What's on in December

Until 25 Dec

Christmas in the city

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

31 Dec

New Year's Eve in Melbourne

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

What's free in Melbourne this month

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

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.

Until 11 Jan

Darkfield

Be immersed in an audio experience inside a shipping container as Darkfield returns for the summer.

Until 24 Apr

7 Paintings Dining Experience

A dinner show that combines art, technology, and culinary delight into a unique experience.

Until 5 Apr

Moonlight Cinema

Kick back with a film under the stars at Melbourne’s most spectacular open-air cinema.

Until Dec 2026

The Story of the Moving Image

A permanent exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.

Until 25 Dec

Christmas Square

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

Until 31 Dec

Christmas at QV: Qris Qringle

Feel festive at QV with the 11-metre tall Christmas installation and the Qris Qringle giveaway.

Until 25 Dec

Crown Christmas River Show

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

Until 28 Mar

Holiday Showcase: Basement Comedy Club

See the very best of Australian standup comedians perform four days a week during the holidays.

25 Dec

Orphan's Xmas at Section 8

Enjoy a free BBQ and DJs till late.

Until 6 Jan

Myer Christmas Windows

Experience the magic of Christmas at the Playful LEGO Christmas Story Myer Christmas Windows.

Until 25 Dec

12 Days of Christmas

Discover an Aussie twist on a favourite carol.

Until 28 Jan

School holidays

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

Until 31 Dec

Christmas at Crown Melbourne

Celebrate the festive season with Santa, a giant tree and carousel, plus carol singing.

Until 25 Dec

Christmas Decorations

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

Until 30 Apr

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.

Until 28 Feb

Secret Life of Birds

Spot water birds nesting around Ornamental Lake at Melbourne Gardens on this guided walk.

Until 25 Jan

Cheese and Wine Matching with Chef or Sommelier

Explore seven artisan cheeses and learn how to match them to back-vintage wines.

Until 30 Jun

Yarra: Stories of Melbourne's River

Explores the chequered history of the stream we call the ‘city’s river’.

Until 28 Feb

Transmutation: Our Origin Stories

Journey into stories of origin, transformation and cultural inheritance.

Until 27 Jan

School Holiday Explorer Bus

Children ride for half-price on the Kids Explorer Bus during the school holidays.

Until 30 Apr

Serene Terrarium: Workshop for Beginners

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

Until 25 May

Mosaic Art Classes: Turkish Lamp Workshop

Make beautiful mosaic lamps at this Turkish lamp workshop in Melbourne!

Until 16 Apr

Best of NGV International Tour

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

31 Dec

New Year's Eve at Loop Rooftop

Celebrate New Year's Eve at a Loop Rooftop garden party.

25 Dec

Christmas Day Dining at Langlands Restaurant & Bar

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

31 Dec

New Year’s Eve Rooftop Party at Le Méridien

Ring in 2026 at the ultimate rooftop party with unlimited food, drinks and epic firework views.

Until 31 Jan

Sports Precinct Walking Tour

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

31 Dec

New Year's Eve Dinner at Miss Mi

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

Until Dec 2026

Cabaret Ridiculous

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

Until 31 Dec

The Magic Table

Experience an immersive 3D dinner show, perfect for curious minds of all ages.

From 29 Aug

G3 Game

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

Until 23 Jan

No Scripts Given: An Improvised Comedy

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

25 Dec

Christmas Day Festive Buffet at Essence Restaurant

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

25 Dec

Christmas Day Dining at the Alexander Bar

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

Until 11 Jul

Run the Tan: Run Club

Start the weekend off on the right foot with a run around the Tan.

Until 26 Apr

DIVA

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

31 Dec

New Year's Eve at Tetsujin

Enjoy Japanese BBQ, bottomless drinks, live DJ and fireworks views.

Until 9 Jun

A Taste of Melbourne: Laneways, Boroughs, Bites and Brews

Taste the best of Melbourne on a half day city food and drink tour, departing morning or afternoon.

25 Dec

Journey to Thailand Christmas Day Lunch at BangPop

Celebrate Christmas with vibrant Thai flavours at BangPop.

Until 27 Jan

Bloom: By Melbourne Central x Melissa Likes Sushi

Step inside the immersive installation wrapping the historic Shot Tower in vibrant greenery.

Until 1 Feb

Rigg Design Prize: Next in Design

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

Until 30 Dec

Linguas Melbourne Language Exchange Social

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

27 Dec

Comedy Party

Enjoy a stand-up comedy show with Kya De Angelis and Jake Zukerman.

Until 29 Mar

Game Worlds

ACMI's new playable exhibition features more than 30 videogames from the 1970s to today.

31 Dec

New Year's Eve at The Waterside

Enjoy a New Year's Eve party with DJs till 3am, canapes and drinks.

Until 31 Dec

Shrine Kids

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

Until 30 Apr

Mosaic Making Workshop for Beginners

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

31 Dec

New Year's Eve at Fortress: Final Boss Battle

Leave 2025 on a high score and ring in the New Year at the Home of Games.

25 Dec

Christmas Omakase at Warabi

Celebrate Christmas at Warabi with a 14-course omakase crafted for the season.

31 Dec

New Year's Eve at Cameo

Celebrate the night with great views, signature cocktails, and free-flow Champagne and canapés.

Until 30 Apr

Mystery Picnic With Friends: Melbourne Laneways

Go on a unique foodie adventure, solving clues, tasting and collecting pre-paid gourmet food.

26 Dec

Boxing Day Test Summer Fest

The energy spills beyond the boundary as the Boxing Day Festival returns to Yarra Park.

Until 31 Dec

Yarra Sunrise Running Tour

Run Melbourne’s parks, landmarks and Yarra River at sunrise on this 8km tour with coffee to finish.

31 Dec

New Year's Eve at Ponyfish Island

Ring in the New Year at Ponyfish Island.

Until 4 Jan

FestiviTea

Gather with loved ones for a delightful year-end catch-up at a Christmas high tea.

Until 31 Jan

DIY Craft Workshops

Unleash your creativity at these workshops where everyone is a designer.