Ah, Christmas—the season of sparkly lights, festive tunes and a to-do list longer than Santa’s. Between finding the perfect gift, planning events that scream “holiday spirit” and navigating the chaos of end of year celebrations, it’s easy to feel like an overworked elf. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you shop, explore and eat your way to a stress-free December 25th.

From browsing local gems to find a unique gift, to diving into Melbourne’s most iconic Christmas activities (Myer windows, anyone?) and indulgent bites that’ll give you all the holiday feels, keep reading for your ultimate guide to all things festive and fun—because you deserve to sleigh this Christmas.

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Local Christmas Gift Guide

Still Hungry

From $55

Image: Chin Chin | Supplied

Are you still hungry for Chin Chin’s delicious dishes? This monster (and bright pink) cookbook is the perfect gift for the resident foodie in your household or life, and runs the gamut of Chin Chin’s summery and perfect for entertaining dishes. Knock up tangy and zingy kingfish sashimi with nahm jim dressing, a little bit of coconut cream, chili, kaffir lime and fresh lime—no one will know they’re not actually at the restaurant. All recipes were designed by executive chef Ben Cooper and are easy to follow, while packing that token punch Chin Chin’s dishes are known for. If you’re feeling flush, splash out on the box set for $155, featuring Chin Chin: The Book and Feed Me as well. Get yours here.

Christmas Pudding Glaze By Hagen's And Darling Distillery

$12

Image credit: Hagen's | Jana Langhorst

Elevate your Christmas ham with this mouth-watering stocking filler from Hagen’s and Darling Distillery. Crafted with Darling Distillery’s Christmas Pudding Gin, this limited-edition glaze is packed with spicy sweetness and citrus notes, making it the perfect gift for the experimental foodies who want to take their holiday spread to the next level. Australian-made and priced at just $12 a pop, it’s an affordable yet thoughtful gift this season and is available to purchase online.  

ST. ALi’s Christmas Blend

From $19 

Image credit: ST. ALi | Supplied

For the coffee lover who enjoys a festive twist, ST. ALi’s limited edition Sleigher Christmas blend is the perfect gift. With notes of pavlova and cream, it’s a flavourful nod to the season’s sweetest treats. Whether you’re gifting the 250g, 500g or 1kg, this ethically sourced, Melbourne-roasted coffee will warm their heart (and their cup). Available to purchase in-store and online from early December.

NOAH’s Summer Fragrance Sample Pack

$29

Image credit: NOAH | Instagram

For the man in your life that hasn’t yet found his summer scent, the NOAH summer fragrance pack is his ticket to discovering something fresh, light, and perfect for the warmer months. The sample pack features six 1ml vials of unique fragrances, offering a variety without being overwhelming. But don’t let the size fool you because there’s a surprising amount of wear in each sample, meaning by the time he’s emptied the bottle, he’ll be set on his fave scent. Hand-filled to order and a very affordable price, shop online here or visit the NOAH showroom at 70 Hoddle Street in Abbotsford.

Endota’s Limited Edition Gift Packs

From $30

Image credit: Endota | Supplied

Treat someone special (or yourself) to the ultimate relaxation experience with Endota’s limited edition Christmas gift packs. Featuring a curated selection of skincare favourites and new arrivals, each pack is beautifully wrapped in the vibrant artwork of Australian artist James McMillan, making it a gift that is as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside. There’s also a highly anticipated twelve-day advent calendar filled with dozens of Endota’s most loved skin and body care products for a daily dose of holiday love. Available in-store and online. 

Julia Ostro’s Good Cooking Everyday

$45

Image credit: Good Cooking Everyday | Annika Kafcaloudis

If you’re gifting for a friend or family member who treasures their cookbook collection, Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s Good Cooking Everyday is a no brainer. This latest gem from the beloved Melbourne cook and author is all about effortless, seasonal meals that hit the sweet spot between comfort and ‘sure to impress’. From standout weeknight dishes like Risi e Bisi to dreamy homemade pastas and swoon-worthy desserts, every recipe is a guaranteed win. Trust us, it’ll become their new go-to. Pick up a copy at your local bookstore or order online here. 

