It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And at Chadstone, we love nothing more than going all-out at Christmas. This year, we’re bigger and better than ever, with an array of festive experiences, brilliant decorations, and make-life-easy shopping experiences for the whole family to enjoy. Here, we round-up the top things to do and see this Christmas at Chadstone.

This year we’re thrilled to unveil a new festive experience at Chadstone: the Enchanted Christmas Elevator. Step inside and be transported to a world of wonder and joy, right in the heart of the North Pole. Located outside Mecca Cosmetica on the Ground Level, the Magic Elevator features interactive video landscapes of the North Pole at Christmas, as well as a large santa sleigh filled with presents. This free experience is the perfect opportunity for family photos. No bookings required.

We take a lot of pride in our Christmas decorations and this year they’re bigger and better than ever. You'll enjoy a vast array of Christmas decor centre-wide, including nutcrackers, wreaths, garlands and our beautiful, hand-crafted golden mosaic reindeer. This year, when you look up you’ll find spectacular decorations hanging from our gridshell roof, including inverted Christmas trees, adorned with ornate decorations and LED lighting. You won’t be able to look away – or wipe the smile off your face.

Each year we try to outdo ourselves on the Christmas decorations front, which is why our much-loved bauble is bigger and better than ever this year. The 5-metre-high creation finds a new home this year, outside the Ralph Lauren store on Ground Level, and is a giant, gold, shimmering ball of festive joy. This year, you can walk right through it, taking pictures with your family, friends, or solo, amidst the gold. No bookings required.

Chadstone’s much-loved Santa Photography is back again and better than ever. Themed ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’, the magical set is filled with talking reindeers, snowstorms, a giant Christmas tree and – of course – Santa himself. Welcoming families and children of all ages, this year we’re launching five days earlier than usual to accommodate the high demand. All sessions have booked out, however keep an eye on the calendar for cancellations.

With Black Friday sales throughout the last week of November, there’s no better time to knock out your Christmas shopping before December hits. With almost 500 specialty stores spanning fashion, beauty, homewares, food, lifestyle, fitness, and more, you’ll find something for everyone on your list at Chadstone this Christmas.

Take a break from all the shopping with a pit stop at one of our dozens of in-house dining options. Feeling something casual? Head to Betty’s Burgers, Fishbowl, or Rozzi’s Italian Canteen for a quick and easy bite. If you’re looking for something more substantial, book a table at one of the eateries in The Social Quarter dining precinct, like Urban Alley Brewery for a great schnitzel, chips, and craft beer, or Cinque Terre for delicious pasta and Italian-style small plates. And top it all off with gelato from Piccolina, which is handcrafted from fresh seasonal ingredients.

Why not turn your day of Christmas shopping into a luxe staycation? Hotel Chadstone is the only premium luxury hotel in South-East Melbourne, a five-star experience with 250 spectacular rooms, each fitted with custom lighting, brass and leather finishes, and a soft colour palette of dusty pinks and rich creams. Book a spa treatment at the on-site Holism Retreat, have dinner at Pastore, then head to the rooftop bar at Altus for cocktails overlooking the city.