Events in December - 2019
There's so much to see and do this month in December in and around Melbourne. Plan well ahead if you have to book anywhere, on this page you will find that regular annual events have been chosen to make it easier for you.
There are plenty of one off things to do, the local council websites are also a great source of information.
It's not just all about Christmas either, although you have to admit that it is an exciting time of the year to celebrate with family and friends. The city comes alive with colorful light projections, carols sung by candlelight, Christmas decorations and Santas on just about every street corner. Melbourne at Christmas time is an exciting place to visit. You must drop into Santaland in Myres, and don't miss those amazing Christmas window displays either!
There are plenty of festivals, wine tastings, art shows to attend, outdoor cinemas to picnic at, food stalls to try out at our famous markets in and out of the city.
Of course there's plenty of entertainment to enjoy at the local pubs, the swanky hotels and annual outdoor fun events and festivals.
Explore foreign cultures at events such as the African Music and Culture Festival, watch the exciting annual New Years Eve fireworks display somewhere in the city.
If you are looking for that one off unusual but amazing gift to give a loved one, you can't miss the selection of Christmas markets that I have chosen to showcase. So come on in and explore the things to do in December in and around Melbourne, Australia
Check out the 2019 Myer Christmas window display
The theme is The Gumnut Babies by Australian author and illustrator May Gibbs
Featuring Australia's best loved bush fairies Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, don't miss the magic of the Myer windows in Bourke Street.
Melbourne comes alive with glittering light projections again this Christmas, over three locations in the city.
Start at the State Library Victoria to see this year’s feature show.
Then wander onward to see the epic static Christmas projections on the Melbourne Town Hall and, for the first time, Princes Bridge.
29/11/2019 to 25/12/2019
This is a free event
Every night of the Christmas Festival, Melbourne’s incredible 16-metre high LED Christmas tree comes to life.
Come down to Christmas Square and experience all four spectacular light and sound shows, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
The African Music and Cultural Festival (AMCF) is the largest annual African festival in Australia showcasing an amazing array of vibrant music, dancing, diverse arts, cultural performances and authentic African food that transports visitors to Africa.
The free one-day event, is a fun, family friendly affair with non-stop entertainment ranging from cultural performances, catwalk fashion shows, artists in traditional costumes and iconic drumming.
Saturday,
14th December 2019
Held at Federation Square in the heart of the city from 10am — 10pm
Event: 01/12/2019 - 31/12/2019
Held from 1 pm to 3 pm, 7 days a week
Level 1, Sheraton Melbourne Hotel, 27 Little Collins Street Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Cost: From $59 per person
For booking click this link ... High Tea at the Sheraton Melbourne Hotel
Christmas is a time to enjoy. Pack a picnic, pop on your Santa hats, and bring your family and friends to celebrate on Christmas Eve at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. A night full of unforgettable live performances.
Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight has always been a chance to come together to enjoy the spirit of Christmas, and this year will be as vibrant and captivating as ever.
Be part of Australia’s biggest Christmas tradition and support kids who are blind or have low vision to have a brighter Christmas.
Tuesday 24 December
Gates open 4:00 PM
For Bookings, click this link ... Carols by Candlelight
If you miss out on tickets, you can still enjoy the music and atmosphere outside the gates. Set yourself up and sing long and watch the live broadcast on your mobile device.
Now here's something different to do on Christmas day. Make Christmas Day a truly special occasion at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Enjoy a delicious festive buffet lunch in the Meerkat Bistro with all beverages included, a photo booth, surprise visit from Santa, a roving musician who will add to the festive atmosphere and take a wander through the Zoo grounds on Christmas Day!
The buffet is complemented with a 3 hour beverage package, including your choice of wine, beer, soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea.
Santa will drop in for a visit and there will be an appearance from a roving musician performing Christmas classics.
Wander through the Zoo grounds either before or after lunch - there will many talks taking place throughout the day and on the safari ride you might even see some of the animals opening their Christmas pressies!
Lunch is from 12pm-3pm with entry into the Zoo from 11am. For bookings and more information click this link here ... Christmas lunch with the animals, no not your family!
The phenomenal December/January program is jam-packed with acclaimed summer blockbusters, cosy Christmas flicks, fan favourites, fierce female leads and an array of hotly anticipated family-friendly films.
Between 28 Nov 2019 - 29 Mar 2020
Held on the Central Lawn at Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
Click here for ... Full program and bookings
If you're not participating in the traditional family Christmas this year,come and join the Melbourne Social Club and Newcomers Network for a Christmas picnic lunch in Queen Victoria Gardens.
Catch up with new friends enjoying Christmas Day in Melbourne at this free event. BYO food, drink, picnic blankets and outdoor games equipment for a leisurely festive picnic on the grass just opposite the National Gallery of Victoria.
Look for the Melbourne Social Club and Newcomers Network banners hanging from the trees and meet others in a fun and casual outdoor environment.
This is the perfect place to drop in if you are new to the city, perhaps you are an overseas guest? come along and make new friends and meet other fellow travellers in a friendly environment.
Location
Queen Victoria Gardens
St Kilda Road
Melbourne
On the 25/12/2019 from 12:00 - 3:00
Look for the group under a shady tree opposite the Arts Centre.
