Home › Melbourne › What's onWhat's on for kids in Melbourne Upcoming kids and family events around Melbourne: school holiday activities, free events, shows and markets. Updated all the time by local parents (and a helpful AI).
🎄 All 127 Christmas things on around Melbourne: pageants, carols, Santa photos and lights
· 🎒 School holidays
Sat 21 Mar
🖼️ Colour: See the World in a New Light at Scienceworks
Spotswood · Daily until Tue 26 Jan 2027, 10am to 4:30pm · Adult $25, child $10, members $8 (exhibition ticket plus museum entry, check booking page)
☕ 780m to coffee
Mon 24 Aug
🖼️ Play On: free retro arcade games at ACMI
Melbourne · Daily until Sun 31 Jan 2027, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day) · Free
Free ☕ 50m to coffee
Sat 17 Oct
🎭 Fijian Flying Circus at Melbourne Showgrounds
Ascot Vale · Season runs to Sun 22 Nov 2026: Wed to Sun 6:30pm, weekend matinees 2pm · Child (2 to 12) $39, general $59 to $69, VIP $79 to $89, under 2s free
☕ 20m to coffee
Wed 4 Nov
🎅 Santa Photos at Chadstone
Chadstone · Daily 4 Nov to 24 Dec, session times vary (book online) · $55 per booking, up to 6 people; free Chadstone First membership needed to book
☕ 800m to coffee
Thu 5 Nov
🖼️ Obang: free play house exhibition for under 5s at ArtPlay
Melbourne · Thursdays to Sundays until 13 Jun 2027, 10am to 4pm · Free, no booking needed
Free ☕ 200m to coffee
⭐ Wonders of the Sea kids high tea at The Westin Melbourne
Melbourne · Daily until Tue 8 Dec 2026, 11am to 7pm · Child $63, adult $80
☕ 70m to coffee
Fri 6 Nov
🎅 Santa Photos at Westfield Airport West
Airport West · Early Nov to Thu 24 Dec, book a session online · Booking essential; photo packages on the booking site
☕ 310m to coffee
🎅 Santa Photos at Westfield Southland
Cheltenham · Early Nov to Thu 24 Dec, book a session online · Booking essential; photo packages on the booking site
☕ 40m to coffee
🎅 Santa Photos at Westfield Plenty Valley
Mill Park · Early Nov to Thu 24 Dec, book a session online · Booking essential; photo packages on the booking site
☕ 780m to coffee
🎅 Santa Photos at Westfield Fountain Gate
Narre Warren · Early Nov to Thu 24 Dec, book a session online · Booking essential; photo packages on the booking site
☕ 500m to coffee
🎅 Santa Photos at Westfield Knox
Wantirna South · Early Nov to Thu 24 Dec, book a session online · Booking essential; photo packages on the booking site
☕ 100m to coffee
🎅 Santa Photos at Eastland
Ringwood · 6 Nov to 24 Dec; first session Fri 6 Nov 3pm to 6pm, hours vary by day, 24 Dec 8am to 5pm · Packages from $30.95; every booking includes a free 6x8 inch photo
☕ 110m to coffee
Sat 7 Nov
🎅 Santa Photos at Westfield Doncaster
Doncaster · From Sat 7 Nov to Thu 24 Dec, book a session online · Booking essential; photo packages on the booking site
☕ 170m to coffee
🎅 Santa Photos at Westfield Geelong
Geelong · From Sat 7 Nov to Thu 24 Dec, book a session online · Booking essential; photo packages on the booking site
🎅 Photos with Santa at David Jones Bourke Street
Melbourne · 7 Nov to 24 Dec; Sat 9:30am to 6pm, Sun to Wed 10:30am to 6pm, Thu and Fri 10:30am to 7pm · Packages from $30.85 to $99.96
☕ 80m to coffee
🎅 Myer Santaland and Santaland Express, Bourke Street
Melbourne · Sat 7 Nov to Thu 24 Dec; Mon to Fri 10am to 5:50pm, Sat 12:10pm to 5pm, Sun 1:20pm to 5pm · Book online; visiting Santaland is free in past years, photo packages optional (check 2026 prices)
☕ 60m to coffee
🎨 Christmas Snow Globe Workshop at Como House
South Yarra · Saturdays: 7 Nov 10-11am, 14 Nov 12-1pm, 28 Nov 1-2pm, 12 Dec 1-2pm · $50 per person (adults and children each need a ticket)
☕ 90m to coffee
🎅 Santa Photos at Highpoint (World of Wondermas)
Maribyrnong · From Sat 7 Nov (bookings from 12pm on day one) to Christmas Eve · Booking required; photo packages on booking site
☕ 730m to coffee
🎨 Pocket House paper craft for kids at State Library Victoria
Melbourne · Sat 7, Sun 8, Sat 21 and Sun 22 Nov 2026, 3pm to 5pm, drop in · Free, no booking needed
Free ☕ 80m to coffee
Sun 8 Nov
🎅 Santa Photos at Watergardens
Taylors Lakes · Daily 8 Nov to 24 Dec, book a session online · Packages from $28.95; every booking includes a free 6x8 inch photo
☕ 970m to coffee
Tue 10 Nov
⭐ Tiny Tours for little explorers at Melbourne Museum
Carlton · Tuesdays 10 Nov to 22 Dec 2026, 10am to 11am · Free to $22
