26 Christmas Events in Melbourne To Get You In The Festive Spirit (2023)
Every year the City of Melbourne has hosted a merry lineup of events for Christmas – and 2023 promises to be no different!
Get out your diaries and your credit card, for there are a whole host of Christmas events, activities and attractions in Melbourne that you’ll need to book if you don’t want to miss out! Many of the events are affordable for a family, while some are more premium experiences.
Here’s a list of the paid Christmas events, activities and attractions in Melbourne that everyone will enjoy, from family-friendly events to romantic outings for couples.
When is Christmas in 2023?
Christmas is on Monday 25 December 2023
Christmas in Melbourne EVENTS CBD
1. DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne
This holiday season, DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne will be launching a Christmas themed room proudly teaming up with Ugg Express to transform their King Federation View Loft Room into a captivating Christmas wonderland, lovingly dubbed ‘Candy Cane Lane.’
With reservations opening from November 1, and stays available from November 24 to December 27, guests can expect to be immersed in the festive spirit staying in the room, surrounded by the vibrant colours of Christmas – complete with stockings, candy canes, baubles, resplendent Christmas trees, and more.
The ‘Candy Cane Lane’ package starts at just $469 and includes:
- A One-Night Stay in the King Federation View Loft Room for up to four* guests
- Complimentary Parking
- A Delicious Buffet Breakfast for Two
- A DIY DoubleTree Cookie Jar
- An Ugg Express Key Chain
- A Generous 15% Discount Code from Ugg Express
DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne, 270 Flinders Street, 03 9654 6888
Wed 1 Nov – Wed Dec 27 2023
2. A Christmas Carol
The smash-hit Old Vic production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, starring David Wenham, is coming to Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre this holiday season.
Conceived and directed by Matthew Warchus (Matilda the Musical) and adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), this brand-new take on a timeless classic is sure to get you into the holiday spirit! Recommended for 8+ years.
A Christmas Carol, Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition St, Melbourne
Sun 12 Nov – Sun 31 Dec 2023, $75
3. The Big Design Market
After a three-year hiatus, Australia’s favourite Christmas shopping extravaganza, The Big Design Market, will be brimming from end to end with fantastic designer goodies and sumptuous shopping snacks!
On top of this, there will also be other fun activities, including a jungle gym from Funky Monkey Bars, to ensure your kids stay entertained during the event.
The Big Design Market, Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson St, Carlton, enquiries@thebigdesignmarket.com
Fri 1 Dec – Sat 3 Dec
Tickets $6 online, $8 at the door
4. Blender Studios Christmas Party
All the studios are cleaned off and the artists will show off their work as the whole space turns into a giant art gallery. With a curated Blender show in the Darkhorse Experiment galley and performances, drinks bands and dancing this annual party has become part of the cultural fabric of Blender Studios.
The studios turn into a oldskool, all night warehouse art party.
Blender Studios Christmas Party, The Blender Studios, 33-35 Dudley St, West Melbourne
Fri 1 Dec, 6pm
5. Handel’s Messiah at Hamer Hall
The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra is proud to present Handel’s Messiah for the world record 243rd time since 1853. Famous for its sparkling arias, powerful choruses and surging climaxes, Messiah is the most famous oratorio ever composed.
Featuring over 100 talented musicians, the grand Town Hall will be filled with the sounds of this incredible work. Don’t miss your chance to experience this musical masterpiece!
Handel’s Messiah at Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank 3004
Saturday 9 December 2023, 7pm
Sunday 10 December 2023, 5pm
From $78 to $135
6. Vika & Linda: Gee Whiz, It’s Christmas!(Again)!… A Family Affair!
Last year Vika & Linda released their first Christmas album Gee Whiz, It’s Christmas! They followed it up with a sell-out Christmas show at Melbourne Recital Centre which was so much fun that they’re doing it again it this year, and they’re inviting some other ‘musical kin’ to join the party, including Mark and Eva Seymour, The Little Stevies, and more to come.
Vika & Linda: Gee Whiz, It’s Christmas!, Melbourne Recital Centre, 31 Sturt St, Southbank
Saturday 9 December 8pm, $79
7. National Boys Choir of Australia: Sing Christmas
The National Boys Choir of Australia present Sing Christmas. The program features traditional and popular Christmas music such as Ding Dong, Merrily on High, Jingle Bells, O Tannenbaum, Need a Little Christmas and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.
National Boys Choir of Australia: Sing Christmas, Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne 3000
Sunday 10 December 5pm
8. Tinseltown: Where Everyday Is Christmas
Tinseltown is a Christmas-themed pop up that is all about celebrating Christmas – so you can expect Santa, elves, presents, tinsel, festive tunes and a fabulous Christmas cocktail menu.
Tickets include entry to the themed bar and a themed drink on arrival. The pop-up bar is currently for over 18s, but family-friendly sessions are available for those under drinking age, and non-alcoholic beverages are available.
