26 Free Christmas Events in Melbourne To Add To Your Festive Bucket List (2025)

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.

Myer Christmas Windows Photos Joyce Watts

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

Myer Christmas Windows Photos Joyce Watts
Myer Christmas Windows Photos Joyce Watts

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

Santaland Myer Melbourne 4

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

Free Christmas events Melbourne Fed Square

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

Christmas Square Federation Square
Christmas Square Federation Square

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

Christmas river show Melbourne

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

Free Christmas Events Fed Square

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

KOORIE KRISMAS

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

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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

Ambiance 1

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!

collins px

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

Boho Luxe Market Christmas

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

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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

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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

free events Melbourne

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

Call Santa free ()

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.

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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

High Street Bells Choir

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

Note Worthy

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)

With One Voice

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)

Glee Club Choir

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

Pasko Melbourne

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

Christmas Creatures by the Huxleys

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

Christmas Card Workshop

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

Visits from Santa

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

Santa Stompers

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

Christmas Crafternoon

Buy a Christmas Hamper for someone special

Best Christmas Lights Melbourne

Best Places for Santa Photos in Melbourne


Free Christmas Events
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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!

About Joyce Watts

Joyce Watts is a former intellectual property, IT and media lawyer turned serial entrepreneur.

As well as being the founder of TOT: HOT OR NOT she helps businesses with their SEO, email marketing & social media as BrightSmart.com.au; she owns an online bike store CycleStyle.com.au and develops and produces creative experiences for families via WheelieGoodFun.com. She used to publish another popular lifestyle and food blog called MEL: HOT OR NOT The decisive guide to Melbourne.

She lives in inner-city Melbourne with her husband, two children and seven bikes.

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