The silly season is over for another year. Come back later in 2024 to see what's open over the break.

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

NGV International

NGV International

NGV International houses a whole world of international art.

Secret gardens and majestic parks

Secret gardens and majestic parks

Take a walk through Melbourne’s lush parks and gardens.

Run the Tan: Run Club
Until

Run the Tan: Run Club

Start the weekend off on the right foot with a run around the Tan.

Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia

Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia

The world’s first major gallery dedicated exclusively to Australian art.

narrm ngarrgu Library

narrm ngarrgu Library

​Located in the heart of the Queen Victoria Market precinct.

Wurrdha Marra
Until

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

Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museum

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

THE LUME Melbourne

THE LUME Melbourne

Experience art, dining, wellness and more like never before across 3,000sqm of immersive space.

Punting on the Lake
Until

Punting on the Lake

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

The Fluid Project
Until

The Fluid Project

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

Moonlight Cinema
Until

Moonlight Cinema

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

Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour
Until

Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour

Take a walking tour of haunted pubs and learn about the city's dark history.

Belongings: Objects and Family Life
Until

Belongings: Objects and Family Life

An exhibition looking at some of the objects that have shaped family in Australia over the decades.

Pro Kabaddi League Melbourne Raid

Pro Kabaddi League Melbourne Raid

India's most explosive sport is arriving in Melbourne.

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.

Operator Diner

Operator Diner

A diner-style cafe serving all-day breakfast, coffees and sandwiches.

Butchers Diner

Butchers Diner

Diner and takeaway joint serving burgers, steaks and rotating daily specials.

La Petite Crêperie

La Petite Crêperie

Tiny takeaway kiosk serving up authentic French crepes.

Section 8 Bar

Section 8 Bar

A funky outdoor bar with drinks served from a converted shipping container.

Her Melbourne

Her Melbourne

A four-storey mega venue celebrating modern food, drinks, music and art.

Arbory Bar and Eatery

Arbory Bar and Eatery

Riverside outdoor eatery with all-day dining and a wide selection of drinks.

Robata

Robata

Features Japanese grilled dishes, fresh sashimi and select cuts of premium beef.

Tomo’s Little Collins

Tomo’s Little Collins

Offering big breakfasts, quality pastries and top-notch coffee, plus donburi on weekdays.

Last updated on Mon 2 Dec 2024

Christmas

Christmas things to do

Christmas things to do

Explore a wonderland of events and dazzling decorations as the city comes to life this Christmas.

Christmas eat and drink

Christmas eat and drink

Feeling festive? Sip mistletoe martinis at a rooftop bar or dine under the lights in a laneway.

Christmas shopping

Christmas shopping

Shop the city's iconic laneways, malls and arcades to find the perfect pressie.

Discover more

The Future and Other Fictions
Until

The Future and Other Fictions

Discover the people, artworks and ideas that shape tomorrow.

Yayoi Kusama

Yayoi Kusama

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

Opera for the Dead (祭歌)

Opera for the Dead (祭歌)

Wander through an immersive music and visual experience.

What's free in Melbourne this month

What's free in Melbourne this month

Everything to see, do and enjoy in Melbourne for free this month.