Melbourne is well-known for its eclectic and cultural celebrations, but at Christmas time this Australian city goes off! Melbourne is rich with good foods and artistic performances and you will find many exciting things to do and see in the city of Melbourne over the festive season.
The entire city has Christmas decorations draped over it, and as you wander the streets of Melbourne you’ll find Christmas trees and Christmas lights. The decorations are magical and will inspire you to join in the Christmas cheer. You will find tinsel, glass Christmas decorations and beautiful displays in the shop windows.
If you are a local, or traveling into Melbourne for Christmas, you will certainly enjoy the spirit that embraces this beautiful cosmopolitan city – just be certain to get in early with your bookings, as many venues and activities sell out, including hotels, restaurants and function centres.
Public transport can also be busy and rushed around Christmas time, even though Melbourne is renowned for its excellent system. Trams, buses and trains will all be a little crowded as everyone heads out to do their Christmas shopping and enjoy the festivities, so ensure that you allow extra time to complete your errands. Also check the timetables carefully, as many days over this season are public holidays and there may be restricted transport.
The best places in Melbourne to complete Christmas Shopping
People travel to Melbourne from all over Australia, and even the world, because they know that there is great shopping in this city. At Christmas time it gets even better. Presents and treats can be purchased all around the city, including the inner-city and suburban areas. You will find fresh food for all of your Christmas cooking and also a range of interesting and designer items to purchase for gifts. Melbourne is well known for designer fashions and there are many boutiques scattered throughout the city.
Swanston Street in the inner-city is a great place to shop for cheap bargains. You can also pick up souvenirs here, but ensure that you head into the basement stores below the street level. This is where you’ll find the best goods and bargains.
Bourke Street Mall is covered with Christmas decorations and features elegant Christmas trees. As you wander through the mall and visit the department stores like David Jones, your mood will be uplifted and you will easily enjoy the Christmas spirit that is all around.Queen Victoria Market is your place for fresh foods and special Christmas ingredients. Wander through these markets and you will be impressed with the quality of the fruits and vegetables that are fresh from the farm. These Melbourne markets will inspire you to shop, cook and serve up a magnificent Christmas feast, perfect for a decorated table.
Collins Street is for the high-end stores, so if you have a special present to give someone, then this is the place to shop for it. Collins Street too, is decorated with Christmas decorations, Christmas trees and special Christmas lights, to bring season’s greetings to everyone that passes by.
Christmas light displays in Melbourne
Every year Melbourne lights up with Christmas displays in the shopping areas, public areas and also the suburbs. There are Christmas lights galore that twinkle and sparkle and they shine brightly throughout the entire city.
If you have children, you will certainly want to take them through the city of Melbourne to show them the beautiful displays if twinkling lights, and also the many decorations and Christmas trees that are on display.
Take a walk through the shopping districts and you won’t be disappointed by the lights, however you may also like to take a car and drive to some of the suburban hot-spots that set up their lights every year to impress all of the people passing by.
Special suburbs to take notice of include Christmas lights at Box Hill, Ivanhoe, Templestowe and Kew. Many of the residents in these areas put up thousands of Christmas lights every year, and decorate their entire houses and front yards in the spirit of Christmas.
Christmas Carols and Performances
Melbourne is a popular destination for music and artistic performances at any time of the year, and during Christmas there are many more to enjoy, all in the spirit of Christmas. Carols are held for all of the family, including the children, who can join in the gatherings with joy.
Check out carols and performances by the National Boys Choir, Melbourne Gay & Lesbian Chorus and Family Carols in the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, which attracts visits from Santa every year.
Carols are a fantastic event if you are in Melbourne, and there will always be your favourite and most well-known songs, which will encourage every member of the family to sing along.