Christmas in Melbourne 2022: Fun & Free Things to do for Families

by mumslittleexplorers · November 22, 2022

Looking for free Christmas events in Melbourne? It’s that magical time of the year again and where better to be spending Christmas time than in Melbourne, Australia!

Sure, it’s not your Winter Wonderland in the Northern Hemisphere, but there are plenty of Christmas events in Melbourne and around for families that will make you feel like it is, and many of these are free!

Christmas in Melbourne for Families: Kid Friendly Events

Christmas Events for Families in Melbourne 2022

It’s Christmas time in Melbourne!!! If you are spending Christmas in Melbourne with the family, we have put together a list of fun events for you including lots of free Christmas fun too!

Find Below a list of Christmas events in Melbourne. Some of these Christmas events and activities require tickets while many others are FREE!

We will update this post as new events are organised so check in every now and again to see what has been announced!

We have broken this post up into the following:

Free Christmas Events Melbourne: Fun and don’t cost a thing!
Christmas Events in Melbourne: Paid events with an entry fee

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Free Christmas Events Melbourne

These FREE Christmas events in Melbourne will get you in the holiday spirit and won’t cost a thing!

1. Christmas Square at Federation Square

Make sure to head into the CBD during November and December in the lead up to Christmas. See a magical wonderland filled with festive cheer at Fed Square in Melbourne.

There is a 16m giant Christmas tree, Santa’s Workshop and lots of sparkling lights. Make sure you visit after sunset when it all lights up. From 9pm until 11pm each evening, on the hour, there is a special Christmas Tree sound and light display which brings the whole square to life with Christmas cheer.

Best of all this is a fun and free Christmas event in Melbourne that the whole family can enjoy.

Where:
Federation Square, Melbourne
When:
25th November – 25th December
Read more here >>>>>>

2. Santa’s Big Workshop

Another free Christmas event for families in Melbourne. Come and see Santa as he tinkers away in his Melbourne workshop, making toys and presents for the big day.

It’s a busy time of year and there’s lots of tools and machinery to help Santa get ready. Come along to Federation Square and say hello to the big man and pose for a free photo.

Where:
Christmas Square, Fed Square
When:
25th November – 26th December
More Info

3. Row Ho Ho Installation

Row Ho Ho Installation Christmas Festival Melbourne

Get down the the Birrarung Marr to see the magical Row Ho Ho installation with a floating sleigh and enchanted dolphins as they light up the Yarra river.

This 27-metre installation is another feature of the fantastic Melbourne Christmas Festival free in the city.
Where:
Northbank between Evan Walker Bridge and Sandridge Bridge
When:
25th Nov – 25th Dec 2022

4. Christmas Carnival Melbourne

The Christmas Carnival is on again and it is one of the best Christmas events in Melbourne for families.

Enjoy festive thrills on the banks of the Yarra at the Christmas Carnival. (Close to the Row Ho Ho installation)

Ride the Ferris wheel, drive the dodgems or get the best view of the city lights as you spin 35 meters in the air on top of the Sky Flyer.

Entry is free to the carnival but you cant try your luck at much-loved carnival games and complete the experience with classic carnival food.

Where:
Birrarung Marr Melbourne
When:
14th – 23rd December
More Info

5. Christmas in the Wizarding World

We’re celebrating Christmas in the Wizarding World with a special Harry Potter themed activities at Fed Square this December! Get your little witches and wizards in costume and head down to Fed Square for this Free Christmas event for families in Melbourne.

When:
Friday 16 December 2022
4pm til late
Harry Potter Screening 7pm
Where:
Federation Square – Main Square
Read More

6. Christmas Roller Rink

Get your skates on because Christmas has come to Carlton with a pop-up roller skating rink in Argyle Square. Whether it’s whole-family fun or a cute date night, roll around to classic tunes with free entry and $5 skate hire.

Piazza Italia also gets a Christmas makeover with a giant purple Christmas tree and decorations – the perfect place for a festive picnic sampling Lygon Street’s famous fare. Plus enjoy free Italian tasty treats and gift voucher giveaways thanks to Carlton Inc.

Where:
Argyle Square Carlton
When:
10th -24th December
More info

10. Christmas Projections at Flinders Street

Melbourne’s famous Christmas projections are back at Melbourne Town Hall with five gorgeous adornments, complete with a countdown to Christmas clock. Make it a night to remember and visit the projections at Chapter House Lane and Hamer Hall too.