☕ 60m to coffee
⭐ Recycling Week storytime with a garbage truck visit, Sandringham Library
Sandringham · Tue 10 Nov, 10:30am to 11am · Free, no booking
Free ☕ 120m to coffee
Wed 11 Nov
⭐ Dino Days for 3 to 5 year olds at Melbourne Museum
Carlton · Wednesdays 11 Nov to 30 Dec 2026, 10am to 2pm · Free
Free ☕ 60m to coffee
Thu 12 Nov
🕯️ Gethsemane Clyde Carols by Candlelight, Clyde North
Clyde North · Thu 12 Nov, 4:30pm to 8:30pm · Free, including unlimited kids' rides
Free ☕ 1.7km to coffee
Fri 13 Nov
🎪 Colours of Asia: Garden of Wonders festival in Alexandra Gardens
Melbourne · Fri to Sun 13 to 15 Nov and 20 to 22 Nov 2026, 11am to 10pm · Free entry, food to buy
Free ☕ 200m to coffee
Sat 14 Nov
🎅 Dr. Seuss Breakfast with Santa at Parkmore
Keysborough · Sat 14 Nov, sittings 8am to 8:45am and 9am to 9:45am · $13.50 per child; parents and guardians do not need a ticket
☕ 210m to coffee
🎅 Sensory Santa at Eastland (Sensitive Santa session)
Ringwood · Sat 14 Nov, 8am to 9am · Packages from $30.95
☕ 110m to coffee
🎅 Breakfast with Santa at Chirnside Park
Chirnside Park · Sat 14 Nov, 9am to 9:45am · $12.50 per child; parents and guardians free
☕ 190m to coffee
🎅 Santa Photos at Craigieburn Central
Craigieburn · Sat 14 Nov to Thu 24 Dec, book a session online · Digital and printed packages from $28.95
☕ 500m to coffee
🎅 Santa Photos at Pacific Epping
Epping · Daily 14 Nov to 24 Dec, book a session online · Booking required; every booking includes a free 6x8 inch photo, packages on the day
☕ 670m to coffee
🎅 Santa Photos at Karingal Hub
Frankston · Sat 14 Nov to Thu 24 Dec 2026, book a session online · Packages on booking site; $10 off for the first 150 November bookings (not pet sessions)
☕ 110m to coffee
🎅 Santa Photos at Pacific Werribee
Hoppers Crossing · Daily 14 Nov to 24 Dec, multiple sessions (book online) · Booking required; every booking includes a free 6x8 inch photo, packages on the day
☕ 120m to coffee
🎅 Santa Photos at Parkmore
Keysborough · From Sat 14 Nov to Christmas Eve, book a session online · Booking required; packages on booking site
☕ 210m to coffee
⭐ Sheep shearing demonstrations at Collingwood Children's Farm
Abbotsford · Sat 14 and Sun 15 Nov, check the farm's Instagram for demo times · Farm entry: adults $20, kids $10, under 2s free
☕ 70m to coffee
🎅 Santa Photos at Chirnside Park
Chirnside Park · From Sat 14 Nov, book a session online (check the booking site for the last day) · Booking required; packages on booking site
☕ 190m to coffee
🎅 Santa's Arrival at Chirnside Park
Chirnside Park · Sat 14 Nov, from 10am · Free to watch (no cost listed)
Free ☕ 190m to coffee
⭐ Kids disco with Cranbourne Dads Group
Cranbourne · Sat 14 Nov, 10am to 12pm · Free, booking required
Free ☕ 870m to coffee
🎪 Rotary Eltham Festival 2026
Eltham · Sat 14 Nov, 10am to 9:30pm · Free, gold coin donation appreciated
Free ☕ 40m to coffee
🎅 Santa Photos at Casey Central
Narre Warren South · Sat 14 Nov to Thu 24 Dec, book a session online · Packages from $32.95
☕ 1.3km to coffee
🎅 Santa's Arrival Parade at Casey Central
Narre Warren South · Sat 14 Nov, parade and characters 10am to 1pm, face painting 10am to 2pm · Free (Santa photos need a booking)
Free ☕ 1.3km to coffee
🎨 Gingerbread House Workshop at Como House
South Yarra · Saturdays 14 Nov to 19 Dec, one-hour sessions (11am most weeks; extra 1pm session 5 and 19 Dec; 10am on 14 Nov) · $65 per person, adults and children (each accompanying adult needs a ticket)
☕ 90m to coffee
🎅 Santa's Arrival Parade at Craigieburn Central
Craigieburn · Sat 14 Nov, parade 11am, free face painting 11am to 2pm · Free
Free ☕ 500m to coffee
🎅 Santa's Arrival Weekend at Greensborough Plaza
Greensborough · Sat 14 Nov 11am to 2pm (parade 11am from Main Street entrance), Sun 15 Nov 11am to 2pm (Level 3, near Target) · Free
Free ☕ 140m to coffee
⭐ ABBA silent disco walking tour for families in the CBD
Melbourne · Sat 14 Nov 2026, 6:30pm to 7:30pm · Adult $25, child $15, under 4s free
☕ 100m to coffee
Sun 15 Nov
🎨 Be Who You Are: collaborative doll workshop for kids, Caulfield
Caulfield · Sun 15 Nov, 10am to 12pm · $7
☕ 90m to coffee
🎪 Rolling Shows family festival at Rippon Lea Estate
Elsternwick · Sun 15 Nov, 10am to 3pm (live music 10:30am to 2:30pm) · Gold coin donation
☕ 100m to coffee
Thu 19 Nov
