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

Christmas in the city

Christmas in the city

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

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.

Monopoly Dreams

Monopoly Dreams

Enjoy a fully immersive and interactive Monopoly experience, featuring games and challenges.

Melbourne@Vibing

Melbourne@Vibing

A one-day festival celebrating inclusivity through art, literature and performances.

Christmas Cinema

Christmas Cinema

See festive films in the stunning Capitol Theatre.

Myer Christmas Windows

Myer Christmas Windows

Celebrating 70 years of the Myer Christmas Windows, open from Saturday, 8 November.

German Christmas Market

German Christmas Market

A traditional German Christmas Market with beautiful market stalls including foods and drinks.

Bubble Show for Christmas

Bubble Show for Christmas

See stunning bubble displays in this Christmas adventure that is fun for the whole family.

Christmas Stand Up Paddleboard along the Yarra

Christmas Stand Up Paddleboard along the Yarra

A super fun, super-festive paddle that is a truly unforgettable experience.

Christmas Square

Christmas Square

Discover a Christmas wonderland featuring the city’s giant tree.

As Camp as Christmas

As Camp as Christmas

If you’ve found yourself on the naughty list this year, come join in this popular festive frenzy.

Nocturnal: Museum After Dark
Until

Nocturnal: Museum After Dark

Step into a world of wonder at an after-hours Melbourne Museum experience just for adults.

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker

Ballet’s most iconic story is returning to Melbourne this Christmas.

Crown Christmas River Show

Crown Christmas River Show

Be dazzled by a spectacular water, laser and light show on the Yarra.

Koorie Krismas

Koorie Krismas

Koorie Klaus is back to spread festive cheer at the Koorie Heritage Trust’s annual Koorie Krismas.

Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu
Until

Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu

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

Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight

Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight

A cherished tradition featuring live performances from artists, choirs, comedians and more.

Photos with Santa

Photos with Santa

Make this Christmas one to remember with a magical Santa experience like no other.

Friday and Saturday Showcase: Basement Comedy Club
Until

Friday and Saturday Showcase: Basement Comedy Club

See the very best of Australian standup comedians perform every Friday and Saturday.

School holidays

School holidays

Entertain the whole family over the school holidays with these kid-friendly events and activities.

Christmas Decorations

Christmas Decorations

Christmas comes to life around the city with sparkly decorations spreading festive cheer.

Bourne Local Market
Until

Bourne Local Market

Visit the Collins Square retail plaza for curated local market stalls.

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

The beloved Christmas tradition returns for a limited five-week season.

Poetry and Prose Open Mic Readings
Until

Poetry and Prose Open Mic Readings

Calling all poets, writers and lyricists to join monthly poetry and prose readings, or just listen.

Mystery Sidedoor City: Wine and Asian Fusion Bites
Until

Mystery Sidedoor City: Wine and Asian Fusion Bites

Enjoy off-menu bites and paired drinks at a hidden Melbourne venue on this guided tasting adventure.

Critical Hits Music Bingo
Until

Critical Hits Music Bingo

Play free pop-culture themed music bingo, every Tuesday at Fortress.

Serene Terrarium: Workshop for Beginners
Until

Serene Terrarium: Workshop for Beginners

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

Christmas Stompers

Christmas Stompers

Enjoy Christmas stories, songs and rhymes at North Melbourne Library.

Day of the Dead: Tequila Versus Mezcal Lunch
Until

Day of the Dead: Tequila Versus Mezcal Lunch

Enjoy a guided tasting of artisan agave-based spirits paired with gourmet Mexican canapés.

Best of NGV International Tour
Until

Best of NGV International Tour

Join an expert for a guided tour to uncover the unexpected and overlooked within the NGV Collection.

Ghostware

Ghostware

Telemarketer is an odd choice of career for someone who's been dead for over a year.

Christmas Day Dining at Langlands Restaurant & Bar

Christmas Day Dining at Langlands Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy your Christmas Day lunch or dinner at Langlands Restaurant & Bar.

