Yep, it's that time of year again. Have a magical Melbourne Christmas with the best festive pop-ups, decorations and more.

Take a yuletide thrill ride at the Christmas carnival

6 to 8 December, 11 to 24 December

Enjoy festive thrills on the banks of the Birrarung at the Christmas Carnival. 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. Entry is free. Tokens for each ride can be purchased at the ticket box on site.

A group of friends are at a carnival.
Christmas Carnival

See all the Christmas lights, projections and decorations

Until 25 December

From magical light shows to the almost 18-metre high LED tree, there's plenty to love at Christmas Square. Wander through endless glittering decorations day and night. Then see projections splashed across Melbourne Town Hall. Find the giant golden reindeer, nutcracker soldiers and more in our guide to Melbourne's best Christmas decorations.

Marvel at a magical river show

29 November to 25 December

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

Rainbow lights on water jets and a giant bauble on the river at night.
Crown Christmas River Show

Discover a festive pop-up on the Yarra

29 November to 25 December

Stroll under the Christmas star on Evan Walker Bridge and make your way down the promenade to Queensbridge Square. The bustling plaza will be transformed into a festive pop-up. Take a whirl on the illuminated swings or watch the Christmas tree light up as you play on the see-saw.

Catch $5 Christmas movie screenings

7 December, 14 December, 21 December and 22 December

Grab the popcorn and enjoy a series of festive films at the stunning Capitol Theatre, with a mix of family favourites and cult classics. Sit back and watch festive flicks like Home Alone, The Muppet Christmas Carol and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Inside an art deco theatre with a decorative ceiling.
Christmas movies at The Capitol

More of the best Christmas events in Melbourne

Bubble Show for Christmas

Bubble Show for Christmas

See stunning bubble displays executed by expert bubble artists in this Christmas adventure.

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

A big-hearted, smash-hit production of one man's transformation from resentment to redemption.

Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight

Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight

Enjoy an evening of Christmas songs and cheer from some of Australia’s most loved performers.

Christmas Actually

Christmas Actually

Enjoy the music of Love Actually live onstage.

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker

Journey to the Land of Sweets and create lasting memories with this Christmas ballet favourite.

MSO: Handel's Messiah

MSO: Handel's Messiah

Experience this annual festive tradition with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

German Christmas Market

German Christmas Market

A traditional German Christmas Market with beautiful market stalls including foods and drinks.

The Lygon Street Christmas Market

The Lygon Street Christmas Market

Browse for holiday treasures at the Lygon Street Christmas Market.

Merry Swiftmas

Merry Swiftmas

The ultimate Taylor Swift Christmas tribute concert.

Home Alone in Concert

Home Alone in Concert

Ring in the festive season with the timeless classic, Home Alone in Concert with the MSO.

Noël! Noël!

Noël! Noël!

Celebrate the festive season with the Brandenburg Orchestra.

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Mina Yu Jazz Trio and Fem Belling

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Mina Yu Jazz Trio and Fem Belling

Expect a night of jazz paying tribute to the nostalgic innocence of Charlie Brown and Snoopy.

Last updated on Wed 20 Nov 2024

Christmas

Christmas things to do

Christmas things to do

Explore a wonderland of events and dazzling decorations as the city comes to life this Christmas.

Christmas eat and drink

Christmas eat and drink

Feeling festive? Sip mistletoe martinis at a rooftop bar or dine under the lights in a laneway.

Christmas shopping

Christmas shopping

Shop the city's iconic laneways, malls and arcades to find the perfect pressie.

Discover more

The best hidden Christmas events and laneway pop-ups in Melbourne

The best hidden Christmas events and laneway pop-ups in Melbourne

Find the best laneway street parties, free workshops, pop-up events and gigs.

Milestone

Milestone

Asia TOPA opens with a landmark new commission by one of Australia’s most celebrated artists.

United

United

Enter an exhilarating speculative future on the stage of the iconic Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

Pulau (Island)

Pulau (Island)

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the NGV after hours.