Christmas & New Year's Eve Melbourne 2026 — Events, Markets, Lights & Fireworks Guide

Christmas & New Year's Eve Melbourne 2026 — Events, Markets, Lights & Fireworks Guide

Your ultimate guide to the most wonderful time of the year in the world's most liveable city. From twinkling Christmas lights and bustling markets to spectacular midnight fireworks over the Yarra — here's everything you need to know about celebrating Christmas and New Year's Eve in Melbourne 2026.

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Melbourne does the festive season like nowhere else on Earth. While the Northern Hemisphere bundles up in scarves and snow, we celebrate Christmas under blazing summer skies — think barbecues on the beach, ice-cold pavlova, and fairy lights shimmering along the Yarra River at dusk. It's a uniquely Australian experience, and Melbourne absolutely nails it.

Whether you're a born-and-bred Melburnian or visiting our incredible city for the first time, this guide covers every single thing you need to plan the perfect Christmas and New Year's Eve in Melbourne for 2026. We're talking markets, lights, shows, dining, fireworks, transport, and so much more.

Let's dive in. 🎄🎆

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📅 Christmas 2026 — Key Dates to Know

Before you start planning, here are the critical dates for the 2026 festive season in Melbourne:

⚠️ Important: Christmas Day 2026 falls on a Friday, which means it's a restricted trading day under Victorian law. Most retail shops, supermarkets, and shopping centres will be closed. Plan your shopping accordingly! Boxing Day falls on Saturday, so Monday 28 December is the substitute public holiday — giving many workers a glorious four-day long weekend (Friday to Monday).

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🎪 Christmas Markets in Melbourne

Melbourne's Christmas markets are the stuff of legend. From artisan gifts and handmade ornaments to gourmet food and mulled wine (yes, even in summer), these markets are where the festive magic truly comes alive.

Queen Victoria Market — Summer Night Market & Christmas Shopping

📍 Queen Victoria Market, Queen Street, Melbourne CBD 🔗 qvm.com.au

The iconic Queen Victoria Market — the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere — transforms into a festive wonderland during the Christmas season. The regular Summer Night Market runs on Wednesday evenings from mid-November right through to March (excluding 24 & 31 December), offering street food from around the globe, live music, bars, and an unbeatable atmosphere under the heritage sheds.

During the daytime market hours in the weeks leading up to Christmas, you'll find:

• Artisan gifts and handmade products in the craft sheds
• CRFT*WRK — a curated contemporary craft market every Saturday in C Shed
• The Melbourne Book Market — perfect for finding unique literary gifts (Saturdays & Sundays in A Shed)
• The Pallet Collective — independent makers, boutique producers, and emerging designers in D Shed
• Fresh produce for your Christmas feast — everything from cherries and stone fruit to seafood platters and gourmet cheeses

Pro tip: Go early on Saturday mornings for the best selection of fresh produce for your Christmas Day spread. The market gets packed in the days before Christmas!

Market hours: Tuesday & Thursday–Sunday (closed Mondays & Wednesdays for daytime market; Wednesday nights are Night Market season). Check qvm.com.au for holiday-period hours.

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Federation Square — Christmas Square

📍 Federation Square, Flinders Street, Melbourne CBD 🔗 fedsquare.com

Every year, Fed Square transforms into Christmas Square — Melbourne's dedicated Christmas precinct right in the heart of the city. Expect:

• A giant Christmas tree towering over the main square
• Live entertainment and carol performances throughout December
• Santa's Workshop — free visits with Santa for the kids (and big kids)
• Christmas pop-up bars and food stalls
• Outdoor cinema screenings of Christmas classics
• Interactive light installations and photo opportunities

Christmas Square typically runs from late November through Christmas Day and is completely free to visit. It's the perfect spot to soak up the festive atmosphere after work or before a show at the Arts Centre.

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The District Docklands — Christmas at the Docks

📍 The District Docklands, 440 Docklands Drive 🔗 thedistrictdocklands.com.au

The District Docklands gets into the Christmas spirit with waterfront markets, Santa photos, and festive decorations throughout the precinct. With a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment, it's a great family-friendly Christmas destination — especially combined with a ride on the Melbourne Star (if operating) or ice skating.

