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  • An illuminated Merry Christmas sign on top of a bridge over the Yarra, at night.
  • Bright lights and water fountains near the edge of the Yarra River, with the city skyline in the background, as seen from a boat cruise at night.
  • Bright lights and water fountains near the edge of the Yarra River, with the city skyline in the background, as seen from a boat cruise at night.
  • The festive 'MERRY CHRISTMAS' light display mounted on a bridge over the Yarra River at night, with water in the foreground and city buildings in the background.
8 – 24 Dec

Christmas Lights Cruise

  • Family and kids
  • Tour

Celebrate the most magical time of the year aboard Melbourne River Cruise's one-hour Christmas Lights Cruise.

Sail past sparkling Christmas decorations and watch the skies turn a warm orange before nightfall. As darkness settles, the city transforms, lights shimmer across the skyline, and the Yarra reflects it all back in dazzling colour. Don’t miss the spectacular Christmas fountain show at Crown Melbourne, where water, music, and lights dance together in a breathtaking festive display which will be a highlight along your journey.

This cruise is perfect for families, friends, couples, and anyone who loves the magic of Christmas.

Hours

Date Times
Tue 8 Dec
  • 8.30pm - 9.30pm 8:30pm - 9:30pm
Wed 9 Dec
  • 8.30pm - 9.30pm 8:30pm - 9:30pm
Thu 10 Dec
  • 8.30pm - 9.30pm 8:30pm - 9:30pm
Sun 13 Dec
  • 8.30pm - 9.30pm 8:30pm - 9:30pm
Mon 14 Dec
  • 8.30pm - 9.30pm 8:30pm - 9:30pm
Tue 15 Dec
  • 8.30pm - 9.30pm 8:30pm - 9:30pm
Wed 16 Dec
  • 8.30pm - 9.30pm 8:30pm - 9:30pm
Thu 17 Dec
  • 8.30pm - 9.30pm 8:30pm - 9:30pm
Sat 19 Dec
  • 8.30pm - 9.30pm 8:30pm - 9:30pm
  • 9.45pm - 10.45pm 9:45pm - 10:45pm
Sun 20 Dec
  • 8.30pm - 9.30pm 8:30pm - 9:30pm
  • 9.45pm - 10.45pm 9:45pm - 10:45pm
Mon 21 Dec
  • 8.30pm - 9.30pm 8:30pm - 9:30pm
  • 9.45pm - 10.45pm 9:45pm - 10:45pm
Tue 22 Dec
  • 8.30pm - 9.30pm 8:30pm - 9:30pm
  • 9.45pm - 10.45pm 9:45pm - 10:45pm
Wed 23 Dec
  • 8.30pm - 9.30pm 8:30pm - 9:30pm
  • 9.45pm - 10.45pm 9:45pm - 10:45pm
Thu 24 Dec
  • 8.30pm - 9.30pm 8:30pm - 9:30pm
  • 9.45pm - 10.45pm 9:45pm - 10:45pm

Location

Berth 2
Melbourne River Cruises
Southbank Promenade
3006

Open in maps location for Melbourne River Cruises

Price and bookings

From $39 to $55

Adult / general $55
Children $39

Free for children under 2

Book online for Christmas Lights Cruise

Contact details

  • telephone number: 03 8610 2600
  • email address: info@melbcruises.com.au
  • Visit website for Christmas Lights Cruise
Facebook page for Christmas Lights Cruise Instagram page for Christmas Lights Cruise

Only In The City

Only in the City
Inside a bustling market hall

Things you can only see in the city

Uncover secret rooms, historic architecture and iconic landmarks found only in the city.

  • Free
  • Hidden gem
A family of four standing in a grand library with antique desks, large white walls and a dome ceiling.

Things you can only do in the city

There's only one place to find these rare Melbourne experiences and secret spots.

  • Tour
  • Entertainment
Multiple plates on a white table cloth.

Things you can only eat in the city

Where to find the city's most iconic dishes.

  • Restaurant
  • Fine dining

Discover more

People holding glasses of wine, listening to a costumed tour guide in an underground cellar.
Until 22 Oct

Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour

Take a walking tour of haunted pubs and learn about the city's dark history.

  • Walking tour
  • Events
An adult and child riding in an open bus, the child pointing at something.
Until 4 Oct

School Holiday Explorer Bus

Children ride for half-price on the Kids Explorer Bus during the school holidays.

  • Family and kids
  • Tour
A young girl holds an old ship steering wheel.
4 Oct

Polly Woodside Open Day

Climb aboard and roam the decks of one of Australia’s last surviving 19th-century tall ships.

  • Family and kids
  • Tour
A hooded figure positioned centrally in a circular emblem holding a talisman with a stylized letter 'H' in the centre surrounded by flying bats against a vintage image of city buildings.
Until 8 Nov

Shadows in the Dark

Go on a guided paranormal tour to reveal the hidden secrets of the Queen Vic Market.

  • Family and kids
  • Tour
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Australian Aboriginal Flag Torres Strait Islander Flag

The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge and honour the unbroken spiritual, cultural and political connection they have maintained to this unique place for more than 2000 generations.

We accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and are committed to walking together to build a better future. For more information, visit Aboriginal Melbourne.

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