Summer in the west

The St Albans Lunar Festival, 2022. (Provided)

December is here and with it comes the holiday season and a plethora of activities and events for people to get involved in across Melbourne’s west this December and January.

Western Melbourne Tourism executive officer Richard Ponsford said as summer warms up, Melbourne’s west is coming to life with a fantastic array of events and experiences to enjoy.

“There is a great energy across the west,” he said.

“The region is set to offer a relaxed and enjoyable summer holiday season for everyone. Outdoor cinema, bars are buzzing or simply enjoy the beautiful twilight evenings along the rivers, or at the beach.

“The west really kicks into life in early 2024 with the Lunar New Year events, particularly the St Albans Lunar Year festival in early January.“

ALWAYS LIVE and Metro Trains kick off the action with End of The Line in Williamstown on December 9. The free family-friendly festival brings together the best local talent together with performances from Alex Lahey, Eliott, Meghna and Philly at Commonwealth Reserve.

Also on the 9th is Wyndham’s Carols By Candlelight at the beautiful Werribee Mansion, and later on Christmas Eve is the Eynesbury December Christmas Market.

Footscray’s Night Market is on Fridays throughout December, and then you can bring in the new year at Footscray Park with carnival rides and stellar performances including Regurgitator.

Moving into January, SO FRENCHY SO CHIC hits Werribee Park on the 14th. The event connects France to Australia through French contemporary music, gastronomy, fashion and lots of Champagne.

On January 21 Melbourne’s largest and longest-running Lunar New Year Festival, is back to usher in the Year of the Dragon. The St Albans Lunar Festival, which began in 1998, has grown into a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, attracting over 80,000 guests and showcasing the rich multicultural tapestry of the St Albans community.