food stalls where you can eat scrumptious food, Federation Square attracts many people during the festival. You can also take your children to visit Santa Claus and watch him, and his elves prepare gifts.

Here's what you will find at Federation Square during Christmas:

  • A 16-meter-tall Christmas Tree decorated with lights and ornaments
  • Santa's Workshop, where you can pose and take pictures with Santa and his elves
  • Find Santa's lost elves at the Christmas Maze and win exciting vouchers
  • Christmas projections, installations, and displays all around the public plaza
Christmas in Melbourne - Melbourne Myer Christmas Windows

3. Celebrate the festival at Melbourne Myer Christmas Windows

A department store called Myer is ready to host the Melbourne Myer Christmas Windows for the 67th year for another fun-filled celebration. This year's theme is Disney's 100 Years of Wonder, for its visitors to enjoy displays of famous Disney movies. Every year, 1.4 million visitors come to explore the Melbourne Myer Christmas Windows.

What to expect from Melbourne Myer Christmas Windows this year:

  • Feast on Christmas sweets and treats
  • Take your children to participate in fun activities
  • Get a picture with Santa Claus
  • Ride on Santaland Express and write him letters
Christmas in Melbourne - Christmas carols

4. Listen to Christmas Carols by local carol groups

Christmas carols are an important Christmas tradition. But this year, do it a little differently. Visit opera houses and theatres to watch musicians sing carols. In the end, you can also watch fireworks outside at midnight to bring in the festival after an evening with music.

Head to these places to watch spectacular performances:

Christmas in Melbourne - Christmas lights and displays

5. Watch projections and displays from Melbourne streets

Melbourne is lit up at every corner during Christmas. The whole city glows with a delightful festive spirit. Important landmarks and buildings have colorful projections that shine brightly from 25th November to 25th December. You can just grab something to eat and watch these from the streets.

Go to these places to watch Christmas lights:

Christmas in Melbourne - Festival of Lights at Adventure Park

6. Visit the Christmas Festival of Lights at Adventure Park

Adventure Park is a water park in Victoria that is just about 1 hour away from the city of Melbourne. It hosts the Festival of Lights every Christmas, where you can watch installations, lights, interactive performances, and Christmas-themed rides. Add fun to your Christmas celebration by visiting Adventure Park.

Explore these activities at ​Adventure Park in Wallington:

  • Take a ride on Cinderella's Carriage
  • Enter Santa's enchanting Christmas Cave
  • Watch a performance by Jingle & Bells
  • Take pictures of sparkling bridges
Christmas in Melbourne - Pictures with Santa Claus

7. Take pictures with Santa Claus and his family

Make your family time during Christmas in Melbourne a memorable one. Take your kids to see Santa Claus and his family, take pictures with them and add joy to your celebration this year. You can also take your pets and get their pictures! The organizers are mindful of different kinds of children and cater to special requests for children with disabilities, autism, and other conditions.

Find Santa Claus and his family here:

Christmas in Melbourne - Restaurant food

8. Enjoy good food at Melbourne's popular restaurants

Christmas is incomplete without a little feast you have with your friends and family. Melbourne has many restaurants that serve the best food that you can enjoy during Christmas. Plan a lunch or dinner at these restaurants and fill your plate with love, laughter, and lip-smacking food this Christmas.

Go to these restaurants in Melbourne:

Christmas in Melbourne - Christmas wonderland

9. Spend Christmas at Melbourne's Christmas Wonderland

Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be waiting for you at the Christmas Wonderland this year! Starting on 25th November, the event will be held at Burnley Oval with many fun activities planned. But if you want to be a part of this experience, you need to book your tickets immediately as they might get sold out. Start planning now!

Different activities you can enjoy at ​Melbourne's Christmas Wonderland:

  • Watch lights, displays, installations and LED stars
  • Go ice-skating and participate in other snow activities
  • Eat Christmas sweets and treats from Mrs. Claus' Bakery
  • Watch your favourite characters at Christmas Stage Shows
Christmas in Melbourne - Santa's Village

10. Take a trip to Santa's Village

Want to get to know Santa's hometown Lapland better? Well, get ready because Lapland is coming to Melbourne! Kids can take part in a lot of activities that they can enjoy to the fullest. This is not just a fun experience for children. Adults can enjoy drinks at Tinseltown, which is right next to Santa's Village.

