Melbourne unwrapped: City sparkles with Christmas magic for 2025

Melbourne is set to dazzle once again as Christmas returns to the city, transforming streets, squares and laneways into a festive playground from November 28 to Christmas Day.

The City of Melbourne has unveiled its 2025 “Christmas in the City” program, promising more lights, colour and community spirit than ever before. The celebrations will kick off with the lighting of the city’s iconic 17.5-metre Christmas tree at Federation Square, now transformed into “Christmas Square”, featuring live performances, festive films, and returning favourites such as Koorie Krismas, Pillars of Light, and As Camp as Christmas.

From Melbourne Central to Southbank, more than 650 decorations will deck the city, including a new 60-metre overhead light display in Bourke Street Mall featuring 25,000 lights. Iconic landmarks such as Flinders Street Station, Melbourne Town Hall, and Evan Walker Bridge will also shine bright with nightly Christmas light shows.

Acting Lord Mayor Roshena Campbell said the city was ready to welcome millions of visitors back for another season of Christmas magic.

“No-one does Christmas quite like Melbourne – where every street, square and laneway sparkles with the magic of the season,” Cr Campbell said.
“With more than two million visitors expected, we’re set to supercharge our local economy by more than $144 million – supporting our traders, retailers and hospitality venues.”

Cr Mark Scott, chair of the council’s events and tourism portfolio, said this year’s celebrations would offer something for everyone.

“From dazzling lights and enchanting decorations to joyful family activities and world-class dining, it’s the perfect time to soak up the Christmas spirit and support local traders,” Cr Scott said.

Among the highlights are the Crown Christmas River Show, stretching 130 metres along the Yarra with water fountains, lasers and projections set to a soundtrack by Melbourne DJ Grant Smillie; the Myer Christmas Windows, returning to Bourke Street Mall from November 8; and the new “12 Days of Christmas” trail, inviting families to explore festive installations throughout the city.

Other attractions include community choirs, Christmas-themed activations at Queensbridge Square, and a Christmas cinema series at The Capitol Theatre. The season will culminate with Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Christmas Eve.

For full program details, visit whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/christmas.