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
Making Good: Redesigning the Everyday
NGV's exhibition brings together the work of more than 50 designers.
Creative Acts: Artists and their inspirations
Step inside the unseen inner worlds of artists at State Library Victoria.
Wham, Bam, Thank You Jam
A free weekly improvised musical comedy with a rotation of Melbourne's finest comedians.
World of the Book
Explore the rare, the sacred and the iconic in the 20th anniversary of this annual exhibition.
Free Guided Walk
A free guided walk is the perfect way to enjoy the sunny weather in Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
Bloom: By Melbourne Central x Melissa Likes Sushi
Step inside the immersive installation wrapping the historic Shot Tower in vibrant greenery.
Swinging 60s
Did the sixties really swing in Victoria? A new exhibition from the Old Treasury Building.
Free family fun
Boxing Day Test Summer Fest
The energy spills beyond the boundary as the Boxing Day Festival returns to Yarra Park.
Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.
Melbourne City Christmas Treasure Hunt
Collect a map from the Mary Martin Bookshop to go on a magical city treasure hunt.
The Great Gummy Bear Escape
Enjoy this free, large-scale festive experience designed for families and friends.
Myer Christmas Windows
Experience the magic of Christmas at the Playful LEGO Christmas Story Myer Christmas Windows.
Shrine Kids
Embark on a family adventure with this engaging program designed for discovery at every turn.
More of the best things to do between Christmas and New Year's in Melbourne
Westwood | Kawakubo
NGV’s summer exhibition pairs two icons of the fashion world, Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo.
Cats the Musical
Be thrilled by the 40th anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber's record-breaking musical, Cats.
Anastasia the Musical
Discover the romantic and adventure-filled Broadway production inspired by the beloved film.
Game Worlds
ACMI's new playable exhibition features more than 30 videogames from the 1970s to today.
State Library Victoria Unlocked
On this exclusive tour, gain access to State Library Victoria before the doors open to the public.
Moonlight Cinema
Kick back with a film under the stars at Melbourne’s most spectacular open-air cinema.
Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard
See one of the most significant European Viking-age discoveries of the 21st century.
Melbourne Paint Lab Art Workshop
At Melbourne Paint Lab you can splash, splatter and drip paint to unleash your inner artist.
LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition
Step into a world of epic battles, spaceships and landscapes from a galaxy far, far away.
NRMA Insurance Men's Ashes Boxing Day Test
The Ashes, the most iconic series in world cricket is the ultimate Melbourne summer vibe.
The Idols of Musical Theatre
Join Casey Donovan, Paulini and Rob Mills for a feel-good musical reunion bursting with nostalgia.
New Year's Eve and The Day Before Gala Concerts
Ring in 2026 with Marina Prior, Lucy Durack, Simon Gleeson and the Australian Pops Orchestra.
Darkfield
Be immersed in an audio experience inside a shipping container as Darkfield returns for the summer.
7 Paintings Dining Experience
A dinner show that combines art, technology, and culinary delight into a unique experience.
Hot Air Balloon Dining Experience
Gather with friends and family at The Wharf Hotel's hot air balloon dining pods.
A-League Men: Melbourne Victory vs Wellington Phoenix
Watch international stars and upcoming talents go to battle as Victory take on the Nix on home soil.
Order Up: A City Fed by Many Cultures
Experience the soul of Melbourne’s hospitality scene like never before and this exhibition.
The Wind in the Willows
Kenneth Grahame’s immortal story of life on the riverbank is brought to life.
Maho Magic Bar
A dazzling Tokyo night of mischief, magic and cocktails with Japan's sleight-of-hand superstars.
The best happy hours
The Douglas Club
Enjoy a martini of your choice for just $16, 7pm–9pm daily, 29 Dec to 18 Jan.
Chancery Lane
Enjoy Happy Hour Mon to Fri, 5–7pm with $15 Champagne, $15 cocktails, $6 beer and $4 oysters.
Matilda
Enjoy $15 Champagne, $12 rosé spritz, $8 schooners, paired with delicious snacks. Fri-Sun, 4-6pm
The General Assembly
Enjoy $10 wines and spritzes or $8 schooners, Monday to Friday 4pm-7pm.
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.
The Douglas Club
Set within the Equity Chambers Building, The Douglas Club is the perfect spot for a city drink.
Allegro Restaurant
Innovative Australian cuisine hidden in the treetops of Collins St, with city views.
Her Bar Melbourne
A European restaurant and bar serving diverse wines, seasonal plates, and modern cocktails.
BKK
A turbocharged Thai canteen, serving Bangkok-inspired street food from a fiery open-concept kitchen
Maison Bâtard
Chris Lucas' Maison Bâtard heralds a grand new legacy for a heritage Bourke Street site.
Last updated on Thu 11 Dec 2025
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