Looking for Christmas things to do with the kids this year? All our 2026 Christmas guides are here in one spot. Santa photos, Christmas lights, markets, carols, Christmas lunches and gift ideas, sorted by what you’re planning.

Plenty of the events and activities are free. Start with our free Christmas events and Christmas lights guides if you want a big night out that doesn’t cost a thing.

We keep these pages updated through November and December as new events are announced, so check back before you go.

What’s on this Christmas Season

When is Christmas in 2026?

Christmas is on Friday 25 December 2026

Fun ways to celebrate Christmas in Melbourne!

From decorated homes to captivate the kids to festive treats and gifts for the whole family, there’s plenty here to get you into the Christmas spirit. Pick a tile below or scroll down to find your favourites.

Christmas events and things to do

• Free Christmas events in Melbourne: The City of Melbourne’s free festive events, all in one list.
• Christmas activities for kids in Melbourne’s CBD: From the Myer windows to Christmas Square, the best festive outings in the city.
• Christmas markets in Melbourne: Markets and fairs for festive cheer and Christmas gift shopping.
• Carols by Candlelight in Melbourne: Places to enjoy carols with the kids this Christmas.
• Christmas Carnival at Birrarung Marr: Free entry, with carnival rides for kids and adults.
• Crown Christmas in Melbourne: A free river show and Santa visits, plus Elf the Musical, at Crown in Southbank.
• Myer Christmas Windows on Bourke Street: This year’s free windows have a Toy Story theme, and there’s no booking needed.
• Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland at Caulfield: Festive fun at Caulfield Racecourse, including a new PAW Patrol zone.
• Santa’s Festival at The District Docklands: Festive fun for families at The District Docklands.
• Christmas Elves in Preston: Decorations, lights and festive fun for the whole family in Preston.
• Things to do in Melbourne on Christmas Day: Ideas for getting out of the house on the big day itself.
• Christmas volunteering in Melbourne: Ways your family can give back to the community this Christmas.

Santa photos

• Santa photos in Melbourne: Where to book your family photo with Santa across Melbourne.
• Myer Santaland: Free to visit, with Santa photos and a ride on the Santaland Express at Myer Melbourne.
• Santa photos at Eastland in Ringwood: Santa photos and pet photography at Eastland Shopping Centre.
• Christmas outfits for Santa photos: Where to shop for Christmas outfits, plus tips for a great photo with Santa.

Christmas lights

• Christmas lights in Melbourne’s CBD: Where to see the city’s Christmas lights and decorations, most of them free.
• Christmas lights in Melbourne’s suburbs: The best light displays around Melbourne and surrounds, so you can find some near you.
• Christmas Festival of Lights at Adventure Park Geelong: Christmas lights, rides and family activities at Adventure Park.

Christmas food

• Christmas buffets in Melbourne for families: Let someone else do the cooking with a festive buffet at a Melbourne venue.
• Christmas cupcakes and donuts in Melbourne: Sweet festive treats to make your Christmas celebrations extra special.
• Christmas hampers in Melbourne: Local hamper suppliers for an easy, generous Christmas gift.

Christmas shopping and gifts

• Christmas shops in Melbourne: Where to stock up on festive decorations around Melbourne.
• Where to buy Christmas trees in Melbourne: Places to pick up your tree this year, whether real or reusable.
• Melbourne Christmas Tree Farm in Plumpton: Choose a real tree at Melbourne’s biggest Christmas tree farm.
• Christmas crackers and bon bons: The best bon bons for your Christmas table, all available to buy online.
• Personalised Christmas baubles: Custom decorations to make your tree one of a kind.
• Personalised Christmas gifts: Thoughtful presents made just for the people you love.
• Kids’ Christmas pyjamas: Festive PJs to dress the little ones for the season.
• Matching family Christmas pyjamas: Sets so the whole family can match this Christmas.
• Women’s Christmas pyjamas: Festive sleepwear for women, from elegant to fun.
• Men’s Christmas pyjamas: Cosy and stylish festive PJs for men.
• Christmas jumpers: Fun festive jumpers to get you into the Christmas spirit.
• LEGO Christmas sets: This year’s festive LEGO sets for keen builders.
• Bluey Christmas gifts: Gift ideas for the Bluey fans in your family.
• Corporate Christmas hampers: Stress-free hamper gifts for businesses at Christmas.