Every year the City of Melbourne has hosted a merry lineup of events for Christmas – and 2024 promises to be no different!

Get out your diaries and your credit card, for there are a whole host of Christmas events, activities and attractions in Melbourne that you’ll need to book if you don’t want to miss out! Many of the events are affordable for a family, while some are more premium experiences. 

When is Christmas in 2024?

Christmas is on Wednesday 25 December 2024

Here’s a list of the paid Christmas events, activities and attractions in Melbourne that everyone will enjoy, from family-friendly events to romantic outings for couples.

Christmas in Melbourne EVENTS CBD

1. A Christmas Carol

The smash-hit Old Vic production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, starring David Wenham, is coming to Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre this holiday season.

Conceived and directed by Matthew Warchus (Matilda the Musical) and adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), this brand-new take on a timeless classic is sure to get you into the holiday spirit! Recommended for 8+ years.

A Christmas Carol, Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition St, Melbourne

Fri 22 Nov – Sun 29 Dec 2024, from $75

2. The Big Design Market

After a three-year hiatus, Australia’s favourite Christmas shopping extravaganza, The Big Design Market, will be brimming from end to end with fantastic designer goodies and sumptuous shopping snacks!

On top of this, there will also be other fun activities, including a jungle gym from Funky Monkey Bars, to ensure your kids stay entertained during the event.

The Big Design Market, Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson St, Carlton, enquiries@thebigdesignmarket.com

Fri 29 Noc – Sun 1 Dec 2024

Tickets $6 online, $8 at the door

3. Blender Studios Christmas Party

All the studios are cleaned off and the artists will show off their work as the whole space turns into a giant art gallery. With a curated Blender show in the Darkhorse Experiment galley and performances, drinks bands and dancing this annual party has become part of the cultural fabric of Blender Studios.

The studios turn into a oldskool, all night warehouse art party.

Blender Studios Christmas Party, The Blender Studios, 33-35 Dudley St, West Melbourne

Fri 29 Nov 2024, 6pm

4. Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas at Hamer Hall

Celebrate Christmas with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Hamer Hall.

Enjoy a magical performance filled with timeless holiday classics and joyful tunes like “Joy to the World” and “Sleigh Ride.” This family-friendly concert promises a delightful experience, perfect for sharing the holiday spirit together.

The relaxed session at 12.30pm offers a blend of classic carols and modern holiday tunes in a relaxed setting, catering to children of all ages, including those with autism or sensory challenges. A joyful, inclusive festive experience awaits!

Classic Kids Relaxed: A Symphonic Christmas at Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank 3004

Saturday 14 December 2024, 10.30 am and 12.30pm

From $30

5. The Australian Boys Choral Institute – A Mighty Wonder

Experience the magic of Christmas with the Australian Boys Choral Institute at the Melbourne Recital Centre. Conducted by Nicholas Dinopoulos, this gala event features nearly 200 young voices delivering beloved seasonal songs, creating an enchanting atmosphere for all attendees to enjoy during this festive time of year.

The Australian Boys Choral Institute – A Mighty Wonder, Melbourne Recital Centre, 31 Sturt St, Southbank

Saturday 14 December 5pm, from $35

6. National Boys Choir of Australia: Sing Christmas

The National Boys Choir of Australia present Sing Christmas. The program features traditional and popular Christmas music such as Ding Dong, Merrily on High, Jingle Bells, O Tannenbaum, Need a Little Christmas and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.

National Boys Choir of Australia: Sing Christmas, Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne 3000

Sunday 15 December 5pm

From $22

7. Tinseltown: Where Everyday Is Christmas

Tinseltown is a Christmas-themed pop up that is all about celebrating Christmas – so you can expect Santa, elves, presents, tinsel, festive tunes and a fabulous Christmas cocktail menu. 

Tickets include entry to the themed bar and a themed drink on arrival. The pop-up bar is currently for over 18s, but family-friendly sessions are available for those under drinking age, and non-alcoholic beverages are available.

