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SHAREDeck the laneway with boughs of holly, as Melbourne embraces the spirit of Christmas in 2017.
From markets to the Myer windows, selfies with Santa and a merry activation in Federation Square, there’s something for locals and visitors alike as Victoria celebrates the Festive Season.
Federation Square
until 25 December, Federation Square
Federation Square will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland offering festive fun for the whole family. The jolly man in red is in residence, found beneath a 16-metre-tall tree. Be sure to take a free photo with him as he waits to hear what you want in your stocking this year. A light show takes over at 9:00pm every night, with a six-metre bauble glittering above the Square.
State Library of Victoria Christmas Projections
until 25 December, State Library of Victoria
The iconic State Library of Victoria will light up across December, with its stunning architecture to feature a bright and swirling projection show that tells the story of the North Pole’s preparation for the big day. The show begins at 9:00pm every night.
Myer Christmas Windows
until early 2018, 314-335 Bourke St, Melbourne
As iconic as Santa Claus himself, the Myer Christmas Windows are a Melbourne institution. Celebrating the story of Christmas, with a technological twist for the 21st century, it’s best to get there early and avoid the queues. The Giftorium on the 6th floor provides plenty of inspiration for those on the hunt for presents that surprise a loved one.
The Gingerbread Village
until 24 December, Melbourne Town Hall
The Gingerbread Village by EPICURE returns to the Melbourne Town Hall in 2017, brought to life by award-winning pastry chef Deniz Karaca and his talented team in an effort to raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital. This year they will craft the F1 Grand Prix, to add to the village comprising 500 kilograms of gingerbread, 360 kilograms of royal icing, 150 kilograms of marzipan and around 800 miniature Christmas trees for the festive backdrop.
Christmas with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
16 December, Hamer Hall
Take it to the high notes and celebrate Christmas with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as they perform all your favourite festive orchestral works, like ‘The Nutcracker’ by Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘Christmas Eve’. You’ll be primed to dive into the jolly season in no time at all.
Carols by Candlelight
24 December, Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Join in the chorus at Carols by Candelight, a now 80-year long celebration of music that donates 100% of profits to the efforts of Vision Australia. You and your loved ones will never forget this incredible evening of music, laughter and memories. Feast on a picnic while watching and listening to your favourite carols by artists like Marina Prior, Denis Walter and Silvie Paladino.
Christmas
Skate with Santa
every weekend in December, O’Brien Group Arena
Take to the ice alongside Santa at O’Brien Group Arena, with skating for the whole family a fantastic way to begin the build-up to Christmas Day. It’s on every Saturday and Sunday across December, commencing at 3:00pm.
Queen Victoria Market
until 25 December, Queen St, Melbourne
The North Pole comes to Melbourne’s most iconic market this December, as thousands of Melburnians stock up on the trimmings required for a feast to remember. More than 250,000 people are expected to pass through in the days leading up to Christmas, with entertainment from carollers to feature alongside Santa Claus and cooking demonstrations by celebrity chef Lynton Tapp.
South Melbourne Market
until 25 December, Coventry & Cecil St, South Melbourne
An Australian Christmas abounds for those on the hunt for seafood, and the South Melbourne Market is the place to be for prawns, crayfish, crabs and oysters this festive season. There will be extended trading from 20 December and Santa and his elves will be on site to support with any final gift ideas.
Dining on Christmas Day
25 December, across Melbourne
A culinary adventure each and every day of the year, Melbourne provides plenty of tantalising dining options for those not wanting to prepare a Christmas feast at home. For more information on a number of highlights, check out this impressive list from the City of Melbourne.
12th Christmas Day BYO Picnic
25 December, Queen Victoria Gardens
The holidays don’t have to be a lonely time of the year if you’re a Christmas Day orphan. Everyone is welcome to pull up a blanket at the annual BYO picnic. Young and old, of any faith or religion, bring a plate to share, a name tag, and a bit of holiday spirit to make some new friends.
Christmas Laneways
until early 2018
Degraves Street, Alfred Place, Howie Place, Meyers Place and Manchester Lane are some of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways and in 2017 they’ll be decked out with boughs of holly, fairy lights, baubles and in some cases, reindeer too. Did some say Instagram?
CHRISTMAS TRADING HOURS
As Christmas Day fast approaches, it’s time to plan ahead with your shopping. Below is an update on Christmas trading hours for the major centres across the city.
Chadstone, the Fashion Capital
11 December - 17 December, 9:00am - 9:00pm
18 December - 22 December, 9:00am - 12:00am (midnight)
36 hours of trading: 8:00am, Saturday 23 December - 6:00pm, Sunday 24 December
Melbourne Central
11 December - 23 December, 9:00am - 9:00pm
24 December, 9:00am - 6:00pm
Highpoint
11 December - 13 December, 9:00am - 7:00pm
14 December - 17 December, 9:00am - 9:00pm
18 December - 22 December, 9:00am - 11:59pm
34 hours of trading: 9:00am, Saturday 23 December - 5:00pm, Sunday 24 December
Emporium
11 December - 23 December, 9:00am - 9:00pm
24 December, 9:00am - 6:00pm
Westfield Doncaster
11 December - 13 December, 9:00am - 7:00pm
14 December - 15 December, 9:00am - 10:00pm
16 December - 17 December, 9:00am - 7:00pm
18 December - 20 December, 9:00am - 10:00pm
21 December - 22 December, 9:00am - 11:59pm
23 December, 9:00am - 9:00pm
24 December, 8:00am - 5:00pm
The District, Docklands
16 December - 20 December, 9:00am - 6:00pm
21 December, 9:00am - 8:00pm
22 December, 9:00am - 9:00pm
23 December, 9:00am - 7:00pm
24 December, 10:00am - 6:00pm
This content can be shared and edited for the purpose of promoting Victoria as a visitor destination. Not for use in paid advertising. Please credit Visit Victoria.