Look out for:

• Santa photo sessions (usually free or gold coin donation)
• Christmas craft workshops for kids
• Festive dining at waterfront restaurants
• Extended trading hours in the lead-up to Christmas

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Southbank & South Wharf Christmas Markets

📍 Southbank Promenade & South Wharf

The Southbank precinct along the Yarra River hosts festive markets and activations throughout December. The Sunday Market at Southgate runs year-round (through to late December 2026) and features handmade gifts, artisan produce, and unique Melbourne-made finds.

South Wharf's DFO precinct also gets festive, with Christmas pop-ups and late-night shopping events perfect for picking up gifts at outlet prices.

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Other Must-Visit Christmas Markets

• Melbourne Christmas Market at the Royal Exhibition Building — a European-style Christmas market with over 100 stalls, German sausages, mulled wine, and live entertainment. Usually held on a weekend in early December.
• Montsalvat Christmas Market (Eltham) — set in a stunning artists' colony, this market features local artisans and makers in a magical setting. 🔗 montsalvat.com.au
• Camberwell Sunday Market — a beloved community market great for vintage and secondhand Christmas finds. 🔗 camberwellsundaymarket.org
• Coburg Night Market — food-focused night market with multicultural Christmas offerings.
• St Kilda Esplanade Market — every Sunday along the St Kilda foreshore, perfect for handmade, unique gifts. 🔗 stkildaesplanademarket.com.au

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✨ Christmas Lights in Melbourne

When the sun goes down, Melbourne truly sparkles. The city's Christmas light displays are a beloved tradition that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Myer Christmas Windows

📍 Myer Melbourne, 314 Bourke Street Mall 🔗 myer.com.au

The Myer Christmas Windows are a Melbourne institution — a tradition dating back to 1956. Every year since, Myer's Bourke Street store has unveiled a series of elaborately animated window displays that tell a festive story. Each window is painstakingly designed with moving figurines, intricate sets, and enchanting narratives.

The windows are typically unveiled in mid-November and remain on display through Christmas Eve. They're completely free to view, and queuing along Bourke Street Mall to see them is a rite of passage for Melbourne families.

Tips for visiting:

• Go on a weeknight after 7pm to avoid the biggest crowds
• Weekday mornings are also quieter
• The windows are illuminated and magical after dark — evening visits are highly recommended
• Accessible viewing is available — check Myer's website for details

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Christmas Square Light Show — Federation Square

The giant Christmas tree at Federation Square features a nightly light and sound show that's free to enjoy. With thousands of LED lights synchronised to Christmas music, it's a spectacular sight that's become one of Melbourne's must-see festive attractions.

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City of Melbourne Christmas Decorations

The City of Melbourne goes all out each year with Christmas decorations across the CBD. Look for:

• Giant Christmas baubles and installations along Bourke Street Mall
• Overhead light canopies in major shopping strips
• Illuminated Christmas trees in key locations (Town Hall, City Square, Collins Street)
• Projected light displays on heritage buildings
• Festive plantings in city gardens and along the Yarra

The decorations typically go up in late November and remain through early January.

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Suburban Christmas Light Displays

Some of Melbourne's most spectacular Christmas lights aren't in the CBD at all — they're in the suburbs! Every year, dedicated households go absolutely all-out with their Christmas decorations, creating displays that attract visitors from across the city.

Famous streets and displays to visit:

• Boulevard of Lights, Ivanhoe/Ivanhoe East — multiple houses on the same street creating a dazzling corridor of lights
• Christmas Hills — yes, the suburb's name is a hint! Spectacular rural displays
• Christmas light trails in various suburbs — check local council websites and community Facebook groups for organised light trails
• Oakleigh, Glen Waverley, and Berwick — consistently strong Christmas light neighbourhoods
• Canterbury and Surrey Hills — elegant heritage homes with tasteful, stunning displays

Pro tip: Drive through on a warm December evening with the windows down, Christmas music playing, and a cheeky gelato from a local shop. Melbourne summer nights and Christmas lights are a perfect combination.

