You haven't lived in Melbourne ‘til you’ve celebrated Christmas here. What Melbourne lacks in snow, we make up for with our markets and fairs, festive treats, and, of course, entertainment.
Whether you are looking for the best deals on Christmas gifts, live music to dance to, a cup of mulled wine, or free events, Melbourne has it all this festive season.
A lot is going on in Melbourne this year, so buckle up and add as much Christmas cheer as possible to your festive bucket list.
Artisan Christmas Market on Bay Street
If you’re looking for unique Christmas presents this year, head down to the Port’s Artisan Christmas Market.
The perfect one-stop shop for Christmas shopping, this outdoor, designer market will fill the stocking, with a wide selection of art pieces, handmade items, jewelry, and more!
A perfect setting for the holiday season, the market showcases the work of local artisans and designers, so you are not only buying unique Christmas gifts, but you are helping local businesses too.
When: Saturday, 3 December, 10am - 5pm
Santa’s Big Workshop
Christmas is all about family time and what better way to get into the festive spirit than seeing Santa in action?
Head down to Federation Square, where the city’s iconic 16-metre light-up tree stands tall. Make the most of this free Christmas event for Melbourne families.
You get to see Santa and Santa’s little helpers making toys and prepping for the big day. While there, don’t miss out on taking a photo with the man himself. It’s all free.
When: 25th November - 25th December
Love Actually in Concert
The movie has joined the list of classic holiday films and this Christmas, you’ll get the chance to rewatch it with a live orchestra playing the hit soundtrack. Don’t forget to pack your tissues for this heart-warming, festive rom-com.
Hurry! Get your tickets while they last. Then on 17 December, make your way to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for one of the best concerts to get you in the festive mood. Prices start at $60.20-$137.65.
When: Saturday, 17 December, 4pm
Good Food and Wine Show Christmas Market
If it’s food and wine you are after, you won’t stay hungry or thirsty at the Good Food and Wine Show Christmas market.
This year the market takes place at the Royal Exhibition Centre, the perfect space to browse over 100 small producers.
Over the course of three days, you’ll get to choose from a variety of artisan food and wine, alongside curated products for gifting and styling. This event is a must for all food and wine lovers. So, make sure to book your tickets in advance.
When: 25 - 27 November
Time: Friday 4 - 9pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm
Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight
This famous event at the Sydney Myer Music Bowl has brought families together for Christmas carols for 85 years. The night is packed with entertainment, from music and dancing to food stalls and family activities.
Carols By Candlelight is the festive fun everyone will enjoy, especially fans of Rob Mills, Marina Prior, Tim Campbell, and Denis Walter. This year, expect more performances by both national and international celebrities. Sing along under the stars to your favourite carols.
All the funds raised go to Vision Australia’s children’s services. Make your contribution to support children with little or no vision this Christmas by booking your tickets for the magical event.
When: Saturday 24th December
Time: Gates open 4pm; Performance starts at 8pm
Christmas Roller Rink
Don’t break a leg, just break a sweat at the Carlton pop-up roller skating rink. This year, the event is the place to be if you want to have a good laugh with your date, good friends, or the entire family.
While there, don’t miss out on the giant purple Christmas tree and decorations at the Piazza Italia. And be sure to grab lunch at one of Lygon’s Street famous restaurants.
To make it even more enjoyable, Carlton Inc. has prepared tasty Italian treats and gift voucher giveaways for all of its visitors.
It’s free entry for the entire four days, and only $5 to hire the skates.
When: Saturday 10 Dec – Saturday 24 Dec, 11 am – 9 pm
Christmas in the Wizarding World
Calling all die-hard Harry Potter fans. This one is for you!
Christmas is the most magical time of the year, and what better way to celebrate than to dress up in your favourite Harry Potter-inspired costume. We don’t need to say that Christmas is even more magical in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This year, you can experience the magic at Fed Square, for free.
Expect various events, including trivia and costume competitions, LEGO Build your Own Hogwarts™ Castle, photo ops, treats, and virtual wand workshops, but the main event is the live performance by the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child cast and the film screening of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets on the big screen.
When: Friday, 16 December, 4 pm - late
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Home Alone in Concert
Those that have grown up with classic Christmas comedy films like Home Alone will appreciate this event. Taking place at Hamer Hall, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will give the movie a symphonic touch over 2.5 hours, including a 20-minute interval.
Released in the ’90s, Home Alone is still one of the highest-grossing Christmas films of all time. Celebrity Macaulay Calkin, who played the main character, was only 10 years old at the time.
The comedy was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Original Score for the John Williams compositions. With this nomination, Williams became the second most nominated person after the legendary Walt Disney.
If you haven’t seen the movie, now is the right time to enjoy the symphonic dimension of it.
When: Wednesday 14 & Thursday 15 December, 7.30 pm
String Bean Alley Christmas Night Market
If you want to experience Christmas magic to the fullest, stop by the String Bean Alley Christmas Market at Queen Victoria Market.
The night market offers various festivities and great shopping, all under the starry lights of open-air laneways. From clothing, gifts, and art to Christmas carollers, fake snow, and a giant gingerbread man, there is no better place to get into the Christmas spirit.
When: 5, 12 & 19 December
Wrap Up
Kick off the festive season right. Whether it’s artisan markets, live music, or fun family activities, Melbourne has it all.
The best part is that you don’t have to break the bank. With so many things to do for free this Christmas, everyone can enjoy the most magical time of the year.
And when you stay at The Sebel Melbourne Moonee Ponds, you’ll be in the perfect location to take advantage of everything the city has to offer.