🎭 Touch and Go! dance show for 2 and 3 year olds at ArtPlay
Melbourne · Thu 19 to Sat 21 Nov 2026, morning (10am or 10:30am) and 2pm sessions · Child $20
☕ 200m to coffee
Fri 20 Nov
🎨 Toddler and kids art morning at Little Gecko Cafe, Newport
Newport · Fri 20 Nov, 10am to 11am · Ticketed via Eventbrite (price not shown), younger siblings free
☕ 50m to coffee
🎭 The Trumpet of the Swan, family opera concert at the Regent Theatre
Melbourne · Fri 20 to Sun 22 Nov 2026, session times on Ticketek (80 minutes) · Ticketed via Ticketek, prices on booking page
☕ 100m to coffee
🎨 Kids canvas painting session, Westmeadows
Westmeadows · Fri 20 Nov, 3:45pm to 4:45pm · Price not listed, bookings essential
☕ 610m to coffee
🕯️ Carols by the Beloved Gathering, Craigieburn
Craigieburn · Fri 20 Nov, 5pm to 9:30pm · Not stated
Free ☕ 500m to coffee
Sat 21 Nov
🎅 Sensory Santa at Eastland (Sensitive Santa session)
Ringwood · Sat 21 Nov, 8am to 9am · Packages from $30.95
☕ 110m to coffee
🎨 Gardening Together for kids, dads and grandfathers, Berwick
Berwick · Sat 21 Nov, 10am to 11:30am · Free, limited tickets
Free ☕ 40m to coffee
🎅 Santa Photos at CS Square, Caroline Springs
Caroline Springs · 21 Nov to 24 Dec 2026, session times on booking site · Free to visit; small booking fee comes off any photo package, which includes a free 15x20cm photo
☕ 90m to coffee
🎅 Santa's Arrival Parade at CS Square, Caroline Springs
Caroline Springs · Sat 21 Nov, Santa arrives 10:30am, characters roam until 1:30pm · Free
Free ☕ 90m to coffee
🎪 Port Fest 2026: Port Melbourne Primary School fete
Port Melbourne · Sat 21 Nov, 11am to 8pm · No entry fee listed; all-day rides pass $45 early bird ($50 on the day), inflatable pass $25
☕ 520m to coffee
🎅 Santa Photos at Forest Hill Chase
Forest Hill · Sat 21 Nov to Thu 24 Dec, bookings only · Packages from $32.95
☕ 60m to coffee
🎅 Santa's Arrival Parade at Forest Hill Chase
Forest Hill · Sat 21 Nov, 12pm · Free to watch (no cost listed)
Free ☕ 60m to coffee
🎪 Night on the Hill Festival, Panton Hill
Panton Hill · Sat 21 Nov, 3pm to 9:30pm · Free
Free
✨ Christmas Festival of Lights at Adventure Park Geelong
Wallington · Selected nights 21 Nov to 24 Dec (operating nights and hours not yet published) · $44.50 online ($49.50 full price), under 90cm free
🕯️ Geelong Christmas Opening Night: Carols by the Bay and Floating Tree lighting
Geelong · Sat 21 Nov, 6:30pm to 9:30pm (carols 7pm to 9pm, tree lighting then fireworks about 9:15pm) · Free
Free
✨ Geelong City Hall Christmas projections
Geelong · 2025 pattern: nightly dusk to midnight, 22 November to 7 January. Christmas in Geelong 2026 opens 21 November; projection dates not yet announced. · Free
Free
Sun 22 Nov
🎅 Sensory Santa at Pacific Werribee (Sensitive Santa session)
Hoppers Crossing · Sun 22 Nov, session times on booking site · Booking required; free 6x8 inch photo with booking
☕ 120m to coffee
🎁 Geelong Comic and Toy Fair
North Geelong · Sun 22 Nov, 9:30am to 3pm · Early entry $15 (9:30 to 11am), general admission $5 from 11am, kids under 12 free
Mon 23 Nov
🎅 Sensory Santa at Watergardens (Sensitive Santa session)
Taylors Lakes · Mon 23 Nov, 9am to 10am · Packages from $28.95
☕ 970m to coffee
Wed 25 Nov
🎅 Sensory Santa at Pacific Epping (Sensitive Santa session)
Epping · Wed 25 Nov, session times on booking site · Booking required; free 6x8 inch photo with booking
☕ 670m to coffee
🎅 Santa Photos at Moonee Ponds Central
Moonee Ponds · 25 Nov to 24 Dec, book a session online · Prices on booking site
☕ 50m to coffee
🎁 Christmas Night Market at Queen Victoria Market
Melbourne · Wednesdays 25 Nov, 2 Dec, 9 Dec and 16 Dec, 5pm to 10pm · Free entry; free reindeer petting zoo and Christmas photo
Free ☕ 10m to coffee
⭐ Melbourne's Christmas Wonderland at Caulfield Racecourse
Caulfield East · 25 Nov to 24 Dec, about 3-hour sessions (weekends 10am, 2pm, 6pm; selected weeknights 6pm) · Single (3+) $42.50, family of 4 $130, VIP $75, plus booking fee; some extras cost more
☕ 460m to coffee
🎭 Mrs. Doubtfire The Musical at the Princess Theatre
Melbourne · 25 Nov 2026 to 14 Feb 2027, matinees and evenings (times on Ticketek) · Ticketed via Ticketek, prices on booking page
☕ 60m to coffee
Fri 27 Nov
🎅 Santa Photos at Northland
Preston · Daily 27 Nov to 24 Dec, book a session online · Booking essential; photo packages bought on the day (prices on booking site)
