Your guide to Melbourne this festive season
From carols under the stars to twilight markets, neon light trails and Santa photos (for the dogs too), there’s plenty happening close to home this Christmas. We’ve rounded up 18 of the best events across our local communities and the city, from Kew, Box Hill and Mitcham to Croydon, Doncaster, Ringwood, the Yarra Ranges and down towards Carrum Downs.
Grab a picnic rug, round up the family and get out and enjoy the season with your neighbours.
On now
Myer Christmas Windows Daily until 5 January | Myer Melbourne, Bourke Street Mall Melbourne’s much-loved animated Christmas windows are a tradition for generations of families. Make a night of it and pair them with a wander through the city lights.
November
Cire Twilight Market, Chirnside Park Friday 20 November, 4pm to 8pm | 33 Kimberley Drive, Chirnside Park | Free Get a head start on your Christmas shopping with handcrafted gifts, food trucks, live music and free family activities. Keep an eye out for Santa and the CFA fire truck.
Christmas Square, Federation Square 27 November to 25 December | Federation Square, Melbourne The city’s giant illuminated purple Christmas tree lights up Christmas Square, with the official tree lighting on Friday 27 November.
Frankston’s Christmas Festival of Lights Saturday 28 November, 4.30pm to 9.30pm | Davey Street, Frankston | Free Just down the road from Carrum Downs, this much-loved festival brings live music, rides, markets and festive dining, finishing with the tree lighting and fireworks.
Early December
Kew Community Carols Friday 4 December, 6.30pm to 8.30pm | Holy Trinity Church, 1A Pakington Street, Kew | Free A warm community night of carols with choirs, soloists and a symphonic band, plus a visit from Santa.
Crown Christmas River Show Nightly, 4 to 25 December | Yarra River, Southbank | Free A water, laser and light show along the river. The perfect after-dinner stroll.
Maroondah Carols, Croydon Saturday 5 December, 6pm to 10pm | Town Park, 20 Civic Square, Croydon | Free Pre-show entertainment and free family activities, with the main concert from 7.30pm and fireworks at about 9.30pm.
Mont Albert Village Twilight Carols Saturday 5 December, 6pm to 9pm | Mont Albert Village Heritage Plaza | Free A relaxed evening of Christmas carols in the village, a short hop from Box Hill.
Santa Paws at Burwood Village Saturday 5 December, 10am to 3pm | Melton Avenue, Burwood Village, Camberwell | Free Bring the family and your four-legged friends for a free photo with Santa at his Melton Avenue grotto.
Christmas in Mitcham Tuesday 8 December, 10am to 11am | Britannia Mall, Mitcham | Free Enjoy a free Christmas choir performance, then take in the painted festive shop windows, on display until 4 January.
Mid December
Neon Nights at Fordham Gardens Nightly, 10 to 20 December, 6pm to 10pm | Fordham Gardens, 579 Camberwell Road, Camberwell | Free Wander through an immersive Christmas neon wonderland. The lights are at their best after 8pm.
Manningham Carols by Candlelight Friday 11 December, 6pm to 10pm | Ruffey Lake Park, George Street, Doncaster East | Free One of the east’s biggest Christmas nights out, with live music, food trucks, a kids zone and a fireworks finale.
Christmas Carnival, Birrarung Marr 11 to 24 December | Birrarung Marr, Melbourne Family rides, carnival games and festive food on the riverbank.
Yarra Glen Carols by Candlelight Saturday 12 December, 7pm to 9pm | McKenzie Reserve, Yarra Glen Fun performances for all and a visit from Santa, with food trucks from 6pm. Bring your picnic blanket for a true local night out.
The Joy of Christmas, Ringwood East Tuesday 15 December, 10.30am | Karralyka, 22A Mines Road, Ringwood East | $27 A morning of festive songs and Christmas favourites, with tea, coffee and treats served from 9.30am.
Christmas week
Carols in the Cathedral 18 and 19 December | St Paul’s Cathedral, 200 Flinders Street, Melbourne The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic presents Christmas music across three sessions in one of the city’s most beautiful buildings.
Whitehorse Carols Saturday 19 December | Whitehorse Civic Centre Precinct and The Round, Nunawading | Free Food and activities from 5.30pm, carols on stage from 6.30pm and Santa on hand for family photos. Bring a rug or chair.
Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve, Thursday 24 December | Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Kings Domain Celebrate Christmas Eve at the nation’s favourite carols concert. Gates open at 4pm and the show starts at 8pm.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Noel Jones
However you celebrate, we hope you find some time to slow down, enjoy your community and make a few memories close to home. Thank you for being part of our local communities this year. We wish you and your family a safe and happy Christmas and all the best for the new year.
Event details are correct at the time of publishing and may change. Please check with event organisers before heading out.