What to expect from your visit to ​Santa's Village:

  • Be greeted by elves as soon as you enter the venue
  • Participate in activities like gingerbread-making and toy making
  • Take pictures with Santa for your holiday postcard
  • Enjoy your time with snow activities
Christmas in Melbourne - Melbourne bakeries

11. Explore the bakeries in Melbourne

Can't resist sweets during Christmas? Well, you can enjoy all that you want (keeping your health in mind, of course) at Melbourne's top bakeries. From festive treats to local sweet dishes, you can find delicious desserts at these bakeries and make your Christmas celebration sweeter than before!

You will find the best desserts in Melbourne here:

Christmas in Melbourne - Shopping

12. Do some shopping from well-known brands

Christmas is the best time for shopping. Be it for you or as gifts for your loved ones; you can rely on Melbourne's stores for good options on clothing, shoes, accessories, and other goods. You can also grab special festive discounts and get more than your money's worth!

Shop at these stores in Melbourne:

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Frequently Asked Questions About Celebrating Christmas in Melbourne

Is Christmas a good time to visit Melbourne?

If you're looking for an amazing Christmas celebration this year, you should definitely visit ​Melbourne. It is a beautiful time in the city, as it is decorated with lights and displays, and various events are organized throughout to give you a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience.

What are some things to do in Melbourne at Christmas?

This year, there are many events scheduled for Christmas. You can visit Christmas markets and do some festive shopping. Visit Federation Square to witness a 16-metre-tall Christmas Tree or important landmarks in the city that have festive projections. You can also explore other events like Melbourne's Winter Wonderland, Festival of Lights, Melbourne Myer Christmas Windows, Santa's Village and Christmas Carol performances.

What is Christmas in Melbourne like?

Streets in ​Melbourne are lit up with decorative lights. Local artisans set up stalls at Christmas markets and sell all kinds of goods. You will also find many events organised around the city that you can visit. Christmas-themed delicacies and desserts are sold at all restaurants and bakeries. The whole city gets into the festive spirit.

What is the weather like at Christmas in Melbourne?

Melbourne has pleasant weather in December during Christmas. The temperature can go from 12°C to 23°C. There are usually no chances of rain. Nights can get a little cold, so you might want to carry a warm jacket with you.

Is Melbourne crowded at Christmas?

There are many events organised during Christmas in Melbourne. Tourists flock to the city looking for a good festive celebration. You must book your tickets in advance if you are planning to spend Christmas in Melbourne.

What's open in Melbourne on Christmas?

Christmas is an important day of business in Melbourne. All malls, shopping centres, theme parks, theatres, opera houses, restaurants and other places popular with tourists are open on Christmas Day.

Are there Christmas markets in Melbourne?

Yes, Melbourne has many Christmas markets where you can buy things at discounted prices. You can also buy snacks from food stalls and refuel while doing your festive shopping at Christmas markets.

What is the most popular Christmas market in Melbourne?

The most popular Christmas markets in Melbourne are Artisan Christmas Market, Queen Victoria Market, Heide Christmas Market and Eltham Design Market.

Are restaurants open on Christmas in Melbourne?

Everything is open in Melbourne during Christmas. Restaurants have elaborate menus with dishes and drinks to choose from. You can also eat at local food stalls set inside Christmas markets, public squares, fairs and carnivals.

What are the best places to stay in Melbourne on Christmas?

Central Business District, Docklands, South Yarra, Southbank, East Melbourne and Albert Park are the best places to stay in Melbourne on Christmas. These areas are closer to the best events on Christmas in Melbourne, which will make your commute easier.

What should I eat in Melbourne on Christmas?

Melbourne's seafood is quite popular during Christmas. You should try Kingfish Ceviche, Murray Cod, Green Chicken Curry Pie, Crab Sticks, Barramundi, Tim Tams, Meat Pies, and Chicken Parmigiana. Some desserts you should eat are Pavlova, Lamingtons, Beetroot Cake, Anzac Biscuits, Caramel Slice, and Fairy Bread.

What are the best restaurants for Christmas in Melbourne?

Some of the best restaurants that serve delicious food during Christmas are Osteria Ilaria, Sunda Dining, Tipo 00 and Sixty Smith. You should also try desserts from Bakemono Bakers, Austro Bakery, Laurent Bakery and Agathé Pâtisserie.

Where can I see the Christmas lights in Melbourne?

Melbourne is beautiful during Christmas as all places and buildings are lit up with Christmas lights and decorations. You should go to Flinders Street, Chapter House Lane, Hamer Hall and Melbourne Town Hall to watch Christmas lights in Melbourne.

What are some Christmas traditions in Melbourne?

Carolling is an important tradition in Melbourne. There are many Christmas Carol performances in theatres and opera houses in the city. People also like to flock up to Federation Square and stay till midnight watching the Christmas Tree and enjoying the carnival.

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