Melbourne’s city centre does Christmas properly, and the 2026 program is still filling in. This guide marks what’s confirmed, what’s likely and what’s still to come, so you can book the sessions that sell out and plan around the rest.
The Myer windows, a giant tree at Fed Square, Santa in a few spots and a river light show all sit a short tram ride apart. That makes the city an easy day out with kids, from babies to 12-year-olds.
The official City of Melbourne program isn’t out yet, so we’ve labelled every listing. Book the confirmed ones now and check back for the rest. You’ll find costs and booking tips for each.
When is Christmas in 2026?
Christmas is on Friday 25 December 2026.
Christmas in Melbourne FOR KIDS
1. Stop by the Myer Christmas Windows
Enchanting Australian families for 69 years, the Myer Christmas Windows are a Melbourne tradition. We can’t wait to hear what the theme will be this year! They are expected to open in early November.
After viewing the windows, head upstairs and take a ride on the Santaland express to get a photo of your little ones meeting him.
Myer Christmas Windows, Myer Melbourne, Bourke Street
Dates TBC
2. Visit Christmas Square
The home of Melbourne’s Christmas celebrations is at Federation Square. With lights and decorations galore, this square in the heart of the city is the best place to celebrate the season.
The centrepiece of Christmas Square is a stunning 16-metre light-up Christmas tree. This year, the bell swings are a real highlight once again!
The lighting of the tree will kick off the city’s Christmas celebrations – alongside a free program of performances.
Christmas Square, Fed Square
Opens late November
3. Visit Santa at Queen Vic Market
Bring the kids along during the day to see Santa pull up his sleigh and visit the Market. He will be roaming the market with his trusty elf friend to wish market-goers a happy Christmas and find out what the kids have on their wish lists.
Santa Visits at Queen Victoria Market, Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
4. Santa’s Festival at the Docklands
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Festival! Head to The District Docklands for delightful activities including visits with Santa, creative workshops, and hands-on toy making.
Wander through The District Docklands and discover breathtaking holiday displays, live entertainment, and whimsical surprises around every corner. Bring the whole family and embrace the spirit together!
Santa’s Festival at the Docklands, NewQuay Central Park, 429-437 Docklands Dr
Expected to run for about three weeks from early December
5. Check out the Crown Christmas River Show
Get into the Christmas spirit at The Crown Melbourne, where awesome Christmas activities are waiting for you and your family to enjoy.
Experience the magic of the Crown Christmas River Show on the Yarra River! Enjoy a mesmerizing display of water fountains, lasers, and light projections accompanied by festive music.
Running every 15 minutes, this dazzling event is a highlight of the Christmas Festival in partnership with the City of Melbourne.
Crown Christmas River Show, Outside Crown Southbank Promenade, 3006
Expected to launch in late November and run nightly until Christmas Day, 9 pm – 11 pm
6. Christmas Events at Queen Victoria Market
Don’t miss the 2026 series of Christmas markets at Queen Victoria Market.
Explore CRFT* WRK for a special Christmas market featuring art, ceramics, jewellery, embroidery, macramé, ethical textiles, homewares, artisan perfume, dog accessories and lots more.
Plus celebrate Christmas, Filipino-style, at Pasko sa Melbourne at Queen Victoria Market!
7. Koorie Krismas
Have a very Koorie Krismas filled with fun festivities for the whole family!
Join in with free workshops for kids and families and learn how to make jewellery, badges and bush tukka. Enjoy performances from local First Nations musicians, dancers and poets and a visit from Koorie Klaus himself.
Koorie Krismas, Federation Square, Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne
Dates for 2026 TBC
8. Christmas at Chadstone
Chadstone transforms into a Christmas wonderland. Enjoy a ride on the Enchanted Elevator, view stunning decorations, and a captivating 5-metre gold bauble.
Enjoy memorable Santa photos in a whimsical setting and explore 500 stores for all your holiday shopping needs. Recharge with delicious meals and consider a luxury staycation at Hotel Chadstone for a perfect festive escape!
Or book a truly memorable staycation at Chadstone Hotel.
