Melbourne’s Christmas Tree in Christmas Square
Truth be told I am a little overwhelmed by all the fabulous goings on this Christmas season in Melbourne. There seems to be so much activity, so many gorgeous decorations, so much celebration occurring. Knowing how quickly our December calendar fills up we are leading the pack and have made a point experiencing some of these already. Knowing as well that many of you are similarly busy with end of year concerts, parent teacher interviews and Christmas parties I want to share what we have discovered about Christmas goings on in our hometown.
The Nativity Scene in Christmas Square
As it happens, we are a family of faith, which means that as well as enjoying the bright lights and entertainment of Christmas we also celebrate the traditional meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus. This year I am the proud mother of two little guys starring in their first Nativity play. Before I go on to share about the rather fabulous and glitzy Christmas happenings in Melbourne this Christmas I am going to go out on a limb and suggest that families take the time to reflect on the traditional meaning of Christmas too. Most local churches will be having Nativity plays or children’s Christmas services in the weeks preceding Christmas. Even for those of you who are not similarly faith inclined, do know that you will be welcome at these services, and that they are usually lots of fun for kids. If visiting a church is just too far outside of your comfort zone local councils and of course the Christmas Eve Carols in the Myer Music Bowl also provide an opportunity reflect on Jesus’ birth with the traditional carols.
The Myer Christmas Windows.
A longstanding Melbourne tradition the Myer Christmas windows depict a children’s tale animated model style. This year’s is a winner of a story, Santa Claus and the three bears. We love the Myer Christmas windows because they are a free event, there is a spirit of communality among those looking at the windows together, and because of their extended hours 730am-1am seven days a week. If you do find December too busy you won’t miss out – they will be on display until January 5th 2015.
The Myer Christmas Windows 2014
The Myer Christmas Windows 2014
White Out in Federation Square
White Out, another freebee is a contemporary interactive art installation of giant white spheres that will be on display until December 25th 2014. My own kids loved running over the spheres, hiding among Christmas trees and having a hit of badminton (?) in this Christmas play space.
White Out in Federation Square
White Out in Federation Square
Christmas Square
City Square is transformed again this Christmas season until December 24th. A giant Christmas tree, interactive play that allows children to ring invisible Christmas bells, a Nativity scene, Santa’s postbox and, if you visit at the right time Santa himself is in residence here.
Santas post-box. Christmas Square Melbourne (shot taken 2013)
Santa’s Magical Kingdom
Under the big-top at Caufield Racecourse until Decmeber 23rd is an extravagant spectacular Christmas wonderland. Entrance to Santa’s Magical Kingdom is all inclusive of carnival rides, gingerbread decorating, an international Christmas themed circus and more. I have previously posted a review of Santa’s Magical Kingdom that you can read here.
Santa’s Magical Kingdom
Jubilation at Docklands
This is a free three day festival from December 12th to 14th . Jubilation is also an event to benefit the wonderful Country Fire Authority volunteers. The festival will extend from New Quay Promenade, along Harbour Esplanade and down Victoria Promenade and will be open open Friday 12 December: 12:30pm-2:30pm and 5:00pm-10:00pm, Saturday 13 December 5:00pm-10:00pm and Sunday 14 December: 5:00pm-10:00pm.
What to expect:
- CFA zone – with loads of CFA trucks, education buses, volunteer firefighters and more.
- Entertainment on the Jubilation Stage – feature artists to be announced soon with family favourites Captain Koala and Santa making special appearances throughout the event .
- A food truck park – with over 18 different food trucks over the three day event.
- Docklands night markets.
- Beautiful Christmas lighting on land and on the water
- The opportunity to make a Christmas wish on a lantern and float it in Victoria Harbour
Gingerbread Village by Epicure
A gold coin donation for entry get’s you access to a delicious display of Melbourne’s landmarks made entirely from gingerbread. This is at the Melbourne Town Hall until December 24th.
Melbourne Town Hall Decorations and Light Projection.
From dusk until 11pm the Melbourne Town Hall is the backdrop for a Christmas themed light projection.
Melbourne Town Hall – Christmas sound and light display (2013)
Other areas of the city with some spectacular Christmas decorations
- Bourke Street’s jingle bells.
- Swanston and Collins Street Baubles
- Southern Cross Station Nutcracker soldiers.
Bourke Street Jingle Bells
All of the shopping centers are decked out in their Christmas finery. Watergarden’s Town Centre has a giant clock in the Atrium that every hour, on the hour displays a Christmas show on its face.
Don’t also forget that there are beautiful lights on display all around the suburbs. Ivanhoe’s The Boulevard is perhaps one of the most famously decorated streets. For tips on where the best lights are around the Melbourne suburbs check out this Facebook page.
Have I missed any of the best bits of Christmas in Melbourne? Let me know so we can check it out!
Bubs on the Move provides tips and advice for parents traveling with small children including attraction and accommodation reviews. You can join us on Facebook or Twitter to receive updates to your news feed.
What an amazing post. I love it, you know I’m all for details 🙂 Just looking at your pics and I am missing Melbourne right about now. Just a classy city, I particularly like the gingerbread experience. xo
Thanks Rene. Melbourne is pretty great this time of year – I’m definitely feeling the class. I’m rather fond of your neck of the woods too though.