☕ 100m to coffee
🎭 A Merry Kidsmas: Elf Academy show, North Melbourne
North Melbourne · Thu to Sun, 27 Nov to 20 Dec, sessions between 9:30am and 1:30pm (about 75 to 90 min each) · $39.90 to $59.90; babies under 12 months free on a lap
☕ 80m to coffee
🎪 Christmas Tree Lighting at Fed Square
Melbourne · Fri 27 Nov, 6pm to 9pm · Free, no booking
Free ☕ 100m to coffee
Sat 28 Nov
🎅 Santa's Breakfast at Greensborough Plaza
Greensborough · Sat 28 and Sun 29 Nov, 45-minute sittings at 8am, 9am and 10am · $10 per child plus booking fee; parents do not need a ticket (not catered)
☕ 270m to coffee
🎉 Vision Australia Santa Fun Run, The Tan
Melbourne · Sat 28 Nov, 8am to 12pm, 4km or 8km · Adult $65, junior (5 to 17) $55, 4 and under free, family (2+2) $200
☕ 100m to coffee
🖼️ Barbie: The Exhibition at Melbourne Museum
Carlton · Daily 28 Nov 2026 to 16 May 2027, 9am to 5pm · Adult $30, concession $25, child $20 (includes museum entry)
☕ 60m to coffee
🎭 The Wiggles Sparkle! BIG Show at John Cain Arena
Melbourne · Sat 28 Nov 2026 at 10am, 1:30pm and 4:30pm; Sun 29 Nov at 10am · Ticketed via AXS, prices on booking page
☕ 730m to coffee
🎭 The Greatest Christmas Show at Bunjil Place
Narre Warren · Sat 28 Nov, 3:30pm to 5:20pm and 7:15pm to 9:05pm · Adult $59.90 to $79.90, child (2-15) $49.90 to $69.90, plus $3.50 fee
☕ 500m to coffee
🎄 Frankston's Christmas Festival with parade, tree lighting and fireworks
Frankston · Sat 28 Nov, 4pm to 9pm (parade 4:30pm, tree lighting and fireworks 8:45pm) · Free entry and free activities; rides and food extra
Free ☕ 350m to coffee
🎭 Movies in the Park: Sing, Williams Landing (free)
Williams Landing · Sat 28 Nov, 5pm to 8pm, movie starts about 6pm · Free, no booking
Free ☕ 420m to coffee
Sun 29 Nov
⭐ Casey Stride Series fun run with kids races, Race 3
Cranbourne East · Sun 29 Nov, 8:15am to 11:15am · $20 to $40
☕ 2.0km to coffee
⭐ Dads groups end of year fun at Myuna Farm
Doveton · Sun 29 Nov, 10am to 12pm · Free, booking required (free farm entry and sausage sizzle)
Free ☕ 1.5km to coffee
🎨 Wild zine making workshop at Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville · Sun 29 Nov 2026, 10:30am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm, drop in · Free workshop with Sanctuary entry
Free
🎭 Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty glow show at The Capitol
Melbourne · Sun 29 Nov 2026, 4pm and 6pm (about 60 minutes) · Zone C $65, other zones mostly sold out
☕ 10m to coffee
Mon 30 Nov
🎅 Sensory Santa at Watergardens (Sensitive Santa session)
Taylors Lakes · Mon 30 Nov, 8am to 9am · Packages from $28.95
☕ 970m to coffee
🎅 Roaming Santa at Northland (free, no booking)
Preston · Mon 30 Nov, Tue 1, Wed 2, Mon 7, Tue 8, Wed 9 (11am start), Mon 14, Tue 15 Dec, 12pm to 4pm · Free
Free ☕ 100m to coffee
Tue 1 Dec
🎅 Santa at Crown Melbourne (free visits in The Atrium)
Southbank · Daily 1 to 24 Dec; 11am to 5pm until 14 Dec, 11am to 7pm 15 to 24 Dec (with breaks) · Free, no booking needed
Free ☕ 190m to coffee
✨ Step Up inclusive Christmas lights, Ballarat
Ballarat Central · Evenings in December in 2025; 2026 dates not yet announced · Free
Free
✨ Bridge Mall Christmas lights, Ballarat
Ballarat Central · Through December in 2025, best after dark; 2026 dates not yet announced · Free
Free
Wed 2 Dec
🎅 Sensory Santa at Pacific Epping (Sensitive Santa session)
Epping · Wed 2 Dec, session times on booking site · Booking required; free 6x8 inch photo with booking
☕ 670m to coffee
🎪 Doveton community celebration at Autumn Place
Doveton · Wed 2 Dec, 3pm to 6pm · Free, no booking
Free ☕ 1.8km to coffee
Thu 3 Dec
🎨 Native Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Como House
South Yarra · Thu 3 Dec and Thu 17 Dec, 11am to 12pm · $125 per person, adults and children
☕ 90m to coffee
🎅 Sensory Santa at Northland (Sensitive Santa session)
Preston · Thu 3 Dec, 2pm to 3pm · Booking essential; photo packages on the day
☕ 100m to coffee
Fri 4 Dec
🎭 Free family movie night: Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Bayswater
Bayswater · Fri 4 Dec, 5pm to 9pm · Free, book online
Free ☕ 90m to coffee
🕯️ Carols in Harmony Square, Dandenong
Dandenong · Fri 4 Dec, 5:30pm to 8:30pm · Free
Free ☕ 20m to coffee
✨ Crown Christmas River Show on the Yarra
Southbank · Nightly 4 to 25 December 2026, 9pm to 11pm, a show every 15 minutes · Free