Tinseltown: Where Everyday Is Christmas, The District Docklands, 23 – 37 Star Crescent, 440 Docklands Dr, Docklands 

Adult / general $17

8. Santa’s Village At Tinseltown!

Santa Clause is coming to The District Docklands to get everyone into the Christmas Spirit and give a little sneaky peak into his workshop and elves, who are busy getting ready for the big day!

Upon entering the enchanting land of Santa’s Village, you will be met by some cheerful and kind Elves who will give you a tour of the workshop as well as get you your own Elf Passport so you can join in on some crafting in the Toy Factory, cookie decorating in the Christmas Kitchen, Ice Curling.

The event is also a great place to take annual family Christmas photos while meeting Santa or just to get in the spirit of the holiday.

Tickets for the event cost $10 for adult admission and $5 for child admission, while entry for children under 5 is free. Each ticket includes a 60-minute entry, a drink and a cookie. You can also purchase an all-inclusive pass for $60, which includes everything plus access to all activities such as Gingerbread Making, Toy Making, and Cookie Making.

Santa’s Village At Tinseltown, The District Docklands, 440 Docklands Dr, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Dates for 2024 TBC, $5 – $19.24

9. IMAX – The Polar Express 3D

See the iconic 3D Christmas film, The Polar Express, presented in IMAX 4K laser digital at IMAX Melbourne from Saturday, 14 December. It will be the final screening, so don’t miss out!

IMAX – The Polar Express 3D, Melbourne Museum Precinct, Rathdowne Street, Carlton Gardens
Adult: $19.00
Child (3 – 15 years inclusive): $12.00
Student / Concession card holder: $16.00
Seniors (Australian Senior Card holder): $12.00

10. The Nutcracker

The traditional Christmas ballet performance, The Nutcracker, will feature new sets and world-class dancers. This production promises to fill your heart with Christmas spirit.

It’s a timeless Christmas classic that is sure to provide a wonderful holiday experience for all!

The Nutcracker, Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank

Wed 18 Dec – Fri 20 Dec 2024

From $59.90

11. Christmas Melodies

Feel the festive spirit this season with the return of the beloved Christmas Melodies!

Join host Gorgi Coghlan for a warm festive sing-a-long with music theatre stars Thomas McGuane and Sarah Krndija as well as the Pasefika Vitoria Choir led by music director Rita Seumanutafa-Palala and The Salvation Army Band led by musical director Ken Waterworth.

Join in for a jolly evening of singing, with a festive mix of both old and new classics and don’t forget to bring along your family and friends!

Christmas Melodies, Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank
$20-$33,

9 December 2024

12. Candlelight: A Night of Christmas Classics

Experience the magic of Christmas at the Candlelight concert in Melbourne’s Collingwood Town Hall. Enjoy a stunning performance by the Spire Quartet, featuring classics like “White Christmas” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” all under the enchanting glow of candlelight. Perfect for all ages!

Candlelight: A Night of Christmas Classics, Collingwood Town Hall, 140 Hoddle St, AbbotsfordMelbourne, 3067
$32 – $78, Fri 22 Dec, 6:30 pm

13. Christmas Carnival

Enjoy festive thrills on the banks of the Birrarung at the Christmas Carnival. 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. Try your luck at much-loved carnival games and complete the experience with classic carnival food.

Entry is free. Tickets for each ride can be purchased at the ticket box on site.

Christmas Carnival, Birrarung Marr, Melbourne Vic, christmas.festival@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Dates for 2024 are still to be confirmed

14. Christmas Ice Skating At O’Brien Icehouse

Get ready to escape the summer heat and dive into some festive fun at O’Brien Icehouse at The District Docklands! Melbourne’s coolest spot is transforming into a winter wonderland, and you’re invited to join in the icy excitement.

Christmas Ice Skating At O’Brien Icehouse, 105 Pearl River Road, Docklands
$78-$17,

15. Oz Comic-Con Melbourne Xmas Edition

Celebrate the holiday season at Oz Comic-Con’s Xmas Edition on December 7th and 8th at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Enjoy festive cosplay meet-ups, an Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt, and explore an extensive marketplace for unique pop-culture gifts to complete your holiday shopping.

Oz Comic-Con Melbourne Xmas Edition, MCEC, 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
South Wharf, 3006

7-8 Dec, from $22

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