Zonzo’s Aperitivo Pack

$70

Image credit: Zonzo | Supplied

Give the gift or la dolce vita with the Zonzo three pack, featuring a vibrant trio of sparkling tipples to make every summer gathering feel like a sun-soaked afternoon in Italy. The colourful trio includes the Bellini ‘Bellini Di Cristina’, the famws zesty Zoncello Limoncello Spritz, and the newly released Cicchio Pistacchio Spritz. Head over here to purchase and cheers to good company and great gifts.

Goldi’s EVOO Tin Subscription

From $75

Image credit: Goldi | Supplied

If you’re serious about your olive oil game (who isn’t), Goldi's 3L tin subscription is here to change the way you drizzle. Packed with premium, sustainably sourced extra virgin olive oil, this is a gift that’s equal parts stylish as it is practical. The pantry staple comes with premium extra virgin olive oil and a bonus bottle, plus a stainless steel funnel to keep things neat. Give the gift of liquid gold this Christmas—and maybe grab one for yourself while you’re at it. Available to purchase online here. 

Four Pillars’ Christmas Gin

From $100

Image credit: Four Pillars | Instagram

The annual Christmas drop from Four Pillars’ is a beautiful tribute to tradition, family and of course, gin. A nod to co-founder Cameron Mackenzie’s late mum, Wilma, this gin brings together the flavours of a classic Christmas pudding. Think juniper, mixed peel, dried fruit, and a hint of plum pudding. Aged in Rutherglen muscat barrels for a year, it’s a festive sip with rich, warming notes that make it taste like Christmas. Finished with a playful handcrafted label by Australia artist Trevor Smith, it’s sure to stand out underneath the tree. Available to purchase online here. 

BRUXA’s Summer Body Oil

$115

Image credit: BRUXA | Supplied

Another gift for the self-care enthusiasts, BRUXA’s summer body oil is being hailed as the it-product at the moment. Claiming to hydrate and elevate your daily skincare routine with its scents of night-blooming jasmine. The plant based, non-comedogenic formula is gonna nourish the skin and leave it satin-smooth. Grab a 100ml bottle online here. Think of it as giving the gift of transforming someone’s everyday self-care routine into a luxurious, sensory experience. 

Local Christmas Eats

Piccolina’s Christmas Pudding

Various Locations

Image credit: Piccolina | Supplied

If you’ve been sleeping on Piccolina’s Christmas pudding, now’s the time to wake up. This year’s gelato-filled masterpiece reimagines the classic peanut, caramel and chocolate combo in a multi-layered delight for the senses. Think peanut butter stracciatella gelato, caramelised white chocolate aero, dulce de leche gelato and a peanut torrone centre atop a crispy chocolate base drizzled with dark chocolate sauce and a golden popping candy bauble. Each pudding comes in a collectable bowl from Bendigo Pottery and is guaranteed to sell out fast. Get your hands on one before they’re gone here. 

Pidapipo’s Epic Christmas Tree Cake

$120

Image: Pidapipo | Supplied

Pidapipo’s Pandoro Christmas Cake is a hard yes from us. Their gelato wizards have reimagined a pandoro (the traditional Italian Christmas sweetbread; kinda like a panettone), stacking the tree-shaped cake with the bread, and their favourite Christmas-themed flavours: bacio, hazelnut, pandoro, coconut, chocolate, sour cherry swirl, and chocolate fudge. To top it all off they’ve encased the cake in dark chocolate semifreddo and a chocolate shell. Absolutely stop it. Cakes are $120 and can be ordered online and collected from December 10.

