As the festive season approaches, everyone is gearing up to celebrate in style.

One of the most cherished traditions of the season is the spectacular display of Christmas lights that illuminate cities and suburbs alike. From the heart of bustling city centres to the quiet suburban streets, the Christmas spirit is alive and well, shining brighter than ever.

This guide from FEMAIL will take you through the most dazzling Christmas light displays in Sydney and Melbourne for 2023.


Sydney: A City of Lights

Sydney, the vibrant capital of New South Wales, is renowned for its spectacular Christmas light displays. The city's most popular spot is the iconic Martin Place Christmas tree, standing tall in the heart of the Central Business District (CBD).


This towering tree is adorned with over 110,000 LEDs, a 3.4-metre colour-changing star, and hundreds of rainbow baubles, making it the tallest tree in New South Wales.

But the festive spirit doesn't stop there.

The city is aglow with Christmas lights, with Pitt Street Mall offering a canopy of twinkling stars and the Strand Arcade showcasing bouquets of native flowers intertwined with tinsel and bells.


The Queen Victoria Building (QVB) takes a unique approach, featuring a faux Wollemi Pine decorated with baubles curated by First Nations artists.

The QVB also offers an immersive holiday experience, with each floor displaying unique artwork, interactive VR experiences, and decor inspired by native flora and fauna.


For those seeking a seaside Christmas experience, Barangaroo Bells at Waterman's Cove and the gigantic holiday decorations at Darling Harbour are must-sees.

Darling Harbour also hosts weekly weekend fireworks shows from November 16 until December 25 to celebrate the end of the year.


Suburban Sydney also gets into the Christmas spirit, with Borgnis Street in the Northern Beaches known for its impressive residential light displays.

Other suburbs known for their elaborate displays include Doonside Crescent in Blacktown, Waratah Street in North Bondi, and South Circuit in Oran Park.

For those willing to venture out of the city, the Hunter Valley Gardens hosts the largest light show in the Southern Hemisphere annually, with over four million sparkling lights creating a breathtaking masterpiece.

Here’s a peek at their dazzling display:



Melbourne: A Festive Wonderland

Melbourne, the cultural capital of the country, transforms into a festive wonderland during the Christmas season.

The city's largest display of Christmas lights can be found in Federation Square, which temporarily becomes 'Christmas Square'. This festive hub features a 16.5-metre tree, neon decor, and a Santa's Workshop for children.


The city's historic buildings, including the Town Hall and State Library, are also lit with festive projections, adding a touch of holiday cheer to the sandstone facades.

For a more interactive experience, Geelong's Adventure Park offers a variety of installations, including a light-up maze, lolly cane tunnel, and sparkling reindeer displays.


Victoria Harbour welcomes the famous giant golden reindeer with tall present boxes and holiday wreaths scattered around the Docklands.

Meanwhile, Southbank hosts a dazzling river show featuring lasers, water fountains, and impressive light projections every 15 minutes from 9 p.m. every night of the festival.


In addition to these grand installations, Melbourne's hidden laneways, including Crossley Street, Market Lane, Hardware Lane, and Liverpool Street, are illuminated with festive decor, adding a touch of magic to the city's hidden corners.

Whether in Sydney or Melbourne, the Christmas season is a time of joy, celebration, and awe-inspiring light displays.

Here’s a full list of the locations you can visit:



Grab your loved ones, bundle up, and embark on a festive adventure to discover these cities' best Christmas lights.


Have you discovered a hidden gem of a Christmas light display in your local area, members? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below!