45 Free Christmas Events and Activities in Melbourne 2025
Christmas doesn't have to be a time where there is a constant waterfall of money running out of your wallet. There are many FREE events across Melbourne to celebrate the festive season which cater for all ages.
Here is a huge list of free events and activities in Melbourne which we have compiled for the 2025 Christmas period. Clink on the links for more information about each event.
FREE CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN CENTRAL MELBOURNE
Myer Christmas WindowWhat: The Myer windows are a long standing tradition which is entering its 70th magical year. This year is a spectacular and immersive experience 'A Playful LEGO Christmas Story'. The six-window display built from more than 488,215 Lego bricks, tells the story of a child's letter to Santa travelling from a Melbourne post office to Santa's North Pole Workshop.
Where: Myer Melbourne Bourke Street
When: The windows will be on display daily from Sat 8 Nov 2025 - Sun 11 Jan 2026 10am-10:00pm.
Myer Santaland
What: Take a ride on the Santaland express, send him a letter from Santa's Workshop and get a photo of your little ones meeting him. The Santaland experience is free but if you want to take your Santa photo home you will need to purchase a photo package. Note: Bookings are highly recommended.
Where: Myer Melbourne Bourke Street
When: Until 24th Dec, Mon-Fri: 10am - 5:50 pm, Saturday: 12:10pm - 5:00 pm, Sunday: 1:20 pm - 5:00 pm
Christmas Square
What: Christmas comes to life at Christmas Square at Federation Square. There are festive decorations aplenty centred around the city's iconic 17.5-metre lit-up tree.
Where: Federation Square, Melbourne CBD
When: Until Thu 25 Dec 9.30am - 11.30pm
Town Hall Christmas Projections
What: During the day, there are nutcracker soldiers, the iconic town hall bow and beautiful themed flower beds and after dark towering projections bath the building in beautiful displays.
Where: Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston Street, Melbourne
When: Fri 28th Nov - Thu 25th Dec, 9pm -11pm daily
Christmas Decorations
What: The Giant Reindeer sparkles at Victoria Harbour (near Merchant Street), the Christmas Star shines on Evan Walker Bridge, an impressive light show shines over Bourke Street Mall and the popular Nutcracker soldiers stand guard across the city. Also in the Docklands area, there are iconic Merry Christmas letters across Harbour Esplanade, traditional crackers along New Quay Promenade and Victoria Harbour Promenade and giant present boxes scattered throughout the entire precinct.
Where: Throughout the streets of Melbourne (more than 40 locations in total)
When: Fri 28th Nov - Thu 25th Dec, 9pm -11pm daily
Crown Christmas River Show
What: A spectacular river show is coming to the Birrarung - Yarra River this Christmas! Head to Southbank Promenade outside Crown to catch this dazzling Christmas show featuring water fountains, lasers, light projections and a festive soundtrack. Shows will run every 15 minutes each night.
Where: Outside Crown, Yarra Promenade, Southbank
When: Fri 29th Nov to Wed 25th Dec, 9-11pm
Browse at Ambiance
What: Browse the five rooms of Ambiance which has one of the largest ranges of Christmas ornaments and decorations from all over the world, many of them unique and unusual. Browsing is free but can you resist buying something from the amazing collection?
Where: Queen Victoria Market, 509-511 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
When: Store hours are Sun-Fri: 9 am-5 pm, Sat: 8:30 am-4 pm
Visit the iconic Christmas Tree at 333 Collins Street
What: A beautiful sparkling tree set in the ornate foyer of an impressive building.
Where: 333 Collins Street, Melbourne
When: During December
As Camp as Christmas
What: The popular annual Christmas-themed queer cabaret returns, curated by Melbourne's most glittery and gilded performance artists, The Huxleys. Escape the beige to a bright queer fantasia of jingle belling joy, celebrating the decorative and delightful - and free for all. As Camp as Christmas will be serving as much rainbow-tinted love and light as possible this festive season, featuring an incredible line up of sparkling stars to make your yuletide gay.
Where: Fed Square, Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne
When: Fri 5th Dec, 6pm - 10pm
Crown Carousel
What: Step into the magic of the season with a festive ride on our Christmas Carousel. Adorned with twinkling lights, holiday music, and cheerful decorations, this enchanting experience is perfect for guests of all ages.
Where: The Crown Atrium, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
When: From Fri 28 Nov to 25 Dec
Crown's Christmas Carols
What: Bring your family along for a heartwarming sing-along featuring festive carols performed by the Australian Girls Choir, National Boys Choir, and The Salvos Choir.
Where: Crown Riverwalk, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
When: Sat 13 Dec - Sun 14 Dec 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, Sat 20 Dec - Sun 21 Dec 3pm, 5pm, 7pm and Mon 22 Dec - Tues 23 Dec 5pm & 7pm.