*Get 10% off your tickets with the Tinseltown discount code JOYCE10
Tinseltown: Where Everyday Is Christmas, The District Docklands, 23 – 37 Star Crescent, 440 Docklands Dr, Docklands
Wed 22 Nov – Thu 30 Nov
Adult / general $17
9. Santa’s Village At Tinseltown!
Santa Clause is coming to The District Docklands to get everyone into the Christmas Spirit and give a little sneaky peak into his workshop and elves, who are busy getting ready for the big day!
Upon entering the enchanting land of Santa’s Village, you will be met by some cheerful and kind Elves who will give you a tour of the workshop as well as get you your own Elf Passport so you can join in on some crafting in the Toy Factory, cookie decorating in the Christmas Kitchen, Ice Curling.
The event is also a great place to take annual family Christmas photos while meeting Santa or just to get in the spirit of the holiday.
Tickets for the event cost $10 for adult admission and $5 for child admission, while entry for children under 5 is free. Each ticket includes a 60-minute entry, a drink and a cookie. You can also purchase an all-inclusive pass for $60, which includes everything plus access to all activities such as Gingerbread Making, Toy Making, and Cookie Making.
*Get 10% off your tickets with the Tinseltown discount code JOYCE10
Santa’s Village At Tinseltown, The District Docklands, 440 Docklands Dr, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
22 Nov 2023 to 31 Dec 2023, $5 – $19.24
10. IMAX – The Polar Express 3D
See the iconic 3D Christmas film, The Polar Express, presented in IMAX 4K laser digital at IMAX Melbourne on Saturday, 2 December. It will be the final screening, so don’t miss out!
IMAX – The Polar Express 3D, Melbourne Museum Precinct, Rathdowne Street, Carlton Gardens
Adult: $18.00
Child (3 – 15 years inclusive): $11.00
Student / Concession card holder: $15.00
Seniors (Australian Senior Card holder): $11.00
11. The Nutcracker
The Australian Conservatoire of Ballet is thrilled to bring back one of Tchaikovsky’s most beloved creations, The Nutcracker, after its incredibly successful performances in 2018! The traditional Christmas ballet performance will feature 65 talented dancers, international guest artists, and a 60-piece orchestra conducted by the esteemed Peter Bandy.
It’s a timeless Christmas classic that is sure to provide a wonderful holiday experience for all!
The Nutcracker, Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank
Thu 21 Dec – Fri 22 Dec 2023
12. Christmas Melodies
Feel the festive spirit this season with the return of the beloved Christmas Melodies!
Join host Gorgi Coghlan for a warm festive sing-a-long with music theatre stars Thomas McGuane and Sarah Krndija as well as the Pasefika Vitoria Choir led by music director Rita Seumanutafa-Palala and The Salvation Army Band led by musical director Ken Waterworth.
Join in for a jolly evening of singing, with a festive mix of both old and new classics and don’t forget to bring along your family and friends!
Christmas Melodies, Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank
$30, 11 December 2023
13. Candlelight Christmas Jazz
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Melbourne. Buy your tickets now to discover the music of Christmas jazz featuring Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and more at Athenaeum Theatre 2 under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Candlelight Christmas Jazz, The Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St Melbourne
$32 – $78, Fri 22 Dec, 6:30 pm
14. A Very Jewish Christmas Carol
Caulfield baker Elysheva Scroogeavitz is determined not to let anything get in the way of fulfilling customer demand for her Bubby’s famous Polish gingerbread. Not her family’s impending Chrismukkah celebrations; not her contractions and imminent labour; and certainly not the ghosts who’ve suddenly shown up in her kitchen. But the Rein-Dybbuck of Chrismukkah Past, Gingerbread Golem and Lilith Claus have other ideas, and Ely’s about to get an unexpected lesson in the importance of making time for the ones we love.
A Very Jewish Christmas Carol, Southbank Theatre, 140 Southbank Blvd, 03 8688 0800, info@mtc.com.au
From $29 to $122, Tue 14 Nov – Sat 16 Dec, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
15. Gel Printing with Botanicals: Christmas Card Workshop
Connect with your creative side and produce your own unique Christmas cards and Christmas tags with this fun, beginner friendly gel printing workshop. You will use fresh and dried botanicals to create the beautiful prints which will be the basis of your cards.
Gel Printing with Botanicals: Christmas Card Workshop, Royal Botanic Gardens Vic, 03 9650 6398, friends@frbgmelb.org.au
From $105 to $115, Sun 26 Nov, 10am – 2.30pm
16. Christmas Cinema
Grab the popcorn and enjoy a series of festive films at the stunning Capitol Theatre, with a mix of family favourites and cult classics.
- Sat 2 Dec: Elf
- Sat 9 Dec: The Polar Express
- Sat 16 Dec: The Grinch
- Thu 21 Dec: The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Fri 22 Dec: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
- Sat 23 Dec: The Santa Clause
All proceeds from ticket sales go to Make Room, a project assisting people out of homelessness.
