A Very Melbourne Christmas Guide
Melbourne is one of the best places to celebrate the holidays when you’re travelling around Australia, especially by campervan. Instead of battling crowds or paying sky-high prices for hotels, your campervan gives you everything you need for a cosy, budget-friendly Christmas getaway. Whether you’re a family chasing festive fun, a couple after a romantic escape, or a group of mates ready for an unforgettable Christmas road trip, this guide has something for everyone. Get ready for a Melbourne Christmas you’ll never forget!
Image: Christmas road trip with GoCheap Campervans
Christmas Festival of Lights
‘Tis the season for an unforgettable merry experience, and there’s no better place to celebrate than Adventure Park. Every Christmas, the theme park transforms into a glowing wonderland for the Christmas Festival of Lights, featuring 3.3 million dazzling lights and over 1,000 enchanting installations that brighten up the night. With interactive performances, Christmas-themed rides and plenty of holiday cheer, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the delight of the season with your loved ones.
Location: Adventure Park, 1249 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington VIC 3222.
Date: Late November through December 2025
Campsite Recommendation: Ocean Grove Holiday Park, 90 Wallington Rd, Ocean Grove VIC 3226. Powered Site.
Image: Christmas Festival of Lights, Visit Victoria
Christmas Square – Federation Square
If there’s one Christmas event you can’t miss in Melbourne, it’s the jovial celebration at Federation Square. The iconic 17.5-metre Christmas tree lights up the entire area, surrounded by food stalls serving delicious yuletide treats, a candy cane wonderland, and enchanting light-and-sound shows. Children can even visit Santa and his elves as they prepare gifts perfect for people of all ages.
Location: Federation Square, Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Date: 28 November 2025 – 25 December 2025
Campsite Recommendation: Discovery Parks – Melbourne, 129 Ashley St, Braybrook VIC 3019. Powered Site.
Image: Federation Square at Christmas, Visit Victoria
Christmas Cinema
For some cosy quality time with your loved ones, the Christmas Cinema hosted by the City of Melbourne is a must-do. Held at the iconic Capitol Theatre, the event screens a variety of Christmas classics and holiday favourites for all ages to enjoy. Grab some popcorn, slip into your Christmas sweaters, and settle in for the perfect warm-and-fuzzy movie day.
Location: The Capitol, 113 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Date: Through December 2025
Campsite Recommendation: Discovery Parks – Melbourne, 129 Ashley St, Braybrook VIC 3019. Powered Site.
Image: Christmas Cinema, City of Melbourne
Crown Christmas River Show
Head down to the Yarra River outside Crown to experience a dazzling Christmas show filled with dancing water fountains, vibrant lasers, stunning light projections and a merry-making soundtrack created just for the season. It’s one of the most extravagant ways to celebrate Christmas in Melbourne, the perfect spot to unwind, soak up the magic and enjoy the holiday spirit in full sparkle.
Location: Yarra Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006.
Date: 28 November 2025 – 25 December 2025
Campsite Recommendation: Discovery Parks – Melbourne, 129 Ashley St, Braybrook VIC 3019. Powered Site.
Image: Crown Christmas River Show
Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland
To truly feel the enchantment of the season, Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland delivers a fairytale experience you won’t forget on your campervan road trip. This immersive walk-through world brings every moment of Christmas to life — every jingle and every bell add to the wonder, reminding visitors why the festive season still feels so radiant. From photos with Santa and meeting themed characters to sending letters to the North Pole, enjoying carnival games, live shows, a Christmas craft village, and so much more, this Christmas Wonderland is the ultimate destination for cheerful joy!
Location: Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland, Station Street, Caulfield East, VIC 3145.
Date: Late November through December 2025
Campsite Recommendation: BIG4 Holiday Parks of Australia, Level 2/250 Camberwell Rd, Camberwell VIC 3124. Powered Site.
Image: Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland, Time Out Melbourne
Myer Christmas Windows
Every year, Myer hosts the beloved , and this year’s theme LEGO, brings childlike fun to life with A Playful LEGO Christmas Story. Enjoy the dazzling Myer Christmas Lights Show from 8pm nightly, where LEGO creations light up and animate after sunset. The celebration continues in the store’s basement at the LEGO Playful Christmas Playland, featuring interactive build zones, photo moments and limited-edition LEGO Christmas “make and takes” for a hands-on, heartfelt experience.
Location: Myer Melbourne, Level 3/336 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Date: November to December 2025
Campsite Recommendation: Discovery Parks – Melbourne, 129 Ashley St, Braybrook VIC 3019. Powered Site.