Sports Precinct Walking Tour
Until

Sports Precinct Walking Tour

Explore Melbourne's sports precinct on foot with a local guide, including a tour of the MCG.

New Year's Eve Dinner at Miss Mi

New Year's Eve Dinner at Miss Mi

Celebrate New Year's Eve with complimentary sparkling for every booking and a steak special.

Santa Storytime

Santa Storytime

Celebrate Christmas at City Library with stories, songs and rhymes.

International Film Festival of Australia Awards Night

International Film Festival of Australia Awards Night

A prestigious awards ceremony honouring excellence in film and storytelling.

Christmas Pyjama Storytime

Christmas Pyjama Storytime

Pop on your PJs and come to narrm ngarrgu Library for a special storytime.

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience

The global sensation returns with a fully immersive dining experience.

Wiz Quiz Wednesdays
Until

Wiz Quiz Wednesdays

A night of wit, wigs and well-informed nonsense, hosted by the scandalously brilliant Adore Händel.

View of Melbourne from across the Yarra River
From

G3 Game

Experience gaming like never before, with state-of-the-art facilities.

Walsh Street Guided Tour

Walsh Street Guided Tour

Explore Robin Boyd’s iconic residence at 290 Walsh Street on a guided tour.

No Scripts Given: An Improvised Comedy
Until

No Scripts Given: An Improvised Comedy

Watch some of Melbourne's finest improvisers turn their tragic tales into an improvised comedy.

Christmas Day Festive Buffet at Essence Restaurant

Christmas Day Festive Buffet at Essence Restaurant

Indulge in a buffet lunch or dinner this end-of-year festive season.

Private Dining at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Until

Private Dining at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Indulge in Melbourne's only marine life dining experience.

Christmas Day Dining at the Alexander Bar

Christmas Day Dining at the Alexander Bar

Indulge in a lavish Christmas lunch or dinner at the Savoy on Little Collins.

MJ The Musical
Until

MJ The Musical

A look into the life, music and career of one of the most influential artists in music history.

Comedy at the Coopers Inn
Until

Comedy at the Coopers Inn

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

DIVA

DIVA

From opera stars to pop icons, celebrate the power and creativity of the diva.

English Learners Book Club
Until

English Learners Book Club

English Learners’ Book Club, where English learners connect to discuss books and share ideas.

The Vaudeville Revue: Cabaret, Comedy and Burlesque
Until

The Vaudeville Revue: Cabaret, Comedy and Burlesque

Experience Melbourne's most intimate variety show in a hidden gem of the city.

Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas

Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas

Celebrate the season with a magical performance for families from the MSO.

Journey to Thailand Christmas Day Lunch at BangPop

Journey to Thailand Christmas Day Lunch at BangPop

Celebrate Christmas with vibrant Thai flavours at BangPop.

Rigg Design Prize: Next in Design
Until

Rigg Design Prize: Next in Design

The Rigg Design Prize is Australia’s most prestigious accolade for contemporary design.

Linguas Melbourne Language Exchange Social
Until

Linguas Melbourne Language Exchange Social

Meet new people and practise speaking another language, weekly nights at Diesel Bar.

NBL: Melbourne United v Tasmania JackJumpers

NBL: Melbourne United v Tasmania JackJumpers

Melbourne United play the Tasmania JackJumpers in the return of the open air game.

Government House Garden Tour
Until

Government House Garden Tour

Take a morning or twilight tour of the Government House gardens.

Christmas Lights Cruise

Christmas Lights Cruise

Sail the Yarra and soak up Melbourne’s festive sparkle on a magical Christmas Lights Cruise.

Festive Native Wreath Workshop

Festive Native Wreath Workshop

Make a unique wreath with native plants and flowers for your door this festive season.

Shrine Kids
Until

Shrine Kids

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

Mosaic Making Workshop for Beginners
Until

Mosaic Making Workshop for Beginners

Learn the art of creating beautiful mosaics from start to finish.

Discover more

What's on in January

What's on in January

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

Melbourne for free

Melbourne for free

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

Major events

Major events

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

Family and kids

Family and kids

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