Our Kind of Christmas Season

Bendigo’s Biggest Christmas Tree

It’s one of our favourite festive traditions. Join us as we officially light up Bendigo’s spectacular Christmas Tree on Friday 21 November.

Head to Charing Cross from 6.30pm for a night of Christmas cheer, featuring live entertainment, your favourite festive characters, music, and carols. Then, at 8.45pm, get ready for the big moment, the dazzling tree lighting that kicks off the festive season.

This iconic tree is the ultimate backdrop for a family photo or a festive selfie, so don’t forget to snap a pic and share the joy by tagging #ExploreBendigo and @ExploreBendigo on socials.

Let the countdown to Christmas begin!

Shop Local, Shop Late

Get ready to sleigh your Christmas shopping.

On Friday 21 November, retailers along View Street, Bath Lane, and Chancery Lane will be keeping their doors open until 7pm, giving you extra time to find the perfect gifts while supporting Bendigo’s amazing local businesses. 

And don’t miss the VIP Shopping Night on Bath Lane, happening Wednesday 4 December from 5pm to 7pm. Expect festive vibes, exclusive offers, and a whole lot of holiday cheer. It’s the perfect excuse to shop small and celebrate the festive season.

Shop the Season at Bendigo’s Christmas Markets

If you love the buzz of a market, Bendigo has your festive fix. This holiday season, explore a variety of vibrant Christmas markets packed with local goodness from fresh produce and handmade treasures to artisan gifts and festive treats. It’s the perfect way to shop local, support small businesses, and find something truly special for everyone on your list.

• Moonlight Market @ Hargreaves Mall – Saturday 29 November & Saturday 13 December
• Twilight Market @ Bendigo Showgrounds – Friday 5 December
• Bendigo Rotary Christmas Market @ Mandurang Valley Wines – Sunday 30 November
• Bendigo Community Farmers Market @ Dai Gum San Precinct – Saturday 13 December

Enlighten. A Night of Light & Wonder

Step into a world of sparkle and magic at Enlighten Christmas, on Saturday 6 December from 6.30pm at the Stupa’s Peace Park. This immersive light experience will transform the park into a dazzling festive wonderland, perfect for families looking to celebrate the season in a truly unique way.
Enjoy twinkling lights, roaming elves, joyful carols, delicious food, and even an appearance from Santa Claus himself.

Shop Uniquely Bendigo Gifts

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift with a local twist? Pop into the Bendigo Visitor Centre and explore their Uniquely Bendigo hampers. They’re bursting with festive cheer and packed full of goodies from right here in the Bendigo region. Think delicious local wines and craft beers, mouth-watering produce, beautiful artwork, handcrafted jewellery, and unique souvenirs that celebrate Bendigo’s creative spirit. Whether you’re spoiling someone special or ticking off your Christmas list, these hampers make gifting easy, thoughtful, and oh-so-local. 

Elf Academy Returns

It’s snow joke, Santa Claus himself has confirmed that Elf Academy is back in Bendigo and more magical than ever. From 13 - 21 December, the prestigious training ground for Santa’s little helpers will take over the Beehive Building, transforming it into a glittering Christmas wonderland.
Expect carols, candy canes, reindeer games, and baubles galore as kids take part in festive craft activities, fun challenges, and elf-approved games, all designed to earn their official Elf status. And the best part? Graduates will get to meet the big guy himself, Santa Claus, in person.

Create Your Own Christmas Wreath

There’s nothing more satisfying than crafting your own Christmas decorations. This year, you can do just that at Botanical Lane’s Christmas Wreath Workshops.

Join the talented team for a hands-on, joy-filled session where you’ll design your very own festive wreath using goodies from their fabulous Wreath Bar. Think fresh foliage and flowers, ribbons, bows, and sparkly trimmings, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, citrus slices, and more. Add in some merry tunes, a glass of bubbles, and a delicious grazing platter to share, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate Christmas vibe.

Spaces are limited and filling fast, so don’t miss your chance to get crafty and soak up the festive spirit.

Carols by Candlelight

Warm up those vocal cords and gather the family, Carols by Candlelight is back at Rosalind Park on Sunday 21 December. From 6.30pm, enjoy a joyful evening of live entertainment, sing-along carols, delicious food and drinks, and of course, a special visit from Santa Claus himself.
Bring your chairs, blankets, and festive spirit for a relaxed and heartwarming night out. 
Entry is just a gold coin donation, and you’ll receive a candle on arrival to help light up the park with Christmas cheer.

All Aboard the Magical Santa Carriage Ride

Get ready to jingle all the way through Bendigo’s city streets on a horse-drawn Santa tour like no other. For three magical nights only, hop aboard a beautiful horse-drawn carriage with Cobb and Co Carriages and enjoy a 20-minute ride with the jolly man himself, Santa Claus!
Soak up the charm of Bendigo’s heritage buildings, twinkling Christmas lights, and festive cheer as you tour through the CBD in true holiday style.

Tour Dates:
Sunday 21st December
Monday 22nd December
Tuesday 23rd December

Raise A Local Glass This Christmas

This festive season, celebrate with a splash of something special from right here in our backyard. Whether you're into gin, wine, beer or something a little zesty, we've rounded up our top local picks to keep your spirits bright.

• For the gin lovers: Noble Bootleggers Distilling Co. is serving up serious Christmas cheer with their Christmas Pudding Gin, the nostalgic Ghosts of Christmas Past, and the ever-festive Christmas Gin. These bottles are basically Christmas in a glass.
• Feeling summery? Try Shiraz Republic’s Tinto Shiraz & Lemon Spritzer. It’s refreshing, citrusy, and perfect for those warm Aussie Christmas afternoons.
• Craft beer fans: Grab a few crafty ales from Bendigo Brewing Co. or Cornella Brewery, ideal for backyard BBQs and catch-ups with mates.
• Wine more your style? You’re spoiled for choice with the incredible wineries across Bendigo and Heathcote. Pick up a bottle (or two) and toast to the season.

Give the Gift of Bendigo This Christmas

Surprise your loved ones with a Bendigo Visitor Centre gift voucher. These versatile vouchers can be redeemed for unforgettable experiences, from indulging in local food and wine to exploring heritage and Dumawul tours, enjoying local attractions, or relaxing in charming accommodation. It’s more than a gift, it’s an invitation to discover the Bendigo region’s rich culture, history, and vibrant community.

Call 1800 813 153 to get your gift voucher today.