Melbourne’s Best Christmas Events 2017

It may seem like a while away, but it’s never too early to start planning for the festive season. From haphazardly buying last-minute presents to organising a dinner with all the trimmings, Christmas can be stressful. We’re here to help! If you’re looking for some fun yuletide events to distract you from the season mayhem, look no further than our guide to Melbourne’s best Christmas events 2017.

See the Christmas Lights

There’s nothing that’ll get you in the festive mood more than seeing Christmas lights line the streets. For a truly spectacular experience, visit The Boulevard, Ivanhoe for Melbourne’s biggest and brightest lights display. Since the 1950s, residents have been decorating their houses and gardens, making for a truly unmissable sight. Alternatively, head to Thomson Street in Northcote where a number of houses light up each year.

Dining Out

No one wants to cook on Christmas day – it’s a fact. Spending the whole day over a hot stove is no way to enjoy the season, so book to eat out instead. Melbourne has some great options. As christmas coincides with the ashes this year, why not head down to Turf Bar, the home of cricket lovers for 16 years. They’ll be dishing up a three course meal for just $70, including a $20 kids menu. To book visit turfbar.com.au .

If you’re an expat looking for a taste of home this Christmas, look no further than P.J. O’ Briens, Melbourne’s best Irish pub, who will also be serving up a dinner with all the trimmings at their riverside location. For entree, choose from an aromatic pumpkin soup, prosciutto with brioche croutons or a smoked salmon fillet, then follow it up with a traditional christmas dinner; either roast turkey & Bulmers ham, a baked Dory fillet or asparagus and pistachio risotto. Finish off the meal with a choice of either plum pudding, summer berry trifle or cheese and crackers. Visit pjobriens.com.au to book or for more information.

Christmas Festival

Once you’ve eaten your body weight in roast turkey, why not wander down to Melbourne’s Christmas Festival where City Square will be transformed into Christmas Square, a magical forest offering endless festive fun. Full details will be announced in November, but last year’s features included festive dressing up, famous landmarks made out of gingerbread and a giant illuminated advent calendar. Take the kids too – they can post their christmas list through Santa’s Post Box.

Something Different

Head to the beach! With the sun shining down and merriness running high, Christmas is the perfect time for a trip to the seaside. If you’re looking for a great surfing beach head to Cape Woolamai; Surrounded by ancient pink granite, it’s an ideal landscape for a fun-filled Christmas. Another option is Mordialloc, the perfect spot due to its BBQ facilities. If the thought of doing anything cooking-related in the heat it too much to bear, head to one of the nearby restaurants for a delicious Christmas meal.

For a unique way to spend christmas, why not take a trip to Melbourne Zoo, which will be open from 9am-5pm. Observe over 250 different species before sitting down to enjoy a range of christmas treats from turkey and cranberry pies to gingerbread cookies. Even the animals will receive a few festive surprises; last year The Trail of the Elephant Keepers constructed a towering tree made of nearly a tonne of cos lettuce and decorated it with fruit so the elephants could have their very own Christmas tree. For more information visit www.zoo.org.au.