While Sydney’s Bondi Beach is a well known alternative Christmas destination and the New Year firework display over the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House are world renowned, here at Travala.com we have a soft spot for Melbourne and its family friendly Christmas celebrations.

While it might not be a winter wonderland filled with snow, Melbourne makes for a fantastic and warm Christmas vacation with a packed Christmas menu of activities, celebrations and of course food.

Join generations of Melbournians at the much loved Myers department store Christmas windows display. Every year, Myers creates a colorful and imaginative Christmas spectacular in its windows and this year the theme is May Gibbs’ delightful Cuddlepot and Snugglepie.

Marvel at Melbourne’s Christmas Projections as its historic buildings and structures including the Melbourne Town Hall and Princes Bridge are transformed by magnificent light displays.

Enjoy some of the best Christmas lights in Melbourne at the Christmas Square including a 16 metre LED Christmas tree and the instagram friendly giant Christmas bauble. With live music and a vibrant party atmosphere, it is a fun area to explore for the whole family.

Alternatively for a less commercial experience, head east to view the Ivanhoe Christmas lights. Home owners in Ivanhoe Boulevard put on one of the biggest and brightest Christmas light displays in Melbourne. Be warned, it is likely to create feelings of inadequacy and have you upping your own Christmas decorations for next year.

Time your visit to coincide with the Big Design Market within the fabulous Royal Exhibition Building. With over 250 stall holders, you can indulge in artisan food, spoil family and friends (or yourself) with goods and foods designed and prepared by local talent and entertain the kids with fun and free activities.

Raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital and see some of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks in miniature and gingerbread form at the Gingerbread Village in St Collins Lane.

Where to stay in Melbourne

Below are our top picked properties for the stay in Melbourne this Christmas. Booking dates are 23rd – 24th December, 2019 with the price corrects as of 26th November, 2019

5* The Langham Melbourne

Superior Room King Bed

Travala.com: $151.79

Hotels.com: $189.74 (20% saving with Travala.com)

Available to book HERE on Travala.com

5* Sheraton Melbourne Hotel

Traditional Room with King Bed

Travala.com: $149.47

Hotels.com: $164.37 (9.1% saving with Travala.com)

Available to book HERE on Travala.com

5* Pan Pacific Melbourne

Deluxe Room King Bed

Travala.com: $118.3

Hotels.com: $149 (20.6% saving with Travala.com)

Available to book HERE on Travala.com

5* Royce Hotel

Deluxe Queen Room

Travala.com: $120.43

Hotels.com: $141.63 (15% saving with Travala.com)

Available to book HERE on Travala.com

4* Mantra on Russell

Studio Apartment

Travala.com: $115.3

Hotels.com: $128.07 (10% saving with Travala.com)

Available to book HERE on Travala.com

4* Citadines on Bourke Melbourne

Deluxe Studio Apartment

Travala.com: $106.58

Hotels.com: $125.37 (15% saving with Travala.com)

Available to book HERE on Travala.com

4* Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Southbank

Standard Room with Queen Bed

Travala.com: $79.76

Hotels.com: $101 (21% saving with Travala.com)

Available to book HERE on Travala.com