Christmas Cinema, The Capitol, 113 Swanston St, Melbourne, christmas.festival@melbourne.vic.gov.au
$5, Sat 2 Dec – Sat 23 Dec, 2pm – 4pm
17. Create Your Own Christmas Wreath
Spend a crafty morning creating your own beautiful fresh Christmas wreath to adorn your front door during the festive season. Bella of Daily Blooms, your tutor and flower enthusiast, will guide you through flower selection and placement of the foliage to ensure a glorious floral decoration for your home.
No experience necessary. All equipment and materials are provided, along with a delightful morning tea.
Create Your Own Christmas Wreath, Royal Botanic Gardens Vic, 03 9650 6398, friends@frbgmelb.org.au
From $125 to $140, Sun 3 Dec, 10am – 12pm
18. Christmas Ice Skating
Get ready to escape the summer heat and dive into some festive fun at O’Brien Icehouse.
Just in time for Christmas, Melbourne’s coolest spot is transforming into a winter wonderland, and you’re invited to join in the icy excitement.
Christmas Ice Skating, O’Brien Icehouse, Ground/105 Pearl River Rd, 1300 75 66 99, info@obrienicehouse.com.au
Mon 4 Dec – Mon 22 Dec, 6.15pm – 11pm
19. Christmas Carnival
Enjoy festive thrills on the banks of the Birrarung at the Christmas Carnival. Ride the ferris wheel, drive the dodgems or get the best view of the city lights as you spin 35 meters in the air on top of the Sky Flyer. Try your luck at much-loved carnival games and complete the experience with classic carnival food.
Entry is free. Tickets for each ride can be purchased at the ticket box on site.
Christmas Carnival, Birrarung Marr, Melbourne Vic, christmas.festival@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Thu 14 Dec – Sun 24 Dec, 2pm – 10.30pm
20. The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Noël, Noël
This popular concert series touches on the religious but is firmly grounded in the spiritual in an uplifting program of familiar fare, including O Come All Ye Faithful and Stille Nacht, as well as surprising musical riches for the festive season. Inclusiveness and connection are at the heart of this concert series, with the music radiating a sense of excitement and beauty. You’ll smile, you’ll laugh and you’ll go home with great memories.
The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Noël, Noël, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, 31 Sturt St Southbank. Melbourne, 1300 782 856, tickets@brandenburg.com.au
From $40 to $185, Sat 16 Dec, 5pm – 9pm
21. The Listies Ruin Xmas
Putting the SLAY into sleighbells, The Listies Ruin Xmas is an uproarious take on the holiday pantomime. Its mission? To make families laugh as much as possible.
The acclaimed comedic duo return in this silly season sensation jam-packed full of things kids love like poo jokes and inflatable Santa suits. The Listies will make kids shriek with laughter.
The Listies Ruin Xmas, Melbourne Town Hall, 90/130 Swanston St, christmas.festival@melbourne.vic.gov.au
$10, Fri 22 Dec, 10.30am – 3.30pm
22. Christmas at Afloat Viva Mexico
Afloat is making spirits bright with packages to suit any group of family or friends, so you can sit back, relax and let them take care of all the hard work.
There’s table reservations, banquets and premium fiesta bookings, along with daybed and cabana packages inclusive of a selection of seafood, tapas and tacos and tequila from the Mexican-inspired menu.
Christmas at Afloat Viva Mexico, 2 Flinders Walk, Melbourne
from $70, Mon 25 Dec 2023
23. Candlelight Holiday Special
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Melbourne. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Christmas Classics at Fitzroy Town Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Candlelight Holiday Special, The Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St Melbourne
$29 – $72, Sat 9 Dec, 8:30 pm
24. FestiviTea
Christmas bells and mistletoe. There’s no better reason than Christmas to schedule a year-end catch up with loved ones. FestiviTea – specially themed Festive High Tea, is served in the joyous surrounds of The Lobby Lounge. Festive Themed Children’s High Tea available for $61.00 per child (12 years and under).
FestiviTea, Lobby Lounge – The Westin Melbourne, 205 Collins Street, Melbourne
$84 per person, Mon 27 Nov, 11am – 1:30pm
25. Christmas Ice Skating At O’Brien Icehouse
Get ready to escape the summer heat and dive into some festive fun at O’Brien Icehouse at The District Docklands! From Monday, December 4th to Friday, December 22nd, Melbourne’s coolest spot is transforming into a winter wonderland, and you’re invited to join in the icy excitement.
Christmas Ice Skating At O’Brien Icehouse, 105 Pearl River Road, Docklands
$78-$17, Mon 4 Dec – Fri 22 Dec
26. Santa’s Breakfast at the Pancake Parlour
Santa Claus is coming to town! Welcome the Christmas season with a fun-filled Santa’s breakfast for kids! Little ones will have the chance to meet Santa!
Santa’s Breakfast, The Pancake Parlour, The District Docklands
$9.90, Saturday 2nd December, 9am-10am OR 10.30am – 11.30am
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