Awesome Source’s Non-Alc G&Ts

From $54

Image: Awesome Source | Supplied

You have to drive, you’re dusty, you’re healthy, you’re sober curious, there’s stacks of reason to get on the non-alc train. Whatever your reason is, you can still savour the same botanical kick you get from a gin and tonic, conveniently prepackaged by the heroes at Awesome Source. These boutique, alcohol-free gin and tonics—crafted in St Kilda—deliver zesty, sophisticated flavours like Lemon, Juniper & Myrtle and Red Grape, Orange & Pepperberry. And we love the tiny bespoke bottles, very fancy, very fancy. Buy yours here.

Baker Bleu’s Panettone

Various Locations

Image: Baker Bleu | Supplied

Treat you or your loved ones (fine) to a panettone that won’t sit in the pantry until next Christmas. Baker Bleu’s ultra fluffy and super soft panettone, which comes in traditional or cherry and chocolate is now available for order. The Italian Christmas classic comes in its very own cute-as gift box, complete with a bread bag in case you take your time getting through it. Order yours.

Morning Market’s Mince Pies

Various Locations

Image credit: Morning Market | Jo McGann

Morning Market’s mince pies are the festive must-have you didn’t know you were missing. Packed with organic apples, currants, Brandy, Pastis and a warm blend of spices that have been slowly macerating for months to deliver a rich flavour, the sweet treats are available to pick up in-store between now and Christmas eve for $27 per box of six. Get ordering online here.

Penny For Pound’s Festive Treats

Various Locations

Image credit: Penny For Pound | Supplied

Melbourne’s beloved artisan bakery Penny for Pound has outdone itself with a limited-edition Christmas collection for the ages. From the show stopping cherry and pistachio trifle to an indulgent chocolate, hazelnut and caramel choux wreath, these treats aren’t just desserts, they’re the centrepiece of the table. The santa’s belly bûche de noël brings the festive fun with a vibrant red glaze while the holiday cookie collection and bake-at-home croissants are perfect for gifting (or keeping all to yourself). Pre-order now and get ready to snap these beauties because they’re almost too good to eat. Prices start from $60. 

Messina’s Christmas Trifle

Various Locations

Image credit: Messina | Supplied

Tell mum not to make a Christmas pudding this year, because Gelato Messina’s Christmas Coma is back on the cards this year, and it’s one monster of a dessert. If you’re not versed in this festive treat, it’s basically Messina’s take on a Christmas trifle—and like everything they do, it’s taken to the next level. This year, they’ve layered strawberry marsala jelly, lemon curd, strawberry gel, strawberry roulade, cream cheese chantilly, lemon custard gelato, strawberry sorbet and vanilla meringue. Get your order in now here before they sell out.

Maker And Monger’s Oh Baby! Celebration Cheese Hamper

Prahran Market, Stall 98/163 Commercial Rd, South Yarra

Image credit: Maker and Monger | Supplied

Celebrate the end of yet another year in style with Maker and Monger’s Oh Baby! Celebration Cheese Hamper, packed to the brim with a selection of indulgent cheeses like Marcel Petite Comté Reservation and the ever-so-creamy Cremeux des Citeaux brie (exclusive to Maker and Monger). The hamper also includes an irresistible gorgonzola dolce and Long Paddock driftwood, alongside fresh honeycomb and fine cheese biscuits. Pair it all back with Mount Majura sparkling white—a fresh and racy wine that goes down perfectly with said cheeses. Jump online and secure yours before they sell out here.

Yo-Chi’s Christmas Flavour & Gift Idea

Various Locations

Image: Yo-Chi | Supplied

Yo-Chi is really getting in the Christmas spirit. From now until the end of December you can get your fave flayv topped with gingerbread crumble to really elevate your froyo experience. They’ve also released another merch drop as well, including a ceramic Yo-Chi bowl which, low-key, is on our Christmas shopping list. Sus the bowl here.

Cannoli Bar’s Christmas Panettone

23 Riviera Road, Avondale Heights

Image credit: Cannoli Bar | Website

Cannoli Bar is bringing serious festive vibes to Melbourne’s west this Christmas with their artisan sourdough panettone, handmade on site using a family recipe that’s been passed down through generations. Soft, packed with flavour and preservative-free, it’s available in classic, chocolate and pear or pistachio. Available in two sizes: the charming 100g minis or generous, family-friendly 1kg loaves. Preorder yours online here, then simply slice it up and dip it in your morning coffee to experience peak Christmas magic (thank us later).

