Disclaimer; Yes I am a photographer, but when it comes to driving around Melbourne with up to 4 kids in the car, jumping in and out of the car, and yes a couple of slurpee runs, I don’t bring my slr with me. It’s all from the IPhone. So please excuse me!
There aren’t many things I claim to be a expert on. Photography included, but when it comes to the holiday season there are two areas that I know I can claim expert status with.
- buying kids Christmas presents.
- finding the best Christmas lights in Melbourne.
So let us begin!
The Boulevard
The Blvd Ivanhoe VIC 3079
Possibly the most well known street for Christmas lights in Melbourne. For good reason too, big, beautiful houses all lit up. Your best bet would be to park the car and walk the street, there are great little bits and pieces, some people have their kids out the front selling refreshments and playing music, which I think really is what gives the blvd that Christmas spirit. There are stalls with light up toys as well.
But to be honest, it’s just not what it used to be. Around 7/10 houses have lights but none have decided to go crazy and really light up their whole house.
To sum it up
If you want a place where you can spend a few hours, get out of the car and soak up some atmosphere then give it a try. It’s super busy though so try to get there around dusk. Are the lights amazing? No. But will the kids love it? Absolutely.
Clovelly drive
57 Clovelly Drive Craigieburn, 3064
One word; ridiculous. I actually found this place from watching a Christmas light special on the lifestyle channel a couple of years ago. It looked pretty great from the tv show but when you’re actually there it’s incredible. The family have dedicated 3 rooms for the display. And the amount of detail is just a sensory overload. The first time we went, being the adults we are, were quite reserved.
Well as reserved as one can be when there is a massive sleigh in front of you.
So I took some of my friends of the small people variety this year and they were absolutely floored. There is a small shop in their garage with sweets and toys and if you walk up the street there are a few more cute places.
To sum it up
This is a beauty and well worth the drive for little kids and us big kids. There are some more places around Craigeburn but none beat this. (Although there is a place 10 minutes away I cover later on.)
Glasscocks rd
743 Glasscocks rd, Narre Warren South.
This house is a beauty. Another sensory overload, and both times I went Santa was there. There is a lot to take in so be warned, your kids won’t want to leave. (Had to drag miss 4 away with the promise of ice cream)
To sum it up
Get out the car and check it out. You will not be disappointed.
Gordon grove
47 Gordon Grove, Preston.
This house is possibly my favourite. The displays set to music!
There is a set of about 5 songs, all set to flash with the lights, you can even tune your radio to it! Sheer brilliance. However I can’t decide if I love or hate a couple of the music choices. If you decide to get out the car there is a bubble machine and lollies on offer as well as a garden full of inflatable toys.
To sum it up
A must see. Not only will the kids love it but “we will rock you” set to flashing lights is not just something for the little ones!
Mickelham
2095 Mickleham Road Mickleham, 3064
Smack bang in the middle of nowhere, driving on a dark road. You’ll suddenly see a light, is it a bird? A plane? Ha! No it’s a massive damn Santa!
That’s us at ankle height. So you can imagine the amazement when you pull up and see a huge bakery and other amazing things. Also, further in there are toy displays and Santa. Also make sure you give a gold coin donation as all proceeds go to the royal children’s hospital.
To sum it up
Please don’t let the drive put you off, it’s well worth it! Not to mention the Craigeburn lights above are nearby too!
Thomson st
48 Thomson St Northcote, 3070
Visually Thomson st lights are the best. It’s big, it’s bright, there is Santa riding an elephant. How can you go wrong?
This is another sensory overload, we spent a good 30 minutes taking it all in. My personal favourite was the electronic pony. There is a garage with Santa and his reindeer inside, the kids were having a blast!
To sum it up
Get out of the car and take it all in. This without a doubt is my pick for must see of 2012.
Finally! Here are a couple of bonus ones that might catch your eye but only if you’re in the area.
130 Andersons creek road Doncaster east
110 Victoria rd Northcote – Santa’s ute
Alright so there we have it! I am sorry if some of this is a bit messy. I tried to whip it up as quickly as possible 
Remember the shutter shoots giveaway is drawn on the 26th so like the page before then!! Stay tuned for my week on instagram on Monday!! Have a brilliant weekend and if you have any tips on the lights please comment below.
December 21, 2012 at 11:07 pm
You definitely should have gone to the Oxley College/LMC Christmas lights. An awesome 40,000 light display that is synced to music..
January 23, 2013 at 5:43 am
Someone mentioned them actually! Will have to check it out this year