What❜s Open in Melbourne on Christmas Day 2020

Christmas Day is one of the most sacred of holidays, however places across Melbourne do remain open for those with itchy feet!

If you're looking for lunch, an escape from the chaos or just a breath of fresh air, there are a string of things to do that will still add a sprinkle of magic to your Christmas Day. So get your festive wear on and head out into Melbourne.

Federation Square

It will  be the last day to catch the Christmas Festival at Fed Square and snap a selfie in front of the six-metre giant Christmas tree and take a peek inside Santa's workshop. You can also put on a pair of Santa’s Spectacles for an incredible Augmented Reality experience where your own device becomes a window into Santa’s magical world! See playful ice skating penguins, storytelling snow men, snowball-throwing elves and even selfie-loving Santa himself on your AR adventure.

The iconic Timeout Fed Square on the corner of Flinders Street and St Kilda Road will be open for noshing all-da. Group bookings are required and a summer festive set menu is available.

CBD Christmas Projections

For a late night escapade, bid farewell to Christmas Day with a stroll down Swanston Street to see Melbourne’s famous Christmas Projections. There are animations on display at the State Library Victoria and gorgeous static illuminations at Melbourne Town Hall and Princes Bridge. Projections at the three sites run every night from 9pm to 11pm until 3 January 2021 and it's free.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Escape the Christmas Day mayhem and escape to the serene natural surrounds of the Mellbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens. Meander down winding pathways through the expansive parklands and discover unique plant species, tranquil lakes and lush green spaces. There are a range of diverse plant collections to explore including a world of succulents at the new and improved Arid Garden, the native Australian Forest Walk, the Bamboo Collection and the world-acclaimed Camellia Collection. It's open from 7.30am to sunset and it's FREE.

Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo is open from 9am to 5pm on Christmas Day so you can catch the keeper talks and discover the spectacular Dino Lab! Plus, Children under 16 are FREE on Victorian public holidays. Bonus! All visitors now need a pre-booked ticket to enter the zoo.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

The SEA  LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is open 10am to 5:30pm on Christmas Day. Spend some family time among thousands of colourful underwater creatures across 14 incredible interactive zones. Kids will love walking through the 2.2 million litre Oceanarium tank under swimming fish and rays. They can also take the Junior Keeper Quiz Trail and get their very own Junior Keeper certificate after the challenge! 

St. Kilda Beach

For a true blue Aussie Christmas, head to one of Melboure's most popular stretches of sand. A short tram ride from the CBD, St Kilda is the perfect playground for family fun. Head to the seaside for an afternoon of body surfing, beach cricket or bike-riding on the promenade, followed by a relaxing walk down the St Kilda Pier for a spot of fishing or to wish the Fairy Penguins a merry Christmas. You can take in an outdoor exhibition on the vibrant St Kilda Public Art Trail or indulge in a decadent Christmas Day feast at West Beach Bathers Pavilion.

Cinemas

Plenty of Melbourne cinemas will be open on Christmas Day. Catch a flick in the city at Village Cinemas, Cinema Nova, or Hoyts Melbourne Central.

Dining Out

You will find a handful of restaurants open at South Wharf, Docklands, Lygon St, Chinatown, Southgate and Crown Entertainment Complex.

Last-minute Needs

Check out your local 7-Eleven - Federation Square, Swanston Street, Elizabeth Street and Bourke Street locations will be open in the CBD - or IGA stores, which can sometimes be a saving grace in these hectic times! Spencer Street, Flinders Street, King Street and Kilda Road IGAs will be open if you're in the city.

Do Trams Run On Christmas Day In Melbourne?

Yes, trams will be running in Melbourne on Christmas Day, most to a Sunday timetable. Travel is FREE. Check individual route timetables for 25 December and plan your trip!

More Christmas Cheer

Hottest Gifts For Kids This Christmas
Best Places To See Christmas Lights In Melbourne - 2020
All The Best Christmas Movies To Watch On Stan & Netflix

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