It’s that time of year again. The decorations are glistening through the high rises, the drinks are pouring, and the festivities are in full swing. 

It’s Christmas in Melbourne, shortly followed by New Years Eve in Melbourne, and the city is an energetic mix of chaos, carols, and clinking glasses. If you’re ready to make the most of the 2024 festive season, add these iconic, wholesome, and interesting events to your holiday schedule. 

In this Blog

Festive Event
Date
Location
Distance to Rambla @ Solarino House
November 13, 2024 - January 4, 2025
Myer Bourke Street, Melbourne
21-minute public transport
Christmas Square City Tree November - December 2024 Federation Square 27-minute public transport
Carols by the Lake
December 7, 2024
Coburg Lake Reserve, Gaffney St, Coburg North
16-minute public transport
13-minute drive
Coburg Night Market December 13-15, 2024 Bridges Reserve, Bell St, Coburg 
13-minute public transport
8-minute drive
30-minute walk
December 20-21, 2024
St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne
25-minute public transport
24-minute drive
Carols by Candlelight December 24, 2024
Sidney Myer Music Bowl Domain Gardens
33-minute public transport
27-minute drive
New Years Eve in Melbourne City December 31, 2024 Melbourne CBD
30-minute public transport
20-minute drive
New Years Eve Parties
December 31, 2024
Various
January 1, 2025 Werribee Mansion, Victoria 
1h 39-minute public transport
43-minute drive

Xmas in the City: A Melbourne Wonderland

Is there anything quite as magical as fairy lights sparkling through city streets, trains wrapped in tinsel, and Christmas trees towering over iconic city squares? In Melbourne, the city transforms into a Christmas wonderland, filled with joy and love for every local and visitor.

Myer Annual Christmas Window Display: Windows of Wonderful

2024 will mark 69 years of the iconic Myer Christmas Window Display. Year upon year, the Myer Christmas Window has grown in fame, now attracting 1.4 million visitors annually. 

Since 1956, Myer has brought to life the magic of Christmas, reflecting moments in history with visual displays including A Christmas Carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas, and an insiders’ look at How Santa Really Works. More recently, Myer did a collaboration with worldwide phenomenon Bluey.

Preparing to be unveiled on November 13, 2024, it’s everyone’s guess what magic the window will unveil this year. 

Christmas Square Tree: 17m of Magic

A family visits Santa at the Christmas Square Workshop
Credit: Visit Victoria

From November, Melbourne’s Federation Square transforms into Christmas Square. The star in this space is the breathtaking 17.5m tall Christmas tree. A beacon of Christmas spirit, the tree centrepiece lights up nightly with on-the-hour light and sound shows. 

But the tree isn’t the only thing making the square more magical. Santa’s Workshop is making Melbourne’s Christmas Square home again this year from November 25 to December 24 in Howey Place. 

Carols by the Lake: A Merry Sing-Along

Community Christmas spirit doesn’t get much better than the Carols by the Lake in Coburg. Back again to celebrate Christmas in Melbourne 2024,  the Carols will be performed by community groups, local choirs, and stunning soloists. 

Bring your picnic blanket, your favourite Christmas treats, and your biggest singing voice on December 7, 2024.  The whole community will be there with bells on. 

Coburg Night Markets: Explore the Little Joys

Lighting up for three nights, two days, only from December 13, 2024, the Coburg Night Markets are here for your unique gifts, seasonal souvenirs and products, and overall good times. 

Held in the city’s north, the Coburg Night Markets are one of the more popular Christmas markets in Melbourne, in fact last year they pulled crowds of 29,000 market-goers. 

Come one, come all, to the 2024 Coburg Night Markets. 

Carols in the Cathedral: Hark the Philharmonic Sings 

The conductor guides the choir and orchestra at St Paul's Cathedral
Credit: Royal Melbourne Philharmonic 

A spectacular night out for every music and Christmas lover, the Carols in the Cathedral is a magical experience. Across three shows, on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 December, 2024, the angelic voices of the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic, National Boy Choir, and more will fill St Paul’s Cathedral.

Truly a highlight of the Melbourne Christmas itinerary, add it to your festive season today with tickets now on sale

Carols by Candlelight: Masses Gather for Twilight

The ultimate thing to do on Xmas eve in Melbourne, Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight will be filling the city with sound from 8pm, with gates opening from 4pm. 

Since 1938, this marvellous evening of joy and song has been a gift to Melbourne city while raising funds for Vision Australia’s children’s services. Tickets are available from October 11, 2024 for this year’s celebration of giving, joy, and community at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl. 

New Years Eve in Melbourne: A Great Year from the Get Go

After Christmas wraps up, there’s still more to celebrate with New Years Eve in Melbourne. Despite people thinking Sydney is the big one to welcome the world into the New Year, Melbourne definitely gives it a run for its money. 

New Years Eve in Melbourne City: Cheer in the New Year

Fireworks fall over Melbourne city skyline on New Years Eve
Credit: Time Out

Like most capital cities, Melbourne City hosts a New Year's Eve celebration ready to start the year with a bang. Fireworks, live music, and more, Melbourne sure knows how to throw a party.

Each year, there are two sets of fireworks - the family ones at 9.30pm, then the official set at midnight. For the 9.30pm fireworks, set yourself up at Footscray Park or Yarra Park for the best views. The midnight fireworks, the grander of the two, can be seen from most of the city including Docklands, Southbank, and the CBD. 

New Years Eve Parties: Dance the Night Away

If you’d like to settle into a space for a night of fun and frivolity, then New Years Eve in Melbourne has you covered. There’s no shortage of bars, clubs, pubs, cruises, and venues hosting events for you to welcome in the new year. 

While most of these private events do carry ticket prices and cover charges, you’re sure to have a great time with a crowd of your choosing. Check out some of the most popular 2024 New Years Eve Melbourne parties here

Let Them Eat Cake Festival: Celebrate 2025 in Style

A DJ plays to a large crowd in front of a mansion
Credit: LTECNYD

With New Year's Eve Melbourne under your belt, it’s time to kick off 2025 in some serious style. Let Them Eat Cake Festival is once again celebrating the New Year at the heritage-listed Werribee Mansion. 

Yes, we said Mansion. Think Versailles if it was a 2025 mecca of electronic music, dance, and art. Stay up to date with the line-up and ticket drop here

Ring in the New Year with Rambla @ Solarino House

There’s a lot to experience, explore, and celebrate in Melbourne this festive season. Settle in for the season at Rambla @ Solarino House. In the heart of Melbourne, this superb short stay accommodation is the perfect place to put up the tree and pop the champagne. From the rooftop, you can even see the city-wide fireworks. 

From Rambla @ Solinaro House’s ideal location in Brunswick, you’ll be able to spend the days exploring, and the nights enjoying a comfortable home away from home. Book your holiday accommodation for Christmas and New Years in Melbourne today with Rambla. 

STAY WITH RAMBLA

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