This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on December 10, 2019

The District makers market
(The District Docklands, until Dec 22)
Each market will be themed, so you will see a brand-new line-up with an array of home-made goodies, handmade homewares and jewellery, arts and crafts and everything in between! There will be vintage goods, food and wine, a kids market, and plants, to finish off the year. There is entertainment, workshops to get involved in, giveaways, plus so much more!

Christmas square
(Federation Square, until Dec 25)
Enjoy the spectacular sound and light as Melbourne’s incredible 16-metre high LED Christmas tree comes to life. Marvel at the giant tree, glittering during the day and twinkling at night, with a nightly 9pm show. Celebrate the festive atmosphere by visiting Santa’s House to take part in fun daily activities or dance along with Santa on the Digital Facade in an interactive augmented reality experience. There will be free music performances during the month, Food Truck Friday, a nativity scene, silent disco, outdoor cinema, Christmas markets and more.

Gingerbread Village
(St Collins Lane, until Dec 24)
See iconic Melbourne landmarks built entirely out of gingerbread in this magical event for the whole family. With activities and plenty of treats for the kids, as well as delicious baking perfect for gifts, the Gingerbread Village is sure to add smiles to the festive season.

Christmas festival of lights
(Adventure Park Bellarine, until Dec 24)
Experience the magic of Christmas and fairy tales come to life with hundreds of colourful state-of-the-art displays and a million lights that will illuminate the sky. Admire the 12-metre high Christmas Tree and get swept up in the dreamy enchanted fairy garden. See Cinderella’s stunning royal carriage before it turns into a pumpkin at midnight, encounter giant toys including a huge loveable teddy bear and all the presents one could ever imagine!

Christmas projections
(Various locations in the city, until Dec 25)
Melbourne comes alive with glittering light projections again this Christmas, over three locations in the city. Start at the State Library Victoria to see this year’s feature show, A Very Melbourne Night Before Christmas, written by Marieke Hardy and narrated by Lee Lin Chin. Then wander onwards to see the epic static Christmas projections on the Melbourne Town Hall and, for the first time, Princes Bridge.

Myer Christmas windows
(Myer Melbourne, now until Jan 5, 2020)
Myer has unveiled its 64th year of the magical Christmas windows. This year, the theme is The Gumnut Babies by Australian author and illustrator May Gibbs. Featuring Australia’s best loved bush fairies Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, do not miss the magic of the Myer windows on Bourke Street!

Crown Christmas spectacular
(Crown Entertainment Complex, until Jan 5, 2020)
Now in its 22nd year, Crown’s Atrium Spectacular show runs every hour. Lasting 15 minutes, the show features all the classic Christmas songs while the animatronics and light show dazzles. It includes over 30,000 programmed lights and 35 suspended Christmas decorations. Santa and his elves will be available for photos from midday to 6pm daily until Christmas Eve.