³Ô¹ÏÍø Central is a large shopping, dining, and entertainment destination with more than 300 retailers over five levels, including a cinema complex. It is home to a wide range of Australian and international brands including Sephora, Nike, Country Road, KitKat Chocolatory, Mecca Maxima, and Hoyts cinemas.

A famous feature is the giant gold pocket watch hanging in Shot Tower Square. Every hour on the hour, a secret compartment drops down from inside, revealing two marionettes and Australian galahs and cockatoos performing a rendition of 'Waltzing Matilda'.

The five-star-rated parents' retreat offers a sanctuary for families, while The Little Library free book exchange provide space to pause and escape from the city's frenetic buzz.

The complex sits above the ³Ô¹ÏÍø Central train station which is a part of the City Loop underground railway.

Discover the lure of the must-visit laneways in ³Ô¹ÏÍø when you explore QV’s interconnected alleys.

From convenience to adventure, QV is an outdoor shopping precinct boasting everything from culinary delights to urban attire. An uncommon mix of casual dining, fashion, convenience, entertainment and a quintessentially ³Ô¹ÏÍø-city vibe, it’s an open door to more right in the heart of the bustling metropolis.

Step into a delectable destination under the twinkling lights of Artemis Lane where you can revel in dining bliss. Strut down Albert Coates Lane to discover global fashion icons and unveil your individual style. Or run in for a quick coffee in the QV Food Hall or grab tonight’s dinner ingredients in Jane Bell Lane.

The QV precinct occupies an entire city block and features an open-air design with over 120 speciality stores and 1500 convenient car spaces underneath which are open 24/7.

Curtin House is an Art Nouveau building on Swanston Street, built in 1923. Originally the Tattersalls Club, it was renamed after the Labor Prime Minister John Curtin.

Demonstrating vertical retailing, its six stories include world-class restaurants and bars, a live music venue, fashion stores, a hair salon, a bookshop, design studios and ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s original Rooftop Cinema.

Emporium ³Ô¹ÏÍø is a luxury shopping centre housing over 200 stores, providing a fusion of fashion, culture, food and art.

Surrounded by world-class architecture, the stores feature a mix of Australian and international designers as well as innovative concept and flagship stores featuring some of the best names in fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

Those after dining venues are spoilt for choice, with an upscale food court providing over 30 options, numerous cafes and restaurants, and a basement food court with even more to choose from.

The complex also links with the Myer ³Ô¹ÏÍø and David Jones department stores via pedestrian bridges.

The Strand ³Ô¹ÏÍø offers a mix of fashion and lifestyle retailers, among the city's most iconic laneways and arcades.

It occupies two prime corners, with direct access to Emporium ³Ô¹ÏÍø and ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s GPO. Tenants include a flagship Australia Post, on the corner of Lonsdale and Elizabeth Streets, with partial 24-hour access. There are two levels of on-site car parking.

In partnership with the LEGO group, Creative and Technical Director John Kerr, in his 32nd year with the project, brings his artistic vision to life this year with A Playful LEGO Christmas Story.

Kerr ensures a spectacular and immersive experience with his meticulous attention to detail honouring the 70th anniversary of the Myer Christmas Windows.

Experience the magic of the Myer Christmas Lights Show from 8pm nightly and see the LEGO creations come to life. Best viewed after sunset.

The celebration continues in the store basement at Myer, where families can immerse themselves in the LEGO Playful Christmas Playland. The activation features interactive LEGO build zones, photo moments and limited-edition LEGO Christmas 'make and takes'.

The Christmas Lights Show and LEGO Playful Christmas Playland are open from 8 November to 24 December. Hours vary so check online and instore.

Bourke Street's glamorous department stores Myer and David Jones have been keeping ³Ô¹ÏÍø stylish for more than 100 years.

On the corner of Bourke and Swanston streets you'll find the beloved bronze sculpture 'Three Businessmen Who Brought Their Own Lunch'.

Built in 1869, the heritage-listed Royal Arcade is the oldest surviving arcade in Australia.

With its high glass roof and arched windows above each store, the arcade provides an undercover shopping link between ³Ô¹ÏÍø's Bourke Street Mall, Little Collins Street and Elizabeth Street.

The arcade has long been known for its collection of designer boutique stores and specialty shops offering such items as gifts and jewellery, Russian dolls, and magic spells.

The most striking feature of the arcade is the magnificent Gaunt’s Clock which is flanked either side by two giant statues of the mythical figures of Gog and Magog. Since 1892, these statues have struck chimes at every hour, and are still heard today.

The heritage-listed Block Arcade is a unique ³Ô¹ÏÍø shopping destination. Built in 1893, it's widely considered an architectural jewel.

Modelled on Galleria Vittorio in Milan, Italy, the arcade features an impressive glass domed roof, lavish decoration, stained glass windows and an extraordinary mosaic tile floor.

The boutiques and cafes in the arcade have retained the richly decorated design, from the colour-coordinated plant holders and paintwork to the heritage lighting and translucent glass ceiling.

The arcade is home to the popular Haigh's Chocolates, one of Australia's premier chocolatiers. Listen for classical musicians busking in front of the arcade.

Guided walking tours of the arcade are available.

