Christmas is just around the corner, and there are plenty of free ways to celebrate the festive season with the City of Melbourne’s many free Christmas events.
This year the City of Melbourne is transformed into a Christmas wonderland, featuring a very merry line-up of entertainment and events for all ages. Here’s a list of the best FREE Christmas events, activities and attractions in Melbourne CBD and surrounds that the kids – and your wallet – will love.
When is Christmas in 2025?
Christmas is on Thursday 25 December 2025.
Free Christmas Events Melbourne
1. Myer Christmas Windows
Enchanting Australian families for 67 years, the Myer Christmas Windows are a Melbourne tradition.
This year’s windows theme is a ripper, a true wildlife adventure. Featuring Australia’s favourite wildlife warriors—Terri, Robert, and Bindi Irwin—the windows promise a magical journey into the heart of Australia Zoo, right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.
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
Sun 17 Nov– Sun 5 Jan, 10:30am – 10:00pm
2. Myer Santaland
Head to Santaland at Myer Melbourne to meet Santa and his elves. Ride the Santaland express, enjoy some quiet reading time with Mrs Claus and capture the magic moment when your little ones meet Santa with a Christmas photo.
Bookings are essential. Note that while the Santaland experience is free, if you want to take home your Santa photo you will need to purchase a photo package.
Myer Santaland, Myer Melbourne Santa Train
Wed 13 Nov– Tue 24 Dec, 10:30am – 5:50pm
3. Christmas Tree Lighting, Fed Square
Enjoy merry performances and festive face painting before the countdown to the main event – the lighting of the giant 17.5m Christmas Tree for the first time.
Experience the magic of this light and sound show before heading down to Southbank for a spectacular laser and water display at the Christmas River Show.
Federation Square, Fri 29 Nov 2024
4. Christmas Square
Once again, Christmas Square and the Christmas Projections are lighting up with 100% wind powered Christmas cheer. Feel the joybilation at Fed Square, Melbourne’s home of Christmas, where the festivities comes to life with the iconic 17.5 metre tree.
Experience the spectacular light and sound shows, have a swing on a giant light-up bell and soak up the festive atmosphere before discovering everything the city has to offer at Christmas.
Christmas Square, 29 Nov – 25 Dec 2024
5. Crown Christmas River Show
The spectacular river show returns to the Birrarung – Yarra River this Christmas!
Head to Southbank Promenade outside Crown to catch this dazzling Christmas show featuring water fountains, lasers, light projections and a festive soundtrack.
Shows will run every 15 minutes from 9 pm – 11pm each night.
Crown Christmas River Show, Outside Crown Southbank Promenade, 3006
29 Nov – 25 Dec 2024
6. Christmas Outdoor Cinema
Experience the magic of Christmas at Fed Square’s Outdoor Cinema! Enjoy free screenings of beloved holiday classics including:
The Polar Express (2004)
Date: Monday, 16 December
The Santa Clause (1994)
Date: Tuesday, 17 December
Elf (2003)
Date: Wednesday, 18 December
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Date: Thursday, 20 December
Note: Stay after the film for As Camp as Christmas.
The Apartment (1960)
Date: Friday, 21 December
The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Date: Saturday, 22 December
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Date: Sunday, 23 December
Christmas Outdoor Cinema, Federation Square
16 Dec – 23 Dec 2024
7. Koorie Krismas
Koorie Krismas is the Koorie Heritage Trust’s (KHT) annual full-day festive family celebration, featuring: performances from First Nations musicians, performers and comedians; market stalls stocking apparel, homewares, jewellery and more from First Nations businesses; creative workshops with First Nations artists; and a special visit from Koorie Klaus.
The day will conclude with a free film screening on the Big Screen.
Koorie Krismas, Fed Square, Narrm (Melbourne)
Sat 14 Dec 10am – 3pm
8. Christmas at Queensbridge Square
Take a whirl on the illuminated swings or watch the Christmas tree light up as you play on the see-saw in this festive pop-up at Queensbridge Square.
Queensbridge Square, 3 Queens Bridge St, Southbank VIC 3006
Fri 29 Nov – Wed 25 Dec 2024
9. Visit Ambiance at Queen Victoria Market
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
10. Visit the iconic 333 Collins Street tree
Check out the iconic and chicest foyers in the city at 333 Collins Street where you’ll find a Christmas tree beautifully decorated to look like it came out of your favourite Christmas movie!
11. Boho Luxe Market: Christmas Edition
Looking for some unique Christmas gifts? Come to the Boho Luxe Market and browse the selection of one-of-a-kind jewellery, fashion, art and more from some of Melbourne’s most talented creators.
Boho Luxe Market: Christmas Edition, The Atrium, Federation Square, Swanston St, Melbourne
Sun 8 Dec, 10 am – 4 pm
12. German Christmas Market, Melbourne
Visitors can experience the magic of Christmas at the German Lutheran Trinity Church in Melbourne. You are invited to a delightful German Christmas market filled with the festive spirit.
Attendees can savor traditional delights like Brezel, sausages, and waffles and explore a charming array of handcrafted gifts. Live music and a captivating show await, along with the chance to win fantastic prizes in a raffle.
Guests can also meet and take a memorable picture with ‘Nikolaus’ himself. Save the dates for December 3rd from 12 pm to 6 pm and December 10th from 12 pm to 5 pm at 22 Parliament Place, Melbourne. This is a free holiday event not to be missed!
German Christmas Market, 22 Parliament Place, Melbourne
3 pm – 8 pm, 7 Dec & 12 pm – 5 pm, 15 Dec 2024
13. Santa’s Festival at the Docklands, Melbourne
Experience the wonder of the holiday season at Santa’s Festival! Enjoy enchanting activities like crafting workshops, toy making, and capturing joyful moments with Santa.