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🎭 Christmas Events & Shows

The Nutcracker — The Australian Ballet

📍 State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road 🔗 australianballet.com.au

No Christmas season in Melbourne is complete without The Nutcracker performed by The Australian Ballet. This enchanting production features Tchaikovsky's iconic score performed live by Orchestra Victoria, stunning costumes, and mesmerising choreography. It's a magical experience for all ages and typically runs from late November through to late December.

Booking tip: Performances sell out fast, especially matinees and weekend shows. Book as early as possible — tickets usually go on sale mid-year for subscribers and shortly after for the general public.

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Carols by Candlelight — Sidney Myer Music Bowl

📍 Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Kings Domain, Alexandra Avenue 🔗 9carols.com.au

Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight is one of Melbourne's most treasured Christmas traditions, held annually on Christmas Eve (24 December) at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Since 1938, Melburnians have gathered on the lawns of Kings Domain to sing carols under the stars.

The event features:

• A stellar lineup of Australian musical performers
• Classic Christmas carols everyone can sing along to
• The iconic candlelight atmosphere
• Broadcast live on Channel 9

Gates typically open in the late afternoon, with entertainment beginning in the early evening and the main show running from around 8pm. It's a free event (general admission lawn seating), though premium reserved seating is available for purchase.

What to bring: Picnic blankets, cushions, snacks, and drinks. Arrive early for a good spot — regulars start queuing in the afternoon!

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Santa Photos

Getting a photo with Santa is a December must-do, especially for families. Melbourne's best Santa photo experiences include:

• Myer Melbourne (Bourke Street) — the classic department store Santa
• Melbourne Central — often featuring interactive Santa experiences
• Chadstone Shopping Centre — the Southern Hemisphere's largest shopping centre goes big on Christmas, with elaborate Santa sets and immersive experiences
• Highpoint Shopping Centre — another popular spot with professional photos
• Various pop-up Santa experiences at Fed Square, Docklands, and local shopping strips

Pro tip: Book your Santa photo session online where possible to avoid long queues. Many centres now offer timed bookings.

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Christmas Theatre & Shows

Melbourne's legendary theatre scene offers plenty of festive entertainment:

• Christmas pantomimes at the Athenaeum Theatre and Comedy Theatre
• A Christmas Carol — various productions pop up across Melbourne each year
• Circus and acrobatic shows — festive-themed performances at venues like The Famous Spiegeltent and Melbourne Recital Centre
• Children's Christmas shows at the Melbourne Arts Centre and Melbourne Museum

Check artscentremelbourne.com.au and whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au for the full lineup as it's announced.

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🎁 Christmas Day — What's Open & Closed in Melbourne

Restricted Trading Day

Christmas Day in Victoria is a restricted trading day under the Shop Trading Reform Act 1996. This means:

CLOSED on Christmas Day:

• ❌ Most supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, Aldi)
• ❌ Shopping centres and department stores
• ❌ Most retail shops (Kmart, Target, Big W, JB Hi-Fi, etc.)
• ❌ Bunnings and hardware stores
• ❌ Most bottle shops (Dan Murphy's, BWS, etc.)

OPEN on Christmas Day (typically):

• ✅ Some convenience stores and service stations (7-Eleven, etc.)
• ✅ Some pharmacies (limited hours — call ahead)
• ✅ Restaurants and cafés that choose to open (many top restaurants offer special Christmas Day menus)
• ✅ Some hotels and hotel restaurants
• ✅ Melbourne's Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex
• ✅ Some tourist attractions (check individual venue websites)
• ✅ Public transport (limited holiday timetable)
• ✅ Melbourne Airport (flights operate as normal)

Pro tip: Stock up on everything you need by Christmas Eve. Most supermarkets will have extended hours on 24 December (typically until 10pm or midnight), but expect absolute chaos — go early if you can!

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Public Transport on Christmas Day

Public transport operates on a limited holiday timetable on Christmas Day. Services typically run less frequently and may finish earlier than usual.

• Trains: Reduced frequency, approximately every 30–40 minutes on most lines
• Trams: Limited services on key CBD routes
• Buses: Significantly reduced services
• Ride-share (Uber, DiDi, etc.): Available but expect surge pricing

Check ptv.vic.gov.au closer to the date for the confirmed Christmas Day timetable.

