Santa facing away from the camera, towards a lit Christmas tree.

Christmas map

Your guide to all things merry in Melbourne this Christmas.

Download a copy of the Melbourne Christmas map (PDF 316KB)

From festive laneways to riverside magic, follow the map and unwrap a full day of celebration, shopping and surprise across the city.

Coloured pink lights illuminate water sprays high in the air on the Yarra River at night with a crowd watching from the promenade.

1. Crown Christmas River Show

4 – 25 Dec

Be dazzled by a spectacular water, laser and light show on the Yarra River.

The breathtaking river show returns to the Birrarung – Yarra River this Christmas!

Head to Yarra Promenade outside Crown to catch this dazzling Christmas visual display featuring water fountains, lasers, light projections and a festive soundtrack.

This is a Christmas Festival event, presented by City of Melbourne in partnership with Crown.

City of Melbourne is committed to making events as accessible as possible. If you have any questions regarding accessibility at Christmas Festival events, please contact us.

Discover more about Crown Christmas River Show

Christmas decorations on Evan Walker Bridge.

2. Evan Walker Bridge

Evan Walker Bridge shines with a giant Christmas star.

14 Nov - 25 Dec

A giant illuminated purple Christmas Tree at Federation Square, surrounded by people and view of Flinders St Station and city buildings in the background.

3. Christmas Square

27 Nov – 25 Dec

Discover a Christmas wonderland featuring the city’s beloved tree.

Christmas comes to life in the city with the iconic 17.5 metre tree at Fed Square. Experience the spectacular light and sound shows, play on the glowing bell swings, and soak up the festive atmosphere before discovering everything the city has to offer at Christmas.

This is a Christmas Festival event, presented by City of Melbourne in partnership with Fed Square. Once again, Christmas Square lights up with 100% wind powered Christmas cheer.

City of Melbourne is committed to making events as accessible as possible. If you have any questions regarding accessibility at Christmas Festival events, please contact us.

Discover more about Christmas Square

Melbourne Town Hall lit up with Christmas projection lights.

4. Melbourne Town Hall Projections

Melbourne Town Hall lights up each night from 9-11pm with a festive scene. Starts 4 December.

5. City Square Christmas tree

See the new 10m tree with Melbourne-inspired decorations, plus a peek into Santa's office.

27 Nov - 25 Dec

6. The TAC Hub

Capture a festive snap in the free photo booth, starts 12 December.

Three acrobats in matching orange and yellow striped vintage swimsuits pose against a blue and white striped backdrop, holding swimming paraphernalia.

7. Splash Test Dummies

21 – 22 Dec

The circus comes to town with a new watery adventure to delight families this holiday season.

The circus is back in town and rolling out their beach towels at the Capitol Theatre for some Christmas season fun!

The Splash Test Dummies will delight children of all ages with their thrilling acrobatics, clever juggling, slapstick comedy and hold-your-breath stunts. With their new bubbly hour of circus merriment, expect the whole family to be swept away in a sea of laughter.

Suitable for ages 4+.

Selected sessions will be Auslan interpreted.

This is a Christmas Festival event, presented by City of Melbourne.

City of Melbourne is committed to making events as accessible as possible. If you have any questions regarding accessibility at Christmas Festival events, please contact us.

Discover more about Splash Test Dummies

Capitol Cinema with red and orange lighting, seated audience in front of large screen with signage.

8. Christmas Cinema

19 – 24 Dec

See festive films in the stunning Capitol Theatre.

Grab the popcorn and enjoy a series of festive films at the stunning Capitol Theatre, with a mix of family favourites and cult classics.

Sat 19 Dec, 1pm: Klaus
Sat 19 Dec, 7.30pm: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Sun 20 Dec, 1pm: Home Alone 2
Thu 24 Dec, 6pm: Bridget Jones's Diary

Doors open 30 minutes before screening starts – come early to grab your seats.

This is a Christmas Festival event, presented by City of Melbourne.

City of Melbourne is committed to making events as accessible as possible. If you have any questions regarding accessibility at Christmas Festival events, please contact us.

Discover more about Christmas Cinema

Exterior of a Gothic style building in Melbourne's Bourke Street, with colourful artwork surrounding the windows on the ground floor.

9. MECCA

Located at Bourke Street and offering brands, products and services across three levels.

At MECCA Bourke Street, brands, products and services come to life across three larger-than-life levels.

Set on the iconic site of the former Cole’s Book Arcade in the heart of Melbourne, it is a vision of beauty like you’ve never seen before. The store boasts makeup, hair and nail salons, an in-house naturopath, brow and lash services, a private beauty atelier, a gifting mezzanine, a fragrance perfumeria, jewellery, engraving and more.

Discover more about MECCA

A person wearing a green, inflatable Christmas Tree mascot costume holding hands with a young child in a festive outdoor setting.

10. Mr Fantastico's Christmas Rooftop Carnival

19 – 23 Dec

Free Christmas fun with live performances, Santa activities and creative workshops.

Celebrate the magic of Christmas with Mr Fantastico's Christmas Rooftop Carnival at Spiegel Haus in the heart of the city.

Across five days, the rooftop comes alive with festive entertainment, interactive performances and creative activities for the whole family.

Enjoy two free live performances daily, meet Santa, take part in Christmas craft workshops and experience a colourful carnival atmosphere filled with festive fun.

Designed to bring families together, this free Christmas celebration offers an engaging and inclusive experience for children and adults alike.

Discover more about Mr Fantastico's Christmas Rooftop Carnival

Looking through the Queen Victoria Market to city buildings in the background, hundreds of people gathered.

11. The Christmas Night Market

25 Nov – 16 Dec

Old-world Christmas charm, Melbourne style.

Inspired by Europe’s beloved Christmas markets and reimagined for an Australian summer, Queen Victoria Market’s Christmas Night Market pairs warm nights with festive choirs, roaming stilt walkers and softly falling snow. It’s old-world Christmas charm, Melbourne style – lively, atmospheric and best enjoyed after dark.

Wander the Market to discover unique Christmas gifts, handmade treasures and stocking fillers from local traders, alongside a feast of ready-to-eat meals and festive flavours from some of Melbourne’s best food traders.

Make a night of it with live entertainment, a free professional Christmas photo against the backdrop of QVM’s iconic heritage sheds and nine-metre Christmas tree, and a free reindeer petting zoo.

Gather with friends and family, soak up the festive atmosphere and experience Christmas, Melbourne style.

Discover more about The Christmas Night Market