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.

The Big Design Market

The Big Design Market

A showcase of over 250 independent Australian designers, with delicious food and wine.

Monopoly Dreams

Monopoly Dreams

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

THE LUME Melbourne

THE LUME Melbourne

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

Sea Shanties and Folk Songs
Until

Sea Shanties and Folk Songs

Join this free weekly celebration of rollicking and spirited singing.

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.

The Explorer: Melbourne Gardens
Until

The Explorer: Melbourne Gardens

Discover the beauty of this inner-city oasis from the comfort of an open-air minibus.

The Fluid Project
Until

The Fluid Project

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

St Paul's Cathedral Lunchtime Concerts
Until

St Paul's Cathedral Lunchtime Concerts

Take a break and enjoy a lunchtime concert on Wednesdays.

Trenches to Runway: Military Influences on Popular Fashion
Until

Trenches to Runway: Military Influences on Popular Fashion

Explore the enduring influence of military design on popular fashion.

Free Guided Walk
Until

Free Guided Walk

A free guided walk is the perfect way to enjoy the sunny weather in Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

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.

Memento Mori
Until

Memento Mori

A trio of public murals inspired by the Fates of Greek mythology, inspire passersby to embrace life.

The Vaudeville Revue: Cabaret, Comedy and Burlesque
Until

The Vaudeville Revue: Cabaret, Comedy and Burlesque

Be captivated with over two hours of cabaret, burlesque comedy, sideshow and an array of surprises.

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.

Matinees
Until

Matinees

Enjoy curated features, classic Hollywood and arthouse restorations, docos, musicals and more.

Old Melbourne Ghost Tour
Until

Old Melbourne Ghost Tour

Take a spine-chilling journey back in time and explore the rich paranormal realm of Old Melbourne.

Spring Street Grocer

Spring Street Grocer

Cheese, gelato, groceries, coffee and gourmet foods all under one roof.

Transport Public Bar

Transport Public Bar

Bustling pub in Federation Square with tasty pub meals and an impressive range of drinks.

Hell's Kitchen

Hell's Kitchen

Trading since 2001, and one of the stalwarts in one of Melbourne's iconic laneways.

Children's Gallery Melbourne Museum

Children's Gallery Melbourne Museum

This is a wondrous place for young children to explore, play and learn.

Sojourn Melbourne

Sojourn Melbourne

Outdoor laneway dining experience, blended with an iconic rooftop bar.

Immigration Museum

Immigration Museum

An exploration of the stories of people from all over the world who have migrated to Australia.

Pidapipo Gelateria

Pidapipo Gelateria

Authentic, artisanal Italian-style gelato in the heart of Carlton's Lygon Street.

Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde

A contemporary Mexican restaurant and home to the country's largest collection of agave spirits.

The Johnston Collection

The Johnston Collection

View beautiful objects arranged in a house-museum setting unfettered by ropes or barriers.

Lagoon Dining

Lagoon Dining

Dishing up food that leans heavily on Chinese culinary traditions.

Wax Museum Records

Wax Museum Records

A wide range of new and used vinyl, CDs, tapes and music-inspired clothing.

GoBoat Melbourne

GoBoat Melbourne

Be your own captain by renting a picnic boat, with no boat licence required.

Caretaker's Cottage

Caretaker's Cottage

Smart drinks, top tunes and good times in a beautiful old cottage.

Heng Thai

Heng Thai

Serving all kinds of authentic Thai food in an old Thai house.

Australian Music Vault

Australian Music Vault

A celebration of Australian contemporary music – past, present and future.

Robot Bar

Robot Bar

Small, hidden Japanese retro and pop culture bar serving Japanese whisky, beers and cocktails.

Ponyfish Island

Ponyfish Island

A floating bar on the Yarra River under the Southbank pedestrian bridge.

Milligram

Milligram

Milligram carries 50 leading international and local stationery brands, along with cards and gifts.

The Drunken Poet

The Drunken Poet

With live Irish music, the Drunken Poet is a real locals' pub - cute, cosy and friendly.

Rooftop at QT

Rooftop at QT

A rooftop bar where you can indulge in afternoons filled with tunes to nights under city lights.

Ginger Olive Restaurant and Bar

Ginger Olive Restaurant and Bar

Modern Australian fusion, specialising in in barbeque, ribs, steaks and grill.

ReWine

ReWine

An environmentally conscious bottleshop with barrels of Australian-made wines.

La Madonna Restaurant and Bar

La Madonna Restaurant and Bar

A chic day-to-night restaurant and bar inside Next Hotel Melbourne.

Mama Le

Mama Le

A Vietnamese Asian fusion restaurant and bar with mama serving up her best dishes.

Koorie Heritage Trust

Koorie Heritage Trust

A centre dedicated to promoting Aboriginal culture, with an exhibition space and retail shop.

Glow Golf

Glow Golf

Good old-fashioned mini golf transformed into an amazing glow-in-the-dark-experience.

RIPE Cheese

RIPE Cheese

Offering over 50 varieties of Australian cheese, from the Dairy Hall at the Queen Vic Market.

One Stop Anime

One Stop Anime

Your ultimate one-stop shop for all things anime.

Flower Drum Restaurant

Flower Drum Restaurant

An iconic upscale Cantonese restaurant serving delicious food.

No. 100 Flinders Lane

No. 100 Flinders Lane

A wine bar offering a modern Lebanese dining and wine experience.

Grossi Florentino

Grossi Florentino

Grossi Florentino has set the bar for Italian fine dining in Melbourne since 1928.

Marameo

Marameo

Marameo is a fun, easy-going Italian eatery offering a range of pasta and mains.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

A picturesque haven for recreation and a key botanical resource for research and conservation.

Fossey's Distillery Lygon

Fossey's Distillery Lygon

A boutique distillery and bar in the heart of Carlton.

City Wine Shop

City Wine Shop

Pick from a massive selection of wines that complement the European-inspired bar food menu.

Dame

Dame

An all-day dining cafe with everything from coffee to cocktails and snacks in between.

MR. CUFF

MR. CUFF

Bespoke menswear, handmade by real tailors in Melbourne city.

Whisky & Alement

Whisky & Alement

Cosy bar offering over 1000 whiskies from around the world, plus private tastings and classes.

Hidden Secrets Tours

Hidden Secrets Tours

Indulge and discover the city's hidden charm with Melbourne's original laneway walking tours.

ACMI

ACMI

Museum dedicated to the moving image through events, film screenings and exhibitions.

One Plus Piece Melbourne Central

One Plus Piece Melbourne Central

Melbourne’s First anime-themed Asian fusion burger joint.

Kirk's Wine Bar

Kirk's Wine Bar

Specialty wine and bar bites offered in a cosy and charming space.

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.