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Melbourne's big free Christmas attractions haven't announced their 2026 dates yet. Instead of guessing, this page shows exactly what the official sites say as of Sat 31 Oct 2026, and we update it every Thursday as details land.
| Event | What the official site says (Sat 31 Oct 2026) |
|---|---|
| City of Melbourne Christmas Festival | "Details of the 2026 Christmas program will be announced in November via What's On Melbourne." The City says the festival runs "throughout November and December" with light displays and decorations. |
| Myer Christmas Windows (Bourke St Mall) | "Check back in soon to immerse yourself in the wonder and joy of the 2026 Myer Christmas Windows." No 2026 date or theme yet. |
These are free all year. Watch the Christmas closures:
When Open daily 10am–6pm (closed New Year's Day, Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day)
Where 328 Swanston St, Melbourne
Price Free entry
The domed La Trobe Reading Room is one of Melbourne's great free interiors, and the galleries are free too.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Open daily 10am–5pm (closed Christmas Day)
Where 180 St Kilda Rd, Southbank
Price Free entry; some special exhibitions are ticketed
The home of international art and design in Melbourne. The permanent collection is free to wander, rain or shine.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Open daily 10am–5pm (1–5pm Anzac Day; closed Christmas Day)
Where Federation Square, Melbourne
Price Free entry, with some ticketed events
Melbourne's museum of film, TV, videogames and art, with the interactive Story of the Moving Image. Great on a rainy day.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Open every day 10am–5pm (last entry 4:30pm), except Christmas Day and Good Friday
Where Birdwood Ave, Melbourne
Price Free entry (donations welcome)
Victoria's war memorial. Free guided tours run on the hour from 10am to 4pm (except 1pm).
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Thu 12 Nov 2026, 4:15pm–6:15pm
Where Performance Space, narrm ngarrgu Library, 141 Therry St, Melbourne
Price Free, no booking
A free screening of the fully painted Van Gogh feature. Also screening Thu 10 Dec.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
Not announced yet. As of Sat 31 Oct 2026, Myer's Christmas page says to "check back in soon" for the 2026 windows.
The City of Melbourne describes its Christmas Festival as decorations, light displays, family-friendly activities and seasonal events across the city in November and December. The 2026 program, including which events are free, will be announced in November via What's On Melbourne.
No. State Library Victoria closes on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (and New Year's Day and Good Friday).
