Melbourne: Free Ways to Celebrate Christmas

Melbourne is a fantastic city to live in for many reasons. The Christmas season happens to be one of them.

Its the time of the year when the city gets dressed in sparkling lights and colourful decorations. Added to this is a calendar of festive events that brings families, friends and even food trucks together. To top it all off, you can get free parking here if you're driving into the city to enjoy the festivities.

I decided to take in the festive sights and sounds and found 5 free ways to celebrate Christmas right here in Melbourne. Come and experience the Christmas mood for yourself this December. In the meantime, please enjoy the photos.

Christmas Square at Fed Square - 1 to 25 December

Fed Square is the home to the City of Melbourne's Christmas Square. While New York City has its Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, the star illumination here is the 16m giant Christmas tree with changing lights. You can also visit Santa's Workshop and have a photo taken with the big man. Santa will be in his Workshop 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm daily. On Thursdays and Fridays, he's also available from 4pm to 7pm.

Time: 9am - late

Where: Federation Square, Corner Swanston Street and Flinders Street Melbourne

Melbourne's Christmas Projections - 1 to 25 December

Melbourne's Christmas projections are always a crowd puller. This year's colourful light and sound displays are live at Prince's Bridge, Melbourne Town Hall and State Library of Victoria. Each set runs for approximately 10 minutes.

Time: daily 9pm -11pm

QV Melbourne Snap to Win - 1 to 22 December

There is another illuminated Christmas tree in QV Square. You can join in the draw to win a $500 QV shopping spree simply by taking a photo of yourself with the dazzling Christmas tree or festive Christmas bow selfie space in QV Square. Remember to add #QVChristmas and follow @qvmelbourne to enter the draw. Terms and Conditions of the competition are available here.

Where: Cnr Lonsdale Street and, Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Myer Christmas Windows - 1 to 24 December

The ever popular Myer's Christmas Windows draws long lines of spectators. This 65-year-old tradition is Myer's gift to Melbourne for the festive season. This year's theme is "Christmas is Uncancelled" written by award-winning author Corinne Fenton and narrated by Eddie Perfect. Every setof windows has its own queue and note that the 1.5 metres safety distance applies.

Time: 7.30am - 10.30pm

Where: Myer, 314-336 Bourke St, Melbourne 3000

Magical Christmas Quest - 1 to 25 December

$250 worth of shopping vouchers can be won weekly simply by joining the Magical Christmas Quest. All you have to do is stroll around the city and complete a series of tasks to enter the prize draw while enjoying the festive lights and decorations.Every Friday this December, 5 new clues will be added to this page every Friday this month.

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