Christmas is just around the corner, and there are plenty of free ways to celebrate the festive season with the City of Melbourne’s many free Christmas events.

This year the City of Melbourne is transformed into a Christmas wonderland, featuring a very merry line-up of entertainment and events for all ages.

Here’s a list of the best FREE Christmas events, activities and attractions in Melbourne CBD and surrounds that the kids – and your wallet – will love.

Go on, #makememories!

When is Christmas in 2024?

Christmas is on Wednesday 25 December 2024.

Free Christmas Events Melbourne

1. Myer Christmas Windows

Enchanting Australian families for 67 years, the Myer Christmas Windows are a Melbourne tradition.

This year’s windows theme is based on 100 years of Disney classics, from Mary Poppins to Lion King to Peter Pan. 

Plus, Santa is back in town! Take a ride on the Santaland express and get a photo of your little ones meeting him.

Myer Christmas Windows  Myer Melbourne Bourke Street

Sun 17 Nov– Sun 5 Jan, 10:30am – 10:00pm

2. Myer Santaland

Head to Santaland at Myer Melbourne to meet Santa and his elves. Ride the Santaland express, enjoy some quiet reading time with Mrs Claus and capture the magic moment when your little ones meet Santa with a Christmas photo.

Bookings are essential. Note that while the Santaland experience is free, if you want to take home your Santa photo you will need to purchase a photo package.

Myer Santaland, Myer Melbourne Santa Train

Wed 13 Nov– Tue 24 Dec, 10:30am – 5:50pm

3. Docklands Christmas Maze

Santa’s lost his elves! Can you help find them?

Make your way through this giant present-themed maze with fun interactive games and find all the elves for a chance to win exciting prizes.

This is a Christmas Festival event, presented by City of Melbourne.

Docklands Christmas Maze, NewQuay Central Park, 429-437 Docklands Dr

Wed 7 Dec – Sun 24 Dec, 11am – 5pm

4. Koorie Krismas

Koorie Krismas is the Koorie Heritage Trust’s (KHT) annual full-day festive family celebration, featuring: performances from First Nations musicians, performers and comedians; market stalls stocking apparel, homewares, jewellery and more from First Nations businesses; creative workshops with First Nations artists; and a special visit from Koorie Klaus.

The day will conclude with a free film screening on the Big Screen.

Koorie Krismas, Fed Square, Narrm (Melbourne)
Sat 14 Dec 10am – 3pm

5. Japan Christmas Festival

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with a day of creative workshops and market stalls at Japaneasy.

Join Christmas themed workshops and make your own special Christmas gifts including Wagashi-making, Sumi-e Japanese ink art and Hanko stamp carving. Explore the market stalls for Japanese-style Christmas gifts, with amazing art and craft from a range of designers or enjoy an iced matcha or hojicha latte.

Japan Christmas Festival, JAPANEASY (Level 1, 183 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC)
Sun 8 Dec, 10am – 4pm

6. Visit Ambiance at Queen Victoria Market

Did you know that Melbourne has a year-round Christmas shop at Queen Victoria Market? 

Ambiance is a family-owned business that has been in the same location on Elizabeth Street for decades. It is renowned for its eye-catching window displays and you can browse through their amazing collection of Christmas decorative items spanning over five rooms (note it’s quite a squishy space so not suitable for prams).

Ambiance now has one of the largest ranges of Christmas ornaments and decorations from all over the world and collectors come from all over for their Mark Roberts and Katherine’s Collection dolls.

Ambiance, 509-511 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne

7. Visit the iconic 333 Collins Street tree

Check out the iconic and chicest foyers in the city at 333 Collins Street where you’ll find a Christmas tree beautifully decorated to look like it came out of your favourite Christmas movie!

8. Boho Luxe Market: Christmas Edition

Looking for some unique Christmas gifts? Come to the Boho Luxe Market and browse the selection of one-of-a-kind jewellery, fashion, art and more from some of Melbourne’s most talented creators.

Boho Luxe Market: Christmas Edition, The Atrium, Federation Square, Swanston St, Melbourne
Sun 8 Dec, 10 am – 4 pm

9. German Christmas Market, Melbourne

Visitors can experience the magic of Christmas at the German Lutheran Trinity Church in Melbourne. You are invited to a delightful German Christmas market filled with the festive spirit.

Attendees can savor traditional delights like Brezel, sausages, and waffles and explore a charming array of handcrafted gifts. Live music and a captivating show await, along with the chance to win fantastic prizes in a raffle.

Guests can also meet and take a memorable picture with ‘Nikolaus’ himself. Save the dates for December 3rd from 12 pm to 6 pm and December 10th from 12 pm to 5 pm at 22 Parliament Place, Melbourne. This is a free holiday event not to be missed!

German Christmas Market, 22 Parliament Place, Melbourne
3 pm – 8 pm, 7 Dec & 12 pm – 5 pm, 15 Dec 2024

10. Meet Santa and Friends at the Docklands, Melbourne

Roving entertainment including Santa, the spirited Christmas tree, and Rudolf the Rednosed Reindeer will bring magic to the enchanting Docklands precinct during the much-anticipated City of Melbourne’s Christmas Festival.

Don’t miss the Docklands Christmas Maze at NewQuay Central Park, with the roving trio leading the way! Attendees are in for an engaging and memorable festive experience, navigating twists and turns that promise to delight.

The lovable trio’s appearances will capture the hearts of the young and the young-at-heart. Making their way to The District Shopping Centre, this festive shopping experience is not to be missed.

Whether you are visiting one of Docklands many attractions, cafes, bars and restaurants or shopping up a storm, Santa and his merry friends will turn your visit into a magical affair, promising entertaining antics, and delightful photo opportunities.

Meet Santa and Friends at the Docklands, admin@docklandscc.com.au,

Newquay Park, The District Docklands, Newquay Promenade, Victoria Harbour and Buluk Park, Collins Square Docklands
Fri 1 Dec – Sat 23 Dec, 11am – 3pm

---

Buy a Christmas Hamper for someone special

Best Christmas Lights Melbourne

Best Places for Santa Photos in Melbourne

---

---

I hope this post has helped or inspired you! Subscribe to my weekly newsletter to find out more ways for your family to have fun together!

The post 10 Free Christmas Events in Melbourne To Add To Your Festive Bucket List (2024) appeared first on TOT: HOT OR NOT