Chadstone Santa Photography: 4 November to 24 December, $55.
9. The Nth Pole, Marvel Stadium
The holiday season is landing at The Nth Pole Marvel Stadium! Enjoy a nine-metre Marvel Tree of Heroes, Santa photography, and daily Christmas and sport themed activities for all ages.
Discover delicious food options and walk through a vibrant Christmas wonderland filled with AFL-themed decorations. There are free and ticketed elements available.
Note that Pixar Putt isn’t coming back. Marvel Stadium called last season its final one in Australia, and it closed on 18 January 2026.
Read our full guide to The North Pole at Marvel Stadium for all the details.
Marvel Stadium, 740 Bourke St, Docklands VIC 3008
TBC for 2026
10. Christmas Shops for Festive Decorating
Melbourne is full of festive cheer, especially at dedicated Christmas stores in Melbourne where you can find all you need for your Christmas needs. Find the Best Christmas Shops Melbourne.
Did you know that Melbourne has a year-round Christmas shop at Queen Victoria Market? Ambiance is a family-owned business that has been in the same location on Elizabeth Street for decades. It is renowned for its eye-catching window displays and you can browse through their amazing collection of Christmas decorative items spanning over five rooms (note it’s quite a squishy space so not suitable for prams).
Ambiance now has one of the largest ranges of Christmas ornaments and decorations from all over the world and collectors come from all over for their Mark Roberts and Katherine’s Collection dolls.
Ambiance, 509-511 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
Sun – Fri: 9 am – 5 pm
Sat: 8:30 am – 4 pm
11. Christmas Concerts and Shows
We love attending a festive concert or show as a family, and Melbourne really puts some great hits.
- Classic Kids: Christmas, Hamer Hall: Saturday 5 December, 10.30am and a relaxed 12.30pm session.
- The Nutcracker, Regent Theatre: December, after a sell-out 2025 season.
- The Christmas Spectacular, Palais Theatre, St Kilda: Saturday 5 December, 2pm and 6.30pm.
- Home Alone in Concert, Hamer Hall: 11 to 13 December.
- A Christmas Carol commonly held at the Comedy Theatre is reported to be taking a break in 2026.
Find more Melbourne Christmas concerts and events in our calendar.
12. Christmas Ice Skating At O’Brien Icehouse
Escape the summer heat and dive into some festive fun at O’Brien Icehouse at The District Docklands!
Melbourne’s coolest spot transforms into a Christmas winter wonderland, and you’re invited to join in the icy excitement.
Christmas Ice Skating At O’Brien Icehouse, 105 Pearl River Road, Docklands
13. Bubble Show For Christmas
See stunning bubble displays executed by expert bubble artists in this Christmas adventure that is fun for the whole family. Suitable for ages 3–12. Bookings required.
Bubble Show for Christmas, The Capitol Theatre, 113 Swanston Street
TBC
14. Christmas Cinema, Capitol Theatre
Discover a series of festive films at the stunning Capitol Theatre, with a mix of family favourites and cult classics. Tickets are only $5, with proceeds going to support local food relief initiatives by OzHarvest, The Big Umbrella and West Melbourne Baptist Church.
Christmas Cinema, The Capitol Theatre, Swanston St,
Dates TBC
15. Make a Free Phonecall to Santa
Telstra has switched on their direct line to the North Pole, connecting kids to Santa until December 24.
Children can dial # HO HO HO (#464646) for free from any of Telstra’s 14,500 payphones around Australia and enjoy the magical experience of speaking directly with the jolly man in red.
Phone Santa from any payphone up until 24 December
16. Melbourne Christmas Treasure Hunt
Embark on a thrilling maritime adventure in the 2025 Melbourne Christmas Treasure Hunt! Based on Amelia Mellor’s The Wicked Ship, participants will navigate through clues and challenges at Mary Martin Bookshop.
Open to all, especially kids aged 5-12. Enjoy this free event throughout December, and don’t forget your pen!
Melbourne Christmas Treasure Hunt, Mary Martin Bookshop, Shop G17, Southgate Shopping CentreVIC, 3006, Australia
Dates TBC
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