Melbourne’s Christmas calendar just found a new favourite. This December, Marvel Stadium is transforming into a festive wonderland with North Pole at Marvel Stadium featuring Pixar Putt. It is bright, buzzy and designed for families who love a mix of Christmas magic and hands-on fun.
Running from Thursday 11 December to Tuesday 23 December 2025, this free Christmas live site takes over Stadium Square at Gate 2/3. Add in the hugely popular Pixar Putt mini golf, and you’ve got an easy, crowd-pleasing school holiday outing sorted.
Here’s everything parents need to know before you go.
What Is the North Pole at Marvel Stadium?
The North Pole at Marvel Stadium is a free, walk-in Christmas wonderland designed for all ages. Think giant Christmas trees, Santa photos, festive food and daily activities with a sporty twist.
It is open daily from 10.00am and runs right through to December 23. There is no ticket required to enter the North Pole zone. You simply walk in and enjoy.
What you’ll see and do
Families can expect:
- A giant 9-metre Pixar-themed Christmas tree
- All 18 AFL club-themed Christmas trees
- Santa photo opportunities
- Player meet and greets
- Festive food and drinks
- Daily Christmas and sport-themed activities
It is lively, colourful and set up to be explored at your own pace.
Santa Photos (Including Pet Days)
Santa visits run daily, with times published on Marvel Stadium’s digital channels. There is no booking required, and you’ll need to bring your own phone or camera for photos.
Pet photo sessions
Four special days are set aside for pet photos with Santa: Monday 15 December, Tuesday 16 December, Monday 22 December, and Tuesday 23 December. Time: 10.00am–12.00pm.
Up to three pets per photo session are allowed. Pets must be on a leash when not being photographed, and owners are responsible for their animals at all times. Water bowls will be available onsite.
Pixar Putt at Marvel Stadium
Pixar Putt is one of Australia’s most popular pop-up mini golf experiences, and this summer it lands right inside the North Pole at Marvel Stadium.
What is Pixar Putt?
It is a themed 9 or 18-hole mini golf course inspired by Pixar favourites including:
- Toy Story
- Finding Nemo
- Cars
- The Incredibles
- Monsters, Inc.
- Coco
- Inside Out
- Wall-E
- Luca
- Ratatouille
And many more.
There are no live characters, but each hole features playful design, large character statues and bright movie-themed details.
Pixar Putt Dates
- Thursday 11 December 2025 to Sunday 18 January 2026
- Closed on Christmas Day
- From 11–23 December, it operates within the North Pole live site
- Reopens Boxing Day in an expanded format through to January 18 2026
Opening hours
- Sunday to Wednesday: 10.00am – 8.00pm
- Thursday to Saturday: 10.00am – 10.00pm
- After Dark sessions: Thursday to Saturday, 7.00pm – 10.00pm
(All ages welcome. The pop-up bar is strictly 18+.)
Is Pixar Putt Good for Kids?
Yes. Pixar Putt is designed for kids, teens and adults. Younger children will love recognising their favourite characters. Older kids and grown-ups will enjoy the challenge.
Age guidelines
- Tickets required for children aged 3+
- Under 3s are free but:
- They do not receive their own club or ball
- They should share with a sibling or adult
- Parents are asked to be mindful of play speed
- They do not receive their own club or ball
Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
How long does it take?
- 9 holes: about 45–60 minutes
- 18 holes: about 1.5–2 hours
Times can be longer during busy periods, especially evenings and weekends.
Pixar Putt Ticket Prices
18 Holes
- Adult: $39.90
- Child (3–14): $29.90
- Student: $33.90
- Family: $119.90
9 Holes
- Adult: $29.90
- Child (3–14): $19.90
- Student: $25.40
- Family: $79.90
Family tickets include:
- 2 adults and 2 children, or
- 1 adult and 3 children
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster, the Marvel Stadium website and onsite (subject to availability). All onsite purchases are card only.
Accessibility
The North Pole live site is accessible for guests with disabilities, with staff available to assist.
Pixar Putt, however, has some limitations:
- Uneven surfaces
- Raised holes
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Some holes may be difficult for guests with mobility challenges
Companion Card holders can attend free when accompanying a paying ticket holder.
Food and Drinks
You will find plenty of food options at Marvel Stadium, including:
- 8Bit
- Johnnie Walker Bar
- EARL
- Friends of Fire
This makes it easy to turn your visit into a full lunch or early dinner outing.
Getting There with Kids
Address:
Marvel Stadium, Stadium Square Gate 2/3
740 Bourke Street, Docklands VIC
Public transport
Marvel Stadium is right next to Southern Cross Station, making it one of the easiest family venues to reach by train. Trams also run along La Trobe Street, Harbour Esplanade and through the CBD.
A bonus for families:
Weekend public transport across Victoria is free from late November until early February to celebrate the Metro Tunnel opening.
Driving and parking
- Limited parking is available
- Pre-booking is strongly recommended
- Height restriction: 2.1 metres
- Accessible parking available with a valid permit
Drop-off zones are located on Harbour Esplanade, Bourke Street and La Trobe Street.
What to Bring
For the North Pole:
- Your phone or camera for Santa photos
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water for kids
For Pixar Putt:
- Nothing extra is required
- Clubs, balls, scorecards and pencils are provided
Is It Worth Visiting with Kids?
If you are looking for:
- A free Christmas outing in the city
- Easy Santa photos without formal bookings
- A festive atmosphere with space for kids to wander
- The option to add on a Pixar-themed activity the whole family can enjoy
Then North Pole at Marvel Stadium featuring Pixar Putt is a strong choice for your December calendar. You can pop in for a quick look, stay for lunch, or make a whole afternoon of mini golf and Christmas fun.
It works just as well for toddlers seeing Santa for the first time as it does for school-age kids keen on Pixar Putt. That flexibility is what makes it such a standout family event.
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