14 magical Christmas events in Australia to visit in 2022

Where: Sydney CBD

When: 26 Nov 2022 - 1 Jan 2023

Adorned with over 110,000 Christmas lights, a 3.4-metre colour-changing star and 330 glossy baubles, NSW’s tallest Christmas tree will once again be standing tall at Martin Place. This year’s tree will be dressed with 15,000 flowers in nine varieties, each celebrating a unique species of Australian flower. A light show will come on every 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to midnight daily.

Where: Darling Harbour, Sydney

When: 14 Nov - 26 Dec 2022

Visit Darling Harbour in the evenings for one of the best Christmas light displays in Sydney. Snap a family Christmas selfie at the kaleidoscopic Giant Bauble located outside ICC Sydney. Next up, head over to Darling Harbour's iconic Ferris Wheel for a magical ride and 360-degree view of Sydney's skyline.

“Staying on Darling Harbour was a lot of fun because there was so much to do within walking distance. Shops and plenty of restaurants of all kinds and being there at Christmas time made it even prettier!” - decar48

Where: 2090 Broke Road, Pokolbin

When: 4 November 2022 – 26 January 2023

Hunter Valley Gardens will be getting extra sparkly this Christmas with over 3 million lights on display. Explore dozens of magical light installations and take a whirl on fun amusement rides including the popular Carousel and Ferris Wheel.

“What a fabulous display of Christmas lights. Well worth the trip for young and old and worth the $30 entry fee” - Spoutie

Where: 2 Huntley St Building 7A, Sydney

When: Nov 2022 - mid Jan 2023

The Grounds of Alexandria is celebrating all things naughty or nice this Christmas. Take a cheeky stroll down the naughty lane, adorned with candy canes and sweet treats, or pick the nice lane if you want to make it on Santa's nice list! There are even magical snow sessions from Friday to Sunday and photo ops with Santa himself, though you might want to book your slot quick as it sells out fast. There's also a special Christmas high tea menu that features White Christmas macarons and coconut mousse gingerbread.

“It's Christmas time at the Grounds and their resident stylist has excelled herself again... For young children to the elderly and everyone in between, there is something magical about this place.” - C0nstantlyOnTheG0

Where: South Bank Parklands, Brisbane

When: 17 Dec - 22 Dec 2022

The South Bank Parklands is coming to life this December with an array of family-friendly Christmas activities. Don't miss the ELFIES! South Bank Christmas Show that takes place nightly at 5.30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Expect non-stop singing, dancing, circus performances, and appearances from Santa. There will also be a riverside cinema, kid's crafts, and storytelling sessions, as well as pop-up live music stages.

“It's such a beautiful time of the year to visit Southbank with all the lighting and food. Enjoyed the colourful decorations and people singing Christmas songs.” - _dhillon0966

Where: Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane

When: 25 Nov - 21 Dec 2022

Brisbane’s largest interactive light trail is back at the Travellers’ Choice 2022 award-winning Roma Street Parkland—and it’s bigger and better than ever. Visit to immerse in an 8,000 sqm audiovisual extravaganza including 3D-printed birds, holograms, LED fields, and more.

“Wow, Brisbane City, you got it right. What a display of colour and imagination… The night was perfect and we were in awe with the transformation of the Parkland from day to fantasy night. This is hands down the best Christmas display of lights without the traditional reindeer and Santa.” - Wander795160

Where: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin

When: Nov - 24 Dec 2022

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is ringing in the holiday season with a fun ‘Blinky Bill’s Christmas Wishes’ song-and-dance show. Look forward to fun songs and dance routines, and a Christmas photo with both Blinky and Nutsy. The Sanctuary’s retail shop is also the perfect place to pick up a Christmas gift—each purchase will help support the work at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.

“Let me start with the gift shops: I have yet to find a wider and more interesting selection of Australia-themed merchandise. I always do my Christmas shopping for my overseas family and friends here, and also visit to stock up on gifts before I leave on my international travel writing trips.” - mike g

Where: Jubilee Pavilion, Adelaide Showground

When: 2 - 24 Dec 2022

Adelaide’s biggest Christmas event, Santa’s Wonderland, will be packed with family-friendly festive fun this December. Each ticket entitles you to 3 hours of unlimited fair rides, ice skating, tobogganing, inflatable jumping, festival stage shows, and more.

Where: Rundle Mall, Adelaide

When: Nov - Dec 2022

Go window-shopping, Christmas-style. South Australia’s biggest retail destination has unveiled eight Christmas window displays, each telling an enchanting story of Christmas. Look forward to the popular National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant 90th Anniversary window, spotlighting its iconic rocking horses Nipper and Nimble. Also, keep a lookout for festive contests such as the Christmas Cracker to stand a chance to win prizes like a family staycation.

Where: Melbourne CBD

When: Nov - Dec 2022

Melbourne’s CBD is decked out this Christmas. Stroll around Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and Swanston Street to take in some of the best Christmas lights in town. The city’s famous Christmas projections will also be returning to the facade of Melbourne Town Hall.

Where: Bourke Street, Melbourne

Date: 6 Nov - 6 Dec 2022

Every Christmas, Myer decorates their department store windows with mesmerising festive set pieces. This year, their windows pay tribute to Disney's 100th Anniversary, bringing to life your favorite characters from Disney classics like Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, and more.

“When our kids were little we would take them every year into Bourke Street and look at the Myer Christmas Windows. Now that we're grandparents we continue the tradition with our grandchildren. Every year is special and has a different theme.” - sm05060

Where: Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne

Date: 5, 12 and 19 Dec 2022

Queen Victoria Market will be hosting a special Christmas market on Monday nights in December. Wander through the open-air String Bean Alley and pick up a variety of locally-made festive trinkets while indulging in some of the city’s best street food. You can also look forward to Christmas carols, fake snow, and a visit from Santa himself.

Where: Perth CBD, Northbridge, East End and West End

When: 18 Nov 2022 - 2 Jan 2023

Hit the Christmas Lights Trail in Perth and explore dozens of magical displays comprising half a million Christmas lights. For an extra special experience, join Travelers Choice 2022 award-winning operator Peddle Perth on a Christmas Lights Rickshaw tour. Hop onto a private rickshaw chariot, request your favourite Christmas tunes, and zip around the city in comfort.

“It is the most unique and fun way possible to see the Perth City Christmas Lights, we sang along to our favourite Christmas Carols, got out and walked around some of the stunning light installations and in the words of my son, - 'It was the best Christmas night of my life!'” - Tammy S

Where: Mandurah

When: 1 Dec 2022 - 7 Jan 2023

Mandurah Cruises is hosting its highly-rated Christmas Lights cruise again this December. Belt out Christmas carols and join in the holiday cheer as you cruise past Mandurah’s luxury canal homes. Every year, these homes are decorated with millions of twinkling Christmas lights. The cruise promises you the best vantage point to admire WA’s most extravagant festive displays.

“Absolutely amazing, we all loved it. It was our Christmas present to our son and his family. There were three generations: we are in our 70's, our son and wife 40's and grandchildren 16, 13, 10 and 10. Everyone had an amazing experience and said it was the best present. It is something we will all remember and treasure.” -Gayle Y

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