Local Christmas Things To Do

Collingwood Christmas Market

Saturday 23 November, 10am to 5pm

Image credit: FICIFOLIA | Supplied

Get a head start on all your holiday shopping at the Collingwood Christmas Market hosted by Smith Street Studio. On Saturday 23 November, explore an exciting lineup of Melbourne’s independent labels like beauty brand By Katia and handcrafted accessories label Elas Crochet. You’ll also find timeless jewellery from Minimum Studios, luxurious silk pillowcases from Night Babe, precious sents from Ficifolia, and much more. It’s the perfect opportunity to support local makers and pick up a selection of unique gifts for everyone on your list. Entry is free, simply swing by on the day between 10am and 5pm and enter via the laneway next to 77a Little Oxford Street. 

Alliance Française Christmas Market

Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December

Image credit: Abbotsford Convent | Website

Get ready for a festive weekend with a French twist at the annual Alliance Française Christmas Market at Abbotsford Convent. On November 30 and December 1, stroll through 30+ stalls packed with special gifts, French-inspired food and handmade crafts. With live music, family-friendly activities and all the charm of French culture, this is the perfect spot to get into the holiday spirit. Entry is $8 with tote bags available for $12. Children under 12 go free. Head over here to buy tickets. 

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s Noël! Noël! Concert Series

Saturday 7 December

Image credit: ABO | Keith Saunders

Looking for a festive tradition that hits all the right notes? On December 7, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra will be bringing their annual concert series Noël! Noël! to Melbourne Recital Centre. Think classic carols like O Come All Ye Faithful, excerpts from Vivaldi’s Gloria and Italian composer Monteverdi’s opera L’Orfeo. Get ready for jaw-dropping acoustics in the perfect setting for a truly magical Christmas performance. Tickets are on sale now, go grab yours here.

Spanish BBQ Fiesta Pinchy’s Rooftop Balcony

Level 1/200 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD

Image: Pinchy's | Supplied

Celebrate the festive season at one of Melbourne’s best rooftop bars with Pinchy’s Spanish BBQ Fiesta! That’s right, the lobster legends are ditching the crustaceans and doing more turf than surf. From 1–22 December, every Sunday afternoon from 2pm–5pm, enjoy unlimited food, drinks, and live entertainment on the iconic rooftop balcony. For just $80, you’ll be treated to a mouth-watering spread as part of the launch of Pinchy’s meat-inspired menu, with all-you-can-eat BBQ delights and flowing drinks all afternoon. Set against the backdrop of Melbourne’s stunning skyline, this open-air spot on Bourke Street is perfect for soaking up the sun, indulging in tasty bites, and enjoying a lively atmosphere. Book your table here.

Oz Comic Con Christmas Edition

Saturday 7 December and Sunday 8 December

Image credit: OCC | Supplied

Make your way to Oz Comic Con Christmas Edition at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre next month for an epic holiday-themed pop culture bonanza. On December 7 and December 8, prepare to be immersed in Christmas cosplay competitions, live performances and photo ops with Santa. There’s also an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt and the chance to meet special guests like Tara Sands from Pokémon, shop for last-minute holiday gifts in the pop-culture marketplace and dive into gaming, lip-sync battles and more. Jump over to the Oz Comic Con website to nab tickets. 

Christmas Festival Melbourne

Friday 29 November to Wednesday 25 December

Image credit: City Of Melbourne | Ray Reyes

The Christmas festival of all Christmas festivals is taking over Melbourne for four glorious weeks. All the major action is happening at Fed Square, landmarked by the towering 17.5m Christmas tree, but the festivities stretch to the Birrarung Marr and Marvel Stadium. This festival has it all: silly season carnival rides, Christmas-themed food and drink, dazzling light and sound shows, North Pole pop-ups, and tons more. Read all about it.