The City of Melbourne really does put on the best Christmas lights in the city! This festive season take the time to visit these must-see Christmas lights and decorations in Melbourne CBD and Docklands.
Admire beautifully decorated trees from Bourke Street Mall to Chinatown to Queensbridge, snap a photo under bright twinkling lights and see amazing projections and Insta-worthy installations. Read on for our top picks of Melbourne Christmas Lights and Decorations this year.
When is Christmas 2025?
Christmas Day is Thursday 25 December 2025.
Melbourne Christmas Projections, Lights and Decorations
1. Christmas Square
Federation Square is transformed into Christmas Square, the heart of Melbourneโs Christmas celebrations.
Take a selfie with the giant 16-metre-tall LED Christmas tree that lights up the night with a joyous festive glow through hundreds of neon lights.
Youโll also be able to spot other festive decorations, including glittering baubles, Santaโs workshop and more!
Christmas Square, Federation Square, Melbourne
Fri 28 Nov – Thurs 25 Dec 2025, 8 am – 11.30 pm
2. Melbourne Town Hall
Come over to the and watch Melbourne Town Hall’s iconic Christmas projections! See four beautiful, colourful treatments light up the building’s facade – spot the native floral wreaths, a koala climbing a candy cane, and singing reindeer and penguins!
Visit the Melbourne Visitor Hub at Melbourne Town Hall to see the singing penguins from 2 Dec!
Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne 3000
Fri 28 Nov – Thurs 25 Dec 2025, All day
3. State Library Victoria Christmas Projections
Let it glow! Watch stunning projections take over State Library Victoria from the Swanston Street forecourt.
The dazzling display lighting up the library’s iconic facade features a range of colourful themes, celebrating everything we love about the holiday season in Australia โ enjoying summer and coming together with our nearest and dearest.
State Library Victoria, 328 Swanston St Melbourne
Fri 28 Nov – Thurs 25 Dec 2025, 9pm – 11pm
4. Decorations in Docklands, Harbour Esplanade, New Quay Promenade, and Victoria Harbour Promenade
Go decoration-spotting and hunting for Christmas lights in Melbourne at the Docklands. In fact, why not take your Christmas photos here too!
The gorgeous golden reindeer returns to Victoria Harbour (near Merchant Street) from 29 November in all its sparkling glory. Venture further and find more unmissable decorations in Docklands. Spot the iconic ‘Merry Christmas’ letters across Harbour Esplanade. Plus traditional crackers along New Quay Promenade and Victoria Harbour Promenade. You can also see giant present boxes scattered throughout the entire precinct.
5. Degraves Street, Centre Place, Manchester Lane, Hardware Lane, Meyers Place
Melbourne is famous for its laneways and some of the cityโs most iconic lanes are aglow with twinkling Christmas decorations.
See the lights at Degraves Street, Centre Place and Manchester Lane, dine alfresco under Hardware Laneโs glittering bells and snap a photo under the boughs of green in Meyers Place.
6. Evan Walker Bridge, Southbank
This footbridge is a spot that always offers the most breathtaking views, and for Christmas, it hosts a spectacular star-studded installation that will bathe the area in a whole new light.
7. Crown Christmas River Show, Yarra River
A spectacular river show is coming to the Birrarung โ Yarra River this Christmas!
Head to Southbank (near Evan Walker Bridge) to catch this dazzling Christmas show featuring water fountains, lasers, light projections and a festive soundtrack. Shows will run every 15 minutes each night from 9pm.
Crown Christmas River Show, Yarra River, Between Princes Bridge and Evan Walker Bridge Southbank
Fri 28 Nov – Thurs 25 Dec 2025, 9pm – 11pm
8. Visit the iconic 333 Collins Street tree
Check out the iconic and chicest foyers in the city at 333 Collins Street where youโll find a Christmas tree beautifully decorated to look like it came out of your favourite Christmas movie!
9. Walkthrough a white Christmas wonderland
Find unique gifts, ornaments, decorations and even Disney themed items sourced from around the world at Ambience for the holiday season this year.
This Christmas wonderland is not one to miss especially if youโre looking for the most exquisite Christmas decorations or gifts this year.
10. Bourke Street Mall
If youโre headed to the Myer Christmas Windows, take a moment to marvel at giant candy canes and cute koalas. Inspired by the Aussie festive season, these Christmas decorations are simply too cute to not snap a pic. Enjoy the LEGO Christmas display at the windows.
11. Flinders Street Christmas Projections
See your city block shine this holiday season with stunning projections taking over five buildings on Flinders Street opposite Fed Square. The dazzling display features six colourful themes, including Christmas candy, festive decorations, winter wonderland, native flora and more, lighting up the facade.
Afterwards, why not also visit Christmas Square to see the giant tree illuminated during a stunning light show!
Flinders Street Christmas Projections, Flinders Street, Opposite Fed Square, Flinders St, Melbourne
12. Queen Vic Market Christmas
For 2025, the festive singing reindeer make an appearance at our city’s iconic market.
Press the button and they sing and dance. We love finding these funny reindeer each year!
Queen Victoria Market, Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
13. Let’s Dance with Shenzhen Airlines
Get into the festive spirit at Southbank! Kids can show off your dance moves, and see the glowing floor react in time with the music.
There is access to the dancefloor via a ramp.
Open all day from 28 Nov โ 25 Dec 2025
Queensbridge Square, 3 Queens Bridge St, Southbank 3006
14. AliExpress Christmas Playscape
Located in Queensbridge Square, this vibrant holiday destination features interactive games, delightful photo missions, and generous daily draws for shopping vouchers. Embrace the joy of the season with exciting activities and Christmas displays.
20 – 23 Dec 2025, 1 pm – 8 pm
AliExpress Christmas Playscape, Queensbridge Square, 3 Queens Bridge St, Southbank 3006
15. Melbourne’s Churches
Melbourne’s city churches are a must-visit during the festive season, with their Christmas decorations and nativity displays adding an extra layer of charm to the city’s holiday spirit.
St Patrickโs Cathedral, with its awe-inspiring Gothic Revival architecture, often features a beautiful nativity scene alongside twinkling Christmas lights. St Paulโs Cathedral, located in the heart of the city, pairs its striking stained-glass windows and spires with seasonal decorations that create a serene and uplifting atmosphere.
These churches not only celebrate the meaning of Christmas but also offer a chance to appreciate their stunning architecture, which stands as a testament to Melbourne’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
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