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🛍️ Boxing Day Sales Guide 2026

When Do the Sales Start?

Boxing Day 2026 falls on Saturday 26 December, with the substitute public holiday on Monday 28 December. This means you get an incredible long weekend of sales — and many retailers actually kick off their sales online from Christmas night (as early as midnight on 26 December, or even Christmas Day evening).

Where to Shop

CBD & Major Shopping Centres:

• Bourke Street Mall — Myer, David Jones, and surrounding stores. Queues form early (some die-hard bargain hunters arrive at 4–5am). Doors typically open at 8am or earlier.
• Melbourne Central — great for fashion, electronics, and lifestyle brands
• Emporium Melbourne — high-end fashion and designer labels with significant markdowns
• DFO South Wharf — already outlet prices, plus additional Boxing Day discounts. One of Melbourne's best-value shopping destinations.
• Chadstone Shopping Centre — "The Fashion Capital" pulls out all the stops with massive sales across 500+ stores
• Highpoint Shopping Centre — the west's biggest centre with great sales
• Eastland, Westfield Doncaster, Northland — all major suburban centres run competitive Boxing Day sales

What to buy on Boxing Day:

• 👗 Fashion & clothing (typically 30–70% off)
• 🖥️ Electronics & tech (TVs, laptops, headphones)
• 🏠 Homewares & furniture
• 👟 Shoes & sportswear
• 💄 Beauty & skincare

Online alternatives: If you'd rather avoid the crowds, most major retailers offer the same (or better) deals online. Check websites from Christmas night onwards. Key online Boxing Day sales: myer.com.au, davidjones.com, theiconic.com.au, amazon.com.au, kogan.com.

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🍽️ Christmas Dining in Melbourne

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

Plenty of Melbourne's finest restaurants open their doors on Christmas Day, offering special festive menus. Booking well in advance is essential — many restaurants fill their Christmas Day sittings months ahead.

Fine Dining:

• Vue de Monde (Rialto Tower) — one of Melbourne's most celebrated restaurants, offering a spectacular Christmas Day degustation with views over the city. 🔗 vuedemonde.com.au
• Attica (Ripponlea) — if you can score a booking at Ben Shewry's world-renowned restaurant, a Christmas Day meal here is unforgettable. 🔗 attica.com.au
• Tipo 00 (CBD) — elegant Italian dining with a festive twist
• Grossi Florentino (Bourke Street) — classic Italian fine dining in a stunning heritage setting

Hotel Restaurants (excellent for hassle-free Christmas lunch):

• The Langham Melbourne — lavish Christmas Day buffet in the Melba Restaurant
• Crown Towers — multiple dining options across their restaurant portfolio
• Park Hyatt Melbourne — elegant Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings
• Sofitel Melbourne on Collins — French-inspired Christmas feasting
• InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto — sophisticated Christmas dining

Waterfront & Casual:

• Southbank restaurants along the Yarra — many offer Christmas Day menus with river views
• St Kilda beachfront restaurants — combine Christmas lunch with a beach walk
• Lygon Street, Carlton — several Italian restaurants open for festive feasting

Booking tip: If you want a Christmas Day restaurant booking at a popular venue, start looking in October–November. Many restaurants release their Christmas menus and bookings 6–8 weeks before the day.

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Christmas Day at Home — Melbourne Style

Prefer cooking at home? Here's the Melbourne Christmas Day playbook:

• Seafood platters — prawns, oysters, Moreton Bay bugs, crayfish. Hit Queen Victoria Market or South Melbourne Market in the days before Christmas.
• A proper roast — lamb, turkey, or ham. Order from your local butcher early.
• Pavlova — THE Australian Christmas dessert. Topped with fresh cream, strawberries, passionfruit, and kiwi fruit.
• Christmas pudding — for the traditionalists, served with brandy custard or cream.
• Barbecue — because nothing says Aussie Christmas like firing up the barbie.
• Stone fruit & cherries — December is peak season. Load up at the market.
• Cold salads — Caesar, Greek, pasta salads. Essential for a hot Melbourne Christmas.

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🎆 New Year's Eve in Melbourne 2026

New Year's Eve 2026 falls on a Thursday, which means many people will take the Friday off for a long weekend to recover. Melbourne's NYE celebrations are among the best in Australia, centred around a massive fireworks display and a city-wide party atmosphere.