Free ☕ 190m to coffee
Sat 5 Dec
🎭 The Nutcracker ballet at the Regent Theatre
Melbourne · 5 to 24 Dec, session times on the booking calendar (2 hours including interval) · Prices on booking page; family packs of 4 save $10 per ticket; under 2s free on a lap
☕ 100m to coffee
🎅 Sensory Santa at Eastland (Sensitive Santa session)
Ringwood · Sat 5 Dec, 8am to 9am · Packages from $30.95
☕ 110m to coffee
🎨 Deck the Chocolate Tree at The Chocolateries, Flinders
Flinders · Sat 5 to Sun 6 Dec, then daily 12 to 24 Dec, 9am to 4pm · $14 per person, no booking
🎅 The Polar Express Train Ride with Santa, Queenscliff
Queenscliff · Sat and Sun 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 Dec; departures 10am, 11:45am, 2:15pm, 3:45pm · Child $43.75, adult $61.95, concession $55; 4-seat booths $222.50; under 2s free on a lap; plus booking fee
🎭 MSO Classic Kids: Christmas at Hamer Hall
Southbank · Sat 5 Dec, 10:30am, and a relaxed performance at 12:30pm (about 50 min, no interval) · $39 per ticket, plus $8 booking fee per order
☕ 190m to coffee
🎪 Casey African Food and Music Festival
Berwick · Sat 5 Dec, from 12pm · Free, bookings required via afrimate.org.au
Free ☕ 40m to coffee
🎭 The Christmas Spectacular at the Palais Theatre
St Kilda · Sat 5 Dec, 2pm (ends about 3:50pm) and 6:30pm (ends about 8:20pm) · See Ticketmaster for prices
☕ 60m to coffee
🕯️ Carols in Queens Park, Moonee Ponds
Moonee Ponds · Sat 5 Dec, 4pm to 8:30pm · Free (as in past years)
Free ☕ 50m to coffee
🎪 Bunjil Place Festive Celebration and tree lighting, Narre Warren
Narre Warren · Sat 5 Dec, 4pm to 8:30pm (tree lit 6pm, The Grinch screening 6:30pm) · Free
Free ☕ 390m to coffee
🕯️ Hume Carols by Candlelight, Craigieburn
Craigieburn · Sat 5 Dec, activities and markets from 5pm, stage show 6:30pm to 8:30pm · Free, no tickets (optional Eventbrite registration)
Free ☕ 500m to coffee
🕯️ Monash Carols by Candlelight at Jells Park
Wheelers Hill · Sat 5 Dec, 5:30pm to 9:15pm (Christmas market from 3pm, carols 7:30pm, fireworks 9pm) · Free, register on TryBooking
Free ☕ 40m to coffee
🕯️ Carols by the Lake, Coburg Lake
Coburg North · Sat 5 Dec, evening (times not yet published) · Not yet listed
Free ☕ 280m to coffee
🕯️ Maroondah Carols at Town Park, Croydon
Croydon · Sat 5 Dec, 6pm to 10pm (main concert 7:30pm, fireworks about 9:30pm) · Free, no bookings
Free ☕ 140m to coffee
⭐ Twilight Santa Trains, Mornington Railway
Moorooduc · Sat 5 Dec, Fri 11 Dec, Fri 18 Dec; departures 6pm and 7:30pm · Adult $32, child $20, family (2+2) $79, under 3s $5, concession $27
☕ 60m to coffee
Sun 6 Dec
⭐ Santa Train Rides (daytime), Mornington Railway
Moorooduc · Sun 6, Sat 12, Sun 13, Sat 19, Sun 20 Dec; departures 8:30am, 10am, 11:15am, 12:45pm, 2pm · Adult $32, child $20, family (2+2) $79, under 3s $5, concession $27; 8-seat compartment $135
☕ 60m to coffee
🎅 Sensory Santa at Pacific Werribee (Sensitive Santa session)
Hoppers Crossing · Sun 6 Dec, session times on booking site · Booking required; free 6x8 inch photo with booking
☕ 120m to coffee
🎪 Deaf Festival 2026, family day on St Kilda Road
Melbourne · Sun 6 Dec 2026, 10am to 4pm · Adult $10, child $5, family (2 adults, 3 kids) $30, under 5s free
☕ 260m to coffee
🎭 MSO Classic Kids: Christmas at Bunjil Place
Narre Warren · Sun 6 Dec, 2pm (about 50 min) · Adult $25, concession $20, children 2 to 14 free, plus $3.50 fee per order
☕ 390m to coffee
🕯️ Family Christmas at Central Park, Malvern East
Malvern East · Sun 6 Dec, face painting from 4:30pm, carols 5:30pm to 7:30pm · Free
Free ☕ 20m to coffee
🕯️ Carols by Kingston at Bicentennial Park, Chelsea
Chelsea · Sun 6 Dec, 5pm to 9:30pm (kids' show with Santa 6pm, fireworks 9:15pm) · Free. Free rides, face painting and Santa photos. Reserved seats for sale (prices TBA)
Free ☕ 50m to coffee
Tue 8 Dec
⭐ Christmas Elf Hunt at Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick
Berwick · Daily 8 to 19 Dec, 10am to 3pm · Free, no booking
Free ☕ 360m to coffee
⭐ Free lawn games at Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick
Berwick · Tue 8 Dec, 10am to 2pm · Free, no booking
Free ☕ 360m to coffee
🕯️ Bayside Christmas Carols in the Park, Dendy Park
Brighton East · Tue 8 Dec, activities from 5:30pm, main stage 7:30pm, fireworks 9:30pm · Not stated on the 2026 page (free entry in past years)
