Christmas night-time trail

Calling all night owls! See the city shine as the giant tree at Christmas Square returns with nightly sound and light shows. Don’t miss the spectacular lights and lasers of the Crown Christmas River Show every night on the Yarra. See the twinkle of Evan Walker Bridge Christmas star or the iconic giant reindeer at Docklands Harbour. Stroll through lit-up laneways to sip mistletoe martinis at a rooftop bar or feast under the fairy lights at the city’s many restaurants.

Crowds gathered around the Christmas tree at Fed Square at dusk, with city buildings in background.

1. Christmas Square

Until 25 Dec

Make your first stop at Fed Square to see it transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Marvel at the dazzling 17.5-metre high LED tree. Then snap a pic on the sweet bell swings. Stick around for late-night shopping, free gift wrapping and Christmas movies on the big screen, on select days.

Feel the joybilation at Melbourne’s home of Christmas!

Christmas comes to life in the city with the iconic 17.5 metre tree. Experience the spectacular light and sound shows, have a swing on a giant light-up bell and soak up the festive atmosphere before discovering everything the city has to offer at Christmas.

This is a Christmas Festival event, presented by City of Melbourne in partnership with Fed Square. Once again, Christmas Square and the Christmas Projections are lighting up with 100% wind powered Christmas cheer.

City of Melbourne is committed to making events as accessible as possible. If you have any questions regarding accessibility at Christmas Festival events, please contact us.

Discover more about Christmas Square

A Ferris wheel and rides lit up in colourful lights at a city carnival at night.

2. Christmas Carnival

Until 24 Dec

Head over Princes Bridge and enjoy festive thrills on the banks of the Birrarung. Ride the Ferris wheel and drive the dodgems. Or get the best view of the city lights as you spin 35 meters in the air on top of the Sky Flyer. Then try your luck at much-loved carnival games.

Enjoy festive thrills on the banks of the Birrarung at the Christmas Carnival. Ride the ferris wheel, drive the dodgems or get the best view of the city lights as you spin 35 meters in the air on top of the Sky Flyer. Try your luck at much-loved carnival games and complete the experience with classic carnival food.

Entry is free. Coupons for each ride can be purchased at the ticket box on site – $8 for kids rides and $12 for adult rides.

This is a Christmas Festival event, presented by City of Melbourne.

City of Melbourne is committed to making events as accessible as possible. If you have any questions regarding accessibility at Christmas Festival events, please contact us.

Discover more about Christmas Carnival

A giant star with a sign reading 'merry Christmas' over a city bridge at night.

3. Evan Walker Bridge

Wander down Southbank Promenade until you hit the colourful Christmas decorations lighting up Evan Walker Bridge. Snap a pic under the glowing star. Or pop down for a drink on the floating bar Ponyfish Island.

People standing around giant Christmas decorations with koalas climbing lit-up candy canes at Queensbridge Square at night, city buildings in the background.

4. Christmas at Queensbridge Square

Until 25 Dec

A little further along Southbank brings you to Queensbridge Square. This riverside pop-up playground is decked out with a festive light-up see-saw.

Watch the Christmas tree light up as you play on the see-saw in this festive pop-up at Queensbridge Square.

Visit from 19 to 22 December from 11am to 3pm and enter the competition for your chance to win, and score a complimentary bubble tea courtesy of Juneyao Air. Stocks limited, get in quick!

This is a Christmas Festival activation, presented by City of Melbourne.

City of Melbourne is committed to making events as accessible as possible. If you have any questions regarding accessibility at Christmas Festival events, please contact us.

Discover more about Christmas at Queensbridge Square

People watch laser lights and water installation illuminating the Yarra River at night.

5. Crown Christmas River Show

Until 25 Dec

Stop outside Crown to catch this dazzling Christmas show featuring water fountains, lasers, light projections and a festive soundtrack. This spectacular river show will run every 15 minutes each night.

The spectacular river show returns to the Birrarung – Yarra River this Christmas!

Head to Southbank Promenade outside Crown to catch this dazzling Christmas show featuring water fountains, lasers, light projections and a festive soundtrack. Shows will run every 15 minutes each night.

This is a Christmas Festival event, presented by City of Melbourne in partnership with Crown.

City of Melbourne is committed to making events as accessible as possible. If you have any questions regarding accessibility at Christmas Festival events, please contact us.

Discover more about Crown Christmas River Show

Two women dining in a restaurant with couches and a big flower art piece on a red curtained wall.

6. Ghost Donkey

All this walking is hungry work! Head inside Crown for a Mexican feast at kitschy spot Ghost Donkey. Feast on grilled hanger steak tacos, charred sweetcorn nachos and jalapeno poppers.

Ghost Donkey is a mucho good time and is now open at Crown Melbourne for a limited time.

Born in NYC, but with a soul that resides in Mexico, Ghost Donkey celebrates its heritage and respects tradition while working its big city swagger. Recipient of the coveted Imbibe 'Best Cocktail Bar of the Year’ (2020) and with locations in Las Vegas (NV) (at the Cosmopolitan Hotel), Denver (CO), Phoenix (AZ), Auckland (NZ) and more.

Ghost Donkey serves specially crafted cocktails made with traditional Mexican spirits and artisanal brands. At its core, it’s a lively and vibrant mezcal and tequila bar that embodies the heart and soul of Mexican hospitality.

Ghost Donkey seats the donkey’s loyal fans on a first come, first served basis with walk-ins only for groups of 12 and less. This is an over 18 venue only after 8pm.

Discover more about Ghost Donkey

A large golden reindeer statue beside the water in a city at night.

7. Giant Reindeer

One of Melbourne's most dazzling Christmas decorations is standing watch in Docklands. Cross the river and make your way to Victoria Harbour Promenade to see the golden reindeer in all its glory.

People dining in a busy laneway under Christmas decorations.

8. Hardware Lane

Follow Bourke Street up to Hardware Lane and cap off your night among the glowing decorations. Dine alfresco in the laneway at Kirk's Wine Bar. Or fly up to the brand new Hotel Nacional rooftop for margaritas. Then find more of the best rooftop bars to see the city aglow from above.

Stop in for a drink at the locally loved Kirk’s Wine Bar, named after the laneway’s 1840s horse-trading heritage.

More of the best night-time Christmas events

Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight

23 – 24 Dec

See the city sparkle at night

1. Christmas Square

2. Christmas Carnival

3. Evan Walker Bridge

4. Christmas at Queensbridge Square

5. Crown Christmas River Show

6. Ghost Donkey

7. Giant Reindeer

8. Hardware Lane

More of the best night-time Christmas events

Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight

A Christmas Carol

Christmas Outdoor Cinema