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Christmas in Melbourne 2025: Free Events You Can’t Miss
Melbourne’s festive season officially kicks off on Friday, 28 November 2025, with a spectacular line-up of free Christmas events for families and friends to enjoy. In this guide, we have rounded up the best free Christmas activities and celebrations in Melbourne 2025 — perfect for creating magical holiday memories while keeping your Christmas budget in check.
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1. Christmas Square & Festival Launch – Federation Square
Experience the magic of Christmas in Melbourne 2025 at the official launch of the city’s Christmas Festival, an evening filled with free family-friendly fun and festive entertainment.
The celebrations begin with community choir performances, roving entertainers, and special guest appearances, all leading up to the first lighting of Melbourne’s spectacular 17.5-metre Christmas Tree. Families can enjoy festive face painting, snap a photo with Santa, and soak up the joyful atmosphere before the big countdown.
When the tree lights up for the first time, watch the Square transform with a dazzling light and sound show, marking the beginning of Melbourne’s festive season. Throughout December, Christmas Square will feature twinkling decorations, giant red and white candy canes, and nightly on-the-hour light shows.
Christmas Festival Launch
Dates: Friday 28 November 2025
Time: 6.30 pm – late
Location: Fed Square, Swanston St, Melbourne
Christmas Square
Dates: 28 November – 25 December 2025
Time: 8 am – 11:30 pm
Location: Fed Square, Swanston St, Melbourne
2. Local Christmas Carols
Join one of the many free Christmas carols in Melbourne 2025 and celebrate the festive season with your community. Gather your family, sing along to classic carols, and enjoy the festive atmosphere across the city. (Please note: Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight is a ticketed event.)
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3. Myer Christmas Windows – LEGO Magic
The Myer Christmas Windows 2025 are back, celebrating 70 years of festive fun in Melbourne with The LEGO® Christmas Story. Follow a child’s letter as it travels from Melbourne to Santa’s North Pole workshop across six colourful windows, each filled with festive LEGO® creations and hidden Aussie animals for kids to spot. From the Melbourne Post Office to Santa’s toy workshop and finally Christmas Eve over the MCG and Sidney Myer Music Bowl, the displays—crafted from 488,215 LEGO® pieces by artists worldwide and narrated by Hamish Blake.
Dates: 8 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
Location: 314–336 Bourke St, Melbourne
4. Myer Melbourne Santaland Express Train & Santaland
Be sure to visit Santaland at Myer Melbourne (Bourke Street), where kids can hop aboard the Santaland Express for a magical train ride to the North Pole. Don’t forget to book a visit with Santa to capture a treasured family Christmas photo (professional photo with Santa – extra cost).
Dates: 7 November – 24 December 2025
Location: Level 7, 314–336 Bourke St, Melbourne
Price: Free entry; Santa photo optional (paid)
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5. Frankston’s Christmas Festival 2025
The Frankston Christmas Festival returns in 2025, bringing the community together for a celebration filled with festive cheer, live entertainment, family activities, and plenty of holiday fun for all ages.
Explore the European Christmas Village, enjoy live performances from the Itchy Feet Pep Band, and show off your ugliest Christmas sweater for a chance to join in some festive photo fun.
Families can catch The Smurfs Winter Wonderland Live Show at the Frankston Arts Centre, shop for handmade gifts at the Little Beauty Christmas Twilight Market in Beauty Park, and soak up the atmosphere with free kids’ activities throughout the precinct.
Don’t miss the Official Christmas Parade, featuring community groups, dancers, and local performers, followed by the tree lighting ceremony and a spectacular fireworks display at 9:15 pm.
Santa will also make a special appearance, bringing extra Christmas magic to the evening!
Date: Saturday 29 November 2025
Time: 4.30pm – 9.30pm
Location: Davey, Young and Baxter Streets, Frankston
Cost: Free entry (rides/food stalls extra)
6. Melbourne Town Hall Christmas Projections
See the historic façade of Melbourne Town Hall transform with dazzling Christmas light projections. This free nightly display lights up the city with festive colours, storytelling, and seasonal magic for all ages to enjoy.