Free ☕ 980m to coffee
✨ Christmas Lights Cruise on the Yarra
Southbank · Selected nights 8 to 24 Dec, 8:30pm to 9:30pm (extra 9:45pm sailing from 19 Dec) · Adults $55, kids $39, under 2s free
☕ 190m to coffee
Wed 9 Dec
🎭 The Greatest Christmas Show at Frankston Arts Centre
Frankston · Wed 9 Dec, 7:15pm to 9:05pm · Adult $59.90 to $79.90, child (2-15) $49.90 to $69.90, under 2s free on a lap, plus $4.50 fee
☕ 250m to coffee
Thu 10 Dec
🎅 Sensory Santa at Northland (Sensitive Santa session)
Preston · Thu 10 Dec, 4pm to 5pm · Booking essential; photo packages on the day
☕ 100m to coffee
Fri 11 Dec
🎪 Christmas Carnival at Birrarung Marr
Melbourne · Daily 11 to 24 Dec, 2pm to 10:30pm · Free entry. Ride coupons: kids' rides $8, adult rides $12
Free ☕ 100m to coffee
🕯️ Manningham Carols by Candlelight at Ruffey Lake Park
Doncaster · Fri 11 Dec, evening (2026 times not yet published; 2025 ran 6pm to 10pm) · Free (as in past years)
Free ☕ 890m to coffee
🕯️ City of Whittlesea Carols by Candlelight, South Morang
South Morang · Fri 11 Dec, evening (2026 times not yet published; 2025 ran 6pm to 9pm) · Free (as in past years)
Free ☕ 270m to coffee
🎭 Home Alone in Concert with the MSO
Southbank · Fri 11 Dec 7:30pm; Sat 12 Dec 1pm and 7:30pm; Sun 13 Dec 2pm (about 2 hr 10 min) · Standard $86 to $155, concession $81 to $150, plus $8 booking fee
☕ 190m to coffee
Sat 12 Dec
🎪 Community Christmas at the Diamond Creek Rotary Tram Cafe
Diamond Creek · Sat 12 Dec, 10am to 2pm · Free, including the BBQ
Free ☕ 100m to coffee
🎪 Meet Me On Main This Christmas: Mornington carols move to Main Street
Mornington · Sat 12 Dec, 10am to 6pm (Main Street closed to traffic 7am to 7pm) · No cost stated (public street event)
Free ☕ 110m to coffee
🎨 Gingerbread House Workshop at Henry and the Fox (CBD)
Melbourne · Sat 12 Dec, 11am to 1pm · Pair $129 (2 guests, 1 house), trio $199 (3 guests, 2 houses), plus booking fees
☕ 20m to coffee
🕯️ Glen Eira Carols in the Park, Bentleigh
Bentleigh · Sat 12 Dec, 4pm to 7:30pm · Free
Free ☕ 740m to coffee
🎭 Ballet of Lights: Cinderella glow show at The Capitol
Melbourne · Sat 12 Dec 2026, 4pm and 6pm (about 60 minutes) · From $48.50, kids tickets (5 to 15) in Zones B and C
☕ 10m to coffee
🕯️ Knox Carols at Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully
Ferntree Gully · Sat 12 Dec, 4:30pm to 9:30pm (main show 7pm, fireworks about 9:30pm) · Free, no tickets
Free ☕ 80m to coffee
🕯️ Banyule Carols by Candlelight, Greensborough
Greensborough · Sat 12 Dec, evening (2026 times not yet published; 2025 ran 5pm to 9:30pm) · Free in past years (2026 cost not yet listed)
Free ☕ 270m to coffee
🕯️ Carols at Rupertswood, Sunbury
Sunbury · Sat 12 Dec, 5pm to 8:30pm · Free
Free
🕯️ Wyndham Carols by Candlelight at Werribee Park
Werribee South · Sat 12 Dec, gates 5pm, kids' show 7pm, main event 8pm, nativity 8:45pm · Adults $25, concession $18, under 12s free
☕ 1.7km to coffee
✨ LMC Christmas Lights, Chirnside Park
Chirnside Park · 2025 pattern: nightly 12 to 24 December, 8pm to 11pm, with 30 minute shows. 2026 dates not yet announced. · Free
Free
Sun 13 Dec
🖼️ NGV Triennial 2026, free blockbuster at NGV International
Melbourne · Daily 13 Dec 2026 to 11 Apr 2027, 10am to 5pm · Free
Free ☕ 170m to coffee
🖼️ Squish, Twist, Fizz: free hands-on kids art space at NGV
Melbourne · Daily 13 Dec 2026 to 11 Apr 2027, gallery hours (10am to 5pm) · Free
Free ☕ 170m to coffee
⭐ Family Festive Day at Como House
South Yarra · Sun 13 Dec, 12pm to 6pm (last entry 5:30pm) · Adult $20, child $10, concession $15, family (2+2) $45, members $10. Wreath making and citrus decorations $5 extra
☕ 90m to coffee
🕯️ Carols at Como Park, South Yarra
South Yarra · Sun 13 Dec, carols 7:30pm to 9:30pm, pyrotechnics to finish · Free
Free ☕ 90m to coffee
Thu 17 Dec
🎁 Coburg Night Market 2026
Coburg · Thu 17 to Sat 19 Dec, evenings (check times closer to the date) · Free entry, food and drinks to buy
Free ☕ 120m to coffee
Fri 18 Dec
🎭 The Wind in the Willows outdoor theatre at the Royal Botanic Gardens
Melbourne · 18 Dec 2026 to 24 Jan 2027 on set days, 10am most days plus some 6pm shows (90 minutes) · From $30 per ticket, plus $5.50 booking fee
☕ 100m to coffee
🕯️ Casey Christmas Carols at Cairns Road Reserve, Hampton Park
Hampton Park · Fri 18 Dec, 4pm to 9:30pm · Free, no booking
