What's on in December

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Christmas tree and decorations at Fed Square at night.

Discover things to do in Melbourne in December, from a wonderland of free Christmas events to exhibitions, attractions and places to visit.

Santa in front of a lit up Christmas tree in Fed Square.

Christmas in the city

See the city light up with dazzling displays, festive events and activities for the whole family.

A view over Melbourne by night, with buildings lit up.

New Year's Eve in Melbourne

From fireworks to fancy dinners and family fun, Melbourne is the perfect place to celebrate NYE.

People on deck chairs watching a movie in Fed Square on a large screen.

What's free in Melbourne this month

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

Red fireworks over the city viewed from a floating bar with umbrellas and lanterns.

The best restaurants to book for New Year's Eve

Book a restaurant, find fireworks near you and plan the best New Year's Eve in Melbourne.

A scene from the musical My Fair Lady with Eliza Doolittle in a pink dress and hat and Henry Higgins in a tweed three-piece suit.
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My Fair Lady

Celebrating 70 glorious years since its debut, Lerner and Loewe's My Fair Lady returns to Melbourne.

A scene from Mrs Doubtfire The Musical with the protagonist dancing with three children.
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Mrs Doubtfire

It's a feel-good musical, poppets.

Participants on the State Library Victoria Unlocked guided morning tour inside the iconic dome at State Library Victoria in Melbourne.
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State Library Victoria Unlocked

Join an exclusive guided tour and experience State Library Victoria before the doors open.

Novelty wind-up chattering teeth against a yellow background.
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Basement Comedy Club: Weekend Showcase

Bringing you the biggest names and best comedians in the country, and beyond.

A still image from the movie Driving Miss Daisy, with Morgan Freeman at the wheel of a car and Jessica Tandy in the back seat reading a newspaper.
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Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu

Each month, watch a movie on the big screen, including contemporary, classic and documentary films.

Installation view of the Spartans & Anzacs exhibition at the Shrine of Remembrance, with people walking around the space, reading panels and looking at displays.
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Spartans & Anzacs

This exhibition invites reflection on the enduring values forged in conflict.

Black and white photograph of a busy Melbourne city intersection with trams, cars, people crossing the road, and buildings, dating from around the 1950s or 1960s.
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Making Modern Melbourne

This free exhibition examines the tumultuous twentieth century in Melbourne.

Four rows of people sitting smiling and laughing.
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Kings of Comedy: Underground, Uncensored, Unrivalled

Enjoy stand-up comedy from future stars and celebrity guest headliners.

A group of smiling participants in a studio workshop setting, holding glass-domed terrariums.
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Serene Terrarium: Workshop for Beginners

Create your mini plant world while enjoying a soothing cuppa and a calming environment.

Historic black and white photograph shows Little Lonsdale Street with building facades and blurred figures walking along the street.

Melbourne Red-light True Crime Walking Tour

Enjoy a true crime and history walking tour through the centre of the city.

Four women standing and holding up small mosaic lamps in front of a circular neon sign.
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Mosaic Art Classes Melbourne: Turkish Lamp Workshop

Make beautiful mosaic lamps at this Turkish lamp workshop

Cartoon of Charlie Brown and Snoopy standing outside in the snow in front of a small Christmas tree, with Snoopy's kennel in the background covered in festive decorations.

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Mina Yu Trio with Miss George

A night of jazz paying tribute to the nostalgic innocence of Charlie Brown and Snoopy.

A green linocut of a flower and foliage printed on paper and a fabric tote bag.
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Tote Bag Block Printing Workshop

Style your bag just the way you like it with block printing in this beginner's workshop.

Woman wearing a Regency gown, cap and wrap, with arms outstretched.

Christmas with Jane Austen

This special festive afternoon features a costumed lecture with Lise Rodgers.

Smiling photography teacher and participants standing in a graffitied laneway in Melbourne.
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DJB Photography Class: Full Manual Mode

Bring along your DSLR or mirrorless camera on this highly rated beginner photography course.

A curated spread of Christmas dishes displayed on a wooden table.
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Christmas Day Dining at Langlands

Celebrate the festive season with Langlands' Naughty but Nice Christmas dining experience.