Santa on the Throne at Crown
What: Visit Santa on the Throne daily for the month of December and capture all the joyful moments on your phone or device with the help of Santa's elves.
Where: The Crown Atrium, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
When: Mon 1 Dec - Sun 14 Dec daily: 11am - 5pm, Mon 15 Dec - Wed 24 Dec daily: 11am - 8.30pm
Chanukah - Pillars of Light
What: Pillars of Light, in celebration of Chanukah, is providing Melbournians with an opportunity to come together over a multicultural celebration, focusing on what unites us as a city. Each evening features a bespoke program highlighting the core precepts of connection and collaboration through guest speakers, dignitaries, artistic performers, cultural groups, sports people and more, who'll be invited to light the menorah, bringing together our varied communities through hope, positivity, love and light.
Where: Main Square at Federation Square
When: Sun 14 Dec (5-8pm), Mon 15 Dec to Thu 18 Dec (7-9:30pm), Fri 19 Dec (4-6:30pm), Sun 21 Dec (5-8pm)
More Christmas Events in the City (133 events)
FREE CHRISTMAS EVENTS/ACTIVITIES IN SUBURBAN MELBOURNE
The Best Christmas Lights around Melbourne
What: Pop the family in the car and visit some wonderful sparkling Christmas lights across Melbourne
Where: All across Melbourne
When: From early in December
Volunteer at Christmas
What: Although Christmas is a time for joy for many, for those doing it tough - it is often challenging, heartbreaking and isolating. Many Australians are going to struggle to have even a modest celebration. There are a number of organisations where you can generously donate your time to give back to those less fortunate.
Where: Across Melbourne
When: Any time
Twilight Christmas Market and Lighting of Christmas Tree at Bunjil Place
What: Celebrate the festive season at Bunjil Place with live music, food trucks, workshops, performers, artisan markets and the lighting of the plaza Christmas tree.
Where: Bunjil Place Plaza, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren
When: Sat 29 Nov, 3-9pm (tree lit at 8pm)
Santa at South Melbourne Market
What: Santa will be taking some time out from his busy schedule to visit the Market. Catch him and hos Elf visiting the traders as he wanders around the Market, spreading festive cheer to all.
Where: South Melbourne Market, 322-326 Coventry St, South Melbourne
When: Wed 17 Dec 9-11am, Fri 19 Dec 9-11am, Sat 20 Dec 9-11am, Tues 23 Dec 9-11am
St Kilda Esplanade Christmas Market
What: Meet Santa and his Merry elf between 10:30 and 1:30pm. Treat yourself or loved ones with something unique this Christmas from the market makers.
Where: Esplanade, St Kilda
When: Sun 21st Dec, 10am-4pm
Frankston's Christmas Festival of Lights
What: Christmas performances, market stalls, kids craft activities and of course, the big man himself, Santa will be there to take your Christmas wishes and pass them onto the elves in time for Christmas morning and ending with a fireworks display.
Where: Davey Street and Young Street, Frankston
When: Sat 29th Nov, 4:30-9:30pm
Australian Nativity Scene
What: One of Australia's best and largest traditional nativity scene created by Wilson Fernandez. Each week the nativity scene conveys the story of Christmas. It features scenes starting with Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay, finding only a stable free, the birth of Jesus, visits from the shepherds, the three kings and ends with the holy family fleeing to Egypt.
Where: St Elizabeth's Parish, 107 Baker Rd, Dandenong North
When: Mon 1 Dec - Fri 9th Jan, 10.30am - 8pm (typically). Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day. Viewing time by appointment only. Contact Wilson on 0428 927 110 or 9795 6217 (parish office)
FREE CHRISTMAS CAROLS - MELBOURNE'S SOUTH AND SOUTH-EAST
Bayside Christmas Carols in the Park (Brighton East)
What: Star of stage and screen Lucy Durack will share both performing and MC duties with Mark Wilson. The impressive line-up also features X Factor Australia?s Amalia Foy, acclaimed singer-songwriter Jordan Ravi, Richard Thomas and Bella Craig and local favourites Abbey Pop, Matt Little, Melinda Ash, Leah Stange. Enjoy festive music from the All Star Carols Band and Southern Area Concert Band, joined by the Vocally Wild and Mosaic Community Choirs.
Where: Dendy Park, Brighton East
When: Tue 9th Dec, Carols are 7:30-9:30pm with pre-show fun starting at 5.30pm. Fireworks start at 9:30pm.
Carols by Kingston (Chelsea)
What: Join us for an unforgettable night with our headliner Marina Prior and the Master of Ceremonies, the Kings of Christmas: Rob Mills & Bobby Fox. Enjoy live performances, kids' activities, food stalls, a community BBQ from Edithvale Fire Brigade, and a magical fireworks finale.