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NYE Fireworks — Where to Watch

The City of Melbourne typically stages two fireworks sessions on New Year's Eve:

🎆 Family Fireworks — 9:30pm

The early family-friendly fireworks are launched around 9:30pm, perfect for little ones who can't quite make it to midnight. Launched from rooftops across the CBD, they're visible from numerous vantage points.

🎆 Midnight Fireworks — 12:00am

The main event! Melbourne's midnight fireworks spectacular lights up the sky to welcome the New Year. A stunning pyrotechnic display launched from multiple CBD rooftop locations, synchronised to music broadcast on local radio stations.

Best free spots to watch the fireworks:

1. Kings Domain / Alexandra Gardens — sprawl out on the lawns near the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. One of the most popular spots with great skyline views. Arrive early to claim your patch of grass.

2. Yarra River banks (Southbank to Birrarung Marr) — the Southbank Promenade and paths along the Yarra offer excellent viewing. The fireworks reflect beautifully off the river.

3. Flagstaff Gardens — a slightly less crowded CBD option with good sightlines to the northern fireworks launch points.

4. Treasury Gardens & Fitzroy Gardens — lovely park settings on the eastern edge of the CBD with views of the city skyline fireworks.

5. Docklands Waterfront — the Docklands precinct often has its own fireworks display and entertainment. Waterfront views from NewQuay Promenade and Victoria Harbour are excellent.

6. Princes Bridge & Swanston Street — right in the heart of the city, looking both ways along the Yarra. Gets very crowded but the atmosphere is electric.

7. Eureka Tower / Melbourne Skydeck — if you can get tickets to the Skydeck or a high-level restaurant, the 360-degree views of fireworks across the city are unbeatable. 🔗 eurekaskydeck.com.au

8. Rooftop bars — Melbourne's famous rooftop bar scene offers prime NYE viewing. Popular spots include Rooftop Bar, Naked in the Sky, and Loop Roof. Book well in advance!

Pro tip: The City of Melbourne typically designates specific entertainment zones and viewing areas across the CBD with live music, DJs, food trucks, and big screens. The official NYE program is usually announced in November/December at nye.melbourne.vic.gov.au.

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NYE Family-Friendly Events

Melbourne makes NYE accessible for families, not just party-goers:

• 9:30pm Family Fireworks — the star attraction for families. Kids can experience the magic of fireworks and still be in bed at a reasonable hour.
• City of Melbourne NYE entertainment precincts — live music, street performers, face painting, and activities throughout the afternoon and evening. Usually concentrated around Fed Square, Treasury Gardens, and Birrarung Marr.
• Docklands family zone — often features kid-friendly entertainment, carnival rides, and earlier fireworks.
• Kings Domain — family picnic zone with big screens and entertainment leading up to the fireworks.
• Cultural precinct activities — the Arts Centre Melbourne, NGV, and Fed Square often run special family events on NYE afternoon.

What to bring for families:

• Picnic blanket and cushions
• Snacks and plenty of water (it can be hot!)
• Sunscreen and hats (the sun doesn't set until after 8:30pm in late December)
• Entertainment for kids (books, games, tablets)
• Warm layers for after dark (Melbourne evenings can cool down)

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NYE Events & Parties

Melbourne's nightlife scene goes all out on New Year's Eve. Here are the types of events to look for:

Major Ticketed Events:

• Sidney Myer Music Bowl NYE Concert — a premium outdoor concert event in one of Melbourne's most iconic venues. Past lineups have featured top Australian and international artists.
• NYE on the Yarra — various boat cruise packages offering dinner, drinks, and front-row fireworks views from the river.
• Crown Melbourne NYE — Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex hosts multiple NYE events across its bars, restaurants, and nightclub. 🔗 crownmelbourne.com.au
• Arbory Afloat / Arbory Bar — the iconic floating bar on the Yarra hosts a coveted NYE party. 🔗 arbory.com.au

Club & Bar Events:

• Revolver Upstairs (Chapel Street, Prahran) — legendary Melbourne club known for marathon NYE sets
• 170 Russell — multi-level venue with different rooms/DJs
• Prince Bandroom (St Kilda) — popular for live music NYE events
• The Night Cat (Fitzroy) — Latin/soul vibes for a dance-filled NYE
• Pawn & Co (Prahran) — cocktail bar with themed NYE parties

Rooftop & Bar Parties:

• Rooftop Bar (Curtin House) — one of Melbourne's original rooftop bars
• Naked in the Sky (Fitzroy) — stunning views and vibrant atmosphere
• Loop Roof (CBD) — garden rooftop with CBD views
• Goldilocks (CBD) — rooftop bar with panoramic city views
• Siglo (Spring Street) — sophisticated rooftop overlooking Parliament House

Booking note: Popular NYE events sell out weeks or months in advance. Start checking for tickets from October/November. Expect ticket prices to range from $50 for basic entry to $300+ for premium packages with food and drinks included.

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NYE Dining — Restaurants with New Year's Eve Packages

Many of Melbourne's best restaurants offer special NYE set menus or dining packages, often including a champagne toast at midnight and views of the fireworks.

Waterfront dining with fireworks views:

• Fatto Bar & Cantina (Southbank) — Italian feasting with Yarra River views
• Rockpool Bar & Grill (Crown) — premium steak and seafood
• Atlantic Group venues (Docklands) — waterfront dining with direct fireworks views
• Hophaus (Southbank) — German-inspired dining with promenade views
• The Boatbuilders Yard (South Wharf) — casual waterfront dining

Fine dining NYE experiences:

• Coda (CBD) — French-Vietnamese set menu NYE dinner
• Chin Chin (CBD) — Southeast Asian flavours with a buzzy NYE atmosphere
• Supernormal (CBD) — Andrew McConnell's Asian-inspired NYE feast
• Flower Drum (CBD) — legendary Cantonese fine dining
• Dinner by Heston (Crown) — world-famous British chef's Melbourne outpost

Tip: NYE dining packages typically range from $150–$500 per person, depending on the venue and what's included. Book by early December at the latest.

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Free NYE Activities

You don't have to spend a fortune to have an incredible New Year's Eve in Melbourne:

• 🎆 City of Melbourne NYE celebrations — the council's official NYE program is free and includes live music stages, DJs, entertainment, and the fireworks. Check nye.melbourne.vic.gov.au for the program.
• 🎵 Live music in entertainment zones — free performances across multiple CBD locations
• 🌊 St Kilda Beach — join thousands of people counting down on the beach. The St Kilda foreshore has a festive atmosphere with many bars and restaurants nearby.
• 🏙️ Yarra River walk — stroll along the river from Fed Square to South Wharf, soaking in the atmosphere
• 🎨 Street art & laneways — Melbourne's famous laneways (Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane, etc.) are always free to explore and make for great NYE photo backdrops
• 📺 Big screen broadcasts — Fed Square typically hosts a big screen broadcast of the countdown and entertainment

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Transport on New Year's Eve

🚃 Free Public Transport on NYE!

The Victorian Government typically offers free public transport on New Year's Eve to help everyone get home safely. This is one of the best things about NYE in Melbourne!

What's usually included:

• Free travel on all metropolitan trains, trams, and buses from approximately 6:00pm on 31 December through to the last service
• Extra late-night services — trains and trams typically run all night or into the early morning hours on 1 January
• Additional services on key routes into the CBD

Getting to the CBD for fireworks:

• Train — all lines run into the City Loop. Flinders Street and Melbourne Central are the main stations for CBD NYE events. Expect trains to be very crowded from 8pm onwards.
• Tram — routes along St Kilda Road, Swanston Street, and Flinders Street will take you to the heart of the action. Some tram routes may be diverted due to road closures.
• Bus — night bus services typically operate extended schedules on NYE.
• Ride-share — Uber, DiDi, and other services will be operating but expect significant surge pricing from 11pm–3am. Consider pre-booking if available.
• Taxi — available but in high demand. Taxi ranks at major CBD locations will have queues.

Road closures: Major CBD roads are typically closed to traffic from the early evening. If you're driving, plan to park on the outskirts and walk or take public transport into the city. Check vicroads.vic.gov.au for confirmed closures closer to the date.

