First opened in 1997, Crown Melbourne is a huge incorporated resort and has a. Crown Casino is a unit of Crown Limited, and the first casino of the now-international Crown brand. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week except on Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day.

Melbourne’s pulse never truly stops so although Christmas Day is quieter, there are still things to see, do and eat. Find out how to get the most out of the city with our guide to what’s open on Christmas Day.

Where to eat

Cafes and restaurants

If it’s a Christmas meal you’re after, see our list of restaurants offering special Christmas Day dining. Make sure you contact individual venues for booking availability. Some restaurants will be open in Chinatown,Crown Entertainment Complex, Docklands, Lygon Street and Southgate.

The following venues are open on Christmas Day:

• La Petite Creperie kiosks at Swanston St and La Petite Creperie in a Vintage Caravan at QV will be open from 12pm – 10.30pm.
• The Butchers Diner is open for some carnivore style sustenance from breakfast to dinner and later into the evening.
• Auction Rooms in North Melbourne will have their kitchen open from 7.30am – 3.30pm but they’ll still be serving coffee and cakes until 5pm.
• Tim Ho Wan on Bourke Street is open from 10am – 10pm to cater for all your dumpling needs
• Square and Compass in East Melbourne are open 7.30 – 10am for coffee.
• Transport Hotel is open from 11am until late

Things to do

Christmas light shows and decorations

Santa will be taking a well-earned break on Christmas Day, but Christmas Square is still open. This is your last chance to see the twinkling lights of the 16 metre tall LED Christmas tree at Federation Square. The spectacular Christmas Projections also finish on Christmas night. See this year’s feature show, a ‘Very Melbourne Night Before Christmas’. Written by Marieke Hardy and narrated by Lee Lin Chin it’s on at the State Library Victoria. After that, move on to the Melbourne Town Hall and this year’s new location, Princes Bridge.

Christmas Square at Fed Square

Section 8’s Christmas orphan’s party

Finish off their 8 Days of Christmas festivities with a free Christmas day BBQ party at Section 8. Whether you’re riding solo or you want to take Nan for post-pav kick ons, they’ve got the ultimate food, bev and music lineup to make your day merry and bright. On from 2 to 11pm.

Attractions

Keep the family entertained at one of these great Melbourne attractions.

• • Eureka Skydeck 88, 10am to 5.30pm
  • Melbourne Zoo, 9am to 5pm
  • Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, 9.30am to 6pm
  • Crown Entertainment Complex, open from 12pm
  • Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, 1pm to 9.30pm

Cinemas

Catch a Christmas Day flick at a city cinema.

• Village Cinemas, Crown Entertainment Complex, Southbank
• Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon Street, Carlton
• Hoyts Melbourne Central, Melbourne Central, Cnr Latrobe and Swanston Streets, Melbourne

Architecture and public walks

Take advantage of the city being quieter to explore Melbourne’s laneways, waterfront and architectural gems. See our street art walking guide and public art sites to map your journey.

Parks and gardens

Bring a picnic and hope for good weather at these lovely parks and gardens.

See a full list of Melbourne parks or find twelve gardens close to the CBD.

Guilfoyles Volcano at the Royal Botanic Gardens

Crown Casino Melbourne Open Christmas Day

Supermarkets

If you’re desperate for milk, bread, a sandwich or a coffee, some 7-Eleven stores will be open. These include Federation Square, Swanston Street, Elizabeth Street and Bourke Street. The IGA Express stores in Queen and Collins streets will also be open.

Chemists

Crown Casino Melbourne Xmas Day 2020

The Health Smart pharmacy within the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre is open 24 hours, every day of the week.

Public transport

Public transport is free on Christmas day and operates to a Sunday timetable.
V/Line (regional trains) are free and operate to a Sunday timetable. Some services may require bookings.

Airport transfers

Skybus and Starbus services to Melbourne Airport operate as normal.