Melbourne lights up during the festive season with spectacular Christmas displays, holiday markets, and exciting New Year’s Eve celebrations. From dazzling laneways to river cruises, rooftop parties, and family-friendly events, visitors can experience Melbourne’s seasonal charm while enjoying food, music, and unforgettable city views.
1. Feel Dazzled by Christmas Decorations Around Melbourne
Festive projections, illuminated laneways, and large-scale light installations transform Melbourne’s streets into a winter wonderland. Highlights include the 60-metre decoration above Bourke Street Mall and the 17.5-metre Christmas tree at Christmas Square in Federation Square.
Insider Tip: Explore Melbourne’s CBD after sunset to fully appreciate the lights and projections. Weekday evenings are quieter for families and photographers looking to capture the festive displays.
2. Watch the Crown Christmas River Show
Address: Outside Crown, Southbank Promenade, Melbourne VIC 3006
Dates & Times: 28 November – 25 December 2025
Crown Christmas River Show features dazzling light and music displays along the Yarra River. The combination of riverside reflections and festive melodies creates a magical experience for visitors of all ages.
Insider Tip: Arrive early along the Southbank Promenade for a prime spot to enjoy synchronised light and music shows.
3. See the Myer Christmas Windows & Santaland on Bourke Street
Location: 314–336 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Dates & Times: Daily until Sunday, 11 January 2026
Melbourne’s iconic Myer Christmas windows return with LEGO-themed storytelling. Santaland inside Myer offers festive photo opportunities and family-friendly activities.
Insider Tip: Visit on weekday mornings to avoid long queues and enjoy interactive displays up close.
4. Attend Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight
Location: Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Kings Domain Gardens, Linlithgow Ave, Melbourne VIC 3000
Dates & Times: Christmas Eve, with Rehearsal Night on 23 December 2025
Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight is a long-standing Christmas Eve tradition. Attendees enjoy live performances, sing-alongs, and candlelit ambience in Melbourne’s scenic outdoor venue.
Insider Tip: Bring a picnic blanket and snacks. Arriving early ensures good seating and space for family groups.
5. Shop the Good Food & Wine Christmas Market
Locations:
- French Christmas Market: 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
- Boho Luxe Market: Federation Square, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
- Queen Victoria Market: Melbourne VIC 3000
Melbourne’s festive markets feature artisan food, wine tastings, and unique gifts. Seasonal music and local flavours enhance the holiday shopping experience.
Insider Tip: Visit midweek to avoid crowds and discover rare gourmet items. Queen Victoria Market offers extended hours during the holiday season.
6. Cruise the Yarra River with GoBoat
Address: Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006
GoBoat offers a 60-minute self-guided or guided Yarra River cruise with views of festive lights and cityscapes. Perfect for groups and families, the cruise combines sightseeing with seasonal charm.
Insider Tip: Sunset cruises provide the best lighting for photos and a relaxing, festive atmosphere.
7. Watch Festive Films at Moonlight Cinema
Address: Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne VIC 3004
Moonlight Cinema screens Christmas movies under the stars. Visitors can enjoy classic films while seated on lawns with blankets and picnic snacks.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot. Bring insect repellent and warm clothing for evening screenings.
8. Watch Love Actually in Concert
Address: Melbourne Town Hall, 90–130 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Love Actually in Concert pairs the beloved Christmas film with a live orchestra, creating an immersive cinematic and musical experience.
Insider Tip: Book tickets in advance, as concerts sell out quickly during the festive season.
9. Join a Festive Workshop at Brunetti Classico
Address: 380 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
Brunetti Classico offers Gingerbread House Build & Sip workshops, combining festive creativity with culinary delights. Families, friends, and couples can enjoy a hands-on experience in a cosy café setting.
Insider Tip: Early booking is essential during December, as workshops fill quickly.
10. Visit the Christmas Festival of Lights at Adventure Park
Address: Adventure Park, 1249 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington VIC 3222
Adventure Park transforms into a sparkling wonderland with 3.3 million lights across 50 acres. Families and visitors can enjoy festive rides, illuminated gardens, and seasonal activities.
