The best family Christmas events in Melbourne
- Christmas Tree Lighting: Friday 27 November
- Christmas Square: 27 November to 25 December
- Crown Christmas River Show: 4 to 25 December
- Christmas Carnival: 11 to 24 December
- Christmas Cinema: 19, 20 and 24 December
- Splash Test Dummies: 21 and 22 December
Christmas Tree Lighting at Fed Square
Friday 27 November, 6pm–9pm | Free | No booking required
Kick off the festive season at Fed Square with an evening of family entertainment, then join the countdown as Melbourne’s 17.5-metre Christmas tree lights up.
The program includes Christmas tunes from DJ Gavin Campbell, a singalong led by Lucy Durack’s Glee Club, and festive jazz from the Daryl McKenzie Jazz Orchestra with Raleigh Williams. Kids can also enjoy face painting, take a photo with Santa and see roving performers, including bouncing elves, marching musicians and The Huxleys.
Where: Fed Square, corner of Swanston and Flinders streets, Melbourne CBD.
Visit Christmas Square at Fed Square
27 November to 25 December | Free
Christmas Square is back as Melbourne’s festive hub, with the city’s much-loved Christmas tree at its centre. Wander through the decorations, take a family photo and let the kids enjoy the glowing bell swings.
Stay into the evening to see the light and sound show, which runs between 9pm and 11pm. It’s a lovely spot to soak up the Christmas atmosphere before heading off for dinner or a walk along the river.
See the Crown Christmas River Show
4 to 25 December | Free
Head to Southbank Promenade, outside Crown, for a festive show on the Yarra. Water fountains, lasers and colourful lights come together with Christmas music to create a sparkling waterfront display.
Shows run nightly from 9pm to 11pm. Arrive early to find a good viewing spot, especially if you’re visiting with little ones.
Get festive at the Christmas Carnival
11 to 24 December | Free entry
The Christmas Carnival brings classic summer fun to the banks of the Birrarung. Expect carnival games, festive food and rides such as the Ferris wheel, dodgems and the Sky Flyer, which spins riders high above the river.
Entry is listed as free. Check the event organiser’s details for ride and game prices before you go.
Catch a Christmas movie at the Capitol Theatre
19, 20 and 24 December
Make a festive movie outing of it at the beautiful Capitol Theatre. The program includes the animated favourite Klaus, Christmas classics National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Home Alone 2, plus Bridget Jones’s Diary on Christmas Eve.
Tickets are listed at $10 per person, with $5 tickets for children, seniors and concession holders. Check session times HERE and availability before booking.
See the Splash Test Dummies
21 and 22 December | Capitol Theatre
For a laugh-filled school holiday outing, the Splash Test Dummies are bringing their circus comedy to Melbourne. The family show features stunts, acrobatics, juggling and plenty of silly moments, with four performances scheduled across the two days.
Check the theatre’s website for showtimes and ticket information.
See Melbourne’s Christmas decorations
27 November to 25 December | Free
Make a festive wander through the city and see Melbourne dressed up for Christmas. Look out for the giant reindeer in Docklands, the Christmas star on Evan Walker Bridge, nutcracker soldiers, oversized candy canes and festive koalas.
The decorations are especially lovely after dark, when lights twinkle through the trees and laneways. Combine your walk with a visit to Christmas Square and the Crown Christmas River Show for a full evening out.
Christmas at Chadstone
Make time for a festive family outing at Chadstone this Christmas. Explore the seasonal displays and experiences, browse the gift guides, and enjoy a meal together while you’re there.
For a special Christmas escape, Hotel Chadstone is also featuring festive experiences, including Santa photos with a staycation.
Find out what’s happening at Chadstone this Christmas.
More Christmas activities for families
There’s even more happening around Melbourne in the lead-up to Christmas. Here are a few more events to look into:
- Myer Chadstone Photos with Santa: 7 November to 24 December
- Christmas Magic Mirror: 13 November to 31 December — a free interactive advent calendar experience
- Christmas at The District Docklands: 26 November to 31 December — free festive family fun
- The Lucky Door: A Merry Kidsmas: 27 November to 20 December
- Elf the Musical: 27 November to 27 December
- Santa Comes to Crown: 1 to 24 December — free Santa visits
- Christmas Lights Cruise: 8 to 24 December
- Gingerbread Making Workshop: 12 December
- Koorie Krismas at Fed Square: 12 December — a free family event
- Mr Fantastico’s Christmas Rooftop Carnival: 19 to 23 December — free performances and activities
- Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight: 23 and 24 December
Dates and availability can change, so check with each organiser before heading out.
Planning your Christmas visit
Christmas events can get busy, especially on opening night and weekends. Public transport is a handy option for getting into the CBD, and comfortable shoes will help if you’re planning to see several displays on foot. If you’re visiting with a pram or have accessibility questions, contact the event organisers before you go.
For the latest event details, visit What’s On Melbourne’s Christmas guide.
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