I feel very fortunate to work as a Social Media Manager as it means I receive lots of information, updates and event invitations hot off the press! I love knowing what's going on in Melbourne, particularly at Christmas time!
With two young children, our lead up to Christmas is an exciting one! Each year we look for different activities in and around Melbourne that celebrate the fun of Christmas! My research over the last couple of years has lead to an abundance of amazing activities for children and families and I thought I'd share this list with you. Some of the activities are FREE, others require a paid ticket, but all of them are fun! If you've discovered any other activities yourself then please let me know in the comments below and I will happily add them to the list
Christmas Activities & Festivities:
Christmas Festival - Overview of Christmas in the City of Melbourne
Santa's Post Box - 3 November - 15 December - City of Melbourne
Christmas at the Old Treasury Building - 13 November - 5 January
Light Up Christmas at Federation Square - 16 November - 5pm - 9pm
David Jones Christmas Concert - 18 November - Sat: 9.30am – 10.30am, 11.30am – 12.30pm
A Big Christmas Day - 19 November - 11am - 9pm - a full day of Christmas activities
Christmas at Federation Square - 24 November - 25 December - Daily - 9am - late
Christmas Carnival - Myer Melbourne - Held at the Bourke Street Mall Store on Saturday 26 November from 10am-6pm, the store will be turned into a festive fun fair with live entertainment, workshops, giveaways and more.
Rippon Lea Twilight Christmas Festival - held on the 1st December from 5pm-9pm this event includes Local choirs, an Artisan craft market, Christmas craft workshops, House tours in the mansion, Family games and activities, Food trucks, And of course, our favourite friend Santa will be popping by for a visit during the night!
Santa's Magical Kingdom - runs from 17 November - 23 December. We attended last year with our 2 children aged 5 and 3 at the time and they had an amazing time!! We met Mrs Claus, Santa Claus, enjoyed the interactive walk through show, rides, gingerbread cookie decorating as well as a Circus Spectacular Christmas Show. Well worth attending for a fun day out.
Crown Christmas Spectacular - 20 November - 1 January - Watch the Crown Towers Atrium come alive with our magnificent Christmas tree and a spectacular lighting and musical display.
Show Times:
Daily - 10am until midnight
Shows begin every 30 minutes
Plus, get a free photo with Santa from 12 - 6pm until 24 December.
Frankston Christmas Festival of Lights - 25 November - 5-10pm. A lovely Christmas celebration for the whole family, there is also Fireworks and the Lighting of the Christmas tree at 9.45pm.
Crown Casino
Santa PAWtraits - 25 - 26 November - Visit Santa and have a photo with your beloved feathered, fluffy or furry friend and create a special moment this Christmas.
Myer Christmas Windows - 12 November - 24 December - 7.30am - 1am daily
Myer - Santaland - Bookings are NOW Open for the Bourke Street (Melbourne City Store)
Federation Square
David Jones - The Magic Cave - dates to be confirmed
Gingerbread Village by Epicure - 1 Decemebr - 24 December - held at the Melbourne Town Hall, entry to this display is free however donations to the Royal Children's Hospital are welcomed. This year Epicure will craft the F1 Grand Prix so a great Christmas activity for both little and big kids!
Skate with Santa - 2 December - 24 December - 1am - 3pm Saturday and Sunday only
The Wiggly Christmas Big Show - 2 December at Rod Laver Arena - 3 show times
Northside Christmas Picnic - 8 December - 5pm - 10pm
The Dock Community Christmas - 9 December - 5pm - 10pm
The Snowman - 9 December at the Melbourne Recital Centre
Santa's Photos at Collins Square - 14 December - 21 December
Lah-Lah's Stripey Christmas - 16 December at the Melbourne Recital Centre
Carol's By Candelight - Sidney Myer Music Bowl - 24 December
Santa Photos - Westfield Shopping Centre's (Westfield Southland is referred to in the link)
RSPCA Santa Paws Photos - for pet friendly Family photos with Santa
Christmas Lights:
Christmas Lights at Lighthouse Docklands - 24 November - 25 December
Christmas Festival Official Tree Lighting Ceremony - 24 November from 7pm - 9.15pm
Giant Christmas Bauble - Federation Square - 30 November - 25 December
Christmas Projections - 1 December - 25 December
Christmas Laneways - decorated for Christmas and full of good cheer a selection of laneways are a great place to stop for a meal or refreshing drink whilst enjoying the atmosphere
The Boulevard Christmas Light in East Ivanhoe - 16 - 24 December from 8.30pm - 11pm each night
Christmas Light Search Website - enter your postcode and search your local area for Christmas Light displays - EASY!
Christmas Giving:
This list is extensive so I have just included a few that are local and that we have supported over the last few years. I am happy to add to this list so please let me know if there are any other Charities or Appeals that you would like to see included.
Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal - 15 November - 24 December - there are a few different ways to get involved this year.
Share The Dignity - Its In the Bag - donations of handbags filled with everyday items + a few luxuries for women who have escaped domestic violence and are in need at Christmas time.
The Salvation Army - assist with their Christmas Appeal in various ways.
The Smith Family - Christmas Book and Toy Appeal
The Melbourne Period Project - supporting homeless people in Melbourne
Christmas Markets:
Christmas at Queen Victoria Market - on various dates starting the 13th November, Christmas shopping is made easy with this great outdoor market and the Wednesday Night Market leading up to Christmas. Children can post a letter to Santa at the market and you can also have your Santa photos taken there as well.
Mornington Racecourse Twilight Christmas Market - 18 November from 3pm - 8pm
German Christkindlmarkt - 30 November
Collins Place Design Market - 15 December
Markit @ Federation Square - 17 December
City of Melbourne Market Guide - including direct links to market information
Christmas Shopping:
Allen's Lollysmith's Pop Up Store - 15 November (personalised lolly jars)
Myer Giftorium - Open Now - (personalised Tim Tam Gift Boxes)
Kmart - Personalised Vegemite Jars - Order instore only
Kmart - Pesonalised Nutella Jars - Order instore only
Cotton On - Personalised Milo Tins - coming soon to stores
Cotton On - full range of personalised gifts
Harvey Norman - personalised Christmas Gift range
Christmas Apps:
Portable North Pole - the number one Santa App
Santa's Lil Helper - City of Melbourne Christmas App
Melbourne City Christmas Guide/Map:
Map & Guide
General Websites & Links:
Only Melbourne - The Festive Season - This is a great list that covers most of the local Christmas Festivals, Council run Christmas Carol events and other fun activities in and around the local Melbourne area.
All information and dates are current at the time of publishing. Please ensure you refer to the relevant links (all highlighted text is linked) for the current information and updates.
I hope you and your family enjoy the lead up to Christmas!!
Amanda xx