Image: A Playful LEGO Christmas Story at Myers
Santa’s Village
Want to experience Santa’s hometown without leaving Australia? Santa’s village has arrived right here in Melbourne! Kids can dive into jolly fun, while adults enjoy holiday drinks at Tinseltown, right next door to Santa’s Village. Upon arrival, cheerful Elves greet you with an Elf Passport to collect stamps as you explore the village, and its charming gingerbread house makes you feel like you are in the North Pole, minus the snow. Get creative with bauble decorating, write a letter to Santa, and play Christmas-themed games. Test your trivia skills with the Elves and sing along to your favourite Christmas carols for an unforgettable experience the whole family will love.
Location: The District Docklands, 440 Docklands Dr, Docklands VIC 3008.
Date: Late November through December 2025
Campsite Recommendation: Discovery Parks – Melbourne, 129 Ashley St, Braybrook VIC 3019. Powered Site.
Image: Santa’s village in Melbourne
Queen Victoria Market Christmas Festival
During the Christmas season, the iconic Queen Victoria Market transforms into a vibrant summer night market where you can stock up on the freshest local ingredients for your meals. Sleigh your gifting with one-of-a-kind finds, handmade treasures and heartfelt presents that make the season extra special. As the sun sets, the market comes alive with global street food, refreshing cocktails, artisan stalls and live entertainment beneath Melbourne’s glittering twilight skyline the perfect way to soak in the city’s whimsy.
Location: Queen Victoria Market, Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Date: 19 November 2025 to 11 March 2026 (excluding 24 & 31 December).
Campsite Recommendation: Discovery Parks – Melbourne, 129 Ashley St, Braybrook VIC 3019. Powered Site.
Image: Queen Victoria Market during Christmas, Visit Victoria
Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight
If you’re craving Christmas carols during the festive season, look no further! On Christmas Eve, the best way to spend the night is at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight, a much-loved tradition filled with joy. This heartwarming event features live performances from an incredible lineup of Australian talent, all coming together to bring the spirit of the season to life. Even better, every ticket helps support children who are blind or have low vision through Vision Australia’s specialist services. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a beautiful evening of music, community and Christmas vibes all while supporting a meaningful cause.
Location: Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Kings Domain Gardens, Linlithgow Ave, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Date: 23 December 2025 – 24 December 2025
Campsite Recommendation: Discovery Parks – Melbourne, 129 Ashley St, Braybrook VIC 3019. Powered Site.
Image: Carols by Candlelight, Time Out Melbourne
Frankston’s Christmas Festival
There’s no better way to celebrate the Christmas season than by saving the day for Frankston’s Christmas Festival, Melbourne’s longest-running Christmas event. This beloved celebration is packed with magic and joy for the whole family! Wander through the European Christmas Village, enjoy live performances, browse the Christmas markets and watch the Christmas parade roll by. Look out for special visits from Santa, the much-loved tree-lighting ceremony and a dazzling fireworks display to end the night. With classic rides, amusements and festive fun at every corner, it’s the perfect way to spend a Christmas day filled with cheer.
Location: Frankston’s Christmas Festival of Lights, 30 Davey St, Frankston VIC 3199.
Date: 29 November 2025
Campsite Recommendation: BIG4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park – Frankston, Frankston Holiday Village, 2 Robinsons Rd, Frankston South VIC 3199.
Image: Frankston’s Christmas Festival, Visit Victoria
Tips for Campervan Travellers During Christmas
- Book Campsites Early: Christmas is peak travel season in Melbourne, and caravan parks fill up fast. Secure your campsite well in advance, especially if you want a powered site.
- Check Holiday Hours: Many Christmas attractions have special hours or close on certain days. Plan ahead so you don’t miss out on anything!
- Prepare for Heat & Crowds: December can be warm and crowded in Australia. Explore early or late in the day, keep plenty of water on hand, and use shades or ventilation to keep your campervan cool.
- Skip CBD Parking: Traffic and parking in the city can be hectic during Christmas. Leave your campervan at your campsite and use public transport for stress-free exploring.
- Add Whimsical Touches to Your Campervan: Fairy lights, mini decorations and having a Christmas playlist can make your campervan feel extra cheerful during the holidays.
- Stocking Up: Shops close early on Christmas Eve and stay closed on Christmas Day. Grab your essentials, festive food, drinks and BBQ supplies ahead of time.
Image: Spacious & Affordable 6 Berth Derwent Campervan
Ready for your Christmas Getaway!
From glowing light shows and iconic Christmas markets to festive films, magical villages and sparkling riverside displays, Melbourne truly comes alive during the holiday season. And with a campervan, you get to experience it all on your own schedule — cosy nights, budget-friendly and the freedom to explore every corner of the city. Whether you’re celebrating with family, a partner or your closest mates, Melbourne offers endless ways to make your Christmas unforgettable. So, pack your bags, turn up the carols and hit the road, your perfect Melbourne campervan Christmas awaits.
Image: Christmas in Australia
Looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out:
Christmas on the Road in Australia
Add new Christmas itinerary
14-Day Festive Road Trip in NSW
Ready to start your trip? Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!
