Whether you want to soak some sunshine at some beautiful beaches or go crazy shopping or end the year with some memorable experiences, Melbourne has it all for you. There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained in the city. You can enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations in the city centre, indulge in some summer shopping at Queen Victoria Market or explore the city's excellent outdoor attractions. You can also take part in some of the city's festivals and events, including the Melbourne Christmas Festival in Fed Square, Carols by Candlelight in the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, and the Christmas Day Parade.

Let us look at the 6 things you really should not miss out in Melbourne this December

Movies under the stars

The Moonlight Cinema is an outdoor cinema located in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. It offers a range of classic and new release films, as well as special events such as live music and comedy nights. The cinema is open from October to April each year.

They are currently showing a variety of films, including blockbusters, cult classics, and independent films. Some of the movies lined up for December are Top Gun Maverick, Die Hard, The Holiday, and The Grinch. There will also be special preview screenings of films such as Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and Steven Spielberg’s The Fablemans.

It is time to take out your picnic blankets and head outdoors with your friends or family. Carry your own food and drinks and do not forget the insect repellent. Oh did we tell you that your pets are welcome too? 

Watch a Magic Show

Starting the 9th of December, Impossible Occurrences will run every Friday night at 7:30 pm & 9:30 pm in the Melbourne CBD. More than 25,000 people have witnessed this show in Melbourne. The magician, Luke Hocking fuses illusion & mind reading into a theatrical magic experience for 80 minutes. Tickets are priced at $35 per person. You can also buy dinner and show experience for $79 per person. It’s time for dim lights, tricks, effects, and illusions of seemingly impossible feats.

Get some Sun, Sand, and Tan

Located in the heart of Melbourne, St Kilda Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the city. Known for its white sand, crystal clear waters, and stunning views of the city skyline, you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and other beach activities. There are also a number of restaurants, cafes, and bars located along the beachfront.


If you head to the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Brighton Beach is a great spot too. Located on the shores of Port Phillip Bay, this beach has been a popular tourist destination since the late 19th century. Known for its colourful bathing boxes built in the late 19th century and are now an iconic feature of the Melbourne skyline, Brighton beach is also home to the famous Brighton Beach Lifesaving Club, which has been in operation since 1891. A great place to relax, swim, and enjoy the sunshine. 

Both these beaches are great to spend time with family and friends.

Indulge in a bit of Retail Therapy

Melbourne City Centre is a vibrant and bustling shopping district, offering some of the best retail experiences in Australia. The city centre boasts a range of shopping precincts, department stores, fashion boutiques, and specialty stores.

This premier shopping destination is home to more than 300 stores, including major department stores, high-end fashion labels, international brands, and local favourites.

If you’re looking for unique and independent stores, then head to the iconic arcades for a unique shopping experience. The Block Arcade, Royal Arcade, and Nicholas Building are all must-sees, with their stunning architecture, history, and character.

For those who enjoy browsing through markets, then Queen Victoria Market is a must-visit. With its lively atmosphere and fantastic shopping, it is the perfect place to find fresh produce, souvenirs, and other specialty items.

Pick Cherries

The Cherryhill Orchard is an organic orchard located in Melbourne, Australia. It is a family-run orchard that produces a variety of seasonal fruits, nuts, and berries. The orchard grows over 70 varieties of apples, 30 varieties of pears, plums, cherries, peaches, apricots, nectarines, and more.

The orchard also offers a variety of jams, jellies, and sauces made from fruits grown on the farm. The orchard also has a café that serves up delicious home-baked cakes, pies, and other goodies. There are also picnic areas, a playground, and a petting zoo. Cherryhill Orchard is a great place to pick up some fresh produce and spend a day out in the great outdoors.

Enjoy a Music & Art Festival

The Falls Festival Melbourne is an annual music and arts festival held in the summer months of December and January in Melbourne, Australia. This year it's planned for 29, 30 & 31 December 2022. The festival features a variety of local and international music acts, along with visual art, comedy, theatre, and film. The event takes place over three days and attracts thousands of people each year. It is one of the largest music festivals in Australia and has been running for over two decades.

The festival is held in various venues around the city, including the Melbourne Showgrounds, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, and Flemington Racecourse. Each year, the lineup consists of some of the biggest names in music, as well as emerging acts. This year you get to see Arctic Monkeys, Lil Nas X, Peggy Gou, Chvrches, Jamie XX, and more. Buy your tickets at https://fallsfestival.com/

The festival also features an extensive selection of food and beverages, from local restaurants to international cuisine. There are also plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, from interactive art installations to silent discos.

The Falls Festival Melbourne is a great way to experience the best of the city's music and arts scene. Whether you're looking for a relaxed weekend of music and art or an all-out party, this festival has something for everyone.

Are you looking for an Outback trip? Check out this blog on All You Need To Know For A Safe Australian Outback Road Trip

About Drive mate

Want to explore places in Melbourne and don't have a car? Rent a car from your neighborhood using Drive mate.

Drive mate allows customers to borrow cars from neighbors offering up their vehicles on our secure, all-in-one car rental app in Melbourne. For as little as $4/hour or $30/day you can go car sharing with Drive mate.

Do you own a car? Rent out your car on Drive mate and let your car work for you.

How does car sharing work?