Last updated: 11 November 2024
Find your holiday happiness in Dandenong with our ultimate guide. Whether you're rediscovering Dandenong or seeing it for the first time, this guide helps you create lasting holiday memories.
One of the highlights of the festive season is the Christmas Lunch at Melbourne's restaurants, where you can indulge in a sumptuous feast with family and friends while soaking in the holiday atmosphere. This year, visitors can enjoy the vibrant Christmas Eve Circus, featuring spectacular performances that will surely entertain audiences of all ages. And the New Year's Eve celebrations promise a dazzling array of fireworks and festivities to ring in the new year. For more details on these and other fun events and activities, check out the rest of the page below!
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Dandenong Holiday Light Displays
Puffing Billy Christmas rides
- What to Expect
- Immersive light show on a historic steam train.
- Description
- Embark on a 2.5-hour journey through the Dandenong Ranges aboard Puffing Billy Railway's Train of Lights. As dusk falls, the train transforms into a dazzling display of moving lights, colours, and immersive patterns. Passengers enjoy a 55-minute stopover at Gembrook Station, where they can gather around open fire pits, sip hot chocolate, and immerse themselves in live music. The Rotary Club of Emerald and District will also be serving a sizzling sausage sizzle.
- Where
- Belgrave | More Info : Puffing Billy Christmas rides
Dandenong Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas in July (early Christmas shopping)
- What to Expect
- Cozy Christmas lunches and dinners by a roaring fire.
- Description
- Celebrate early Christmas with cozy lunches and dinners at various restaurants in the Dandenong Ranges. Enjoy stunning accommodation options and great food and drink by a roaring fire, with the possibility of snow.
- Where
- Dandenong Ranges | More Info : Christmas in July (early Christmas shopping)
Mont De Lancey Homestead Christmas events
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of market shopping and holiday entertainment.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Mont De Lancey Homestead with the Christmas Twilight Market and Cinema in the Paddock, featuring a festive atmosphere and entertainment.
- Where
- Mont De Lancey | More Info : Mont De Lancey Homestead Christmas events
Cockatoo Country Market (seasonal shopping)
- What to Expect
- Seasonal shopping with local artisans.
- Description
- The Cockatoo Country Market is a monthly artisan market held in the picturesque town of Cockatoo, featuring local artisans selling handmade goods and seasonal items.
- Where
- Cockatoo | More Info : Cockatoo Country Market (seasonal shopping)
Kallista Village Market (seasonal shopping)
- What to Expect
- Seasonal shopping with live music and local artisans.
- Description
- The Kallista Village Market is a community-driven event featuring locally handmade, homegrown, and sustainable products. It takes place in the historic Mechanics Hall, offering a vibrant atmosphere with live music and local artisans showcasing their wares.
- Where
- Kallista | More Info : Kallista Village Market (seasonal shopping)
Rotary Club of Lilydale's Craft and Produce Market
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of local produce and handmade crafts.
- Description
- The Rotary Club of Lilydale's Craft and Produce Market features over 35 stalls offering farm-fresh produce, a variety of fresh foods, and handmade crafts and gifts.
- Where
- Lilydale | More Info : Rotary Club of Lilydale's Craft and Produce Market
Monbulk Produce Market (seasonal shopping)
- What to Expect
- Authentic local and fresh produce.
- Description
- The Monbulk Produce Market in Melbourne VIC offers a vibrant marketplace experience on the second Saturday of every month, featuring fresh seasonal produce, home-baked goods, and local wares.
- Where
- Monbulk | More Info : Monbulk Produce Market (seasonal shopping)
Upwey Community Market (seasonal shopping)
- What to Expect
- Meet local artisans and enjoy live music in a friendly community setting.
- Description
- The Upwey Community Market brings together artisan makers, creators, and shakers from small local businesses and community groups, offering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere with live music.
- Where
- Upwey | More Info : Upwey Community Market (seasonal shopping)
Dandenong Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Carols by the local community
- What to Expect
- Community-driven carol-singing event with free face painting and children's activities.
- Description
- Join the Greater Dandenong community for a joyful evening of carol-singing, face painting, and children's activities at Harmony Square.
- Where
- Dandenong | More Info : Carols by the local community
Dandenong Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Eve Circus
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas activities for all ages.
- Description
- Melbourne's Christmas Wonderland is an immersive walk-through experience featuring Snow Land, Santa Photos, Elf's Workshop, Mrs. Claus' Bakery, and more. Enjoy activities like roller skating, meeting roving characters, and participating in Christmas crafts.
- Where
- Melbourne | More Info : Christmas Eve Circus
Festive-themed maze
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday maze with festive decorations.
- Description
- The Docklands Christmas Maze is a present-themed maze featuring beautiful decorations and huge candy canes, delighting both children and older people alike.
- Where
- Docklands | More Info : Festive-themed maze
Christmas Lunch at Melbourne's restaurants
- What to Expect
- Breathtaking views and diverse international buffet.
- Description
- Savor a luxurious Christmas lunch at Melba Restaurant, featuring an international buffet with over 40 dishes, including seafood, sushi, and chocolate fountains, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Yarra River and Melbourne's city skyline.
- Where
- Melbourne | More Info : Christmas Lunch at Melbourne's restaurants
New Year's Eve celebrations
- What to Expect
- Spectacular rooftop fireworks and laser displays.
- Description
- Melbourne's New Year's Eve celebrations feature rooftop fireworks, laser displays, and entertainment in free celebration zones, making it a vibrant and memorable start to the year.
- Where
- Melbourne | More Info : New Year's Eve celebrations
New Year's Eve family-friendly event
- What to Expect
- Multicultural performances and fireworks display.
- Description
- Celebrate New Year's Eve with the local community at Wilson Oval, Dandenong Park, featuring multicultural performances, mouthwatering food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display at 9:25 PM.
- Where
- Dandenong | More Info : New Year's Eve family-friendly event
SkyHigh Mt Dandenong Christmas dining
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas buffet with diverse seafood options.
- Description
- SkyHigh Mt Dandenong offers a traditional Christmas dining experience with a variety of festive favorites, including roast turkey, pork loin, and seafood, all served buffet-style. The event features spectacular views from the upstairs function room and intimate seating in the lower level bistro.
- Where
- Mt Dandenong | More Info : SkyHigh Mt Dandenong Christmas dining