Our guide to finding Melbourne's best Christmas lights
We think Melbourne is one of the best places in the world over the holidays; the sun is shining, offices are emptying out and everyone’s planning trips away for the summer. Plus, with Christmas only a few sleeps away the mood in the city’s getting more festive every day.
One of the biggest changes you’ll notice is the Christmas decorations and light displays that are popping up everywhere from city squares to residential streets. It’s a Melbourne tradition to grab a few friends or someone special and spend at least one night roaming the city enjoying the festive atmosphere and the bright Christmas lights.
To help get you started here are the locations of a few of Melbourne’s best Christmas light shows.
Melbourne is famous for its Christmas lights, which are getting brighter and more festive every year.
Preston House on Gordon Grove
Dec 1-26 | Sunday to Thursday: 8:45 pm – 10:30 pm | Friday, Saturday: 8:45 pm – midnight
Preston House at 47 Gordon Grove in Preston comes alive every holiday season with one of Melbourne’s most impressive Christmas light shows. The owners of the house install more than 40,000 bulbs each year, often coordinating their flashing to music. This year there’s a rumour that they’ll be synchronising their lights to tunes from hit Hugh Jackman filmThe Greatest Showman.
While you’re here it’s definitely worth popping around the corner to Tennyson Avenue, which is also known for its Christmas lights thanks to a few keen residents. Just make sure you keep the noise to the minimum to avoid annoying the neighbours.
If you see one Christmas light display – make it the Boulevard in Ivanhoe.
The Boulevard in Ivanhoe
Dec 15-24 | 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm
If you only see one Melbourne Christmas light display – make it the Boulevard in Ivanhoe. Every year the usually quiet residential street offers one of Melbourne’s most over-the-top, impressive Christmas light displays.
Each house decorates their street frontage, gardens, windows roofs and doors with everything Christmas, including lights, Santa displays, mistletoe and wreaths. Even the trees on the street get wrapped in fairy lights.
The locals often get out and involved with the festivities, plus there’s always good food on offer from street carts in the area. This year there’s a barbeque and ice cream, and even performances from local musicians.
Melbourne’s best Christmas lights are easy to find – if you know where to look.
Palpera Terrace in Greensborough
From Dec 1 onwards | 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Every year local legend Robert Mackintosh lights up his home at 23 Palpera Terrace in Greensborough, putting on one of the most elaborate and fantastical displays in the entire city. In a display of awesome Christmas spirit, Robert asks for donations for his display to go towards the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Neighbouring houses also usually get into the spirit putting on their own displays and lighting up most of the street. If you’re looking for more local insight into Melbourne at Christmas time, feel free to drop into your nearest Nelson Alexander office for a friendly chat.
Otherwise, we wish you all the best for a safe and happy festive season and look forwarding to working with you in the new year!