This family-friendly event at The District Docklands offers a magical winter wonderland filled with memorable experiences to cherish. Join us for festive fun and creativity!
Santa’s Festival at the Docklands, admin@docklandscc.com.au,
Newquay Park, The District Docklands, Newquay Promenade, Victoria Harbour and Buluk Park, Collins Square Docklands
29 November 2024 – December 22 2024
Some free and paid activities, check website to book your spot
14. Carols by Daylight, Fed Square
The annual Hello Music Carols by Daylight is a singalong Christmas variety show that’s fun for all ages, featuring the Hello Music Children’s Orchestra and Choir and friends including guest performers and, of course, Santa Claus.
Hello Music Carols by Daylight, The Edge Federation Square Swanston St & Flinders St, 0414 776 613, hello@hellomusic.com.au
Sun 1 Dec, 3pm – 4.30pm
15. Free Call to Santa
Telstra has officially 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 2024
16. Melbourne City Christmas Decorations
The city comes alive at Christmas! Wander the streets and feel the festive cheer.
Some of our favourites include the giant reindeer in Docklands, the Christmas star on Evan Walker Bridge and the popular nutcracker soldiers standing guard across the city. Keep an eye out for giant candy canes and festive koalas, too. Things really start to sparkle at night with twinkling lights in trees and laneways across the city.
17. High Street Bells Choir
The High Street Bells Choir is a vibrant community for anyone who loves to sing, especially those whose disability or illness might make joining other choirs challenging. Here, singing is not only great for body and mind—it’s also about building friendships and sharing support.
Our performances radiate joy and inspiration, showcasing the true spirit of connection and community.
High Street Bells Choir, The Atrium, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Friday 6 December, 5.30pm–6.30pm
18. Note Worthy
Note Worthy Choir was formed in 2022 from the merger of two beloved choirs—Tongue & Groove and Mood Swing. Noteworthy Choir brings together a rich musical heritage under the talented direction of Lisa Schwabe. We perform everywhere from community festivals and corporate events to flash mobs and weddings, and we delight in hosting our own concerts once or twice a year.
Our repertoire spans a wide and eclectic mix, from pop and jazz to gospel, folk, world music, and classical pieces, covering everything from 16th-century madrigals to contemporary Australian hits. We’re passionate about creating beautiful harmonies and bringing the stories of our songs to life for our audiences.
Note Worthy, The Atrium, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Friday 6 December, 7.30pm–8.30pm
19. With One Voice
With One Voice is a national movement of inclusive choirs which brings communities together to experience joy and connection. People from all walks of life are welcomed to the With One Voice non-auditioned choirs, where participants gather each week, building friendships through song. The With One Voice choirs help build joyful, supportive, welcoming communities where everyone can belong.
With One Voice, The Atrium, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Friday 13 December, 6.30–8.30pm (3 x 30min sets)
20. Glee Club Choir
Glee Club are a community of choirs across Melbourne and Tasmania who love nothing better than coming together to spread Gleeful Christmas cheer at Fed Square! They know that singing makes you feel good and believe that everyone has a beautiful voice, so encourage you to come along and join in the singing.
Glee Club Choir, The Atrium, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Friday 20 December, 6.30–8.30pm (3 x 30min sets)
21. Pasko Sa Melbourne
Celebrate Christmas, Filipino-style, at Pasko sa Melbourne at Queen Victoria Market! This vibrant, free event invites everyone to enjoy a day of festive fun with parol (Christmas lantern) making, balloon twisting workshops, a Christmas parade, Santa Claus gift distribution, parlour games, live performances, multicultural food, and more. Entrepreneurs from all cultures will also showcase their products, making it a joyful day for the whole community.
Queen Victoria Market, Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Sunday 8 December, 9am – 4pm, C-D Shed
22. Christmas Creatures by the Huxleys
Step into the Atrium at Fed Square and enjoy vibrant Australian festivities brought to life by creative duo The Huxleys.
The Christmas Creatures installation brings the whimsical works of The Huxleys to life, with their giant inflatable sculptures of iconic Aussie animals – featuring colourful cockatoos, a kind kangaroo, a curious crocodile and a king-sized koala.
The Huxley’s Christmas Creatures celebrates a uniquely Australian Christmas and the beauty of our native animals. It’s a playful, immersive experience that will bring out the festive spirit in all who visit.
Federation Square, Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne 3000
Until 25 Dec
23. Christmas Card Workshop
Join artist Anna Prifti while she guides you through mixed media, collage, watercolour and pigment processes to create your own uniquely beautiful Christmas card.
Ground floor, 4 Wominjeka Walk, West Melbourne 3003
Sun 15 Dec 2pm – 5pm
24. Visits from Santa
Santa and his Elves are taking a break from toy-making to spread some festive cheer at Fed Square.
Visit the Atrium on three Thursday nights in December to say hello to Santa, put in your Christmas list order, and snap a free family photo (BYO camera) before he gears up for the big day.
Federation Square, Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne 3000
Thu 19 Dec, 5pm – 9pm
25. Santa Stompers
Visit narrm ngarrgu Library and enjoy some very special Christmas stories, songs and rhymes at the final Songbirds session of the year.
narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services, 141 Therry St, Melbourne 3000
13 Dec
26. Christmas Crafternoon
Drop by Library at The Dock and get into the Christmas spirit with some fun Christmas-themed craft activities.
For ages 5 to 12.
Library at The Dock, 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands 3008
Mon 16 Dec, 4pm – 5pm
Buy a Christmas Hamper for someone special
Best Christmas Lights Melbourne
Best Places for Santa Photos in Melbourne
I hope this post has helped or inspired you! Subscribe to my weekly newsletter to find out more ways for your family to have fun together!
