Bendigo is a vibrant contemporary regional centre, boasting beautiful streets created from one of the world’s greatest gold rushes. Every visit will reveal new surprises and experiences.
Castlemaine boasts a remarkable community of artists, writers, actors and designers, who offer a host of galleries, theatres, festivals, bookshops and boutiques. It’s a theme that runs through nearby Maldon, Newstead and Harcourt.
Rich in history and opportunity... today’s visitors come to Maryborough and the surrounding villages for many reasons. Many come to wander through the lovely box-ironbark forests with their wildflowers, birds and superb display of Wattle in the spring. Others come to research family history and discover a connection to the Victorian gold rush, or to visit nearby wineries or explore markets, galleries and museums.
Take a deep breath… and travel along the meandering roads of the Loddon Valley. They start at untouched historic villages, weave their way up to spectacular views on granite strewn hilltops, through ancient forests, and then alongside wide flowing rivers and vast wetlands.
One of Australia's oldest and largest regional galleries presenting innovative exhibitions alongside a dynamic and varied suite of public programs and events. Our collection is extensive, with an emphasis on 19th century European art and Australian art from the 1800's, alongside a strong collection of contemporary Australian art.
Bendigo Venues and Events nurtures, develops, presents and celebrates performing arts and culture for Bendigo and central Victorian communities.
That’s right, the holiday season has arrived! It’s a time for celebrating with family and friends, supporting local businesses, and embracing the festive spirit. Bendigo will be bustling with life throughout the festive season, featuring a variety of events, markets, and celebrations, plus an opportunity to meet Santa himself!
Here are our top picks for things to see and do in Bendigo this holiday season…
It’s one of our favourites, join us as we light up Bendigo’s biggest Christmas Tree Friday 29th November. Entertainment will begin from 6.30pm with your favourite Christmas characters, music and carols, before the official lighting at 8.45pm.
Taking pride of place at Charring Cross, it is the perfect spot for a family pic or selfie moment. Be sure to share the love by tagging us at #ExploreBendigo @ExploreBendigo on socials.
It’s official, Santa Claus has confirmed that the Elf Academy is returning to Central Deborah Gold Mine, December 19 – 23. This prestigious training facility is designed especially for Santa’s little helpers, providing them with all the skills they will need to join Santa’s renowned team.
The surface of Central Deborah Gold Mine will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland where carols, baubles, reindeers and candy canes are all part of the festivities. Kids can join in a series of different craft activities, games, skills and challenges required to become a fully qualified Elf.
Recruits will learn how to care for a reindeer in Santa’s Stables, paint a tree ornament, prepare reindeer food, practice stacking presents and most importantly, prepare Santa for his trip around the world. Best of all, your little ones will get to meet the big guy, Santa Claus himself!
For more info, click here.
If you love a market, we've got you covered. This is a great opportunity to shop local and direct. You'll find an amazing range of products from fresh produce, handmade, artisan, giftware and much more.
Moonlight Market Christmas Day Edition @ Hargreaves Mall – Saturday 30th November
Twilight Market @ Bendigo Showgrounds – Friday 6th December
Bendigo Rotary Christmas Market @ Mandurang Valley Wines – Sunday 8th December
Bendigo Community Farmers Market @ Dai Gum San Precinct – Saturday 14th December
Moonlight Market @ Hargreaves Mall – Saturday 14th December
There’s nothing better than filling your home with the joy and love of Christmas. Some of our favourite retailers have pop up shops with an amazing range of Christmas decorations and much more.
You can pick up the most incredible Christmas trees, decorations, ornaments, candles, wreaths and more at Oliver Birch’s dedicated Christmas Shop. Hot tip, visit in store Thursday 5th December for a special VIP Christmas Shopping Night alongside other Bath Lane traders.
Also on Thursday 5th December, from 5pm - 7pm, head up to View Street for their Christmas Shop & Dine event. Get exclusive offers in store, drinks and food, free gift wrapping, street performers and more.
Or head into The PepperPot for ornaments and decorations ranging from traditional through to an Aussie-inspired Christmas theme to decorate your home. Hot tip, visit in store on Thursday 14th November for a special VIP Christmas Shopping Night.
