We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Melbourne for 2026, from 4 November to 24 December. 7 of them are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Australia.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Melbourne, Narre Warren, Chadstone, Chelsea and Croydon
- First: Santa Photography and Sensitive Santa Photography, Chadstone, 4 November
- Free events: Carols in Queens Park, Maroondah Carols, Monash Carols by Candlelight 2026, Santa visit, Newport, Carols by Kingston and Knox Carols 2026
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by suburb, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (booking, ages, what is included).
Melbourne Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Suburbs
- Melbourne, Narre Warren, Chadstone, Chelsea, Croydon, Ferntree Gully, Moonee Ponds, Newport, North Melbourne, Southbank and Wheelers Hill
- Season
- 4 November to 24 December
- Free events
- 7
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Melbourne
2 confirmed events in Melbourne, soonest first.
David Jones Photos with Santa
Santa photosDavid Jones Santa Photos · Melbourne
- Host
- David Jones Santa Photos (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- David Jones Bourke Street Mall, 310 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000
- When
- Daily, Nov 7 to Dec 24
- Cost
- $30.85 to $99.96 (AUD)
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
David Jones runs Santa photo sessions in its Bourke Street Mall store every day from 7 November to Christmas Eve. Options include standard sessions, Sensitive Santa sessions for children who need a quieter experience, and Santa Pawtraits for families who want the dog in the picture. Packages range from $30.85 to $99.96.
Opening hours are 9:30am to 6pm on Saturdays, 10:30am to 6pm Sunday to Wednesday, and 10:30am to 7pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Bookings are made online, and the venue reports mobility access and relaxed, low sensory options. It pairs well with a walk past the city's Christmas windows and decorations. The store is in the heart of the Bourke Street Mall. Questions can be sent to hello@davidjonessantaphotos.com.au, and sessions are booked through the David Jones Santa photos website.
Parent tip: Book online ahead of your visit. Thursday and Friday evening sessions run until 7pm if a weekday after school suits better.
See dates and details from David Jones Santa Photos (opens in a new tab)Mr Fantastico's Christmas Rooftop Carnival
Meet SantaFreeSpiegel Haus Melbourne · Melbourne
- Host
- Spiegel Haus Melbourne (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Spiegel Haus Melbourne, 217 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000
- When
- Daily, Sat Dec 19 to Wed Dec 23, 10 am to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free, no booking required
- Ages
- Family and kids
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Mr Fantastico's Christmas Rooftop Carnival runs for five days in the week before Christmas at Spiegel Haus on Lonsdale Street in the city. Each day there are two free live performances, Christmas craft workshops, and the chance to meet Santa, all described as an engaging and inclusive experience for children and adults.
It is open from 10am to 3pm daily, from Saturday 19 to Wednesday 23 December, and entry is free with no booking needed. The venue reports mobility access, assisted listening and service animal access. It is a handy stop if you are in the city for last minute shopping or to see the decorations. Spiegel Haus is on Lonsdale Street in the city centre. Two live shows are staged each day, so check timings on arrival and plan crafts and Santa around them.
Parent tip: No booking is needed, so it is easy to drop in while in the city. Contact the venue on 0448 425 237 with access questions.
See dates and details from Spiegel Haus Melbourne (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Narre Warren
2 confirmed events in Narre Warren, soonest first.
The Greatest Christmas Show (Narre Warren)
Meet SantaBunjil Place · Narre Warren
- Host
- Bunjil Place (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Bunjil Place Theatre, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren 3805 (near Melbourne)
- When
- Sat, Nov 28, 3:30 pm and 7:15 pm
- Cost
- Children (2 to 15) $49.90 to $69.90, adults $59.90 to $79.90 (AUD), plus $3.50 service fee
- Ages
- Suitable for all ages
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Greatest Christmas Show is a stage spectacular that mixes dancers, aerial acts, singers and an illusionist with Christmas carols, and Santa Claus makes an appearance. It runs 1 hour 50 minutes, so it is a proper outing rather than a quick show, and Bunjil Place lists it as suitable for all ages.
There are two sessions on the one Saturday, an afternoon show at 3:30pm and an evening show at 7:15pm. Child tickets (ages 2 to 15) range from $49.90 to $69.90 depending on the seating reserve, with adult, concession and group prices also available. Haze, smoke and strobe lighting may be used during the show. Bunjil Place sells Premium, A Reserve and B Reserve seats, and group bookings of eight or more get a reduced price. Concession prices apply to pensioners, seniors and full time students, and delivery fees may also apply.
Parent tip: The 3:30pm session suits younger children better than the late show. Note that haze, smoke and strobe lighting may be used.
