The best free festivals you need to visit in Melbourne this year

From the pop-up playground to the Christmas carnival, candy cane maze and endless epic decorations, Christmas in Melbourne is always an unmissable end of year spectacular. This year's festival is taking over town for four sparkling weeks. Don't miss nightly projections, the Myer windows, free family-friendly events and endless Christmas markets.

Blender Lane is one of Melbourne's coolest collectives. In the lead up to Christmas, the crew will be hosting a slew of creative pop-ups and parties to kickstart the end of year festivities. Start with a free Christmas party on 25 November (complete with glittering disco balls). Got some spare change? Book in and join sustainable DIY gifting workshops, try street art high tea and explore laneway decorations.

Have a laid-back Sunday evening at this uplifting family-friendly event. Come together as a community to commemorate the eight-day Hanukkah holiday, and celebrate Melbourne's multicultural community. There'll be artist performances, choirs, a lighting ceremony and more.

This iconic annual event is always a big one, and this year the team will be celebrating 10 years of Vida! Make a beeline to the food stalls for paella, mojitos and more Latin street food. Dance under the stars to salsa rhythms or chill in the beer garden. And bring your little mates to the kids hub for face-painting, puppetry, magic shows and craft workshops.