Where:
Flinders Street
Opposite Fed Square, Flinders St
When:
25th November – 25th December

8. Docklands Maze

Santa has lost his elves! Can you help find them? Make your way through this giant present-themed maze with fun interactive games for a chance to win one of four $500 The District Docklands vouchers.

This is another free Christmas event that the family will love and there is so much to do around the area too.

Where:
NewQuay Central Park. 429-437 Docklands Dr
When:
26th November – 24th December
More info

9. Myer Christmas Windows

One of the most popular free Christmas events in Melbourne for families, you can’t miss the Myer Christmas Windows.

Every year the Myer Christmas Windows are a highlight for many families when they light up their Christmas display in a new and exciting theme.

The windows build anticipation each year for Melbourne families who are always excited to see the big reveal in November. Spectators from near and far come to see this spectacular event.

This year’s theme for the Myer Christmas Windows is 100 years of Disney!

Where:
Myer Melbourne
314-336 Bourke Street
When:
6th November 2022
More Info

10. Carols By Candlelight, Melbourne

The annual Christmas event in Melbourne, Carols by Candlelight is a concert and fundraiser for Vision Australia’s children’s services.

Various performers grace the stage each year singing and performing Christmas carols in a spectacular event that can’t be missed.

This year the performers will perform at an empty venue due to circumstances in Melbourne. But you will still be able to watch it from home.

Where:
Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne
When:
Christmas Eve 24th December – Main Performance
23rd December – Rehearsal Performance
More Info

11. Crown Christmas Spectacular

The Crown Christmas spectacular will go ahead this year so make sure you don’t miss it. The 15 minute show is held in the Crown Towers Atrium and features a spectacular filled with lighting, music and animatronics displays.

No need to book as it runs all day and is an unmissable free Christmas event everyone should see.

Where:
Crown Towers
When:
Dates to be advised
More Info

Other Christmas Events in Melbourne

These fun Christmas events are a great outing for the whole family to get into the festive spirit. Though they aren’t free Christmas events, the entry is well worth the fun if you have the budget!

12. Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland

Air Traffic Controllers advise imminent landing of Santa’s Sleigh and nine reindeers as Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland gets ready to open for 2022.

This is a Christmas event in Melbourne for families not to be missed. With thousands of magical lights, a wonderland of snow leading straight to Candy Cane Lane and an adventure of festive proportions that have never been seen.

And ready to welcome guests will be the one and only first couple of Christmas, Santa and Mrs Claus. You’ll know you have arrived when you see the sleigh parked just outside!!

Where:
Burnley Oval, Cnr Madden Gve & Swan St, Burnley VIC 3121
When:
25 Nov – 24 Dec 2022
More Info

13. Christmas Festival of Lights

Adventure Park Christmas Event Melbourne

Adventure Park are hosting their exciting Christmas event again this year for families.

At the Christmas Festival of Lights you can see hundreds of colourful sparkling light displays that will illuminate the sky creating a dazzling Christmas wonderland.

Immerse your family in a life sized Christmas wonderland where there are plenty of Christmas themed activities for the kids. And then ride into the night on a selection of amazing action rides including the Ferris Wheel, Crazy Coaster, Carousel, Wave Swinger, Little Buggy Speedway and the Red Barron.

Where:
Adventure Park
When:
27th November 2022 – 9th Jan 2023
More Info

14. Christmas High Tea at the Chocolaterie

This December at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, Santa himself will host a Christmas High Tea with extra festive sparkle!

Sweet and savoury delights, whimsical creations for the kids, endless tea, coffee, hot chocolates or milkshakes all served at specially dressed tables in the Café.

Such a special treat for the family and a beautiful day out too!

Where:
35 Old Healesville Rd, Yarra Glen
When:
21st December 2022 at Yarra Valley
22nd December 2022 at Great Ocean Road
Read More

15. Santa’s Village Melbourne (Lapland)

Lapland is the home of Santa Clause, and he is popping up in The District Docklands in Melbourne to get everyone into the Christmas Spirit and give a little sneaky peak into his workshop and elves, who are super busy getting ready for the big day!

At Santa’s village there will be some festive performances from Santa’s favourite choir singers, Christmas themed activities, and to top it off everyone will be gifted a special gift to open on Christmas Day and a copy of The Lapland Times newspaper as a thank you for visiting!

Where:
District Docklands, 440 Docklands Drive
When:
Until 30th December
More info