See dates and details from Bunjil Place (opens in a new tab)Family Christmas with the MSO (Classic Kids: Christmas) (Narre Warren)
Christmas showMelbourne Symphony Orchestra · Narre Warren
- Host
- Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren 3805 (near Melbourne)
- When
- Sun, Dec 6, 2 pm
- Cost
- Adults $25, concession $20, children 2 to 14 free (AUD), plus $3.50 transaction fee
- Ages
- Child tickets for ages 2 to 14
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra takes its Classic Kids Christmas concert out to Bunjil Place in Narre Warren for one Sunday afternoon session. Expect traditional carols, modern holiday favourites and classical Christmas pieces, led by conductor Leonard Weiss with three singers from the Melba Opera Trust. The concert runs about 50 minutes with no interval.
This is one of the best value Christmas concerts around for families in the south east. Children aged 2 to 14 go free, adults are $25 and concessions $20, with a small transaction fee per order. Tickets are booked through Bunjil Place rather than the MSO box office. Bunjil Place is the arts and civic centre in Narre Warren, and its own events page lists this concert as Family Christmas with the MSO. With free child tickets, it is a low cost way to introduce young children to a full symphony orchestra close to home.
Parent tip: Book child tickets through Bunjil Place even though they are free, since seats are reserved.
See dates and details from Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Chadstone
1 confirmed event in Chadstone, soonest first.
Santa Photography and Sensitive Santa Photography (Chadstone)
Santa photosChadstone Shopping Centre · Chadstone
- Host
- Chadstone Shopping Centre (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Chadstone Shopping Centre, Lower Ground Level outside Target, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone 3148 (near Melbourne)
- When
- Daily, Nov 4 to Dec 24
- Cost
- $55 per booking (AUD), up to 6 people
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Chadstone runs booked Santa photo sessions on the Lower Ground Level outside Target from 4 November to 24 December 2026. This year's set is themed around 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Each booking costs $55 and covers up to six people, and Sensitive Santa sessions are held before the centre opens for children who need a calmer visit.
Bookings are online only and you need to be, or sign up as, a Chadstone First member, and the person booking must be 18 or over. When checked, the centre said all sessions were booked out, with cancellations appearing on the calendar. Free extras around the centre include a giant walk through Christmas bauble and an enchanted Christmas elevator on the Ground Level. Chadstone is in Melbourne's south east, with the Santa set on the Lower Ground Level. Bookings cannot be made at the centre itself, and payment is due when you book.
Parent tip: Sessions were showing as booked out, so check the booking calendar often for cancellations. Arrive at least 5 minutes before your session.
See dates and details from Chadstone Shopping Centre (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Chelsea
1 confirmed event in Chelsea, soonest first.
Carols by Kingston (Chelsea)
Christmas carolsFreeCity of Kingston · Chelsea
- Host
- City of Kingston (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Bicentennial Park, Scotch Parade, Chelsea 3196 (near Melbourne)
- When
- Sun, Dec 6, 5 to 9:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Carols by Kingston returns to Bicentennial Park in Chelsea on Sunday 6 December 2026. From 5pm there are free photos with Santa and face painting at Santa's Workshop, plus free amusement rides, and a kids' show on the main stage at 6pm features a special appearance from Santa. The carols follow, and fireworks start at 9:15pm before the night wraps up at 9:30pm.
Entry is free and you are welcome to bring your own food, with food and drink vendors also on site. There is free parking, the park is pram friendly with accessible paths and toilets, and an Auslan interpreter will be present. Reserved seating details were still to be announced when checked. The park sits right on the foreshore at Chelsea, and the site map is due to be released closer to the date. Dogs are welcome in the park, but keep in mind there will be fireworks.
Parent tip: The park is a 10 to 15 minute walk from Chelsea station. Ride age limits vary, so check with ride supervisors on the day.
See dates and details from City of Kingston (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Croydon
1 confirmed event in Croydon, soonest first.
Maroondah Carols (Croydon)
Christmas carolsFreeMaroondah City Council · Croydon
- Host
- Maroondah City Council (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Town Park, 20 Civic Square, Croydon 3136 (near Melbourne)
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 6 to 10 pm
- Cost
- Free, no bookings required
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Maroondah Carols fills Town Park in Croydon on Saturday 5 December 2026. Pre-show entertainment, food trucks and a free Kids Zone start at 6pm, with Christmas themed activities, rides, games and roving performers. The main concert begins at 7:30pm, Santa makes a special appearance during the evening, and fireworks are planned for about 9:30pm, weather permitting.
The event is free with no bookings. Auslan interpreters are on stage for the main concert and a low sensory calm space is available, which is helpful for children who need a break. Accessible parking and a drop off zone are provided. The event is smoke, vape and dog free, with assistance animals welcome. Town Park is on Civic Square in Croydon, in Melbourne's outer east.
