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Christmas in Melbourne: Free Events You Can’t Miss
Melbourne’s Christmas celebrations in 2024 are almost here, and they are packed with free events that everyone can enjoy. In this guide, we will show you some of the best Christmas in Melbourne: Free Events You Can’t Miss, ideal for creating holiday memories with family and friends.
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1. Christmas Square
Christmas Square is back in 2024, bringing festive cheer with stunning decorations, light-up bell swings, and a magnificent 17.5-metre Christmas tree. Kids will enjoy the nightly light show, accompanied by festive tunes filling the air.
Date: 29 November – 31 December 2024
Time: 8 am – 11.30 pm
Location: Fed Square, Swanston Street Forecourt
2. Local Christmas Carols
Are you looking to sing Christmas carols with friends and family in 2024? Melbourne has a variety of free carol events to enjoy in the lead-up to the holiday season. Please note, that Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve is a paid event that supports Vision Australia’s programs and services.
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3. Myer Christmas Windows
The 2024 Myer Christmas Windows showcase An Irwin’s Christmas Story, a six-window display following Ace the Eagle’s journey to Australia Zoo. Along the way, Ace encounters animals such as meerkats, elephants, tiger cubs, and crocodiles across vibrant Australian landscapes.
Date: 17 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Location: 314–336 Bourke Street, Melbourne
4. Myer Santaland Express
Join the elves at Myer Bourke Street for a magical Myer Santaland Adventure! Hop aboard the Santaland Express train and embark on a whimsical journey to the North Pole, where holiday magic awaits. Kids can say hi to Santa and have a photo (paid) or enjoy fun holiday activities at the end of the experience.
Date: 17 November – 24 December 2024
Location: Level 7, 314-336 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Price: The Santaland Express is free, but if you would like a photo with Santa this is a paid activity
5. Frankston’s Christmas Festival 2024
Frankston’s longest-running single-day Christmas event returns with a jam-packed day of festive fun for all ages. Highlights include the European Christmas Village Precinct, free activities at Cube 37 and Frankston Library, a Looney Tunes Christmas Extravaganza live on stage, family portraits for the festive photo wall, a visit to Santa’s House, the Official Christmas Parade, the iconic tree lighting ceremony, and a spectacular fireworks display at 9:15 pm.
Date: Saturday 30 November 2024
Time: 4.30 pm – 9.30 pm
Location: Davey, Young and Playne Streets, Frankston
Cost: FREE entry, with plenty of free activities, however there are costs for rides, food, market stalls, and amusements
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6. Koorie Krismas
Celebrate Christmas Koorie-style at Koorie Krismas at Fed Square, a family-friendly event showcasing the talents of First Nations artists, performers, and makers. Enjoy live music, dance, and comedy performances, featuring the Djirri Djirri Dancers, Pirritu Duo, ENOKiCurrie, MC Lady Lash, and more.
Date: 14 December 2024
Time: 10 am – 3 pm
Location: Main Square, FedSquare
7. Crown Christmas River Show
Experience the magic of Christmas at the Crown Christmas River Show on the Birrarung – Yarra River. Head to Southbank Promenade outside Crown to enjoy a dazzling display of water fountains, lasers, light projections, and a festive soundtrack. The Crown Christmas River Show runs every 15 minutes each evening.
Date: 29 November – 25 December 2024
Time: 9 am – 11 pm
Location: Outside Crown, Southbank Promenade
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8. Blender Street Christmas Party
Get ready for the Blender Studios Christmas Party! Featuring live music by Hope.dmg, A.C Saunders, and Software-Entwicklungskit, along with a dynamic art performance, this event offers the perfect blend of art, music, and festive fun. Come discover incredible works and meet fellow creatives! Family-friendly until 9 pm, 18+ afterwards. RSVP is required.
Date: 29 November 2024
Time: 6 pm – Late (Family-friendly until 9 pm, 18+ afterwards)
Location: 400 Spencer Street, West Melbourne VIC
9. Christmas Outdoor Cinema
Bring the family and enjoy free screenings of festive favourites like The Polar Express, Elf, and It’s a Wonderful Life on the big screen. Relax on a deckchair under the stars and enjoy the return of free Christmas Outdoor Cinema at the Square, in the lead-up to Christmas.
The Polar Express (2004)
Monday 16 December, 6pm
The Santa Clause (1994)
Tuesday 17 December, 6pm
Elf (2003)
Wednesday 18 December, 6pm
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Thursday 20 December, 6pm
The Apartment (1960)
Friday 21 December, 6pm
The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Saturday 22 December, 6pm
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Sunday 23 December, 8pm
Location: Fed Square
Price: Free
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10. Free Santa Photos in Melbourne
Discovering FREE Santa photo opportunities around Melbourne in 2024 is a must for many families. Taking a festive family photo with Santa is a highlight for many families across Melbourne. However, the cost of these photos can quickly add up. To help you save this holiday season, we have compiled a list of the best places where you can snap those magical moments with Santa for free.
11. Melbourne Town Hall Christmas Projections
The Christmas makeover at Melbourne Town Hall is a beloved tradition. Experience the building’s iconic façade illuminated with stunning, colourful light displays, creating a festive atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Date: 29 November – 25 December 2024
Time: 9 pm – 11 pm
Location: Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Price: Free
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12. Atrium Christmas Musical Extravaganza
Join Crown Melbourne’s Christmas Musical Extravaganza for an afternoon of live entertainment featuring stunning performances by dancers, vocalists, The National Boys Choir, and the Australian Girls Choir. Santa Claus will also take to the Atrium Stairs, spreading holiday cheer. Don’t forget to take a free photo with Santa during your visit.
Dates & Times:
Christmas Musical Extravaganza: 13 – 15 & 20 – 24 December 2024, 1 pm, 3 pm, & 5 pm
Santa Photos: 1 – 24 December 2024, 11 am – 5 pm
Location: 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
13. 333 Collins Christmas Tree
Step into the grand foyer of the heritage-listed 333 Collins Street to admire a magnificent Christmas tree sparkling with festive lights. This beautifully decorated tree is a must-see for anyone soaking up the holiday spirit in Melbourne’s CBD.
Location: 333 Collins Street, Melbourne
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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.
