Melbourne comes magically alive to celebrate the upcoming Christmas season. See the city dazzle and sparkle with festive displays, decorations, markets, kid’s activities, events and shows.

Marvel at the bigger and better giant 16-metre-tall Christmas Tree at Federation Square, corner Flinders & Swanston Streets (opposite Flinders Street Railway Station), it’s Melbourne’s official festival destination…Christmas Square. Celebrate under the dazzling giant tree with sound and light shows every evening from 9pm throughout December plus on Friday nights there are exclusive concerts.

The brand new, five-storey digital LED screen will feature The Christmas Square Festive Film. *** This specifically commissioned film by renowned Melbourne artist Beci Orpin celebrates with magic the true gifts of Christmas: families, friends & community. Each evening a heart-warming choir will score the film live and everyone is welcome to join in. Five nights only: 6, 13, 20, 21 & 22 December from 9 – 10.20pm. This promises to be a sizzling highlight of the festive season!

As the sun begins to set over Melbourne, Bernard Curry will welcome two of Australia’s favourite ARIA Award-winning musicians Guy Sebastian & Samantha Jade to perform Christmas magic on stage at Federation Square. The square will be transformed into a magical wonderland with a free twilight concert *** on Saturday 22 December from 5 – 7pm, proudly sponsored by Cadbury. This evening promises to have plenty of Cadbury chocolate to share, as well as roving performers, acrobats and a giant screen where you and your loved ones can fly in Santa’s sleigh.

The animated Myer Christmas Windows *** celebrate a 63-year-old tradition in 2018, attracting over 1 million visitors each year. Viewing opens November 10 through to 24 December, daily in the Bourke Street Mall. For those wanting to enjoy a festive chat with Santa you can visit him at Santaland on level six of Myer Melbourne, Bourke Street.

The Melbourne Museum is featuring a piece of Christmas magic this year with Make Believe, the story of the Myer Christmas Windows, a family tradition since 1954. Celebrate in glittering splendour an experience for children and adults alike, this is a cherished Melbourne tradition. It will be a feast of magical models, working drawings, beloved books and playful puppets based on children’s storybooks to showcase the astonishing skill and artistry of the makers and creators which tell the rich heritage of the Myer Christmas Windows. Opens November 17, Carlton Gardens, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton.

Christmas comes alive at the markets close to us there are two: Queen Victoria Market, corner Elizabeth & Victoria Streets and South Melbourne Market, Coventry Street, South Melbourne. Both are easily accessible by tram.

Christmas really comes to life at Queen Victoria Market from 16 November – 24 December, daily (except Tuesday’s) at various times. You can post a letter to Santa at the market’s own Santa mailbox or better yet meet the man himself as he sometimes roams the sheds and wishes market visitors a very Merry Christmas! Have your photo taken on Santa’s throne and follow the Christmas Trail throughout the market to find hidden candy canes to win prizes. There will be carollers, sustainable gift making workshops and free live entertainment. *** It’s the perfect one-stop Christmas stop to stock up on seasonal food favourites and gift ideas for stocking fillers from the wide variety of fresh produce and specialty merchandise traders. Santa will be pulling up in his sleigh at the Market on Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 December to share his festive cheer with mini market-goers. *** Children will be able to send their wish lists directly to Santa’s workshop at the North Pole via his mailbox, located in C Shed from Saturday 1 December. All letters will receive a reply!

The South Melbourne Market promises toe tapping fun with Christmas Jazz Wednesday 19, Friday 21 & Monday 24 December, 10am – 1pm with Santa and his elves dropping in Saturday 22, Sunday 23 & Monday 24 December. Kids can enjoy festive face painting on Wednesday 19, Thursday 20 & Friday 21, December. *** Celebrate this Christmas with the South Melbourne Market, a family of over 145 specialty traders. You’ll find everything for Christmas gift giving and entertaining here.

Christmas Eve in Melbourne, no matter what the weather, Carols by Candlelight is a family tradition, loved by all, especially the children. Telecast nationally, this promises to be a Christmas night filled with entertainment and magic. Carols by Candlelight for Vision Australia, presented by Priceline is held Christmas Eve, December 24 from 8pm at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Alexandra Avenue, Melbourne. Tickets available via Ticketmaster for general admission on the lawn area. All funds raised will go towards supporting kids who are blind or have low vision.

Melbourne this year is all about Christmas, it doesn’t matter what part you’re in you’ll discover and enjoy the magic of the season!! Come and stay with us at Waterfront Melbourne Apartments and enjoy all Melbourne has to offer at this special time of year.