Where: Bicentennial Park, Thames Promenade & Scotch Parade, Chelsea
When: Sun 7th Dec, 5-9:30 pm
Greater Dandenong Carols (Dandenong)
What: There will be an exciting stage program, interactive roving performers, free activities, delicious food stalls and a Christmas craft market promising a festive community atmosphere. The Christmas Carols sing-along will begin from 6pm with a variety of amazing performers. Meet, greet and photo opportunity with Santa.
Where: Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
When: Fri 5th Dec, 6 - 9pm (5.30pm pre-show entertainment)
Monash Carols by Candlelight (Glen Waverley)
What: Festivities begin with children's activities and pre-show entertainment. Then the main concert gets underway and features a stellar line-up. There will be a special appearance by Santa and a spectacular fireworks finale.
Where: Jells Park, Wheelers Hill
When: Sat 6th Dec (5:30-9:15pm). Free ticketed event.
Casey Christmas Carols (Hampton Park)
What: Join thousands of families amid the joyful music, rides and food is a festive atmosphere.
Where: Cairns Road Reserve, Hampton Park
When: Fri 19th Dec, 4pm - 9:30pm
Family Christmas at Central Park (Malvern East)
What: The evening will be led by mercurial Musical Director Casey Bennetto, hosted by Sammy J and featuring outstanding performers including the talented Alinta Chidzey, Kiran Rajasingam and Geraldine Quinn. This free concert presents jolly children's activities, roving entertainment, delicious food trucks, and Christmas carols.
Where: Central Park, 83-141 Burke Road, Malvern East
When: Sun 8th Dec. 5:50 - 7:30pm
Carols at Como Park (South Yarra)
What: Como Park comes alive with Carols this festive season with sing-alongs, delicious food trucks, and a stunning display of fireworks. Don?t miss this free concert at Como Park, starring some of Melbourne?s most talented musicians. Hosted by the brilliantly talented, Rob Mills and featuring special guest vocalists Ali McGregor, Alinta Chidzey and Carl Pannuzzo. Led by Musical Director Casey Bennetto with South of the River Choir.
Where: Como Park, 305-325 Williams Road, South Yarra
When: Sun 14th Dec. 7.30 - 9.30pm
FREE CHRISTMAS CAROLS - MELBOURNE'S EAST
Carols in the Park (Balwyn North)
What: An evening of carols for all the family to enjoy.
Where: MacLeay Park, 101 Belmore Rd, Balwyn North
When: Sat 13th Dec, 5:30-9:30pm
Carols in Canterbury (Canterbury)
What: Bring a picnic rug to enjoy live local music, food vans and sausage sizzle.
Where: Canterbury Gardens, 190A Canterbury Road Canterbury
When: Sun 7th Dec, 4:30-8pm. Children's activities and face painting start from 4:30pm and music starts at 5:30pm.
Maroondah Carols (Croydon)
What: There will be pre-show entertainment, the Maroondah Carols Band, delicious food vendors, a free kid's zone and a spectacular firework show.
Where: Town Park, Norton Road, Croydon
When: Sat 6th Dec, 6-10pm
Manningham Carols by Candlelight (Doncaster)
What: Experience a magical evening of live music, entertainment and delicious food under the stars - capped off by a dazzling fireworks display. This year's event will be hosted by star entertainer and performer Lucy Durack and local Carols favourite Richard Thomas.
Where: Ruffey Lake Park, George Street, Doncaster East
When: Fri 12th Dec. 6-10pm. Free but ticketed event.
Glen Eira Carols in the Park (Bentleigh)
What: Enjoy festive tunes from a wonderful range of local and much-loved performers and children can enjoy Christmas crafts, face painting and maybe even a special visit from Santa at the free annual Carols in the Park.
Where: Bentleigh Hodgson Reserve, Higgins Road, Bentleigh
When: Sat 13th Dec, 4pm-8pm.
Knox Carols by Candlelight (Ferntree Gully)
What: Lots of activities including carols, craft activities, roving Christmas characters, jumping castle ad face painting. No fireworks this year due to works on the second oval.
Where: Wally Tew Reserve, Brenock Park Drive, Ferntree Gully
When: Sat 13th Dec. Free kids activities, entertainment and food trucks from 4pm, Main Show commences at 7pm and Fireworks finale at 9:30pm.
Montrose Community Christmas Carols (Montrose)
What: A relaxed evening of food, music and Christmas celebrations. Bring your picnic gear and enjoy a free sausage sizzle, Christmas crafts and face-painting for the kids... and a visit from 'you know who'!