Parent tip: Arrive at 6pm to make the most of the Kids Zone before the concert. Keep pets indoors at home if you live nearby, as there are fireworks.
See dates and details from Maroondah City Council (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Ferntree Gully
1 confirmed event in Ferntree Gully, soonest first.
Knox Carols 2026 (Ferntree Gully)
Christmas carolsFreeKnox City Council · Ferntree Gully
- Host
- Knox City Council (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Wally Tew Reserve, 6 Lyndale Court, Ferntree Gully 3156 (near Melbourne)
- When
- Sat, Dec 12, 4:30 to 9:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Knox Carols is the council's big free Christmas night out. Gates open with free kids' activities, entertainment and food trucks from 4:30pm, the main carols show starts at 7pm, and the evening finishes with fireworks at around 9:30pm. Santa also pays a visit during the night.
Bring a picnic rug, low back chairs, and an LED candle or torch for the carols, and Christmas outfits are encouraged. Food and drinks are sold on site. The event is alcohol, smoke and vape free, and pets are not allowed apart from assistance dogs. Wally Tew Reserve is in Ferntree Gully in Melbourne's outer east. For questions before the night, Knox Council's customer service team can be reached on 9298 8000. The evening is long, so packing snacks, water and something warm for later in the night makes sense with little ones.
Parent tip: Arrive at 4:30pm for the kids' activities and pack an LED candle or torch for the carols. Leave the dog at home, as only assistance animals are allowed.
See dates and details from Knox City Council (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Moonee Ponds
1 confirmed event in Moonee Ponds, soonest first.
Carols in Queens Park (Moonee Ponds)
Christmas carolsFreeMoonee Valley City Council · Moonee Ponds
- Host
- Moonee Valley City Council (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Queens Park, Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds 3039 (near Melbourne)
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 4 to 8:30 pm
- Cost
- Free entry; registration via Eventbrite
- Ages
- All ages
- Booking
- Booking recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Carols in Queens Park is Moonee Valley Council's family carols evening in Moonee Ponds on Saturday 5 December 2026, running from 4pm to 8:30pm. Along with singing, dancing and community performances, there are kids activities and food trucks to keep everyone going through the evening.
New this year, children can have a free photo with Santa and meet his elves before the carols begin, so it is worth arriving early. The council links to Eventbrite for ticket or registration information, so check that before you go. Queens Park sits on Mt Alexander Road in Moonee Ponds, an easy trip for families across Melbourne's inner north west. The singing, dancing and community performances make it a lively, local evening rather than a big stadium style concert, which suits younger children.
Parent tip: Arrive early for the free Santa photos, which run before the carols start. Check the Eventbrite link on the council page for registration.
See dates and details from Moonee Valley City Council (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Newport
1 confirmed event in Newport, soonest first.
Santa visit, Newport (Newport)
Meet SantaFreeHobsons Bay City Council · Newport
- Host
- Hobsons Bay City Council (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Paine Reserve, Paine Reserve, Newport 3015 (near Melbourne)
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 10 am to 1 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Hobsons Bay Council brings Santa to Altona, Newport and Williamstown in December, and the Newport visit is at Paine Reserve on Saturday 5 December 2026 from 10am to 1pm. It is a relaxed, free chance for children to say hello and for families to take their own photos with Santa.
Dogs are welcome as long as they stay on a lead, so the family pet can be in the picture too. If your child would prefer some space from dogs, the event team can help. Santa's sleigh leaves promptly at 1pm, so plan to arrive well before then. The visit is part of a series of free council Santa stops across Altona, Newport and Williamstown in December. A reserve setting means children can run around while they wait their turn, and you can add the date to your calendar from the council page.
Parent tip: Bring your own camera or phone for photos. Santa leaves promptly at 1pm, so do not leave it too late.
See dates and details from Hobsons Bay City Council (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in North Melbourne
1 confirmed event in North Melbourne, soonest first.
The Lucky Door: A Merry Kidsmas (North Melbourne)
Meet SantaThe Lucky Door · North Melbourne
- Host
- The Lucky Door (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Viva Melbourne, 64 Sutton Street, North Melbourne 3051 (near Melbourne)
- When
- Thursdays to Sundays, Nov 27 to Dec 20, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
- Cost
- $39.90 to $59.90 (AUD)
- Ages
- Children and families
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Lucky Door: A Merry Kidsmas is an immersive Christmas experience made for children and families at Viva Melbourne in North Melbourne. Each session begins in an Elf Academy activity zone, then moves into a live show with singing, dancing and festive characters, and ends with an optional family photo with Santa.
