The ultimate guide to Melbourne's best Christmas lights and decorations

Crown Christmas river show

The spectacular river show is returning to Crown with a new look this Christmas! Stroll down Southbank Promenade to catch this dazzling Christmas show featuring water fountains, lasers, light projections and a festive soundtrack. Shows start every night at 9pm, from 4 to 25 December.

12 Days of Christmas

Find adorable Australian animal decorations hidden all around the city. This cute installation is part of a city-wide scavenger hunt. Look out for eleven lizards leaping, eight koalas cuddling and a kookaburra in a gum tree! Can you spot all 12 decorations? If you need a little help, here's a handy map.

The giant reindeer

The gorgeous golden reindeer returns in all its sparkling glory. This year it has a new home, located at Southbank on the Hamer Hall Terrace.

Christmas Square

Head to Christmas Square at Federation Square to marvel at the giant 17.5-metre tall LED Christmas tree. As the sun sets, the dazzling structure lights up with a gorgeous festive glow. Every night from 9pm, the sound and light shows make a grand return to this sparkling spectacle.

Evan Walker Bridge

This footbridge always offers the best river views, but during the festive season you’ll be seeing it in a whole new light. Visit after dark for a spectacular star-studded installation stretching across the river. Further down the river, Sandridge Bridge also gets the festive treatment.

Melbourne Town Hall

The Christmas makeover at Melbourne Town Hall is a highly anticipated tradition. During the day, snap a pic on Santa's throne as nutcracker soldiers stand guard. Then come back after dark when the iconic building will be aglow with a festive scene. Pop into Melbourne Visitor Hub to see the adorable crowd-favourite singing penguins.

St Paul's Cathedral Projections

See the stunning St Paul's Cathedral light up with a colourful Aussie Christmas display. The historic building facade will be splashed with Australian flora and fauna projections from 9 to 11pm daily.

Hidden laneway decorations

During the festival, the city’s iconic laneways will be awash with twinkling streams of Christmas decorations. Be amazed by the sea of lights in Degraves Street. Have a photo sesh with fairy lights in Crossley Street. More festive fun awaits in Bank Place, Market Lane and AC/DC Lane.

Bourke Street Mall

Visit the iconic Myer Christmas Windows to see a festive Christmas scene. This is a cherished Melbourne tradition and while the lines are long, the miniature worlds inside are always worth the wait. This year, join Buzz, Woody and all their pals for a Toy Story takeover! There'll also be a new sparkling light display throughout the mall.

Fitzroy Gardens

The lush Fitzroy Gardens are becoming even more magical. Sit on Santa's throne and see the 6-metre Christmas tree sparkle. You'll find the festival setup near the Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre.

Christmas Nativity

A sweet Christmas scene awaits at the Melbourne Visitor Pod. Visit City Square to see a traditional nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus.