Melbourne Christmas map - What's On Melbourne (2024)

Large shopping, dining, and entertainment complex with its own underground train station.

Melbourne 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 Melbourne Central train station which is a part of the City Loop underground railway.

Discover more about Melbourne Central

Leading shopping precinct and home to some of the finest retailers and restaurants in Melbourne.

QV Melbourne is a leading shopping precinct in the central city.

Inside you'll find Australian and international designer stores, restaurants and some of Melbourne’s finest retailers. The QV precinct occupies an entire city block and features an open-air design with over 120 speciality stores running down its laneways.

There are 1500 convenient car spaces underneath which are open 24 hours a day, and include a Wash n Shop so you can have your car washed while you shop.

In the lower basement, QV is anchored by the city’s only full-sized supermarket – Woolworths. Outside on street level, Albert Coates Lane is lined with a select range of fashion boutiques.

Never short of entertainment, the public space at QV often plays host to lifestyle events, shows and buskers.

Discover more about QV Melbourne

A six-storey 1920s building with an eclectic mix of shops, dining and entertainment.

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 Melbourne’s original Rooftop Cinema.

Discover more about Curtin House

An upscale shopping centre offering a variety of designer stores, cafes and restaurants.

Emporium Melbourne 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 Melbourne and David Jones department stores via pedestrian bridges.

Discover more about Emporium Melbourne

A heritage-listed building in the Bourke Street Mall offering a range of retail and dining options.

Melbourne’s GPO is a heritage-listed building on the corner of Bourke and Elizabeth Streets, offering a range of retail and dining options.

In addition to H&M's flagship store, the centre is also home to Larsen Jewellery, Federal Coffee Palace, restaurant and bar Ca De Vin, Absolutely Altered and Tailored, Design Inc and Alto Event Space.

Discover more about Melbourne's GPO

Offers a mix of fashion and lifestyle retailers among the city's most iconic laneways and arcades.

The Strand Melbourne 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 Melbourne and Melbourne’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.

Discover more about The Strand

Feel the buzz and shop local in the heart of Melbourne's retail precinct.

Bourke Street's glamorous department stores Myer and David Jones have been keeping Melbourne 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'.

Oldest covered shopping walkway in Australia, known for its giant clock that chimes every hour.

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 Melbourne'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.

Discover more about Royal Arcade

Stop by Town Hall for information and help planning your time in Melbourne and Regional Victoria.

Discover more about Melbourne Visitor Hub

A lavish 19th century shopping arcade featuring an impressive mosaic floor.

The heritage-listed Block Arcade is a unique Melbourne 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.

Discover more about The Block Arcade

Boutique retail space for fashion, accessories, beauty and books.

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.

Discover more about Collins234

High-end fashion meets iconic architecture in Melbourne's renowned Collins Street.

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 Melbourne hotel.

Collins Place is renowned for combining classic style with contemporary culture.

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 Keno Cinema, showing the best new art-house and alternative films.

Discover more about Collins Place

This historic building is home to an eclectic mix of galleries, boutiques and artists.

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 Melbourne’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.

Discover more about Nicholas Building

This beautiful Art Deco shopping arcade is the gateway to Melbourne's famed Nicholas Building.

The nine storey Nicholas Building was built in 1926 in the Chicago School style. Today it's filled with artists, studios and galleries.

In the ground floor arcade you can shop local fashion at Kuwaii or turn back time at Vintage Sole.

Discover more about Cathedral Arcade

Browse boutique fashion and foodie hot spots, plus street art in the neighbouring laneways.

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.

A dining precinct located on the banks of the Yarra River, opposite Flinders Street Station.

Located directly opposite Flinders Street Station on the banks of the Yarra River, Southgate is Melbourne'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.

Discover more about Southgate

Luxury riverside complex for dining, shopping and entertainment.

Crown Melbourne is a luxury resort complex featuring dining, entertainment, shopping and more on the banks of the Yarra River.

Dine at one of the many casual or fine-dining restaurants and bars or browse a selection of high-end fashion labels at Prada, Chanel, Bulgari and Burberry.

If it's entertainment you seek, watch a movie in style at the Gold Class cinema, catch a show at the Palms, or stay the night at Crown Towers, Crown Promenade or Crown Metropole.

Discover more about Crown Melbourne

Outlet mall by the waterfront that is home to over 180 retail stores.

Serious shoppers can go to DFO South Wharf and find over 180 Australian and international brands offering up to 70 per cent off regular retail prices.

Complete the experience by dining at one of the many waterfront cafes, restaurants, or bars along South Wharf Promenade.

DFO South Wharf is conveniently within a stone's throw of the city centre.

Discover more about DFO South Wharf

Melbourne's only city outlet centre, featuring favourite food, fashion and homeware brands.

Conveniently located next to the city’s largest public transport hub, Southern Cross Station, above the Skybus terminal, and next to Marvel Stadium, Spencer Outlet Centre provides accessible shopping for locals and tourists alike.

Check the website for a comprehensive and up-to-date list of stores.

Discover more about Spencer Outlet Centre

Open-air shopping precinct with attractions, entertainment, dining and fresh food.

The District is the entertainment heart of Melbourne.

