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.

Check back later in the year to see what's open on Christmas Day in 2025.

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

The Outsiders Melbourne
Until

The Outsiders Melbourne

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

Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
Until

Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure

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

The Story of the Moving Image
Until

The Story of the Moving Image

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

Making Memoir of a Snail
Until

Making Memoir of a Snail

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

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

Van Gogh
Until

Van Gogh

See Van Gogh reimagined with a world-first shared VR experience.

Punting on the Lake
Until

Punting on the Lake

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

Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museum

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

Cats & Dogs
Until

Cats & Dogs

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

Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition
Until

Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition

Experience the heart of Paris, right here 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.

Afloat Capri

Afloat Capri

Melbourne's favourite floating bar and restaurant returns as Afloat Capri.

Bench Coffee Co

Bench Coffee Co

An espresso bar situated along Melbourne’s Little Collins Street.

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.

Hector's Deli

Hector's Deli

Your friendly neighbourhood sandwich shop, now in the city.

The Douglas Club

The Douglas Club

Set within the Equity Chambers Building, The Douglas Club is the perfect spot for a city drink.

Mill Place Merchants

Mill Place Merchants

A cocktail bar hidden behind a vintage dressing room in a building dating back to the 1840s.

Yum Sing House

Yum Sing House

Modern Asian dining and a late-night bar with the hedonistic spirit of 1960s Hong Kong.

Hofbräuhaus

Hofbräuhaus

Delivering hand-selected German beer, authentic food and classic hospitality since 1968.

Arlechin

Arlechin

Arlechin is a cocktail and wine bar.

Le Yeahllow

Le Yeahllow

This second Lt Bourke St branch serves artisan cake and coffee every day, for dine-in or to-go.

Maison Bâtard

Maison Bâtard

Chris Lucas' Maison Bâtard heralds a grand new legacy for a heritage Bourke Street site.

Daughter in Law

Daughter in Law

Colourful bar and restaurant serving 'unauthentic' Indian food.

Chin Chin

Chin Chin

A fast-paced hawker-style dining sensation serving Thai-inspired food.

Torissong

Torissong

Torissong Japanese restaurant specialises in yakitori chicken skewers, seafood and ramen.

Last updated on Mon 20 Jan 2025

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Banj ba walert: Water and Possum
Until

Banj ba walert: Water and Possum

A performance to awaken and evolve the making and playing of possum skin drum.

RISING: Swingers — The Art of Mini Golf

RISING: Swingers — The Art of Mini Golf

The art of mini-golf, for anyone who swings outside the lines.