What’s on in Melbourne in December (Updated for 2023)

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. Average temperatures hover around 17 to 26 degrees Celsius (63 to 79 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 (Monday 25 December) and Boxing Day (Tuesday 26 December).

The term 4 summer school holidays kick off on 21 December 2023.

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 Birrarung Marr, Queensbridge Square or Fed Square
• Dance at NYE festival Heaps Good, headlined by Flume
• Book a night out at a restaurant

Theatre, film and music

A Very Naughty Christmas

A hilarious adults-only Christmas comedy – think raunchy reindeer, carnal carols and (ahem) a long North Pole.

The Wind in the Willows

The Australian Shakespeare Company brings back this classic play to the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Alice in Wonderland

Tumble down the rabbit hole with the beloved children’s story.

ALWAYS LIVE

ALWAYS LIVE is back, with 17 days of live music, with gigs held across the whole state.

Blaktivism

Celebrate Blak cultures and Blak artivism at this festival headlined by King Stingray.

Mamma Mia! The Musical

The world-famous musical is heading in Melbourne – book tickets for a great night out for all ages.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Clearly a fan favourite, because this musical spectacular has returned to Melbourne!

Hour of the Wolf

An immersive performance that plays out around you, follow the characters like a choose your own adventure to see the story from each of their perspectives.

Elvis: A Musical Revolution

Seen the movie? Now come see the music live.

Miss Saigon

The epic and tragic love story is in Melbourne, with a cast of 42 performers.

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill

This Melbourne Theatre Company performance follows Billie Holiday – who was nicknamed Lady Day – as she prepares for her final performance.

BBC Earth Experience

Experience an unforgettable journey through the natural world, narrated by David Attenborough. 

Museums and art

Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition

More than 200 artefacts from the Titanic are used to tell the stories of those involved in that fateful night more than 100 years ago.

NGV Triennial

This blockbuster exhibition will take over all floors of the NGV, featuring the works of more than 100 artists and designers.

(This is) Air

This year’s NGV Architecture Commission and part of the NGV Triennial, (This is) Air uses air as a building material. The sphere structure will morph and change throughout the day.

Photography: Real and Imagined

This new exhibit examines photography from two perspectives: as documentation of real events and as a creative storytelling mechanism.

Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature

Featuring five large-scale digital works, this new ACMI exhibit explores the majesty of the natural world – from droplets of water to cells of the human body to black holes.

RELICS: A New World Rises

This playful LEGO exhibition comes from previous winners of LEGOMasters and tells a story set in a future long after humanity’s reign, where LEGO® minifigures have risen from the debris.

Connection at The Lume

The Lume – the incredibly immersive art experience – welcomes a stunning First Nations exhibition called Connection.

Rain Room

Walk through a room of rain without getting wet? This immersive art installation is beautifully done.

Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition

A showcase of photographs taken by Princess Diana’s “favourite” royal photographer.

Monopoly Dreams

Immerse yourself in giant Monopoly sets, win prizes and – most importantly – stay out of jail!

The Friends Experience

Recreate your favourite Friends scenes at this fun new exhibit, which includes sets such as Monica’s kitchen.

Planetarium Nights

Head to Scienceworks for an adults-only, after dark experience. December’s events include Moons: World of Mystery (follow astronauts’ journeys to the moon) and Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon (a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic album).

Liam Young: Planetary Redesign

This thought-provoking – and visually stunning – exhibition by filmmaker Liam Young proposes some radical solutions to climate change.

Gandel Gondwana Garden

Gondwana – the huge supercontinent that formed a mere 500 million years ago and connected Australia to much of the Southern Hemisphere – is brought to life in a new exhibition at Melbourne Museum.

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!

Jamaican Food and Music Festival

Celebrate all things Jamaican, from reggae to jerk chicken, at this all-day festival.

Little Korea Street Food Christmas Festival

Enjoy Christmas with a Korean twist at this delicious street food festival.

Community events, festivals and shopping

The Big Design Market

Shop from a beautiful range of unique and handmade gifts, including jewellery, homewares, fashion and more from over 250 designers from around Australia.

Alliance Française Xmas Market

Pick up fabulous Frenchy gifts and sample French foods like crepes and raclette at this festive market.

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.

Christmas Carnival

A ferris wheel, dodgem cars, carnival games and fried snacks all make for a fun family outing.

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