Step into a world of optical illusions and larger-than-life murals at Australia's first immersive, 'trick art' gallery ArtVo, or go for a spin on the ice at O'Brien Icehouse. Catch the latest blockbusters at ultimate state-of-the-art Hoyts cinema complex, where every seat is a powered recliner. Grab some food, go bowling, try the dodgem cars or play arcade games at Archie Brother's Cirque Electriq.

If you're feeling hungry, there are over 30 food and dining options including Carl's Jr, China Bar, Urban Alley Brewery, Dohtonbori, Seoul Garden Korean BBQ or The Pancake Parlour.

Once you're done with all of the entertainment and dining, shop H&M and Uniqlo plus other big brands. Plus enjoy the local convenience of Woolworths, Dan Murphys, East West Marketplace and Chemist Warehouse.

Getting to The District is a breeze – it is in the Free Tram Zone, offers 90 minutes of free parking, and easy access via Footscray Rd.

Discover more about The District Docklands

This beloved Melbourne landmark is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere.

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.

Discover more about Queen Victoria Market

See stunning bubble displays executed by expert bubble artists in this Christmas adventure.

Santa's official bubble builder Dr Bubble works alone in his bubble laboratory as Christmas draws near. Wanting a friend, he accidentally brings to life Milkshake the Bubble Clown and all bubble mayhem breaks loose!

See stunning bubble displays executed by expert bubble artists in this Christmas adventure that is fun for the whole family.

Please note:
• Performances will be Auslan interpreted.
• Relaxed performances: 1.30pm 23 Dec & 11am 24 Dec.
• Suitable for ages 3–12.

All proceeds from ticket sales will be distributed to support local food relief initiatives by OzHarvest, The Big Umbrella and West Melbourne Baptist Church.

This is a Christmas Festival event, presented by City of Melbourne.

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

Discover more about Bubble Show for Christmas

See festive films in the stunning Capitol Theatre.

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 7 Dec, 1pm: A Christmas Story
Sat 14 Dec, 1pm: Home Alone
Sat 21 Dec, 3pm: The Muppet Christmas Carol
Sun 22 Dec, 1pm: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Doors open an hour before screening starts – come early to grab your seats.

All proceeds from ticket sales will be distributed to support local food relief initiatives by OzHarvest, The Big Umbrella and West Melbourne Baptist Church.

This is a Christmas Festival event, presented by City of Melbourne.

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

Discover more about Christmas Cinema

See the new bell tree or snap a selfie on Santa's throne as nutcracker soldiers stand guard.

The iconic building is all wrapped up with a bow and native florals. The façade gets a festive light treatment at night. Plus visit the Melbourne Visitor Hub to see the singing penguins from 2 Dec!

Discover a Christmas wonderland featuring the city’s giant tree.

Feel the joybilation at Melbourne’s home of Christmas!

Christmas comes to life in the city with the iconic 17.5 metre tree. Experience the spectacular light and sound shows, have a swing on a giant light-up bell and soak up the festive atmosphere before discovering everything the city has to offer at Christmas.

This is a Christmas Festival event, presented by City of Melbourne in partnership with Fed Square. Once again, Christmas Square and the Christmas Projections are lighting up with 100% wind powered Christmas cheer.

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

Discover more about Christmas Square

Thrill rides, carnival games and festive food on the banks of the Yarra.

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. Coupons for each ride can be purchased at the ticket box on site – $8 for kids rides and $12 for adult rides.

This is a Christmas Festival event, presented by City of Melbourne.

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

Discover more about Christmas Carnival

This pedestrian bridge over the Yarra River links Southgate with Flinders Street Station.

Evan Walker Bridge is named after Professor Walker, Melbourne’s former planning minister and architect, who drove the transformation of the Southbank precinct.

Take a whirl on the illuminated swings or light-up see-saw in this festive pop-up.

Take a whirl on the illuminated swings or watch the Christmas tree light up as you play on the see-saw in this festive pop-up at Queensbridge Square.

Visit from 19 to 22 December from 11am to 3pm and enter the competition for your chance to win, and score a complimentary bubble tea courtesy of Juneyao Air. Stocks limited, get in quick!

This is a Christmas Festival activation, presented by City of Melbourne.

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

Discover more about Christmas at Queensbridge Square

Be dazzled by a spectacular water, laser and light show on the Yarra.

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

Head to Southbank Promenade outside Crown to catch this dazzling Christmas show featuring water fountains, lasers, light projections and a festive soundtrack. Shows will run every 15 minutes each night.

This is a Christmas Festival event, presented by City of Melbourne in partnership with Crown.

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

Discover more about Crown Christmas River Show

Christmas comes to life around the city with sparkly decorations spreading festive cheer.

Discover more about Christmas Decorations

Do your Christmas shopping at Melbourne's iconic shopping spots for your chance to win prizes.

Follow the trail to find Melbourne's best Christmas events.

Follow the trail to find Melbourne's best after-dark Christmas events.

Christmas comes to life around the city with sparkly decorations spreading festive cheer.

Get a feel for it

Explore a wonderland of events and dazzling decorations as the city comes to life this Christmas.

Feeling festive? Sip mistletoe martinis at a rooftop bar or dine under the lights in a laneway.

Shop the city's iconic laneways, malls and arcades to find the perfect pressie.

The best shopping centres, strips, laneways and arcades in Melbourne for shopping.

Come along and see Emporium Melbourne’s larger-than-life bon bon.

From secret street art to seasonal events, you’ll find something for everyone.

You won't need filters at the city's most photogenic spots this Christmas.