Ah, Melbourne in December. The time when the city dons its festive finest, aglow with twinkling lights and bustling with cheer.

And, the time when Melbourne’s seniors let their hair down for a much-deserved season of joy, laughter and mince pies.

So, lace up your comfiest loafers, gather your loved ones and prepare to revel in the best of Melbourne’s yuletide offerings. Here’s your exclusive peek at the city’s crème de la crème of Christmas events.

Carols by Candlelight at Sidney Myer Music Bowl

Nothing says Christmas quite like belting out your favourite carols under a starry sky – off-key or not, darling, it’s all part of the charm.

This fabulous tradition features Australia’s top vocal talent serenading us for a stellar cause: Vision Australia. So pack a lavish picnic, grab your finest rug and do your vocal warmups. A star is about to be born!

When: Tuesday 24 December 2024 from 4 pm

Where: Sidney Myer Music Bowl

How to get there: Accessible via public transport – the nearest tram stop is Stop 17 on St Kilda Road. Limited parking is available nearby.

Christmas Festival at Federation Square

Step into Federation Square and prepare to be dazzled.

With twinkling light projections and a towering digital Christmas tree, this yuletide wonderland practically screams ‘holiday glam’.

So, whether you fancy a leisurely saunter or a cappuccino catch-up, the Christmas Festival offers all the sparkle – with none of the splurge.

When: Late November until Wednesday 25 December 2024

Where: Federation Square

How to get there: Easily accessible via Flinders Street Station and multiple tram routes.

Myer Christmas Windows

Ah, the Myer Christmas Windows – a tradition that brings nostalgia to life.

This year, it’s less about tinsel and more about tails with the stars of Australia Zoo coming to visit. But who needs snowflakes when you have scales, after all?

A delightful escape into nature’s magic right in the heart of the city, it’s the Christmas activity you won’t soon forget.

When: Daily from 7.30 am to 10.30 pm until Sunday 5 January 2025

Where: Myer, Bourke Street

How to get there: Accessible via Bourke Street trams, and a short walk from Flinders Street Station.

Christmas Melodies at Hamer Hall

This Christmas, Hamer Hall is home to unparalleled grandeur with performances from top-notch choirs and vocalists. Hosted by Arts Centre Melbourne, it’s practically a royal command performance, to be frank.

So, whether you’re politely humming along or tapping your toes with reckless abandon, this is one musical soirée that demands only your finest festive flair. Missing it would simply not be the done thing.

When: Monday 9 December 2024 from 11 am to 1.30 pm

Where: Hamer Hall

How to get there: Accessible via St Kilda Road trams. Parking is available at Arts Centre Melbourne.

Carols in the Cathedral at St Paul’s

For a more intimate affair, Carols in the Cathedral offers a serene evening of beautiful harmonies for only the most sophisticated of audiences.

Surrounded by the splendour of St Paul’s Cathedral, you can immerse yourself in the soul-stirring joy of the silly season, accompanied by choirs and orchestras that elevate Christmas spirits to heavenly heights.

Hosted by Royal Melbourne Philharmonic, attendance at this event practically ensures your spot on the nice list. Just ask the man upstairs!

When: Friday 20 December at 8.30 pm and Saturday 21 December 2024 at 2 pm and 7 pm

Where: St Paul’s Cathedral

How to get there: Opposite Flinders Street Station; accessible via multiple tram routes.

Christmas Under the Big Top

There’s one event that even Mr and Mrs Claus always make the trip down for. Why? Because anyone who’s anyone would never miss Christmas Under the Big Top.

Storytelling, performances and a magical atmosphere that will keep you enchanted for hours. It’s a playful, one-of-a-kind event that’s perfect for families looking to experience the magic of Christmas in a unique and unforgettable way.

Honestly, even Elmo and Cookie Monster will be there. Far be it from you to be showed up by the likes of them.

When: Until Tuesday 24 December 2024 at 10 am, 2 pm and 6 pm every day

Where: Burnley Oval

How to get there: Accessible via Burnley Station and tram routes along Swan Street.

Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland

Alice, eat your heart out. Because this Wonderland has become the talk of the town.

An immersive walk-through event at Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland promises festive enchantment at every turn. So don your festive best as you discover dazzling displays, meet Father Christmas himself and revel in the holiday fun.

When: Until Tuesday 24 December 2024 at 10 am, 2 pm and 6 pm every day

Where: Caulfield Racecourse

How to get there: Accessible via Caulfield Station and tram routes along Dandenong Road. Parking is available nearby.

Christmas Markets in Melbourne

Haven’t sorted all your gifts yet? No problem. Indulge in some chic holiday shopping at Melbourne’s best Christmas markets.

Stroll through the French-inspired Alliance Francaise Xmas Market or savour the authentic delights of the Deutsche Schule Melbourne German Christmas Market. These elegant bazaars are brimming with unique gifts, seasonal treats and unmistakable charm.

Alliance Francaise Xmas Market

When: Saturday 30 November 2024 from 10 am to 10 pm and Sunday 1 December 2024
Monday 10 am to 6 pm

Where: Abbotsford Convent

How to get there: Accessible via Victoria Park Station and bus routes along Johnston Street.

Deutsche Schule Melbourne German Christmas Market

When: Friday 29 November 2024 from 5 pm to 9 pm

Where: 96 Barkly St, Fitzroy North

How to get there: Accessible via tram routes along Nicholson Street.

A Merry Melbourne Escape at The Langham

Combining holiday cheer and luxury in perfect harmony, The Langham Hotel is treating you to the ultimate Merry Melbourne Escape.

Featuring overnight accommodation, breakfast for 2 in Melba Restaurant, festive-themed welcome amenities and 2 festive cocktails in the Aria Bar & Lounge – it’s the perfect way to create magical moments and memories. Whether you’re celebrating with a loved one or taking some much-deserved time for yourself.

When: Until Thursday 26 December 2024

Where: The Langham Melbourne

How to get there: Easily accessible via public transport; a short walk from Flinders Street Station and serviced by multiple tram routes around Southbank.

A Christmas Carol at Melbourne Theatre Company

There’s nothing quite like dinner and a show – we know we don’t need to tell you that much. Especially when that show is as iconic as A Christmas Carol.

Coined ‘the must-see, festive event of the year’ by The AU Review, it would damage your reputation to miss it, quite frankly.

So bring the family down to experience the magic of the theatre. We’ll be sure to give Scrooge your best before the show.

When: Until Sunday 29 December 2024

Where: Comedy Theatre Melbourne

How to get there: Accessible via public transport; a short walk from Flinders Street Station and serviced by multiple tram routes along St Kilda Road.

Christmas Projections at Docklands

This year, Docklands is taking ‘lights, camera, action’ to a whole new level – and you simply will not want to miss it.

An evening of pure enchantment, the Christmas Projections at Docklands are a marvel to behold – illuminating the waterfront as they project onto the ‘Silence’ sculptures along NewQuay Promenade.

It’s the ideal way to enjoy a tranquil, contemplative stroll amidst Melbourne’s shimmering holiday beauty.

When: Until Wednesday 25 December 2024 from 6 pm to 11 pm daily

Where: Silence (between Berth and Cargo restaurants), NewQuay Promenade Docklands

How to get there: Accessible via public transport; Southern Cross Station is nearby, and multiple tram routes service the Docklands area.

‘Tis the season… for our at-home aged care services to make your life easier. So if you want your loved one to enjoy some time out and about – safely – these holidays, get in touch today on 03 9267 9090.