Wide shot of a floating bar on Yarra River with skyscrapers in the background.

What's open between Christmas and New Year's Eve in Melbourne

Hanging around after Christmas? Here's what's open for eating, drinking and city exploring. Opening hours, offerings and prices will vary by day, and not all businesses will be open every day. Be sure to check with the venue directly before visiting.

Free things to do between Christmas and New Year's in Melbourne

Until 25 May

The Outsiders Melbourne

An exhibition of the largest street-art collection in Australia, including a whole room of Banksys.

Until 5 Jan

Myer Christmas Windows

Take a magical journey with Australia Zoo's favourite wildlife heroes in An Irwin’s Christmas Story.

Until 27 Jan

Rekospective: The Art of Reko Rennie

Reko Rennie's largest presentation of work to date and his first-ever retrospective exhibition.

Until 31 Dec

Melbourne City Christmas Treasure Hunt

Collect a map from Mary Martin Bookshop to go on a magical city treasure hunt.

Until Dec 2025

Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure

A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.

Until 16 Feb

Honk: Untitled Goose Exhibition

Explore the cheeky world of the iconic game with playable displays and behind-the-scenes insights.

Until 31 Dec

The Story of the Moving Image

An ongoing exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.

Until 31 Jan

Ribbon of Reflection

A garden installation inspired by the vibrant colours of Australian military medal ribbons.

Until Nov 2026

Making Memoir of a Snail

Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.

Until 27 Apr

Int. Spaceship – Night

An immersive, text-based role-playing game experience inspired by cinema and ACMI's exhibitions.

Until 27 Apr

NGV Architecture Commission: Home Truth by Breathe

The NGV's 2024 Architecture Commission is designed by architecture and design studio Breathe.

Until 29 Apr

Wurrdha Marra

Sharing the work of First Nations artists across time and place.

More of the best things to do between Christmas and New Year's in Melbourne

Until 21 Apr

Yayoi Kusama

From polka dots to pumpkins, Yayoi Kusama comes to NGV with a world-premiere blockbuster exhibition.

28 Dec

Pro Kabaddi League Melbourne Raid

India's most explosive sport is arriving in Melbourne.

26 Dec – 30 Apr

Van Gogh

Van Gogh returns to THE LUME for a limited summer season.

Until 30 Mar

Moonlight Cinema

Australia’s favourite outdoor cinema is back for another season under the stars.

Until 31 May

Punting on the Lake

Glide between the bays and islands of Ornamental Lake on a guided boat cruise.

Until 31 Dec

The Fluid Project

A unique and joyful creative experience located at the Emporium Shopping Centre.

Until 29 Dec

Disney's Beauty and the Beast the Musical

Experience Disney's new enchanting musical, Beauty and the Beast.

Until 16 Feb

Darkfield

Be immersed in an audio experience inside a shipping container when Darkfled returns for the summer.

Until 29 Dec

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

The inspiring life story of the Queen of Rock, who didn’t just break the rules – she rewrote them.

Until 26 Jan

Sister Act

Don’t miss the Broadway and UK smash hit musical, direct from London’s West End.

Until 31 Jan

Imaginator

An immersive experience that celebrates imagination, technology and play.

Until 31 Mar

The Fans Strike Back: The Exhibition

A spectacular showcase of Star Wars memorabilia.

Melbourne Museum

Explore history, culture, science, and nature at this popular Melbourne attraction.

30 – 31 Dec

New Year's Eve (& The Day Before) Gala Concerts

These gala concerts are Melbourne’s favourite way to ring in the new year.

21 Dec – 25 Jan

The Merry Wives of Windsor

A vibrant and eclectic adaption of the great Sir John Fallstaff’s last stand.

Until 16 Feb

Dear Evan Hansen

Enjoy this brand new production of the Broadway smash-hit musical.

21 Dec – 25 Jan

The Wind in the Willows

Kenneth Grahame’s immortal story of life on the riverbank is brought to life.

Until 29 Dec

A Christmas Carol

A big-hearted, smash-hit production of one man's transformation from resentment to redemption.

Until 20 Jul

Cats & Dogs

From cattle dogs to lap dogs, divine felines to cat superstitions, explore more than 250 works.

Until 27 Apr

Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition

Experience the heart of Paris, right here in Melbourne.

Until 27 Apr

The Future and Other Fictions

Discover the people, artworks and ideas that shape tomorrow.

21 Dec – 19 Jan

Alice in Wonderland

Join Alice on her amazing journey through Wonderland and experience an adventure like no other.

Until 10 Mar

Antopia

Shrink down to enter the fascinating world of ants in a new interactive digital exhibition.

Restaurants open between Christmas and New Year's in Melbourne

Remember: opening hours, offerings and prices will vary by day, and not all businesses will be open every day. Be sure to check with the venue directly before visiting.