Find your holiday joy in Melbourne with our detailed event guide. Discover the magic of the season as the city comes alive with festive activities for all ages.
One highlight is the enchanting Space Coast Lightfest, where twinkling displays create a winter wonderland of lights. Experience the festive cheer as various floats, bands, and performers light up the night during the Light Up Viera Holiday Parade. And the Holiday Boat Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, with beautifully decorated boats sailing through the waterways. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Melbourne
- Holiday Boat Parade
- Space Coast Lightfest
- Downtown Melbourne Christmas Parade
- Holiday Market at the Wickham Park Community Center
- The Nutcracker Ballet
Melbourne Holiday Light Displays
Space Coast Lightfest
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display with space-themed elements
Description:
The Space Coast Lightfest launches visitors into a galaxy of holiday cheer. This drive-through experience combines traditional holiday lights with space-themed displays, honoring the area's aerospace heritage. Twinkling constellations and rocket-shaped light sculptures create a unique celestial atmosphere. Tune your car radio to a special station for synchronized music as you cruise through the displays. The event takes place at Wickham Park, a 391-acre green space that has been a community gathering spot since the 1960s. The Lightfest orbits around the intersection of holiday spirit and space exploration.
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Melbourne Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market at the Wickham Park Community Center
What to Expect:
Local artisans and vendors in a park setting
Description:
Wickham Park Community Center transforms into a bustling marketplace, showcasing the talents of local artisans and vendors. The holiday market offers a diverse array of handcrafted gifts, from intricate jewelry to homemade preserves. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through the air, tempting visitors to indulge in seasonal treats. You can chat with craftspeople and learn about their creative processes. Wickham Park, named after early settler Lockwood Wickham, has been a community hub since the mid-20th century. The market celebrates local creativity and entrepreneurship, offering a personal touch to holiday shopping.
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Holiday Market at the Wickham Park Community Center
Melbourne Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Professional and student dancers performing together
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet pirouettes onto the Melbourne stage, bringing Tchaikovsky's classic to life with a mix of professional and student dancers. This production showcases the talent of local dance schools alongside seasoned performers, creating a unique blend of experience and youthful energy. Elaborate costumes and set designs transport the audience to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. Attendees can meet the dancers after the show for photos and autographs. The ballet has been a Melbourne holiday tradition for decades, inspiring generations of young dancers. This performance celebrates the arts and community collaboration during the holiday season.
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Melbourne Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Illuminated boats parading through waterways
Description:
Twinkling lights reflect off the water as decorated boats glide through Melbourne's waterways. This nautical spectacle transforms the Intracoastal into a floating holiday celebration. Spectators line the shores, enjoying the cool breeze and festive atmosphere. You can vote for your favorite boat design, adding an interactive element to the evening. Melbourne's boat parade tradition dates back to the 1980s, showcasing the area's strong maritime culture. The event illuminates the night, creating a unique coastal holiday experience.
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Downtown Melbourne Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Historic downtown setting with local charm
Description:
Downtown Melbourne's historic streets transform into a holiday promenade during the annual Christmas Parade. Local businesses and community groups march through the charming district, showcasing Melbourne's small-town spirit. The parade route winds past buildings dating back to the early 20th century, adding a touch of nostalgia to the celebration. Spectators can enjoy hot cocoa from nearby cafes as they watch the procession. This event has been a Melbourne tradition for over half a century, evolving alongside the city's growth. The parade captures the essence of a close-knit community coming together to celebrate the season.
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Downtown Melbourne Christmas Parade
Nearby Events
Light Up Viera Holiday Parade (Viera)
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local organizations
Description:
Viera's streets come alive with the Light Up Viera Holiday Parade, a community-driven spectacle. Local organizations, schools, and businesses showcase their creativity with illuminated floats and performances. The parade route buzzes with excitement as spectators gather to witness this annual tradition. Children can collect candy tossed from floats, adding a sweet touch to the evening. Viera, a master-planned community established in 1989, uses this event to strengthen community bonds. The parade highlights the area's growth and vibrant spirit during the holiday season.
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Surfing Santas (Cocoa Beach)
What to Expect:
Hundreds of Santas surfing on Christmas Eve
Description:
Cocoa Beach's shoreline turns into a sea of red and white as hundreds of surfing Santas catch waves on Christmas Eve. This unconventional celebration combines Florida's surf culture with holiday cheer, creating a uniquely Floridian tradition. The sound of crashing waves mixes with cheers from spectators as Santas of all ages ride the Atlantic swells. You can join in by donning a Santa suit and grabbing a board. The event, which began in 2009 with just a few surfers, now draws thousands and raises funds for local charities. Surfing Santas embodies the laid-back, fun-loving spirit of the Space Coast.
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Jingle Bell 2 Miler (Satellite Beach)
What to Expect:
Nighttime run with jingle bells and costumes
Description:
The Jingle Bell 2 Miler turns Satellite Beach into a runway of holiday spirit. Runners don festive costumes and jingle bells, creating a symphony of tinkling sounds as they dash through the night. The course winds through the beachside community, offering glimpses of holiday-decorated homes. Participants can compete for best costume prizes, adding a playful element to the run. Satellite Beach, incorporated in 1957, uses this event to promote community health and holiday cheer. The race combines fitness with festivity, encouraging locals to stay active during the holiday season.
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Magic of Lights (Daytona Beach)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show synchronized to music
Description:
Daytona Beach's Magic of Lights illuminates the night with a dazzling drive-through experience. Millions of LED lights form animated displays, synchronized to holiday tunes broadcast through your car radio. The route winds through fantastical scenes, from gingerbread villages to winter wonderlands. You can snap photos from the comfort of your vehicle as you cruise through the sparkling displays. The event takes place at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, adding a unique twist to the venue's racing heritage. Magic of Lights reimagines the traditional light show, creating a modern, immersive experience for visitors of all ages.