A young child wearing a dressing gown, looking at an open picture book in her lap, blurred twinkling lights behind her.
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Bedtime Storytime

Hop into your pyjamas, grab your favourite teddy and enjoy bedtime stories.

Four cabaret performers surrounded by pink and yellow feather fans.
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Cabaret Ridiculous

An hour of variety entertainment that’s as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.

A children's themed three-tiered platter of high tea treats, alongside a teddy bear, drinks and Christmas baubles.
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Le Petit FestiviTea

Little ones can join the festive celebrations with a high tea just for them.

Three entertainers in formal attire in front images of the Melbourne skyline and fireworks.
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Australian Pops Orchestra New Year's Eve Gala Concerts

With Caroline O'Connor and Mark Vincent, plus John Foreman and the Australian Pops Orchestra.

Ice hockey players on the ice during a match.
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Melbourne Ice Women: Australian Women's Ice Hockey League

The Australian Women's Ice Hockey League takes over O'Brien Icehouse in a formidable on-ice battle.

A group of friends playing the board game dungeons and dragons at Fortress Tavern Melbourne, with a Dungeon Master dressed in a witch's costume leading the game.
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Dungeons and Flagons

Forge friendships through adventure at Dungeons and Flagons at Fortress.

A woman with two red plaits and a white cap holds up a picture book in a kids library area.
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Stompers

Bring your child to Library at The Dock on Tuesdays for a lifelong love of books.

Two people on a stage giving each other a high five, one also holding a microphone.
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Comedy at the Coopers Inn

A comedy club featuring the best local, interstate and international stand-up comedians.

People watching a fireworks display over the City of Melbourne from a boat on the Yarra River.

New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise

Celebrate in style with an all-inclusive harbour and river cruise departing Docklands.

A black and white photograph of a family eating a meal at the family dining table circa 1950.
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You Have a New Memory

An exhibition that explores how and why we remember, through the lens of the Library's collections.

Market stall tents with signage next to a heritage brick building, with greenery and families.
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Younghusband Market

With great music, curated stalls, hands-on workshops and delicious food, a vibrant scene awaits.

Three people seated around a wooden table, each reading a paperback novel.
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English Learners' Book Club

A place where English learners connect to discuss books and share ideas.

Fish-eye lens view of a mall venue with musicians on a small stage surrounded by audience.
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Mellowdias Thump

An improvised soul and rap music event featuring live bands, producers and DJs.

Aerial view of an interior market with stalls selling clothing and raft, and many people walking around and shopping in the space.

Boho Luxe Market: Christmas Edition

A design market full of handmade, ethically sourced products.

Egg yolk pouring out of a long sub sandwich with cheese and salad.
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Gourmet Sandwich Hunt

Elevate your sandwich style with celebrity chef Darren Purchese.

Musicians performing on stage with guitar and double bass.

Ramble Tamble: Xmas Show

The four-piece band set Bird's alight with their tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Art photograph of a female floating on water viewed from above.
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Physis: Elemental Bodies

An exhibition of works by photographic artist Lilli Waters.

Kids on the grass outside the Shrine of Memorial, holding kit bags and smiling.
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Shrine Kids

Embark on a family adventure with this engaging program designed for discovery at every turn.

Picnic table set for dining with cushions, umbrella and dining settings, in a garden location.
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Laneways Mystery Picnic with Luxury End Location Setup

Follow clues to secret foodie stops and end at a luxury picnic location.

People on the back of a flatbed truck in a tree and fern setting.
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Mimpi

Exploring the intersection of experimental music, Javanese song and ritualistic dance.

A blurred image of two people at a private table with a candle on the river with the city in the background.
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Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing three-hour Yarra River dinner cruise.

A person wearing a light blue suit jacket speaking at the Pillars of Light Chanukah celebration at Federation Square in Melbourne, he stands at a lectern in front of a banner which displays an image of a lit Menorah and the words 'Pillars of Light'.
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Pillars of Light Festival

This festival invites people of all backgrounds to come together, celebrate, and connect.

