There’s no other wish more special for a child than wanting to visit Santa in his magical North Pole at Christmas time. And as my 10-year-old daughter gazed around the giant circus dome at Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland with starry eyes, she told me it was a dream come true!
On a typical Melbourne eve after the weather had given us every season in one day, the Caulfield Racecourse was filled with happiness. The elves had clearly worked incredibly hard with their decorations and festivities to bring together an event that is sure delight all families.
No matter how old you are, as you enter, there is a joyous lift of excitement as the sparkling lights are all a twinkle and carols hit you with a smile.
Enchanting at every step, it’s as if you have walked through the cupboard in Narnia because everything seems absolutely wondrous, with a special glowing warmth. Despite it being the Christmas theme of winter, it feels like you’re surrounded by fabulous sunshine.
Part giant toyland, part beautiful lights display, there are games and activities galore. You will meet all the fun holiday characters, including the Grinch. He clearly stole Christmas because he’s the crowd favourite here and, funnily enough, very much adored by all!
There’s a rollerskating rink, Rudolph and his friends, a gingerbread house decorating factory, and giant Care Bears in every direction. Mrs Claus is pouring out her love as she meets and greets delighted children, and there are inflatables that allow you to bounce around with endless giggles.
You can win a prize with the carnival games, take home some incredibly cool merch, and grab the best poppin’ good snacks. You can even post your Santa letter at the North Pole whilst assuring you stay on the nice side of the naughty.
The first thing my daughters did was jump onto the Teacup Ride as they loved the spin. There’s also a mini carousel and a little train ride. If you are a fan of selfies, this is absolutely the place to be as there are golden opportunities galore.
One of the greatest parts of this experience is the live show. Featuring many charming and cheerful characters, it includes the Care Bears, Mrs Claus, the happy elves, amazing juggling acts, and an incredible aerial silks and lyra performance. And of course, there’s a visit from the man himself – Santa! If you wish loud enough, you might also make it snow.
Each session at Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland lasts for three hours, and you can book for the morning, afternoon or evening. The last session runs on the morning of Christmas Eve, and it is a truly magical experience that young children will remember fondly.
If you love seeing the kids dash to the tree to open presents on Christmas morning, Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland provides that feeling. And it is pretty wonderful.
Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland runs to 24 December at Caulfield Racecourse. Big Top at Station Street, Caulfield East, Vic 3145.
Tickets are available here.
Website: https://www.melbourneschristmaswonderland.com.au/
Socials: http://instagram.com/melbournes_christmaswonderland/
Images supplied.
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One response to “Review: Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland Is A Magic Experience”
What happened this year for 2025?! I’ve been going every year for about the last 10 years, and what an underwhelming experience it was this year!
The circus – what the?! Where were the motorbike riders?! It was a great circus if you had a 2 or 3 year old with the Care Bears experience but I had 10 year olds. We walked out after 15 minutes after being told there were no motorbikes this year or acrobats.
Where on earth were the rides?! 2 kiddi rides – that’s it this year?? In previous years there was a Ferris wheel, giant slide and so many other rides inside too.
No gingerbread making??
No giant ball pit??
Thank goodness my kids are getting to the tail end of going now as they’re getting older and have seen Christmas Wonderland when it was in its prime. But the poor little kids that have just started going are getting jibbed!