Dates: 28 Nov – 25 Dec 2025
Time: 9 pm – 11 pm
Location: 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne
Price: Free
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7. Free Santa Photos in Melbourne
Finding free Santa photos in Melbourne 2025 is a must for families looking to capture the magic of the season without the extra cost. Meeting Santa is a cherished Christmas tradition, and there are plenty of locations across Melbourne offering complimentary Santa photo opportunities. Create joyful memories with your loved ones and snap the perfect festive photo — all for free.
8. 333 Collins Christmas Tree
Visit the grand foyer of the heritage-listed 333 Collins Street to see a magnificent Christmas tree illuminated with sparkling festive lights. This beautifully decorated tree is one of Melbourne CBD’s must-see holiday displays and a perfect spot to pause and enjoy the city’s Christmas atmosphere.
Location: 333 Collins Street, Melbourne
9. Koorie Krismas
Koorie Klaus is back to spread festive cheer at Koorie Krismas, a vibrant, family-friendly celebration at Fed Square on Saturday, 13 December 2025, from 10 am to 4 pm. Enjoy a free, family-friendly day filled with live music, dance, DJ sets and storytelling, featuring an incredible line-up of First Nations talent. Browse the curated market of First Peoples artists and makers — the perfect place to find unique gifts and support local talent.
Little ones can take part in free creative activities, including making Krismas decorations, badges, and paper trees, along with fun sporting games and more. Don’t miss the highlight of the day — a visit from Koorie Klaus himself!
Date: Saturday 13 December 2025
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Location: Koorie Heritage Trust, Fed Square, Melbourne
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10. Let’s Dance with Shenzhen Airlines
Get into the festive spirit at Let’s Dance with Shenzhen Airlines — a vibrant, family-friendly event lighting up Southbank Promenade this Christmas. Step onto the glowing dance floor, feel the rhythm, and show off your best moves under the city lights. The dance floor is accessible via a ramp, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.
Date: 28 November – 25 December 2025
Time: all day
Location: Queensbridge Square
11. Crown Christmas River Show
The Crown Christmas River Show returns to the Birrarung – Yarra River this festive season! Gather family and friends along Southbank Promenade to enjoy a dazzling display of water fountains, lasers, light projections, and a festive soundtrack curated by renowned DJ Grant Smillie.
Date: 28 November – 25 December 2025
Time: 9 pm – 11 pm
Location: Outside Crown between Queens and Kings bridges, Southbank Promenade
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12. Christmas Outdoor Cinema: Naughty or Nice
Round up your friends and family for four nights of festive films under the stars at Christmas Outdoor Cinema at the Square. Whether you are after heartwarming classics or cheeky Christmas chaos, there’s something for everyone in this fun “naughty or nice” double program.
Nice Program – 6pm:
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (2000) – Mon 8 Dec
Klaus (2019) – Tue 9 Dec
Elf (2003) – Wed 10 Dec
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) – Thu 11 Dec
Naughty Program – 8pm:
Gremlins (1984) – Mon 8 Dec
Krampus (2015) – Tue 9 Dec
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1987) – Wed 10 Dec
The Holiday (2006) – Thu 11 Dec (starts at 8.20pm)
Date & time:
Mon 8 Dec: 6 pm – 10 pm
Tue 9 Dec: 6 pm – 10 pm
Wed 10 Dec: 6 pm – 10 pm
Thu 11 Dec: 6 pm – 10.30 pm
Location: Fed Square, Swanston St, Melbourne
FAQs About Free Christmas Events in Melbourne 2025
Are there free Christmas events for families in Melbourne?
Yes, there are heaps of free Christmas events in Melbourne in 2025, including light displays, carols, films and outdoor installations.
When do Christmas lights and projections begin in Melbourne?
Friday 28 November 2025
Are the events accessible for prams or wheelchairs?
Yes, all major public events in Melbourne’s city centre are designed to be accessible and family-friendly.
Do I need to book for free events?
Generally, you do not need to book for free outdoor events. Some carols require a ticket to limit attendance.
Best route to see Christmas lights in Melbourne?
Start at Federation Square, stroll past Flinders Street Station and Melbourne Town Hall, then explore Bourke Street Mall, laneways, and take a tram to Docklands.
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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
Looking for fun things to do with the kids?
Explore our kid-friendly directory
