Plan a family day out in the city during the holiday season!
Here’s a list of fun and festive Christmas-themed events, activities and experiences in Melbourne CBD that will delight young and old alike.
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 68 years, the Myer Christmas Windows are a Melbourne tradition. And it’s a LEGO Christmas theme this year!
While you’re there, check out the Myer Christmas LEGO Playland for even more festive fun.
Plus, Santa is back in town! Take a ride on the Santaland express and get a photo of your little ones meeting him.
Myer Christmas Windows, Myer Melbourne, Bourke Street
Until 11 January 2026
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 on 28 November will kick off the city’s Christmas celebrations – alongside a free program of performances.
Christmas Square, Fed Square
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
Until 7 January 2026
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
Between 28 Nov – 25 Dec 2025, 9 pm – 11 pm daily
6. Christmas Events at Queen Victoria Market
Don’t miss the 2025 series of Christmas markets at Queen Victoria Market.
Explore CRFT* WRK for a special Christmas market on the 6 December, 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!
Queen Vic Market, Saturday 6 December 2025, 9am – 4pm, C-D Shed
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
Sat 13 Dec 2025 10am – 3pm
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.
Christmas at Chadstone, Until 25 Dec 2025
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.
Plus, Pixar Putt is back for the festive season. Read our full guide to The North Pole at Marvel Stadium for all the details.
Marvel Stadium, 740 Bourke St, Docklands VIC 3008
Thurs 11 – 23 Dec 2025
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.
- At the BIG Christmas Spectacular from 7 – 9 December (Princess Theatre), you can expect everything from ballet and tap to jazz and chorus lines, performed by 25 incredible dancers, award-winning musical theatre stars and a live band. Perfect for all ages, it’s the ultimate way to kick off the holiday season.
- Also at the Princess Theatre, The Nutcracker, will feature new sets and world-class dancers. This production promises to fill your heart with Christmas spirit. On from Thurs 11 Dec – Tues 23 Dec 2025.
- Celebrate at Melbourne Recital Centre with Shaun The Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas With Live Brass Band (11 – 12 Dec). Or delight in an evening filled with joy, charm, and the true spirit of the season with Silver Stars – The Idea of North (Wed 10 Dec).
- The smash-hit Old Vic production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, starring David Wenham, is coming to Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from Thurs 27 Nov – Wed 24 Dec. Recommended for 8+ years.
12. Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas at Hamer Hall
Celebrate Christmas with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Hamer Hall.
Enjoy a magical performance filled with timeless holiday classics and joyful tunes like “Joy to the World” and “Sleigh Ride.” This family-friendly concert promises a delightful experience, perfect for sharing the holiday spirit together.
The relaxed session at 12.30pm offers a blend of classic carols and modern holiday tunes in a relaxed setting, catering to children of all ages, including those with autism or sensory challenges. A joyful, inclusive festive experience awaits!
Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas at Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank 3004
Saturday 13 & 14 December 2025, 10.30 am and 12.30pm
From $30
13. 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
14. 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
23 – 24 Dec 2025
15. 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,
6 – 21 Dec 2025
16. 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
17. 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!
2025 Melbourne Christmas Treasure Hunt, Mary Martin Bookshop, Shop G17, Southgate Shopping CentreVIC, 3006, Australia
From 1 – 31 December 2025
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