What’s on in Melbourne in December 2026

As the year comes to a close, December in Melbourne is the perfect time to visit the city – before the rush of the school holidays and Christmas period.

This month, like usual, Melbourne’s event calendar is packed. There are Christmas markets that bring a festive atmosphere (and allow you to get your last-minute shopping done) and outdoor events that take advantage of the warming weather.

In this article, I’ll guide you through my top picks for December in Melbourne, including the best Christmas lights and decorations, outdoor activities, theatre shows and how the city celebrates New Year’s Eve.

Here’s a curated selection of the must-dos happening this December in the city.

Melbourne weather in December

Welcome summer! The weather in Melbourne during December is typically warm and inviting, the perfect backdrop for Christmas and New Year’s festivities. The average temperature is around 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit), but can climb to as high as 40 degrees (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

The days are longer and sunnier, although the city’s famous “four seasons in a day” can still make an appearance. This means you might experience occasional showers, but they’re generally short-lived.

Check the upcoming Melbourne weather forecast online, and read my full guide to summer in Melbourne.

Public holidays in Melbourne in December

Christmas means two public holidays – Christmas Day (Friday 25 December 2026) and Boxing Day (Monday 28 December 2026).

The term 4 summer school holidays kick off on 19 December 2026.

Major events and festivals in December

Check back regularly throughout the month – I’ll keep this page updated as I hunt down more events!

Christmas in Melbourne

There’s so much happening around Melbourne in the lead up to Christmas! My full guide to Christmas in Melbourne includes:

• The best lights and decorations around the city
• Must-do Christmas events
• Where to get your Christmas decorations and ornaments
• Where to eat on Christmas Day
• And… some ideas for what to do on Christmas Day if you don’t celebrate

I’ve also got a guide to the best Melbourne Christmas markets.

New Year’s Eve

Ring in the New Year in Melbourne. There are plenty of events and parties around the city:

• Watch the fireworks – head to one of the free, official Celebration Zones at Docklands, The Shrine, Flagstaff Gardens or Treasury Gardens
• Book a night out at a restaurant

Theatre, film and music

My Fair Lady

Celebrating 70 dazzling years since its glorious Broadway debut, Lerner and Loewe’s iconic My Fair Lady is based on the 2016 Australian production directed by Julie Andrews, who was catapulted into stardom when she originated the role of Eliza Doolittle, an irrepressible Cockney flower girl who transforms into a lady of society.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Adapted from the novel by Ken Kesey and written by Dale Wasserman, this play takes audiences inside the stark world of a psychiatric institution ruled with icy control by the formidable Nurse Ratched. Starring Jason Donovan.

Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies

The Australian Shakespeare Company puts on this family-friendly show, where the adventurous Tinkerbell meets up with the fairies from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 

Candelight Concert Series with Fever

Fever brings their stunning candlelit concerts to venues across Melbourne. There’s everything from the Best of Frank Sinatra and Fleetwood Mac to tributes to Queen and Beyonce.

Darkfield

Step inside a shipping container in COMPLETE darkness and experience the immersive The Invisible Man or Flight (or grab a deal and do both!).

Moonlight Cinema

Catch a flick under the stars in the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens.

Maho Magic Bar

Be transported to a neon-lit Tokyo night of mischief and amazement, where Japan’s very best perform exclusive magic shows at your table.

Melbourne Magic Show

Have your mind blown by the magic and illusion of Master Magician Luke Hocking.

Museums and art

Barbie: The Exhibition

Created by the Design Museum, London, Barbie: The Exhibition invites you to journey into the Barbie universe and discover over 250 remarkable objects, with rare, unique and innovative dolls dating from 1959 to the present day. 

ENCORE! 50 Objects. 50 Years. One Collection

Explore treasures from across Australia’s performing arts history – including Kylie’s legendary gold hot pants, costumes worn by Olivia Newton-John and Hugh Jackman, and Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst’s drum kit.

NGV Triennial

NGV’s Triennial returns in 2026, with all four levels of the building set to be taken over. The exhibition presents over 80 extraordinary projects from nearly 100 artists and designers at the forefront of global contemporary practice.

NGV Friday Nights

More details to come.

Nocturnal: Museum After Dark

On the second Thursday of each month, experience Melbourne Museum after hours – and child free. Explore the exhibitions, listen to themed talks and tours, or get involved in interactive activities. There’s also DJs and live music, as well as food and drinks.

Planetarium Nights

Head to Scienceworks for an adults-only, after dark experience. December’s events TBC.

Experience the Dome Promenade

One of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings has opened a hidden part that hasn’t been accessible to the public for 100 years.

Food and drink events in December

Summer Night Market

Summer means the return of Queen Vic Market’s Summer Night Market!

Asia Street Food Festival by the Yarra

Eat to your heart’s content at this festival which showcases more than 40 vendors offering over 200 dishes that reflect Asia’s rich culinary traditions. 

Community events, festivals and shopping

Boho Luxe Christmas Market

Browse unique jewellery, art and fashion from Melbourne’s best designers. There are also workshops and psychic readings throughout the day.

Pasko Sa Melbourne

Celebrate Christmas the Filipino way at this “Christmas in our hearts” event. There’s a photo booth, face painting, games and parol (lantern) making.

What are you most excited to see and do in December in Melbourne?