Where to see the best Christmas lights in Sydney and Melbourne in 2023
As the weather warms up and Australians start to enjoy the festive season, millions of people are looking for the ‘best’ light shows in the suburbs and the city.
The country is already starting to be decked out in Christmas lights and dazzling decorations – and FEMAIL has put together a list of must-see places in Sydney and Melbourne.
Where are the best Christmas lights in Sydney?
The most popular spot in Sydney is the famous Martin Place Christmas tree in the heart of the CBD.
It is the tallest tree in New South Wales with more than 110,000 LEDs, a 3.4 meter colour-changing star and hundreds of rainbow trinkets.
Other parts of the city are also lit up in a similar way, with shoppers enjoying a canopy of glittering stars in Pitt Street Mall and walking under bouquets of native flowers intertwined with tinsel and bells in the Strand Arcade.
The country is already starting to be decked out in Christmas lights and dazzling decorations – and FEMAIL has put together a list of must-see places in Sydney
The Queen Victoria Building has also taken a similarly indigenous approach, with a faux Wollemi Pine decorated with baubles curated by First Nations artists.
QVB has also gone a step further and will offer Australians an immersive holiday experience, with each floor showcasing a unique work of art, including interactive VR experiences, sounds of endangered birds and decor inspired by native flora and fauna.
The most popular place for Christmas lights in Sydney is the famous Martin Place Christmas tree in the heart of the CBD
Queen Victoria Building has also taken a similarly indigenous approach, with a faux-tall Wollemi Pine decorated with baubles curated by First Nations artists
Those wanting a little seaside fun can also walk through the Barangaroo Bells as they bring Waterman’s Cove to life or pose with the giant Christmas decorations that adorn Darling Harbour.
Darling Harbor will also be hosting weekly fireworks displays from November 16 to December 25 to celebrate the end of the year.
St Mary’s Cathedral will be overtaken by Christmas again in 2023, with an incredible light show reflecting the Christmas spirit from December 14 to 25.
As far as suburban displays go, Borgnis Street in the Northern Beaches is one of the most famous light shows in Sydney, where homeowners stage epic light exhibitions.
The locals of Doonside Crescent in Blacktown, Waratah Street in North Bondi and South Circuit in Oran Park are also known for their elaborate displays.
For those keen to get out of the city, the Hunter Valley Gardens host the largest light show in the Southern Hemisphere every year, bringing together more than four million twinkling lights to create a masterpiece – but a ticket will set you back $38.
For those not so keen on the big city, the Hunter Valley Gardens host the largest light show in the Southern Hemisphere every year, bringing together more than four million twinkling lights to create a masterpiece
Where are the best Christmas lights in Melbourne?
Melbourne’s largest display of Christmas lights is located in the city’s Federation Square – which will be temporarily transformed into ‘Christmas Square’, complete with a 16.5-metre tree, neon decor and a Santa’s Workshop venue for children.
City Hall and the State Library will also be lit with exciting festive projections brightening up the sandstone building in honor of the holidays.
For those who want to partake in a more interactive experience, Geelong’s Adventure Park offers a wild array of installations, including a lighted maze, candy cane tunnel and sparkling reindeer displays.
The theme park will also continue to offer regular attractions in addition to the festive attractions.
Everywhere in Australia will be decorated with Christmas lights at the end of November – and Ny Breaking Australia has put together a list of must-see places in Melbourne
City Hall and the State Library will also be illuminated with exciting festive projections brightening up the sandstone building in honor of the holidays
Melbourne’s largest display of Christmas lights is in the city’s Federation Square – which will be temporarily transformed into ‘Christmas Square’, complete with a 16.5-metre tree, neon decor and a Santa’s Workshop venue for children
Victoria Harbor will once again welcome the famous giant golden reindeer, along with tall gift boxes and Christmas wreaths scattered across the Docklands.
Southbank will once again host the dazzling river show with lasers, water fountains and impressive light projections every 15 minutes from 9pm on each festival night.
The city’s Evan Walker Bridge will be decorated with stars and surrounding lights, making even a simple walk across it magical.
In addition to all the larger-than-life installations around the city, Melbournians will be thrilled to discover hidden street decor that illuminates shrouded spots such as Crossley Street, Market Lane, Hardware Lane, Liverpool Street and more.
Geelong’s Adventure Park features a wild array of installations, including a lighted maze, candy cane tunnel and sparkling reindeer displays
In addition to all the larger-than-life installations around the city, Melbournians will be thrilled to discover hidden street decor that illuminates shrouded spots such as Crossley Street, Market Lane, Hardware Lane, Liverpool Street and more.