The Most Joyful Christmas Events in Melbourne for 2023

The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching, and we're willing to bet that you're starting to think about what festive frolics you might fill your calendar with this Christmas in Melbourne. 

We've rounded up the best Christmas events in Melbourne, so you can get booking and start soaking up a whole lot of Christmas cheer! 

The Most Joyful Christmas Events in Melbourne for 2023

1. Christmas in the City 

Watch Melbourne become a magical wonderland with its festive decorations, projections, and iconic attractions such as the towering Christmas tree at Federation Square this year. Christmas in the City is the ultimate celebration of all things festive—and we can't wait to see what this year's program holds! 

We're willing to bet it will be full to the brim with markets, gift inspiration, delicious treats, and the chance for kids to meet Santa himself. Stay tuned for the latest updates on the 2023 Christmas Festival, which will be unveiled in early November. 

Where:   Federation Square, Melbourne
When:    24 November to 25 December 2023
Cost:      FREE

2. Myer Christmas Windows

The iconic Myer Christmas Windows are back in 2023 and with a very special guest this year - wackadoo!

That's right, you guessed it! Bluey will be joining the Christmas festivities along with her Mum and Dad and little sister Bingo at the Myer Bourke Street flagship store. 

For the 68th year, the Myer Christmas Windows will be decked out in exquisite stylings of 53 replicated characters, with Bluey and her family appearing in all six windows. The Bluey Christmas Windows will also be celebrated with an activation on Level 6 in Myer Melbourne, featuring Bluey’s House with interactive zones including a Dance Mode Silent Disco, keyboards to learn the Bluey theme song and more, with exclusive Bluey merchandise available to purchase. 

Where:   Myer's Bourke Street Flagship Store
When:    Sunday, 12 November until Saturday, 6 January 2024
Cost:      FREE

3. Carols by Candlelight

 

Carols by Candlelight is a truly enchanting experience and one of the best Christmas events in Melbourne. 

There is a range of seating choices available for this festive and fun event, from the spacious lawn to the premium stalls—and these tickets are renowned for flying off the shelves, so get yours quickly! 

Where:   Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
When:    23 December (rehearsal) and 24 December 2023
Cost:      Rehearsal night: $47.85 per adult, $39.85 per child. Christmas Eve: $82.40 per adult, $50.90 per child

4. Take a Ride on the Polar Express

The incredible Polar Expres is coming to Puffing Billy Railway again this Christmas in Melbourne—stay tuned for all the details! 

Where:   Puffing Billy Railway Lakeside Visitor Centre
When:    9-17 December 2023
Cost:     TBD

5. Christmas Festival of Lights at Adventure Park

Experience the enchantment of Christmas at this dazzling event with 3.3 million lights, over 1,000 stunning displays, theme park rides, performances, and, of course, the chance to meet Santa!

The Christmas Festival of Lights at Adventure Park promises hours of festive fun for all ages. This year, prepare to be amazed by new light installations, adding 300,000 new lights to the spectacle.

The entertainment lineup features a high-flying Elf Trapeze Show and a life-sized animated musical show with Polar Bear characters, Santa's Reindeer, and a magical tree. This Christmas Festival of Lights is a glowing wonderland spanning 50 acres, making it the perfect annual family tradition. Don't miss it!

Where:    Adventure Park Geelong, 1249 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington, Geelong
When:     17 November to 31 December 2023
Cost:       $42.50 for adults (over 120 cm tall), $34.50 (90 - 120 cm tall)

6. A Christmas Carol in Concert

The highly acclaimed Old Vic rendition of Charles Dickens' timeless masterpiece, A Christmas Carol in Concert which has won five Tony Awards®, is back at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre!

Get ready to step into an immersive world filled with music and joy, and enjoy a heartwarming performance. It's a must-see experience that will bring the magic of this classic tale to life. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to be part of the holiday spirit and create lasting memories with friends and family. 

Where:   Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition St, Melbourne
When:     17 November to 31 December 2023
Cost:       From $79.90 per ticket

7. Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas

Be a part of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's enchanting family-friendly show, Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas, where you'll experience a mix of classic carols, contemporary holiday hits, and beautiful pieces from Tchaikovsky's beloved work, The Nutcracker.

It's a musical journey that's perfect for all ages, filled with joy and festive spirit. This unforgettable performance will have you singing along, tapping your toes, and embracing the holiday season with a big smile.

Where:    Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank
When:     Saturday 16 December 2023
Cost:       $29 per ticket

8. Tinseltown

This magical Christmas-themed pop-up has everything you could wish for to make your festive season extra special this Christmas in Melbourne.

Tinseltown is about celebrating Christmas in style, so you can look forward to appearances by Santa and his merry elves, beautifully wrapped presents, sparkling tinsel, a soundtrack of festive tunes, and a cocktail menu that's sure to bring some extra cheer.

The place is decked out from top to bottom with all the festive decorations you can dream of, and your ticket also gets you a special themed drink to kick off the festivities. This event is exclusively for those 18 and older, but there are select family-friendly sessions available for everyone to enjoy the Christmas magic.

Where:   The District Docklands, 23-37 Star Cres, Docklands
When:     22 November to 31 December 2023
Cost:      $17 per ticket

9. Love Actually in Concert

Get ready for a heartwarming festive treat with Love Actually in Concert. 

This film has earned its spot as one of our ultimate festive favourites, and now it's reimagined with a full live orchestra setting the mood with the beloved soundtrack while the film plays on a massive screen.

Where:   Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank
When:    Saturday 23 December 2023
Cost:      From $60.05 - $151.65

10. Christmas Day Buffet Breakfast

Kickstart Christmas Day in style with a Buffet Breakfast at Stamford Plaza.

Delight in a morning filled with festive indulgence as you feast on a spread of breakfast delights. Expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere plus a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. It's the perfect way to begin your Christmas celebrations.

Where:   111 Little Collins Street Melbourne
When:    Monday 25 December 2023
Cost:      $52.25 per person

11. Frankston Festival of Lights

The Frankston Christmas Festival of Lights is one of the best Christmas events in Melbourne to bring the family along for a day filled with free entertainment.

Enjoy delightful Christmas carols, captivating holiday performances, sing-alongs, and joyful dances on the main stage. Explore a charming crafts fair featuring market stalls with a variety of foods, while kids can partake in craft activities and take thrilling rides.

The grand finale of the Frankston Christmas Festival of Lights is the tree lighting ceremony, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

Where:   Davey Street, Frankston
When:    Saturday 25 November 2023
Cost:      FREE

12. Christmas Melodies

Embrace the enchantment of Christmas in the classic Christmas Melodies concert featuring beloved Christmas carols and songs.

Bring your family and friends together to revel in the glorious melodies performed by a magnificent big band, a charming choir, and some truly special guests. It's a celebration you won't want to miss!

Where:   Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank
When:    Monday 11 December 2023
Cost:      $19 per child (under 16), $30 per adult

13. Christmas at The Lakes

Christmas at the Lakes should be at the top of your Christmas events in Melbourne list this year and for good reason!

Picture this: Christmas carols filling the air, talented local performers gracing the stage, thrilling rides (rides packages available for purchase) and amusements for the kids, a special appearance by Santa himself, and a dazzling fireworks display to top it off. Plus, there's no shortage of delicious treats at the food stalls and a variety of vendors selling all sorts of goodies. What more could you wish for? 

Where:   Breezewater Reserve, 25 The Breezewater, Point Cook
When:    Saturday 2 December 2023
Cost:      Gold coin donation for entry, ride packages available for purchase

Hero image: Melbourne Attraction Tickets 

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