Finding activities that bring joy to kids and adults alike can be challenging. But with our family-friendly Christmas-time list at the ready you’ll be getting into the spirit in no time.
Santa’s House at Federation Square
Wonderland Junior
Docklands funpark Wonderland Junior is a great place to keep the whole family entertained this festive season. Drive the dodgem cars, ride the vintage carousel, climb the rock wall or take a spin in the giant Tea Cups. In the lead-up to Christmas there’s also a free gingerbread man with each unlimited-ride wristband purchased.
Myer Christmas windows
A Melbourne tradition since 1956, the iconic Christmas windows at Myer Melbourne are a sight to behold. This year, more than 30 artisans have spent 10 months crafting an adventure story featuring Elf, Reindeer, Mouse and Angel. Inspired by a book that was itself inspired by Myer’s Christmas windows, this incredible animated display comes full circle.
The iconic Myer Christmas windows are back
Melbourne Recital Centre
See animated film The Snowman projected on the big screen while a live orchestra plays at Melbourne Recital Centre on December 9. Or join stripy-socked singing sensations Lah-Lah’s Big Live Band as they transform Elisabeth Murdoch Hall into a family dancefest on December 16. They’ll be playing some brand new Christmas tunes, plus some old favourites.
Skate with Santa
Test your ice skating skills against the North Pole’s most famous resident at Skate with Santa at O’Brien Group Arena. The jolly man in red and his sack of toys will be hitting the ice from 11am to 3pm on weekends from December 2 to 24.
Skate with Santa at O’Brien Group Arena
Northside Community Christmas Picnic
North Melbourne’s buzzing Errol and Queensberry Street precinct pile on the yuletide cheer on December 8 with the Northside Community Christmas Picnic. Street entertainment will take off from 5pm with some of Melbourne’s most talented buskers popping up among the shops and cafes. There’ll also be kids’ activities, Christmas carols, an open-air cinema and a special arrival from Santa Claus. Bring a picnic and settle in or grab a meal from one of the many eateries along the strip.
Wallace & Gromit
Lucky for us that ACMI’s season of Wallace & Gromit and Friends: The Magic of Aardman has been extended until January 29. The exhibition features more than 350 items from the incredible claymation films produced by Aardman studios over the past 40 years. From Shaun the Sheep to Chicken Run and the much-loved W & G, see models, sketches, storyboards, film sets and more.
ACMI’s Wallace & Gromit and Friends exhibition is running until 29 January
MSO Christmas concert
Join the MSO and MSO Chorus for some delightfully fun Christmas-inspired tunes at Hamer Hall. From crowd favourites like Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to J.S. Bach’s distinguished Christmas Oratorio, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Christmas is sure to please. It’s on December 16 at 7.30pm.
Gingerbread Village
A miniature Melbourne made out of gingerbread? That’s what you’ll find at Gingerbread Village by Epicure, where the city’s most famous landmarks are reimagined in biscuit form. Running from December 1 to 24, this marvellous edible village at Melbourne Town Hall is fun for young and old. Plus, entry is free.
For more family fun, including Santa’s house and postbox and tree lighting shows, check out our Christmas Festival guide.