Pro tip: After the midnight fireworks, the CBD empties out quickly. If you can wait 30–45 minutes and grab a late snack somewhere, the transport crush eases significantly.

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☀️ Summer Activities Between Christmas and NYE

That magical week between Christmas and New Year's — when nobody knows what day it is and nobody cares — is one of the best times to enjoy Melbourne. Here's what to do:

Beach Days

Melbourne's beaches are glorious in late December:

• St Kilda Beach — the classic. Swim, walk the pier, eat at the restaurants along the foreshore. 🔗 stkildamelbourne.com.au
• Brighton Beach — home to the famous colourful bathing boxes. Instagram gold.
• Half Moon Bay (Black Rock) — beautiful, slightly less crowded than St Kilda
• Williamstown Beach — great views back to the city skyline
• Sandringham Beach — family-friendly with calm waters

The Australian Open Practice Sessions

The Australian Open (mid-January) is just around the corner, and practice sessions at Melbourne Park often begin in late December. Keep an eye on ausopen.com for practice schedules — they're usually free to watch!

Melbourne Cricket Ground — Boxing Day Test

If you're a cricket fan (or even if you're not), the Boxing Day Test at the MCG is one of Australia's greatest sporting traditions. The Test match begins on 26 December and runs for up to five days. Day one is always a sell-out, but you can usually get tickets for days 2–5.

🔗 mcg.org.au

Summer in the Parks

• Royal Botanic Gardens — perfect for a summer stroll. The gardens often host outdoor cinema and events over summer. 🔗 rbg.vic.gov.au
• Moonlight Cinema — outdoor cinema in the Royal Botanic Gardens, screening new releases and classics under the stars. 🔗 moonlight.com.au
• Yarra River kayaking and paddleboarding — rent a kayak or SUP and explore the city from the water
• Melbourne Zoo — great for families, and less crowded during the between-Christmas lull. 🔗 zoo.org.au

Day Trips from Melbourne

The week between Christmas and NYE is perfect for a day trip:

• Great Ocean Road — one of the world's most scenic coastal drives (approximately 2 hours from Melbourne)
• Yarra Valley wineries — wine tasting, long lunches, and stunning views. Try Domaine Chandon, TarraWarra Estate, or Yering Station.
• Mornington Peninsula — beaches, hot springs (Peninsula Hot Springs), wineries, and the charming towns of Sorrento and Portsea
• Phillip Island — penguin parade, wildlife parks, and beautiful coastline
• Dandenong Ranges — Puffing Billy steam train, gardens, and village cafés

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

General Christmas Questions

Q: What date is Christmas Day 2026? A: Christmas Day 2026 falls on Friday 25 December. It is a public holiday and restricted trading day in Victoria.

Q: Is Boxing Day 2026 a public holiday? A: Boxing Day falls on Saturday 26 December 2026. Because it falls on a weekend, Monday 28 December is the substitute public holiday. Many workers will enjoy a four-day long weekend (Friday 25 – Monday 28 December).

Q: Are shops open on Christmas Day in Melbourne? A: Most shops, supermarkets, and shopping centres are closed on Christmas Day due to restricted trading laws. Some convenience stores, service stations, restaurants (by choice), hotels, and Crown Casino remain open. Always plan ahead and stock up by Christmas Eve.

Q: When do the Myer Christmas Windows open? A: The Myer Christmas Windows are typically unveiled in mid-November and remain on display until Christmas Eve (24 December). They're free to view at Myer's Bourke Street store, 24 hours a day.

Q: Where is the best place to buy a Christmas tree in Melbourne? A: Real Christmas trees can be purchased from tree farms on the outskirts of Melbourne (Wandin, Gembrook, and the Dandenong Ranges are popular areas), as well as selected outlets at Queen Victoria Market and various pop-up lots across the suburbs. Artificial trees are widely available at Kmart, Target, Big W, and specialty Christmas shops.

Q: What's the weather like in Melbourne at Christmas? A: Melbourne Christmases are typically warm to hot, with average maximums around 25–30°C (77–86°F) in late December. However, this is Melbourne — you might also get a cool change or even rain. Pack for all conditions! Evenings can cool to around 14–18°C.

