Towering trees, sparkly lights, epic projections and huge new stunning installations. These must-visit decoration spots will glow up your Insta-feed all through the festive season.

12 Days of Christmas

Find adorable Australian animal decorations hidden all around the city. This brand new installation is part of a city-wide scavenger hunt. Look out for eleven lizards leaping, eight koalas cuddling and a kookaburra in a gum tree! Can you spot all 12 decorations?

Crown Christmas river show

The spectacular river show is returning to Crown with a new look this Christmas! Stroll down Southbank Promenade to catch this dazzling Christmas show featuring water fountains, lasers, light projections and a festive soundtrack. Shows run every night from 9pm.

A giant bauble and water jets illuminated purple on the river.
Crown Christmas River Show

The giant reindeer

The gorgeous golden reindeer returns to Victoria Harbour (near Merchant Street) in all its sparkling glory. Venture further and find more unmissable decorations in Docklands. Spot the purple Christmas tree and iconic 'Merry Christmas' letters across Harbour Esplanade. Plus traditional nutcracker soldiers and elves. Find them along New Quay Promenade and Victoria Harbour Promenade. You can also see giant present boxes scattered throughout the entire precinct.

A large golden sculpture of a reindeer in the city at night.
The reindeer returns

Evan Walker Bridge

This footbridge always offers the best river views, but during the festive season you’ll be seeing it in a whole new light. Visit after dark for a spectacular star-studded installation stretching across the river.

A pedestrian footbridge decorated for Christmas with a star and sign reading 'Merry Christmas'.
Evan Walker Bridge

Christmas Square

Head to Christmas Square at Federation Square to marvel at the giant 17.5-metre tall LED Christmas tree. As the sun sets, the dazzling structure lights up with a gorgeous festive glow. Every night from 9pm, the sound and light shows make a grand return to this sparkling spectacle.

A giant glowing Christmas tree in the middle of a city square.
Christmas Square

³Ô¹ÏÍø Town Hall

The Christmas makeover at ³Ô¹ÏÍø Town Hall is a highly anticipated tradition. During the day, there's nutcracker soldiers, the bell tree and festive wreaths. See the historic facade wrapped in a giant bow. Then come back after dark when the iconic building will be aglow with a festive scene.

A large city building lit up with Christmas projections.
³Ô¹ÏÍø Town Hall

Chapter House

Chapter House is once again lighting up with a colourful Aussie Christmas display. See the historic building facade transform into a backyard during Christmas lunch. Expect a sweet celebration of togetherness and tradition.

Projections on an old building in the city, showing trees and Santa.
Chapter House Lane

Hidden laneway decorations

During the festival, the city’s iconic laneways will be awash with twinkling streams of Christmas decorations. Be amazed by the sea of lights in Degraves Street, then dine under light-up bells in Hardware Lane. Have a photo sesh with fairy lights in Manchester Lane and Centre Place. More festive fun awaits in Bank Place, Liverpool Street, Manchester Lane, Crossley Street, Market Lane, AC/DC Lane, Celestial Avenue and Liverpool Street.

A city laneway with giant glowing bell lights hanging above it.
Hardware Lane

Bourke Street Mall

On your way to the Myer Windows? Take a moment to marvel at the beautiful new lighting setup, casting a glow along Bourke Street Mall.

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Last updated on Fri 7 Nov 2025

Christmas

Christmas things to do

Christmas things to do

The city’s wrapped and ready with magical moments, twinkling lights and festive fun.

Christmas eat and drink

Christmas eat and drink

Savour the city’s festive flavours with rooftop bars, laneways and menus made for merry moments.

Christmas shopping

Christmas shopping

Start ticking off your list in the city’s iconic laneways, arcades and malls.

Discover more

Christmas in the city
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Christmas in the city

See the city light up with dazzling displays, festive events and activities for the whole family.

Moomba
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Moomba

An annual free festival held along the banks of the Yarra River.

³Ô¹ÏÍø's best outdoor events

³Ô¹ÏÍø's best outdoor events

Take the good times out into the fresh air with alfresco dining, summer events and epic pop-ups.