Where: Montrose Town Centre, 935 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Montrose
When: Sun 14th Dec, 5:15-8:30pm
Whitehorse Carols (Nunawading)
What: An unforgettable evening of music, laughter, and Christmas magic. Bring your picnic rug, gather your loved ones, and find a cosy spot on the lush lawn as the enchanting melodies fill the air.
Where: Whitehorse Civic Centre Precinct, Nunawading
When: Sat 13th Dec, 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Rides, Face Painting & Amusements from 5.30pm.
Cardinia Shire Carols by Candlelight (Pakenham)
What: This family-friendly event features a fantastic afternoon and evening filled with fun, food, music, and festivities.
Where: Toomuc Recreation Reserve , Princes Highway, Pakenham
When: Sat 6th Dec, 4:30-9 pm. Pre-entertainment activities from 4:30pm - 6:30pm, main show from 6:30pm - 9:00pm capped off with fireworks.
FREE CHRISTMAS CAROLS - MELBOURNE'S NORTH AND NORTH-EAST
Yarra Christmas Carols in the Park (Fitzroy North)
What: Enjoy performances by Casey Bennetto and band, local school and community choirs, and other fabulous performers. There will be a special appearance by Santa, as well as food and drink stalls with tasty treats available for purchase.
Where: Burnley Park, Burnley
When: Thu 11th Dec, 6 - 9 pm
Merri-bek Carols by the Lake (Coburg)
What: Merri-bek Community Band will provide all the festive tunes as is tradition. Enjoy enchanting carol performances, festive lights, and a joyful community atmosphere.
Where: Sound Shell, Coburg Lake Reserve, Corner Gaffney Street & Murray Road, Coburg
When: Sat 6th Dec, 6-9pm
Craigieburn Carols by Candlelight (Craigieburn)
What: An unforgettable night will include a Christmas Show, Christmas themed stalls, performances from local musicians and school choirs, children's activities, arts and crafts market, delicious food and drink vendors, fireworks finale display and more.
Where: Craigieburn Anzac Park, Corner Aitken Blvd and Central Park Ave, Craigieburn
When: Sat 6th Dec, 5-8:30pm (main stage performances 6:30-8:30pm)
Banyule's Carols by Candlelight (Greensborough)
What: Dust off your carolling skills, grab your picnic rug and get ready to jingle those sleigh bells. Join us for a live Christmas celebration featuring guest star and emcee Wilbur Wild.
Where: Greensborough War Memorial Park, Henry Street, Greensborough
When: Sat 13th Dec, 5-9:30pm. The carols show starts at 7pm, and Santa will make an appearance at 8pm.
Whittlesea Carols by Candlelight (South Morang)
What: Carols will be jam-packed with fun and exciting activities like face painting, roving performances, art & craft activities, a twilight market and, of course, lots of singing. Santa himself will make a special appearance. Kick off the evening with Team Dream's festive Christmas show, perfect for kids and families. Then enjoy the beautiful collaboration of the Community Carols Choir and Diamond Valley Brass Band as they fill the night with holiday music. The celebration closes with Glenn Starr and band performing beloved Christmas hits.
Where: Civic Terrace Lawns, Civic Centre 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang
When: Fri 12th Dec, 6-9pm
FREE CHRISTMAS CAROLS - MELBOURNE'S WEST AND NORTH-WEST
Brimbank Festive Family Fun Day (St Albans)
What: Bring your family and friends to enjoy a full stage show program of entertainment, community performers and sing-a-long Christmas carols. There also will delicious food to tempt your taste buds, as well as face painting, craft activities for the kids to show off their creative flair. And you will get the chance to pose for a festive photo in our Christmas Wonderland with the jolly fellow in red, Santa Claus.
Where: Errington Reserve, St Albans.
When: Sun 30 Nov, 11am-3pm
Melton Carols by Candlelight (Melton)
What: Activities include face painting, Santa letter writing, Christmas market, food trucks, community performances and Carols by Candlelight.
Where: Hannah Watts Park, High Street, Melton
When: Sat 13th Dec, 5-9:30pm
Carols in Queens Park (Moonee Ponds)
What: Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a free evening of carols, children's activities and holiday cheer in Queens Park. Gather your family and friends, pack a picnic and experience the magic of the festive season with some of your favourite carols!
Where: Queens Park, Cnr Mt Alexander Road and Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds
When: Sat 6th Dec, 4:30-8:30pm (carols start from 6:30pm)
Web Links
→ The Best Christmas Lights around Melbourne 2025
→ The Best Christmas Lights in the Outer East of Melbourne
→ The Best Christmas Lights in the Outer North of Melbourne
→ The Best Christmas Lights in the North West of Melbourne
→ The Best Christmas Lights in the Mornington Peninsula Area
→ Free Christmas Events and Activities in Melbourne
→ The Best Christmas Streets in Melbourne
