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

Towering trees, sparkly lights, epic projections and huge new stunning installations. These must-visit decoration spots will glow up your Insta-feed all through the festive season.

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 run every night from 9pm.

12 Days of Christmas

Find adorable Australian animal decorations hidden all around the city. This brand new 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 to Victoria Harbour (near Merchant Street) in all its sparkling glory. Venture further and find more unmissable decorations in Docklands. Spot the purple Christmas tree and iconic 'Merry Christmas' letters across Harbour Esplanade. Plus traditional nutcracker soldiers and elves. Find them along New Quay Promenade and Victoria Harbour Promenade. You can also see giant present boxes scattered throughout the entire precinct.

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.

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.

Melbourne Town Hall

The Christmas makeover at Melbourne Town Hall is a highly anticipated tradition. During the day, there's nutcracker soldiers, the bell tree and festive wreaths. See the historic facade wrapped in a giant bow. Then come back after dark when the iconic building will be aglow with a festive scene.

Chapter House

Chapter House is once again lighting up with a colourful Aussie Christmas display. See the historic building facade transform into a backyard during Christmas lunch. Expect a sweet celebration of togetherness and tradition.

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, then dine under light-up bells in Hardware Lane. Have a photo sesh with fairy lights in Manchester Lane and Centre Place. More festive fun awaits in Bank Place, Liverpool Street, Manchester Lane, Crossley Street, Market Lane, AC/DC Lane, Celestial Avenue and Liverpool Street.

Bourke Street Mall

Visit the iconic Myer Christmas Windows to see a tiny LEGO Melbourne world. There'll also be sparkling projections on the building after dark. Take a moment to marvel at the beautiful new lighting setup, casting a glow along Bourke Street Mall.