Free ☕ 80m to coffee
🎪 Christmas on the Foreshore, Tooradin
Tooradin · Fri 18 Dec, 6pm to 10pm · Gold coin donation
Free
🕯️ Carols by Candlelight, Westmeadows
Westmeadows · Fri 18 Dec, evening (times not yet published) · Not yet listed
Free ☕ 140m to coffee
🎨 Dads Little Builders: cardboard building with your child, Clyde North
Clyde North · Fri 18 Dec, 6:30pm to 8pm · Free, booking required
Free ☕ 1.7km to coffee
✨ The Boulevard Christmas Lights, Ivanhoe
Ivanhoe · Nightly 18 to 24 Dec, 7:30pm to 11pm · Free
Free ☕ 1.5km to coffee
🕯️ Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Carols in the Cathedral
Melbourne · Fri 18 Dec 8:30pm; Sat 19 Dec 2pm (matinee) and 7pm · $35 to $99
☕ 80m to coffee
Sat 19 Dec
🧩 Wyndham Active Holidays: free summer sport and activities for kids
Werribee · Sat 19 Dec to Sun 31 Jan, sessions between 9am and 6pm (timetable out about 2 weeks before) · Free, most sessions need pre-booking
Free ☕ 170m to coffee
🎪 Mr Fantastico's Christmas Rooftop Carnival with Santa
Melbourne · Sat 19 to Wed 23 Dec, 10am to 3pm, two live shows daily · Free entry (RSVP online)
Free ☕ 60m to coffee
🎭 Christmas Cinema at The Capitol: Klaus
Melbourne · Sat 19 Dec, 1pm to 3pm (doors 12:30pm) · Adults $10, kids and concession $5
☕ 10m to coffee
🕯️ Whitehorse Carols at The Round, Nunawading
Nunawading · Sat 19 Dec, rides and activities from 5:30pm, stage 6:30pm to 9:30pm · Free, no booking needed
Free ☕ 60m to coffee
Sun 20 Dec
🎁 Diamond Creek Christmas Market
Diamond Creek · Sun 20 Dec, 9am to 2pm · Free entry
Free ☕ 100m to coffee
🎅 Eltham CFA Santa Run: Santa on a fire truck
Eltham · Sun 20 Dec, 12pm to 2:10pm, half-hour stops around Eltham · Free
Free ☕ 40m to coffee
🎭 Christmas Cinema at The Capitol: Home Alone 2
Melbourne · Sun 20 Dec, 1pm to 3:30pm (doors 12:30pm) · Adults $10, kids and concession $5
☕ 10m to coffee
🎭 Peter Pan: A Traditional Christmas Pantomime, St Kilda
St Kilda · Sun 20 Dec 5pm; Tue 22 and Wed 23 Dec 2pm and 6pm; Thu 24 Dec 11am and 3:30pm · Adults $65 to $85, children $55 to $75, plus transaction fees
☕ 30m to coffee
🕯️ Carols in the Park, Diamond Creek
Diamond Creek · Sun 20 Dec, 8pm to 9:30pm · Free, book on Eventbrite
Free ☕ 100m to coffee
Mon 21 Dec
🎭 Splash Test Dummies Christmas circus at The Capitol
Melbourne · Mon 21 and Tue 22 Dec, 11:30am and 2pm (1 hour) · $10 per ticket; everyone aged 2 and over needs a ticket
☕ 10m to coffee
Wed 23 Dec
🕯️ Carols by Candlelight Rehearsal Night, Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Melbourne · Wed 23 Dec, from 4pm (finish time not published) · Lawn: adults $41, under 16s $28, family $90. Under 2s free on a lap
☕ 310m to coffee
Thu 24 Dec
🕯️ Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight, Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Melbourne · Thu 24 Dec (Christmas Eve), gates 4pm, show 8pm, usually finishes about 11pm · Lawn: adults $88, under 16s $55, family (2+2) $189. Reserved seats $202 to $279
☕ 310m to coffee
Wed 30 Dec
🎭 Dinosaur World Live at the Comedy Theatre
Melbourne · Wed 30 Dec 2026 to Sun 3 Jan 2027, session times on Ticketek (50 minutes) · Ticketed via Ticketek, save $5 per ticket when buying 4 or more
☕ 20m to coffee
Sat 2 Jan
🎭 Jack and the Beanstalk panto at The Capitol
Melbourne · Sat 2 to Fri 15 Jan 2027, mostly 10:30am and 2pm (Sundays 12:30pm), 80 minutes · $35 per ticket, plus $5.50 booking fee
☕ 10m to coffee
Mon 4 Jan
🧩 Kids' Flicks with Feelings: puppet films at ACMI
Melbourne · Mon to Thu 4 to 7 Jan 2027 at 11am; Mon to Thu 11 to 14 and 18 to 21 Jan at 1pm · Adult $14, concession $12, members $9, under 2s free on a lap
☕ 50m to coffee
Tue 5 Jan
🎭 The Bubble Spectacular with Dr Hubble at Bunjil Place
Narre Warren · Tue 5 Jan 2027, 11am to 12pm · A Reserve $34.90, Premium $49.90, plus $3.50 booking fee
☕ 390m to coffee
🎭 Dinosaur World Live at The Round, Nunawading
Nunawading · Tue 5 Jan 2027 at 3pm and 6pm; Wed 6 Jan at 10am, 12:30pm and 3pm · $69.90, groups of 4+ $64.90 each, plus $4 booking fee; under 2s free on a lap
☕ 660m to coffee
Wed 6 Jan
🎭 The Jungle Book: The Next Chapter at Rippon Lea
Elsternwick · Wed 6 to Fri 22 Jan 2027, 10am and 2pm weekdays, 10am weekends (60 minutes) · From $30 per ticket, plus $5.50 booking fee
☕ 100m to coffee
Sat 9 Jan
🎪 Portarlington Mussel Festival
