The Christmas light displays along The Boulevard in Ivanhoe are arguably one of Melbourne's most well-known Christmas light destinations, being a 'resident-led' tradition for many years. The amazing displays were typically accompanied by food trucks, musical performances, and a great amount of Christmas cheer!
In 2020 and 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these displays did not go ahead in consideration of social distancing requirements.
In 2022, the festivities returned on a smaller scale and were supported by the local council, The City of Banyule, with traffic management measures from the 20th to 24th of December only.
Banyule cited that the reason for the smaller event was that "Victoria Police has recommended Council not promote the event to reduce excessive crowd numbers and vehicles" given concerns around "community safety and amenity."
So, will 'The Boulevard, Ivanhoe' Christmas Lights be on in 2023?
We've had many people asking, 'Will the Ivanhoe Christmas Lights be on in 2023,' and we have been eagerly awaiting any update from the local community organizers. Following a community engagement process in September and October with local residents, in late November, some positive details emerged from the local council.
This year, displays may start operating from early to mid-December. However, between Tuesday, December 19, to Sunday, December 24, the Council is providing traffic management to assist with vehicle flow and pedestrian safety. Additionally, portable toilets and drinking water will be made available.
If you are after food or drinks, there will be a small number of vendors trading at Ivanhoe Park (Cnr The Boulevard and Wamba Road), selling ice cream and running a sausage sizzle. For any other food or drink you are after, the Council encourages you to shop from the local traders.
The City of Banyule has also advised that between December 19-24:
1. Speed limits along The Boulevard will be reduced to 20 km/h.
2. The best way to see the lights is by driving, and you can drive in both directions along The Boulevard.
3. There is no specific car park; parking is limited to side streets, and normal road rules must be followed.
4. Pedestrians choosing to walk The Boulevard must stick to the footpaths and keep walking in one direction.
5. Leave the area by 11 pm and respect that it is a residential area, so noise levels should be appropriate.
The full details are available on the City of Banyule's website – click here.
Looking for other Christmas Lights around Ivanhoe?
Click here to use our map to find all the best Christmas Lights in Ivanhoe and surrounds.
At ChristmasLightSearch, we list hundreds of Christmas light displays across Melbourne, search our map to put in your suburb or postcode to find lights near you.
What else can you do around Ivanhoe and Banyule this Christmas?
The City of Banyule is running their Carols by Candlelight on Saturday, December 16, at the Greensborough War Memorial Park. This event will be supported by food trucks and live entertainment and runs between 5 pm and 9:30 pm. Click here for more details.
What else is happening at The Boulevard?
96.5 Inner FM (Community Radio Station based in Heidelberg and totally run by volunteers) will be broadcasting live with their very own Santa on Friday 22nd December from 8-10pm. They will be based in the front yard of 192 The Boulevard, Ivanhoe East. Its a great opportunity for the kids to speak to Santa live on air with our roving mics and to also be live on the radio!
They have been doing this for 29 years so are hoping that their 30th year is the most successful one yet! They stream online 24/7 from the website at innerfm.org.au too.