Get your singing voice ready and join in the festivities for the Rotary Club of Bendigo’s annual Carols by Candlelight, Sunday 22nd December, from 6.30pm at Rosalind Park.
This is a great family night out with fantastic live entertainment and your favourite carols to sing along to, there’ll be food and drinks available to purchase, and of course a visit from the big man himself - Santa! Don’t forget to BYO chairs and blankets to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the evening.
Entry is a gold coin donation, with candles issued on entry.
How satisfying is it making your own Christmas decorations?! The creative team Botanical Lane have a beautiful range of workshops from creating a Christmas Wreath, a festive Table Centrepiece, or Christmas Kokedama.
Spots are filling very quickly, so don’t miss out.
Click here to book now.
Join us on Saturday 7th December from 6.30pm for Enlighten, an immersive light experience that will transform the Stupa's Peace Park into a unique lightscape. The Enlighten Christmas festivities include fun for the whole family including carols, roaming elves, delicious food, an appearance from Santa!
For more info and tickets, click here.
It’s a family Christmas essential - getting a photo with the big man is a great little keepsake from year to year to share with family and friends. So, where can you find Santa for a pic?
Bendigo Marketplace from Saturday 23rd November til Christmas Eve.
Santa will arrive outside Walkers Doughnuts at 11:00am, followed by a Christmas parade and family fun activities, including entertainment, giveaways and more on Saturday 23rd November!
Elf Academy at Central Deborah Gold Mine from Thursday 19th til Monday 23rd December.
If you're attending Elf Academy this year, be sure to book a photo session with a Snowman, Elf, Rudolph or Santa when purchasing your experience.
Bath Lane Precinct from Saturday 30th November til Christmas Eve.
Be sure to bring along your friends and family to capture this year’s Christmas memories in an immersive wonderland. Pet and sensitive Santa sessions also available.
Get creative with a range of Christmas-themed painting sessions at Bendigo's Pinot and Picasso. Choose from painting Summer Sunset, Cheers, Textured Art: Christmas Tree, Seasons Greetings, Paint Your Partner: Elf Edition, Deck the Halls, Sloshy The Snowman, Santa's Little Helper, Dancing All The Way and Frozen Fractals! It's perfect for Christmas parties and end of year break ups.
Click here to find a Christmas painting session.
Take a beautiful 20-minute horse-drawn carriage tour with Santa around Bendigo's CBD thanks to the team at Cobb and Co Carriages. Enjoy Bendigo's picturesque heritage architecture and Christmas decorations all lit up.
Tours will be running for three nights only on Friday 20th, Sunday 22nd and Monday 23rd December.
For more info, click here.
Come on down to Hargreaves Mall for Santa’s Reindeer’s and Elves Show. This fun and interactive show will include plenty of song and dance for all ages, interaction with the audience, Christmas activities and more.
Shows run from 11am – 1pm on Saturday 7th, 14th and 21st December.
For more info, click here.
The team at Omari Bendigo are getting into the Christmas spirit with a calendar of Christmas-themed events.
Dragged To! Bingo Bonanza (Christmas Edition) – Friday 15th November
It’s bingo with queens and a sprinkling of royal glam and festive cheer.
An Omari Christmas Soiree – Saturday 7th December
Enjoy a 2-course Christmas-inspired dinner and live entertainment. Perfect for Christmas catch ups and end of year gatherings.
Carols & Cocktails - Saturday 21st December
It’s the ultimate Friend-mas event complete with cocktails, DJ-spun carols and tasty eats.
Neighbourhood vibes are high out at Eaglehawk, especially in the lead up to Christmas.
Join in the fun at their annual Burra Block Party on Saturday 7th December from 5pm with late night shopping, local market stalls, food vendors, entertainment and a visit from Santa.
And then back it up on Sunday 8th December in Canterbury Gardens from 6pm - 7pm for a free BBQ, and 7pm - 9pm for Christmas carols.
For more info, click here.Subscribe to Bendigo e-newsletter now to receive monthly updates on Bendigo's latest events, stories, packages and online only special offers. If the box below is not working, click here.
The City of Greater Bendigo acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples as the traditional custodians of the lands across Bendigo.
We acknowledge and pay respect to their Elders past present and emerging.