Portarlington · Sat 9 Jan, 9:30am to 5pm · Adults $10, under 16s free
☕ 1.1km to coffee
🎭 James and the Giant Peach at the Comedy Theatre
Melbourne · Sat 9 to Sun 17 Jan 2027, session times on Ticketek (55 minutes) · Ticketed via Ticketek, prices on booking page
☕ 20m to coffee
🎭 The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at the Athenaeum Theatre
Melbourne · Sat 9 to Mon 11 Jan 2027, session times on Ticketmaster · Ticketed via Ticketmaster
☕ 30m to coffee
🎭 Erth's Dinosaurs puppet show at Arts Centre Melbourne
Southbank · Sat 9 to Sun 17 Jan 2027, session times on the Arts Centre site · Ticketed, prices on the Arts Centre Melbourne site
☕ 190m to coffee
Mon 11 Jan
🎨 Make Your Own Puppet Movie holiday workshop at ACMI
Melbourne · Mon 11 to Fri 15 Jan 2027: 11am (ages 2 to 4), 1pm (5 to 8), 3pm (9 to 12), 1 hour · Child $25 plus $1 online fee; parents free but must stay
☕ 50m to coffee
🎪 NGV Kids Summer Festival 2027
Melbourne · Mon 11 to Sun 17 Jan 2027, daily program to be released · Program coming soon (past festivals were free)
☕ 100m to coffee
Wed 13 Jan
🎭 The Very Cranky Bear musical at Arts Centre Melbourne
Southbank · Wed 13 to Sat 16 Jan 2027, sessions 10am and 12pm daily (about 1 hour) · From $22.40 to $30, adult $28
☕ 190m to coffee
Thu 14 Jan
🎭 Dog Man The Musical at the Athenaeum Theatre
Melbourne · Thu 14 to Sun 17 Jan 2027, session times on Ticketmaster · Ticketed via Ticketmaster
☕ 30m to coffee
Sat 16 Jan
🎭 Ballet of Lights: Peter Pan glow show at The Capitol
Melbourne · Sat 16 Jan 2027, 4pm and 6pm (about 60 minutes) · From $49.50 (Zone C) to $77.50 (Zone A)
☕ 10m to coffee
Sun 17 Jan
🎭 Burning Red Taylor Swift tribute concert at Frankston Arts Centre
Frankston · Sun 17 Jan 2027, 2:30pm to 5:10pm (with interval) · Child (16 and under) $49 to $59, adult $59 to $79, family from $208, plus $4.50 fee
☕ 250m to coffee
Mon 18 Jan
🎭 Bees by Polyglot Theatre, free outdoor play at Arts Centre Melbourne
Southbank · Mon 18 to Sun 24 Jan 2027, 30 minute sessions, times on the Arts Centre site · Free
Free ☕ 190m to coffee
Tue 19 Jan
🧩 Dance Factory kids summer school, Richmond
Richmond · Tue 19 and Wed 20 Jan, from 11:30am (session times on booking page) · Ticketed via Eventbrite (price not shown)
☕ 100m to coffee
🎭 Wish Upon a Star: The Disney Songbook at The Round
Nunawading · Tue 19 Jan 2027, 1:30pm (about 1 hour 15 minutes) · $29, concession $26, VIP with character meet and greet $60, plus $4 booking fee
☕ 660m to coffee
🎭 Cirque Nouvelle circus show at Frankston Arts Centre
Frankston · Tue 19 Jan 2027, 6pm to 7:15pm · Child $45, adult $65, family (2+2) $199, plus $4.50 fee; under 2s free on a lap
☕ 250m to coffee
Wed 20 Jan
🧩 Nature Connect school holiday ranger sessions, George Pentland Botanic Gardens
Frankston · Wed 20 Jan: 10am (up to 7 yrs), 11:30am (8 to 12 yrs), 1pm (mixed ages) · Free, book on Eventbrite
Free ☕ 110m to coffee
🎭 Alice in Wonderland at the Athenaeum Theatre
Melbourne · Wed 20 to Sun 24 Jan 2027, session times on booking page (about 75 minutes) · Ticketed via the Australian Shakespeare Company, plus $5.50 booking fee
☕ 70m to coffee
🎭 Storytime Ballet: Cinderella at the Comedy Theatre
Melbourne · Wed 20 to Sat 23 Jan 2027, session times on Ticketek (55 minutes) · Ticketed via Ticketek, child tickets for under 18s
☕ 20m to coffee
Thu 21 Jan
🎭 Cirque Nouvelle circus show at The Round, Nunawading
Nunawading · Thu 21 Jan 2027, 6pm (about 1 hour 15 minutes) · Child (3 to 14) $45, adult $65, family of 4 $199, plus $4 booking fee
☕ 660m to coffee
Sat 23 Jan
⭐ Greater Dandenong Fun Run, Walk and Roll (free, pram friendly)
Dandenong · Sat 23 Jan, arrive 7:30am, 8am start, finishes about 9:30am · Free, registration required
Free ☕ 20m to coffee
🎪 Festival of Sails 2027, Geelong Waterfront (free)
Geelong · Sat 23 to Tue 26 Jan, 9am to 5pm daily · Free
Free
Mon 25 Jan
🎭 The Bubble Spectacular with Dr Hubble at Frankston Arts Centre
Frankston · Mon 25 Jan 2027, 11am to 12pm · A Reserve $34.90, Premium $49.90, plus $4.50 fee; under 2s free on a lap
☕ 250m to coffee
Kids & Coffee is a free, community-driven guide to kids outings across Australia,
built by parents. Playground and facility data includes information from
OpenStreetMap contributors. Details can change: always double-check times and prices before you head out.
