If you’ve decked the halls, already begun rolling out the Christmas playlist and have fruit for the pudding soaking in the corner of your kitchen, you might be feeling a little impatient waiting for the big day to arrive. Good news, then, that festive fever has officially hit Melbourne CBD. As of November 29, our bustling river city has been set ablaze with lights, installations and decorations to bring a whole lot of yuletide joy to the cultural capital. But before you set off to see the sights, it pays to do a little planning — which is where we come in.

Here, we’ve curated an itinerary to help guide you through Melbourne’s buzzy Christmas installations, regardless of whether you’re flying solo or have the whole family in tow. And as for Emporium, you can snap the ultimate festive selfie at our larger-than-life in-centre bon bon. Playing on our Christmas campaign edit, Dot Dot Dash will bring to life an oversized cracked bon bon — an impressive sight from all angles. Getting amongst the festive spirit has never been easier.

Visit: Christmas Square at Fed Square

You should go… around 8pm, or whenever it’s close to being fully dark. That way you’ll be able to take in the 17.5 metre light up tree in all its glory. There are also light and sound shows that are happening all through the night, and in case you missed it, the whole thing will be powered with 100% wind power.

But before you do…stop for a bowl of chewy hand-pulled noodles at 1915 Lanzhou Beef Noodle on Level 3 at Emporium Melbourne, because it’s hard to be festive on an empty stomach.

Visit: Crown Christmas River Show

You should go…in the evening, around 6 or 7pm. Though the show sees lasers and light projections synchronised to water fountains and festive music (if that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit, we don’t know what will), it doesn’t need to be fully dark for you to appreciate the spectacle. 

But before you do…Swing by Sushi Jiro Express and pick up a few rolls to eat while you watch the show.

Visit: Christmas Carnival

You should go…on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon any weekend between the 6th and 24th of December. It’s open from 2pm to 10pm everyday, and you can indulge in a bit of carnival nostalgia as you ride the ferris wheel or pick at a cloud of fairy floss.

But before you do…be sure you’ve packed a hat. Already left the house? Pop into Nike on Level 1 at Emporium for a cap that’ll stay put, even if you take your chances on the Sky Flyer.

Visit: the Christmas decorations in the CBD

You should go…anytime — the decorations are pretty spectacular regardless of what time it is. There’s a giant reindeer hanging out at Docklands, a Christmas star on Evan Walker Bridge and toy soldiers keeping watch throughout the city.

But before you do…make a list of all the decorations to spot and treat it as a scavenger hunt.

Visit: Emporium Melbourne

You should go…whenever — it’s always a good time to be at Emporium Melbourne, but especially between the 29th of November and the 25th of December, where you can go into the draw to win one of four prize packs valued at $3000 each just for doing your Christmas shopping.

But before you do…have a list of who you’re buying for and what they want. It’ll make the whole endeavour a whole lot easier. Need some inspiration? Check out our curated gift guides.