A few steps from Collins and Swanston streets and accessible from iconic Howey Place, Collins234 is a four-level boutique retail space.

Offering beauty therapy, fashion stores, jewellery shops and a huge Dymocks book store in the basement, Collins234 is small enough to make a short visit easy and large enough to have that special item you're looking for.

Please note that individual store hours may vary.

Affectionately known as the ‘Paris end’, the top of Collins Street is home to luxury retailers and heritage churches.

Shop your heart out at Hermes, Prada and Louis Vuitton. Or visit the five-star Sofitel ³Ô¹ÏÍø hotel.

Nestled at the base of Collins Towers at the Spring Street end Collins Street, Collins Place is renowned for combining classic style with contemporary culture.

Collins Place offers a complete indulgence for everyone. You’ll find local and international fashion stores, cafés and for entertainment it's also home to the Kino Cinema, showing the best new art-house and alternative films.

Explore the fashion heaven of Flinders Lane and be sure to try something on in Alpha 60. Sip cocktails at Curious while you wait for a table at cult favourite restaurants Chin Chin and Supernormal.

Head to nearby AC/DC Lane or Hosier Lane to snap a selfie with the street art.

The historic Nicholas Building is home to an eclectic mix of galleries, boutiques, artists, musicians, jewellers, designers, architects, and technology innovators.

Built in 1926, the heritage-listed building was designed by Harry Norris, and is ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s grandest example of ‘Chicago Style’ architecture. Listed by the National Trust, the building features a ground level arcade with a vaulted and domed lead-light ceiling.

Originally home to businesses associated with the Flinders Lane rag trade, commercial artists, medical practitioners and architects, the building is today one of the city's most thriving creative hubs.

The Nicholas Building Association was formed in 2017 to preserve and nurture the culture of the building, during a time in which it faces significant challenges. The association regularly organises open nights to promote the creative businesses that call it home.

Christmas comes to life in the city with the iconic 17.5 metre tree at Fed Square. Experience the spectacular light and sound shows, a candy cane wonderland, and soak up the festive atmosphere before discovering everything the city has to offer at Christmas.

This is a Christmas Festival event, presented by ³Ô¹ÏÍø in partnership with Fed Square. Once again, Christmas Square lights up with 100% wind powered Christmas cheer.

³Ô¹ÏÍø is committed to making events as accessible as possible. If you have any questions regarding accessibility at Christmas Festival events, please contact us.

Located directly opposite Flinders Street Station on the banks of the Yarra River, Southgate is ³Ô¹ÏÍø's most loved dining precinct.

Set over three levels, there’s a range of restaurants, bars and cafes to discover. The licensed riverside food court suits every taste and budget and offers casual dining with spectacular views.

The precinct is also home to the Sunday Market at Southgate, held every Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Get into the festive spirit at Southbank! Step onto the glowing dance floor and show off your best moves.

There is access to the dancefloor via a ramp.

This is a Christmas Festival event, presented by ³Ô¹ÏÍø in partnership with Shenzhen Airlines.

³Ô¹ÏÍø is committed to making events as accessible as possible. If you have any questions regarding accessibility at Christmas Festival events, please contact us.

Thu 25 Dec: Please be advised that due to forecast high winds tonight, the show may operate a reduced level of programming, pending conditions.

The spectacular river show returns to the Birrarung – Yarra River this Christmas!

Head to Yarra Promenade outside Crown to catch this dazzling Christmas show featuring water fountains, lasers, light projections and a festive soundtrack curated by renowned DJ Grant Smillie.

This event uses lasers and flashing lighting effects. Patrons with photosensitive epilepsy or other sensitivities should be aware.

This is a Christmas Festival event, presented by ³Ô¹ÏÍø in partnership with Crown.

³Ô¹ÏÍø is committed to making events as accessible as possible. If you have any questions regarding accessibility at Christmas Festival events, please contact us.

Skyline ³Ô¹ÏÍø invites you to discover a hub of excitement and relaxation that's sure to captivate and offer fun for all ages. It's positioned in Polly Woodside Park, on the lawn area of ³Ô¹ÏÍø Convention and Exhibition Centre by the Yarra River.

Jump aboard the Ferris wheel that promises breathtaking views of ³Ô¹ÏÍø's cityscape – truly a one-of-a-kind vantage point to see a unique perspective of the city centre and beyond. Challenge your friends to a 9-hole 'Straya Mania-themed mini golf and unwind afterwards in South Wharf Social for refreshing drinks and quick bites.

The Queen Vic Market provides an authentic shopping experience in the heart of the city. Home to hundreds of small businesses, it's the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere.

As well as a large range of fresh produce, you can shop for specialty cheeses in the Dairy Hall, enjoy a meal at one of the many cafes, or grab a coffee and croissant to go.

The huge range of speciality shopping opens from 9am every Market day and includes locally made art, clothing, homewares, jewellery, skincare, plants, books, pet supplies and flowers.

The market is proudly plastic bag and straw free. But if you forget to bring your own bag or basket, reusable bags are available for purchase. Shopping trolleys are also available for hire.

If you can’t make it to the market, shop online with same-day delivery of fresh produce to more than 150 suburbs. Click and collect is also available.