Insider Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the light displays. Weekday visits offer fewer crowds.
Things to do in Melbourne this New Year’s Eve
Watch NYE Fireworks
Melbourne’s official NYE celebrations feature two fireworks displays: a family-friendly show around 9:30 PM and the main midnight fireworks with a laser moment across the city skyline.
Top Free Spots to Watch:
- Docklands Celebration Zone: Fireworks, DJs, food trucks, entertainment from ~6 PM–1 AM
- Flagstaff Gardens: Family-friendly with early fireworks and music
- Treasury Gardens: Central inner-city park with live performances and food vendors
- Kings Domain Celebration Zone: Green space with city skyline, fireworks views
Insider Tip: Public transport is recommended, as parking is limited. Bring blankets and snacks for family-friendly viewing areas.
Join NYE Rooftop Parties in Melbourne
- Rooftop Bar: Curtin House, level 7/252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Transit Rooftop Bar: Federation Square, Level 2, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Fleet Rooftop Bar: 1 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Good Heavens Rooftop Bar: Level 2/79 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
NYE rooftop parties offer panoramic city views, cocktails, and live music in stylish urban settings.
Insider Tip: Book tickets early and check dress codes for rooftop bars.
NYE Restaurant & Fine Dining Experiences
- Eureka 89: Level 89/7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia – Iconic high-floor dinner with sweeping city views
- Vue de monde: 55 Rialto Towers, 525 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 – World-class fine dining
- Mjølner: 106 Hardware St, Melbourne VIC 3000 – Excellent dining before heading to celebrations
Insider Tip: Reservations must be made months in advance for high-demand restaurants during NYE.
Choose Your Best Place to Stay in Melbourne with L’Abode Accommodation
Central accommodation enhances the festive experience by providing easy access to Melbourne’s Christmas lights, markets, river cruises, and NYE events.L’Abode Accommodation offers stylish, fully equipped apartments that cater to families, couples, and groups of friends, ensuring comfort after busy days of festive activities. Renters can enjoy modern kitchens, spacious living areas, and convenient locations that reduce travel time, allowing more time to explore Melbourne’s holiday events.
L’Abode provides Airbnb property management Melbourne and executive leasing Melbourne, ensuring a stress-free stay with professional guest services, modern amenities, and convenient locations. For property owners, L’Abode Property Management delivers trusted solutions across Melbourne, combining expertise and local market knowledge.
Explore L’Abode Accommodation properties in Melbourne
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best family-friendly activities in Melbourne on Christmas Day?
Families can enjoy Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, explore Myer Christmas Windows & Santaland, visit festive markets such as Queen Victoria Market, or cruise the Yarra River with GoBoat for scenic holiday views. - Where can I see the best Christmas lights in Melbourne?
Bourke Street Mall, Christmas Square at Federation Square, and Melbourne laneways feature large-scale decorations and illuminated projections. Highlights include a 60-metre decoration above Bourke Street Mall and a 17.5-metre Christmas tree at Christmas Square. - What Melbourne markets are open during the Christmas season?
Visitors can shop at the French Christmas Market in Abbotsford, Boho Luxe Market at Federation Square, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Queen Victoria Market for artisan food, wine tastings, and unique holiday gifts. - Where are the best spots to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in Melbourne?
Top free locations include Docklands Celebration Zone, Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens, and Kings Domain Celebration Zone. Each offers spectacular views of city fireworks, live music, and entertainment for all ages. - What are some recommended rooftop bars for NYE in Melbourne?
Rooftop Bar at Curtin House, Transit Rooftop Bar at Federation Square, Fleet Rooftop Bar near Queen Street, and Good Heavens Rooftop Bar on Bourke Street provide cocktails, city views, and live music for a stylish New Year’s Eve celebration. - Where should I stay in Melbourne to enjoy Christmas and NYE festivities?
L’Abode Accommodation provides centrally located properties for easy access to Melbourne Christmas lights, markets, Yarra River cruises, and NYE celebrations.