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

Head to Southbank and catch the dazzling Crown Christmas River Show. Be wowed by lasers, impressive water fountains, light projections and a festive soundtrack. Shows will run every 15 minutes from 9pm each night of the festival.

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 iconic 'Merry Christmas' letters across Harbour Esplanade. Plus traditional crackers 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 long-awaited sound and light shows make a grand return to this sparkling spectacle. See all the decorations from 24 November.

Christmas Bells

While you're waiting for the magnificent Christmas tree to light up Fed Square, explore the giant Christmas bells. Not only are the bells a perfect photo opportunity for your Instagram, but they're a good source of fun for the little ones. Watch the kids swing back and forth amongst all the festive lights of Christmas square.

Melbourne Town Hall

The Christmas makeover at Melbourne Town Hall is a highly anticipated tradition. See gorgeous colourful treatments lighting up the building's iconic facade. During the day, there's nutcracker soldiers, the iconic town hall bow and native floral wreaths. After dark the iconic building will be aglow with dazzling festive colours. Swing by the Melbourne Visitor Hub to see the adorable singing penguins from 2 December.

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 glinting overhead lights 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, Tattersalls Lane and Liverpool Street.

Bourke Street Mall

On your way to the Myer Windows? Take a moment to marvel at giant candy canes and cute koalas. Inspired by the Aussie festive season, these Christmas decorations are simply too cute to not snap a pic.