Diners wearing Santa and party hats, seated at restaurant table.

Christmas Day Lunch at Hophaus

Enjoy a delicious festive luncheon by the Yarra River, with views overlooking the city of Melbourne.

Artwork for RocKwiz's Very Merry Christmas show, with stylized single colour depictions of host Julia Zemiro and quizmaster Brian Nankervis standing next to a red Christmas tree; on a blue background.

RocKwiz's Very Merry Christmas

RocKwiz returns with the best Christmas present you could hope for in 2026!

Violinists playing as part of a seated orchestra.

Meet @ the Market: Session 3

A concert of profound feeling: from grief to hope and joy, paired with custom cocktails.

A six-piece band standing in front of a stage curtain, posing for a photo.

Feelin' Groovy: The Simon and Garfunkel Project

Helen Catanchin and Clancye Milne perform the iconic duo’s songs.

Still from a film showing a man with a mustache and a brown jacket looking through a shop window.
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Matinees at ACMI Cinemas

Celebrate cinema at a sensible hour with ACMI's thoughtfully curated line-up of films.

Still from Love Actually, Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon waving awkwardly while snow falls.

Love Actually In Concert

The ultimate romantic comedy, with a live symphony orchestra.

Byzantine icons of Jesus, Mary and John the Baptist, their heads haloed in gold.
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Divine Thresholds: Icons and the Orthodox Christian World

Discover centuries of craftsmanship, devotion and momentous history in this new landmark exhibition.

Cruise boat on Yarra River with buildings and bridge.
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Ports and Docklands Cruise

Experience Melbourne's best scenery in Docklands on a sightseeing cruise.

People standing at the front of a riverboat at dusk, with a bridge on the horizon and city buildings to the side.
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Golden Hour Cruises

Experience the magic of summer's golden hour aboard this cruise.

Store mannequins displaying layered winter fashion and handbags.
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Shop and the City Walking Tour

Experience the magical boutiques of Melbourne.

Top down view of a jumble of small miscellaneous items, including miniature toys, a marker, and small plastic figurines.
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Yeah Sure, Why Not!

Proudly presents an immersive, cursed, comedy variety show experience that's different every month.

Heart-shaped sunglasses with green reflections.
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CabErotiq

Like a glimpse into a bacchanalia celebration, mysteries await in an old bank vault.

A National Basketball League match underway inside John Cain Arena at Melbourne Park, with an indoor court and spectators watching from the stadium seats.

NBL: Melbourne United v Tasmania JackJumpers

Melbourne United play the Tasmania JackJumpers during Round 12 of NBL27.

A cylindrical mosaic glass table lamp featuring a colourful orange and yellow daisy pattern, being made at a craft workshop.
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Mosaic Lamp Making Workshop for Beginners

Create your own glowing mosaic lamp in a class suitable for beginners.

A crowded scene within the Queen Victoria Market, featuring various banners for a craft fair and market called 'CRFT*WRK'
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CRFT*WRK Market

Enjoy a monthly craft fair at Queen Victoria Market.

Tour leader showing three walking tour participants a page from an open notebook he holds, on a Melbourne city footpath.
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Deeper Melbourne Walking Tours

Walking tours burrowing into history and culture, drawing on local knowledge.

People seated around a crafts table in a studio, with pots of resin and other tools and equipment on the table.
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Resin Art Classes: Cheeseboards and Coasters

Make abstract art and discover the magic of working with resin.

A drawer with compartments containing novelty glasses.
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Collection Store Tours

Experience unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the Australian Performing Arts Collection.

See all events in December

Discover more

Large crowd of people watching a concert at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
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What's on in January

Things to do in Melbourne in January, from free events to exhibitions and places to visit.

Young kid sitting on the shoulders of an adult in a large crowd of people watching a show.

Melbourne for free

Discover free things to do in Melbourne, including galleries, museums, events and festivals.

A night tennis match at Rod Laver Arena.

Major events

From the Australian Open to the Melbourne Cup, major events take centre stage throughout the year.

Young child, in front of an artsy background, looking up at something.

Family and kids

Find things to do with the kids, from family-friendly events to fun attractions and workshops.