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
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Christmas in the city

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

NGV Triennial

NGV Triennial

NGV Triennial returns in 2023 with a powerful and moving snapshot capturing the world today.

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.

Grease the Musical

Grease the Musical

Grease returns to the Australian stage in a new, multi-million dollar live production.

BBC Earth Experience
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BBC Earth Experience

Travel the natural world in one epic audio visual experience narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

Christmas River Show
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Christmas River Show

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

Myer Christmas Windows
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Myer Christmas Windows

This festive season, the annual Myer windows display celebrates Bluey.

Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition

Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition

Explore human stories of the Titanic told through 200+ artefacts recovered from the legendary ship.

The Big Design Market
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The Big Design Market

A showcase of over 200 independent Australian designers, with delicious food and wine.

Moonlight Cinema
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Moonlight Cinema

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

German Christmas Market

German Christmas Market

Get into the spirit of the festive season at a German Christmas market.

Santa's Workshop
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Santa's Workshop

Say hello to the big man in red at his new workshop in Howey Place.

Santa Paws: A Photo With Santa and Your Furry Friend

Santa Paws: A Photo With Santa and Your Furry Friend

Get a photo of your dog with Santa this festive season!

Eric Prydz: Holo

Eric Prydz: Holo

Swedish producer Prydz brings his jaw-dropping Holo live show to Melbourne.

Hour of the Wolf
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Hour of the Wolf

Don't miss Melbourne's latest large-scale immersive theatre mystery experience.

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic performs Handel's Messiah

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic performs Handel's Messiah

Don't miss this world record performance of Handel's Messiah.

Meet Santa and Friends at the Docklands

Meet Santa and Friends at the Docklands

Meet Santa and friends at the Docklands this December.

Teddy Bears Picnic
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Teddy Bears Picnic

Bring your favourite furry friend along for an adventure in the Fitzroy Gardens.

View of Melbourne from across the Yarra River

Melbourne Town Hall Christmas Decorations

Melbourne Town Hall is all wrapped up with a bow and ready for Christmas.

Koorie Krismas

Koorie Krismas

A free celebration of Christmas, First Nations style, with markets, workshops and entertainment.

Little Korea Street Food Christmas Festival

Little Korea Street Food Christmas Festival

Unwrap the magic of Christmas with a Korean twist.

NGV Architecture Commission: (This is) Air
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NGV Architecture Commission: (This is) Air

The NGV 2023 Architecture Commission is a large-scale installation that makes the invisible visible.

Christmas Carnival

Christmas Carnival

Thrill rides, carnival games and festive food on the banks of the Yarra.

Caroline Polachek: The Spiraling Tour

Caroline Polachek: The Spiraling Tour

The Forum Theatre comes alive with American alt-pop diva Caroline Polachek.

Caroline Polachek: In Conversation at The Capitol

Caroline Polachek: In Conversation at The Capitol

Gain a window into the mind of the acclaimed US songwriter, singer and producer.

Monopoly Dreams
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Monopoly Dreams

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

Docklands Christmas Maze
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Docklands Christmas Maze

Find your holiday cheer at the giant Christmas maze, with amazing prizes to be won.

THE LUME Melbourne
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THE LUME Melbourne

Immerse yourself in Connection – breathtaking stories through First Nations art and music.

Elvis: A Musical Revolution
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Elvis: A Musical Revolution

The premiere of a new bio-musical exploring the extraordinary life of Elvis Presley.

Christmas Roller Rink

Christmas Roller Rink

Get your skates on with a pop-up rink landing in Carlton's Argyle Square.

ALWAYS LIVE
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ALWAYS LIVE

Enjoy a Victoria-wide celebration of live contemporary music over 17 days.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical
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Moulin Rouge! The Musical

The Spectacular Must Close 4 February. No Extensions Possible!

The Listies Ruin Xmas

The Listies Ruin Xmas

Yule love this hilarious holiday pantomime with comedic duo The Listies.

Boho Luxe Market: Christmas Edition

Boho Luxe Market: Christmas Edition

A design market just in time for all your Christmas shopping.

Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight

Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight

Enjoy an evening of Christmas songs and cheer from some of Australia's most loved performers.

The Friends Experience
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The Friends Experience

Recreate your favourite scenes and celebrate iconic moments at the interactive Friends Experience.

Christmas Quest

Christmas Quest

The ultimate treasure hunt around the city with a chance to win amazing prizes.

Melbourne Flames Dragon Boat Club
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Melbourne Flames Dragon Boat Club

Visit the Melbourne Flames Dragon Boat Club for an exhilarating adventure on the water.

Christmas Cinema

Christmas Cinema

See festive films in the stunning Capitol Theatre.

Santa Visits at Queen Vic Market

Santa Visits at Queen Vic Market

Santa will pull up his sleigh and visit the Queen Vic Market!

Christmas at the Cottage

Christmas at the Cottage

Cooks' Cottage has been reimagined with 18th-century inspired Christmas decorations.

Christmas Ice Skating

Christmas Ice Skating

Get ready to escape the summer heat and dive into some festive fun at O'Brien Icehouse.

Jai Paul

Jai Paul

Performing live at 170 Russell in the only stop on his Australian visit.

Motley Jazz
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Motley Jazz

See some of Melbourne’s finest jazz musicians at this free event at The Motley Bauhaus.

Sea Shanties and Folk Songs
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Sea Shanties and Folk Songs

Join this weekly celebration of rollicking and spirited singing.

Christmas at City Square

Christmas at City Square

Celebrate the festive season at City Square with treats and performances.

New Year's Eve Midnight Fireworks Cruise

New Year's Eve Midnight Fireworks Cruise

Watch the New Year's fireworks from the best spot in the city on this midnight cruise.

New Year's Eve in Melbourne

New Year's Eve in Melbourne

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

Melbourne City Christmas Treasure Hunt
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Melbourne City Christmas Treasure Hunt

Collect a map from Mary Martin Bookshop to go on a magical treasure hunt through hidden laneways.

Christmas Treasure Hunt

Christmas Treasure Hunt

Go on a Christmas adventure in Carlton Gardens.

New Year's Eve Twilight Dinner Package

New Year's Eve Twilight Dinner Package

Enjoy a dining and drinks package in Melbourne's 160-year-old historic cellar.

Bourke Street Mall Busking
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Bourke Street Mall Busking

Meet Melbourne's marvellous musicians and more in the iconic Bourke Street Mall busking spots.

Christmas High Tea at State Library Victoria

Christmas High Tea at State Library Victoria

Enjoy an array of Christmas-themed culinary creations.

Christmas Square
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Christmas Square

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

School holidays

School holidays

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

Melbourne Street Art Tours
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Melbourne Street Art Tours

Local guides treat you to some of Melbourne's underground treasures.

A Christmas Tale
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A Christmas Tale

Celebrate Christmas in Australia with an animated film by artist Beci Orpin.

State Library Victoria Christmas Projections
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State Library Victoria Christmas Projections

Let it glow with the city’s famous Christmas projections.

Christmas Day at Afloat

Christmas Day at Afloat

Make spirits bright at Afloat Viva Mexico this Christmas Day.

Mamma Mia! The Musical
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Mamma Mia! The Musical

The smash hit phenomenon returns for an ultimate night of music, love, laughter and friendship.

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.