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New Year's Eve Questions

Q: What date is New Year's Eve 2026? A: New Year's Eve 2026 falls on Thursday 31 December. New Year's Day (Friday 1 January 2027) is a public holiday.

Q: What time are the NYE fireworks in Melbourne? A: Melbourne typically has two fireworks sessions: family-friendly fireworks at approximately 9:30pm and the main midnight fireworks at 12:00am. Both are launched from CBD rooftop locations and are visible from many points around the city.

Q: Where is the best place to watch NYE fireworks in Melbourne? A: Top free spots include Kings Domain/Alexandra Gardens, the Yarra River banks (Southbank to Birrarung Marr), Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens, and the Docklands waterfront. For premium views, consider rooftop bars or waterfront restaurants (book well in advance).

Q: Is public transport free on NYE in Melbourne? A: The Victorian Government typically provides free public transport on New Year's Eve, usually from around 6:00pm on 31 December through to the last service in the early hours of 1 January. Extra late-night and all-night services are usually added. Check ptv.vic.gov.au closer to the date for confirmation.

Q: What roads are closed on NYE in Melbourne? A: Major CBD roads are typically closed to traffic from the early evening on NYE for crowd safety. This includes sections of Swanston Street, Flinders Street, St Kilda Road, and surrounding streets. Plan to use public transport or park outside the CBD and walk in.

Q: Is the NYE celebration in Melbourne free? A: Yes! The City of Melbourne's official NYE celebration — including live entertainment, music stages, and the fireworks — is completely free. No tickets required for the public viewing areas. Some individual bar, restaurant, and venue events within the city are ticketed separately.

Q: Can I bring alcohol to NYE in the city? A: The City of Melbourne typically enforces a no BYO alcohol policy in public NYE entertainment zones. Licensed venues sell drinks, and there are usually bar areas within the entertainment precincts. Glass containers are generally banned in public areas on NYE for safety.

Q: What should I bring to NYE in the city? A: Water (stay hydrated — it can be warm!), sunscreen and a hat (for afternoon arrivals), comfortable walking shoes, a phone charger/power bank, a picnic blanket if you plan to sit on the grass, warm layers for after dark, and patience — it will be crowded!

Q: Are there fireworks at Docklands on NYE? A: Docklands typically hosts its own NYE entertainment and fireworks display, separate from the main CBD fireworks. The waterfront setting makes for a spectacular show. Check the Docklands precinct and City of Melbourne websites for confirmation closer to the date.

Q: What's there to do on New Year's Day in Melbourne? A: New Year's Day (1 January) is a public holiday. Popular activities include beach trips (St Kilda, Brighton), brunching at Melbourne's many cafés, visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, catching a movie, or simply recovering with a long coffee in a laneway café. Many shops reopen on New Year's Day (it is not a restricted trading day).

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🎯 Final Tips for Christmas & NYE in Melbourne 2026

1. Book early — restaurants, shows, and NYE events sell out fast. Start planning in October/November.
2. Download the PTV app — for real-time public transport info, especially on Christmas Day and NYE.
3. Check the weather — Melbourne is famously unpredictable. Have a backup plan and bring layers.
4. Slip, slop, slap — sunscreen is essential, even on overcast days. The Australian sun is no joke.
5. Stay hydrated — carry a water bottle, especially if you're out all day for NYE.
6. Cash + card — most places accept card/tap, but some market stalls may be cash-only.
7. Arrive early — for fireworks viewing spots, carols, and major events.
8. Be patient — it's a busy time! Embrace the crowds and the festive spirit.
9. Support local — Melbourne's independent shops, restaurants, and market vendors are what make this city special.
10. Have fun! — whether you're a Christmas fanatic or a NYE party animal, Melbourne has something for everyone. Enjoy every moment! 🎄🎆🥂

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🔗 Useful Links & Resources

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This guide will be updated as 2026 event details are officially announced. Bookmark this page and check back regularly for the latest information on Christmas and New Year's Eve events in Melbourne.

Last updated: February 2026

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About the Author: This guide is published by amirbrooks.com.au, your go-to source for Melbourne events, guides, and local insights. We live and breathe Melbourne so you can make the most of this incredible city.