Christmas Day is celebrated on the 25th of December and is celebrated worldwide. Therefore, Christmas in Melbourne is a public holiday and is a wonderful time to stop, reflect and spend time with family and friends.
Amid all the gift-giving and family celebrations, there are many fun activities for you to enjoy on Christmas Day in Melbourne.
Christmas Day Date 2024, What Is Open & Things To Do, Melbourne
Melbourne’s public parks remain open on Christmas Day, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors with a picnic. A popular spot to visit on Christmas Day is the Royal Botanic Gardens, where you can kick the footy, play a game of cricket or sit back and enjoy a relaxing day in the sunshine.
You can also catch a movie on Christmas Day, as some cinemas remain open in the CBD: Village Cinemas at Crown and Kino Cinemas on Collins Street. Many Boxing Day blockbusters are often released on Christmas Day, so if you want to get in early and skip the crowds, a movie on Christmas Day is a great way to spend the afternoon.
You can also enjoy a fun evening with dinner and drinks at one of the many Melbourne venues open on Christmas evening. You will find the best options at Crown, Docklands and Federation Square.
Other fun ways to enjoy Christmas Day in Melbourne include visiting Melbourne’s famous attractions, which remain open. These include the Eureka Skydeck, from which you get panoramic views of the city, the Melbourne Aquarium, and the Melbourne Zoo.
You won’t find many shops in the CBD on Christmas Day; however, most 7/11 convenience stores and the IGA stores on Flinders, Spencer and King Streets will be open.
So, if you are looking for something to do on Christmas Day, a few attractions are still open. Merry Christmas!
FAQs
You can also explore other events like Melbourne's Winter Wonderland, Festival of Lights, Melbourne Myer Christmas Windows, Santa's Village and Christmas Carol performances. Streets in Melbourne are lit up with decorative lights. Local artisans set up stalls at Christmas markets and sell all kinds of goods.
Is everything closed on Christmas Day in Melbourne? ›
While there are certain exceptions, most chemists, supermarkets and bottle shops will be closed on Christmas Day. With this in mind, it's recommended to do all your shopping beforehand and stock up on any supplies you might need.
Is there public transport in Melbourne on Christmas Day? ›
On Christmas Day, metropolitan and regional public transport will run to a regular Sunday timetable and will be free from 3am Monday 25 December until 3am on Boxing Day – with services running through the night.
Is anything open on Christmas Day in Australia? ›
Christmas Day (December 25): All stores closed. Boxing Day (December 26): All stores open in Northern Territory, NSW, ACT, NT Victoria, QLD and Tasmania. In South Australia, regional stores are open while metropolitan stores are closed. In WA most stores are open except Tom Price.
Do buses run on Christmas Day in Victoria BC? ›
A short drive north is the Malahat Skywalk, which is open year-round, including Christmas Day. BC Transit will be operating buses on a Sunday schedule, meaning there will be regular but slightly reduced service throughout the Victoria regional transit system.
Can you buy alcohol on Christmas Day Victoria? ›
Christmas Day
Coles, Woolworths and ALDI closed. Dan Murphy's, Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market and Vintage Cellars all closed. A select few BWS stores are open but majority are closed: check your local store online.
Is Melbourne good for Christmas? ›
Melbourne and Victoria are aglow with festive cheer in December. The city ramps up the fun, as decorations and installations take over Federation Square, Docklands and the Yarra River, and a range of events pop up around town.
How do they celebrate Christmas in Melbourne? ›
Traditional favourites like the giant Christmas tree at Fed Square and the Myer Christmas Windows draw visitors from near and far. Malls and markets offer inspiration for Christmas gifts, Santa makes an appearance for the kids, and the city's bars and restaurants provide the perfect backdrop for Christmas catch-ups.
Does Melbourne SkyBus operate on Christmas Day? ›
SkyBus operates every day including Public Holidays. SkyBus follows the weekend schedule on Victorian Public Holidays.
Is McDonald's Australia open Christmas Day? ›
For those craving burgers or needing a snack as you rush between family events, the majority of McDonalds and Hungry Jacks stores tend to be open on 25 December.
Usually, how people celebrate Christmas is by exchanging gifts, decorating their homes, celebrating with parades or parties, dedicating prayer, and sharing food and drink.
Where is the Melbourne Christmas carnival? ›
What is this? There is a food outlet at the Christmas Carnival at Birrarung Marr serving carnival snacks – hot chips, donuts, that sort of thing – and free water fountains and picnic tables for when you need a rest.