Sessions run between 9:30am and 1:30pm on Thursdays to Sundays from late November to 20 December, starting Friday 27 November. Tickets range from $39.90 to $59.90. The listing does not give an age range, but the format is clearly aimed at younger children who love dress ups and characters. Viva Melbourne is on Sutton Street in North Melbourne, a short trip from the city centre. Sessions run across four weekends, including some Thursday and Friday mornings, which can be quieter than Saturdays.
Parent tip: Book a session time in advance. The Santa photo at the end is optional.
See dates and details from The Lucky Door (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Southbank
1 confirmed event in Southbank, soonest first.
Classic Kids: Christmas (Southbank)
Christmas showMelbourne Symphony Orchestra · Southbank
- Host
- Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Southbank 3006 (near Melbourne)
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 10:30 am and 12:30 pm (relaxed)
- Cost
- $39 per ticket (AUD), plus $8 booking fee per order
- Ages
- The whole family
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Classic Kids: Christmas is a short orchestral concert from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, pitched at the whole family. Conductor Leonard Weiss leads the orchestra with three Melba Opera Trust singers through traditional carols, modern holiday favourites and classical Christmas pieces. It runs about 50 minutes with no interval, which suits younger listeners.
The 12:30pm session is a relaxed performance. Lights stay on, doors stay open, there is general admission seating with room to move, chill out areas are available, and noise and movement are welcome. Ticket holders are emailed a visual story beforehand so children know what to expect. The 10:30am session had limited availability when checked. The programme features traditional carols alongside newer Christmas songs, so there is something familiar for children to sing along to. Hamer Hall sits on St Kilda Road beside the Arts Centre spire, an easy walk from Flinders Street Station.
Parent tip: Choose the 12:30pm relaxed session if your child finds concerts overwhelming. Tickets are one price, with an $8 booking fee per order.
See dates and details from Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Wheelers Hill
1 confirmed event in Wheelers Hill, soonest first.
Monash Carols by Candlelight 2026 (Wheelers Hill)
Christmas carolsFreeCity of Monash · Wheelers Hill
- Host
- City of Monash (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Jells Park, Waverley Road, Wheelers Hill 3150 (near Melbourne)
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 3 to 9:15 pm
- Cost
- Free, register via TryBooking
- Ages
- All ages
- Booking
- Booking recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Monash Carols by Candlelight takes over Jells Park in Wheelers Hill on Saturday 5 December 2026. A pre-show Christmas market opens at 3pm with crafts, gifts and treats, then food and children's activities start at 5:30pm. The main carols concert begins at 7:30pm as the sun sets.
Santa makes a special appearance before the night ends, and there is a fireworks finale at 9pm, with the event wrapping up at 9:15pm. Entry is free, but the council asks families to register in advance through the TryBooking link on its page. Jells Park is a large parkland on Waverley Road in Wheelers Hill, in Melbourne's south east. Questions can go to the Monash Council events team on 9518 3636. Pack a picnic rug and settle in, since the program runs across most of the afternoon and evening.
Parent tip: Register through TryBooking before the day. Come from 3pm if you want time at the market before the children's activities start.
See dates and details from City of Monash (opens in a new tab)A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cosy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.com.au (opens in a new tab)Melbourne Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Melbourne in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Melbourne for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Santa Photography and Sensitive Santa Photography (Chadstone), David Jones Photos with Santa, The Lucky Door: A Merry Kidsmas (North Melbourne), The Greatest Christmas Show (Narre Warren), Carols in Queens Park (Moonee Ponds), Classic Kids: Christmas (Southbank), Maroondah Carols (Croydon), Monash Carols by Candlelight 2026 (Wheelers Hill), Santa visit, Newport (Newport), Carols by Kingston (Chelsea), Family Christmas with the MSO (Classic Kids: Christmas) (Narre Warren) and Knox Carols 2026 (Ferntree Gully). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Melbourne?
Yes. 7 of the 13 events here are free, including Carols in Queens Park (Moonee Ponds), Maroondah Carols (Croydon), Monash Carols by Candlelight 2026 (Wheelers Hill), Santa visit, Newport (Newport), Carols by Kingston (Chelsea), Knox Carols 2026 (Ferntree Gully) and Mr Fantastico's Christmas Rooftop Carnival. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Melbourne this year?
Santa appears at Santa Photography and Sensitive Santa Photography (Chadstone), David Jones Photos with Santa, The Lucky Door: A Merry Kidsmas (North Melbourne), The Greatest Christmas Show (Narre Warren), Carols in Queens Park (Moonee Ponds), Maroondah Carols (Croydon), Monash Carols by Candlelight 2026 (Wheelers Hill), Santa visit, Newport (Newport), Carols by Kingston (Chelsea), Knox Carols 2026 (Ferntree Gully) and Mr Fantastico's Christmas Rooftop Carnival. Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on 2 November 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