The popular beach-front experience returns to South Beach reserve, next to St Kilda sea baths.
Providing access to outdoor screenings as the summer months heat up, with an exciting seasonal program of food and films. An excellent suggestion for you to enjoy quality time with family and friends in a fun environment.
For a full movie program and to book your tickets click here
FREE and FESTIVE the Lakeside Carols at Gasworks Arts Park on Thursday 5 December 2019 from 5pm to 9.30pm
Set up your picnic rug and enjoy all this event has to offer. There'll be ...
Held at 21 Graham St, Albert Park, VIC
Cost: Free Entry
Yearly this event is now held at the Boneo Discovery Park which is located at 695 Limestone Rd, Fingal on Victoria’s stunning Mornington Peninsula.
ANIMALIA IN SAND Opening at Boneo Discovery Park December 14th 2019
Sand Sculpting Australia and Boneo Discovery Park presents ANIMALIA IN SAND – the world’s first Sand Sculpting Exhibition with augmented reality technology.
Animalia in Sand brings to life the much-loved classic children’s book by Graeme Base through 26 giant sand sculptures created by some of the world’s most renowned sand sculptors. See the sculptures come alive through our innovative sand and screen immersive experience.
Click here for more information on Sand Sculpting Australia
Pick your own sweet and morello cherries at Red Hill Cherry Farm.
Red Hill Cherry Farm is the oldest in the state and is considered an essential visit when on the Mornington Peninsula. You can visit the cherry farm from mid to late November to early to mid January each year.
Situated in a secluded valley in the centre of Red Hill, the cherry farm is the oldest in the state and has been continually been operated by the Holmes family since 1969. There are twenty five varieties of cherries on 4,500 trees.
The farm also offers a boutique range of cherry products for you to enjoy cherries all year round including cherry ice cream, cherry cordial, cherry beer, cherry cider and cherry port.
Click here for more directions and information on open times
The City of Melbourne and Maribyrnong City Council present an annual New Year's Eve fireworks spectacular and free entertainment.
Fireworks will be launched from city rooftops, celebrations will also roll out from Footscray Park to the Mornington Peninsula.
If you decide to come into the city this New Year’s Eve, plan ahead and decide which one of the four official live sites you’ll attend. The NYE live sites offer the best inner city views of the fireworks, a multimedia countdown, amenities and music.
Tuesday 31st December 2019 | 9.30 & Midnight
Saturday 30 November, 7 December and 14 December, from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Southbank
A showcase of genuine talent, the market is the perfect option for those looking for a one-of-a-kind gift this Christmas.
Featuring local designers and artisans. From jewellery, soaps, scarves and candles, to woodcraft, leather goods, clothing and paintings, each item is lovingly handcrafted, making for a memorable gift.
15/12/2019
Frankston Basketball
The perfect indoor event to find unique homewares, wellness, handmade, art and designer brands including awesome Vegan brands.
With gorgeous stalls laden with superb brands and also Food Trucks this stylish event will tempt your senses at every turn.
Cost: FREE entry
14/12/2019 from 10am – 3pm
Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson St, Carlton
The Make It Collective Market proudly showcases the very best of Australian-made wares and giftware in one convenient and accessible location.
From original jewellery pieces and quirky homewares to natural bath products, you’ll find the perfect Australian-made Chrissie gifts for everyone on your list.
Cost: Free entry
01/12/2019
Deakin Edge, Federation Square, 1 Flinders St, Melbourne CBD, VIC
The Boho Luxe Christmas Edition and Vegan Market is back at The Atrium and Deakin Edge of Federation Square, corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets, in the city.
Entry is FREE to go shopping for many exclusive Boho Luxe brands not readily available at other markets.
Cost: Free Entry
Thursdays, 12th and 19th December 5:30 - 9:30pm
Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre, 189 High St Northcote
The Northcote Night Market features only the very best locally designed and handcrafted items.
Featuring the very best local artisans and craftspeople selling designer clothing, kids’ items, accessories, homewares, jewellery, skin products, candles, prints,woodcrafts, ceramics, and much more.
There will be free live music each week, and free face painting for the kids. Northcote Town Hall’s licensed bar will be operating through the season
Cost: Free
Celebrate between 29th November - 22nd December
The Queen Victoria Market is the place to be this festive season. Enjoy a range of free family friendly activities, singalong to your favourite Christmas carols and even meet Santa before he heads back to his workshop in the North Pole.
Click here for more details on dates and times for the special Christmas activities on offer
"Wherever you go and whatever you do this December I hope that you thoroughly enjoy it and come back here to my website whenever you want to know if there is something special to do every month in and around Melbourne.
Please share the news with your friends through your favorite Social Media and I would love you to follow me"
Marylyn
Family Getaways Melbourne
Sep 26, 22 10:50 PM
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To learn more please
refer to the Disclaimer page
Please note that some links on this page are to companies that I have an affiliation with. By that I mean that if you purchase a product through them I receive a very small commission. This way of earning income is termed Monetization and it is a way for me to keep my site out here for you to enjoy. I will only affiliate with companies that I feel offer value for money and excellent back up service. These are Companies that I personally have used to purchase products for myself, my family and my friends. To learn more please refer to my Disclaimer page