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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
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Things you can only do in the city

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

  • Tour
  • Entertainment
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Things you can only eat in the city

Where to find the city's most iconic dishes.

  • Restaurant
  • Fine dining

Discover more

Three people smiling for a photograph on the bow of a river cruise vessel with the Port of Melbourne in the background.
4 – 19 Dec

Bonza Christmas Cruise

Celebrate with friends, family or colleagues with an incredible Christmas cruise on the water.

  • Events
  • Cruise
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
The Yarra River and city centre viewed from onboard a cruise boat.
Until 31 Dec

Melbourne Highlights Cruise

Take a relaxing 2.5-hour Yarra River cruise, taking in both the River Gardens and Docklands.

  • Tour
  • Events
People enjoying a cruise on the Yarra River.
Until 31 Oct

City Highlights Express Cruise

Explore Melbourne in just 45 mins with this express Yarra River cruise.

  • Tour
  • Events
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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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