If you’re one of the many who doesn't hang your holly and participate in Christmas – or you're just looking for something to do after you open your presents – there are still plenty of activities to enjoy in Melbourne on December 25. From zoo visits to a relaxing soak in the hot springs (now doesn't that sound better than fighting over the last prawn), we've rounded up a list to keep you busy.
And the fun doesn't end on Christmas Day, either – here's a bunch of cool things to do between then and New Year's Eve.
While everyone else is at home feasting with family, there's no better time to hit up Melbourne Zoo – yep, no crowds. Normal opening hours apply, giving you a chance to skip the hoards who flock to the zoo during the warmer months thanks to school holidays.
Open Christmas Day 9am-5pm (animal areas close 4.30pm).
The Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens is open to the public every day of the year – including December 25. It’s the perfect location for a non-Christmas picnic, or to walk off the turkey while gazing at the 8,500 species of plants that call this lush landscape home.
Open Christmas Day and all through summer from 7.30am-7.30pm.
Melbourne's go-to container bar in a car park is hosting its annual orphan's Christmas party and everyone's invited! Kicking off at 12pm, there will be a free barbecue and DJs like Antagonize, Dirty Abs, Motherfunk, Token, Mikee and Marjie playing tunes well into the night. Entry is free and it's walk-ins only, plus it's a wonderful opportunity for people from the community to come together. After all, no one deserves to be alone on December 25.
Open Christmas Day 12pm-late.
Escape the festive shenanigans via the silver screen. A surprising number of cinemas will be open on Christmas Day, including the Lido, Classic and Cameo Cinemas. They’ll have their usual film programs running plus a few extra holiday specials. If December 25 proves to be a stinking hot day then catching a film also means an air-conditioned respite.
Check respective cinema websites for opening hours and film screenings.
Peninsula Hot Springs is Victoria’s first geothermal mineral springs and day spa. It’s here you’ll find more than 50 bathing experiences, including shared thermal mineral pools, wet and dry saunas plus so much more. The bathhouse is open on December 25 too, so it's a great chance to relax and unwind.
Contact the Peninsula Hot Springs for exact opening hours.
It’s pretty difficult to light a brandy pudding under the sea, so fish tend to not celebrate Christmas. While the rest of the city is busy turning up the festive factor, take a stroll through the tranquil exhibits of the aquarium.
Open Christmas Day 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm).
Dust off those hiking boots, pack that scroggin, fill your Camelbak and get ready to explore some of the most gorgeous hikes within an easy drive of Melbourne – and do so on a day where you're more likely to have the tracks all to yourself.
Check ahead to make sure the location of your hike is open on Christmas.
Fancy a succulent Chinese mea (iykyk)? Many shops and restaurants in Chinatown will be celebrating Christmas by staying open and offering sustenance to anyone caught out and in search of a feed.
Melbourne's street art-covered laneways are grungy and gorgeous, but often filled with people and therefore hard to get a great snap. So why not explore our street art on a day when many people will be at home? Yes, there's the much-Instagrammed Hosier Lane – but there are heaps more magical murals to discover.
Yes, we know, Melbourne beaches don't have waves. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the summer weather and go for a dip. Wear a Santa hat and a bikini, bring some friends and chill out, or just read a book and relax – enjoy the day however you would like. Go to St Kilda or check out some others here.
There's something mystically calming about watching the sun rise or set. The sunrise in particular on Christmas morning tends to be quite magical, with many people still sleeping in or staying at home later than usual. Make the most of it and check out one of Melbourne's best locations for watching the daily phenomenon.
Thanks to daylight saving, sunset will be after 8.30pm on Christmas Day.
National and state parks don't close for Christmas, and it's a great time to stretch your legs when most people are staying close to home. Plus, a nice gentle walk is a great way to settle your lunch – and make room for seconds when you get back.
Pack the family, dog, and your friends for a park barbecue around Melbourne. We've made things easy and picked out the best spots for you.
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