The Best Things to Do in Melbourne This December

Here's your guide to filling this month with all the best food, drink, films, live music, pop-ups and activations Melbourne has to offer.
Concrete Playground
Published on December 05, 2024
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  • Event

    DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern

    Sun, 15 Dec 2024 - Sat, 8 Mar 2025

    Sydney Opera House, Sydney

    This live 'Dungeons & Dragons' show has finally rolled into Australia for its Down Under premiere at the Sydney Opera House.

  • Event

    Melbourne Marriott Docklands Rooftop Infinity Pool Pass

    Mon, 16 Dec 2024 - Mon, 31 Mar 2025

    Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands, Docklands

    Spend your summer days sipping spritzes and paddling around this rooftop infinity pool.

  • Event

    Baby's Summer of Spritz

    Thu, 28 Nov 2024 - Fri, 28 Feb 2025

    Baby Pizza, Richmond

    Baby's summertime happy hour deal includes a bunch of $9.50 spritzes, $6.5 Peroni Rossas and a $7.50 house wine.

  • Event

    Squid Game: The Experience

    Sat, 14 Dec 2024 - Sun, 2 Feb 2025

    Luna Park, Milsons Point

    This immersive 'Squid Game' experience at Sydney's Luna Park will get you playing 'Red Light, Green Light' IRL.

  • Event

    NGV Friday Nights: Yayoi Kusama

    Fri, 20 Dec 2024 - Fri, 18 Apr 2025

    NGV International, Melbourne

    The NGV's big Yayoi Kusama exhibition is hosting after-hours parties so you can spend Friday evenings surrounded by dots and pumpkins.

  • Event

    Section 8 x Welcome Merchant's Pop-Up Market

    Sat, 14 Dec, 2024

    Section 8, Melbourne

    Section 8 is hosting a one-off pop-up Christmas market supporting businesses run by refugees and asylum seekers.

  • Event

    East Brunswick Village Christmas Night Market

    Thu, 12 Dec, 2024

    East Brunswick Village, Brunswick East

    The Christmas market will feature over 70 shopping stalls, free animated short films, carrollers, a complimentary gift-wrapping station, and heaps of one-off dishes and drinks from local traders.

  • Event

    Cats & Dogs

    Fri, 1 Nov 2024 - Sun, 20 Jul 2025

    The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Melbourne

    Featuring 250-plus works, NGV Australia's adorable exhibition agrees that there's no such thing as too many pet pictures.

  • Event

    Kisume and Society's Summer Cocktail Hour

    Tue, 3 Dec 2024 - Thu, 27 Feb 2025

    Kisumé, Melbourne

    Head to Kisume's Chablis Bar and Society's The Lounge for $15 cocktails and discounted snacks throughout summer.

  • Event

    Underground: The Hidden Archive of the Warsaw Ghetto

    Sun, 17 Nov 2024 - Sun, 30 Mar 2025

    Melbourne Holocaust Museum, Elsternwick

    This is the first time the archive has been exhibited outside of Europe.

  • Event

    Mary Eats Cake's Christmas Festival

    Sun, 1 Dec - Sun, 22 Dec 2024

    Mary Eats Cake Brunswick, Brunswick

    The high tea team is serving up mulled wine spritzes, gingerbread french toast, mini pavlovas, turkey toasties and pumpkin spiced lattes throughout December.

  • Event

    Double Shot Maggie: Irish Live Music

    Sat, 7 Dec 2024 - Sat, 4 Jan 2025

    The Quiet Man Irish Pub, Kensington

    A night full of singing, dancing, and laughing is in store at The Quiet Man Irish Pub

  • Event

    New Year's Eve in Melbourne's Southside

    Tue, 31 Dec, 2024

    Various Melbourne venues, Melbourne

    It’s officially time to start sorting out your New Year’s Eve plans.

  • Event

    VAN GOGH, MONET & DEGAS 3D: LASTING IMPRESSIONS at IMAX Melbourne

    Thu, 28 Nov 2024 - Fri, 31 Jan 2025

    IMAX Melbourne, Carlton

    See some of history's most iconic artworks come alive like never before.

  • Event

    Together for Lebanon Fundraiser

    Sun, 8 Dec, 2024

    Abla's, Carlton

    Abla’s, A1 Bakery, Alimentari, Larderfresh and Linden Cook are joining forces to raise money for people in Lebanon.

  • Event

    Etta's Summer Seafood Towers

    Fri, 22 Nov - Sat, 21 Dec 2024

    Etta, Brunswick East

    This incredible wine bar and restaurant is serving decadent seafood towers for just $75 per person every Friday and Saturday afternoon.

  • Event

    Long Live Longnecks at BANG

    Wed, 20 Nov 2024 - Fri, 28 Feb 2025

    BANG at The StandardX, Fitzroy

    You can get two-for-one Melbourne Bitter Longnecks and $1 homemade dumplings during this happy hour deal.

  • Event

    Home Truth

    Wed, 13 Nov 2024 - Sun, 27 Apr 2025

    NGV International, Melbourne

    A house-within-a-house labyrinth has popped up outside the NGV International to get everyone thinking about small-scale architecture.

  • Event

    Spanish BBQ Fiesta on Pinchy's Balcony

    Sun, 1 Dec - Sun, 22 Dec 2024

    Pinchy's, Melbourne

    Hit up this CBD restaurant on Sunday arvos in December for unlimited food and drinks on its sun-soaked terrace.

  • Event

    Sun Chasers Sunday Sessions

    Sun, 10 Nov 2024 - Sun, 2 Feb 2025

    W Melbourne, Melbourne

    Pair your sky-high swim sesh with bottomless wine and snacks at W Melbourne.

  • Event

    Moonlight Cinema Melbourne

    Fri, 29 Nov 2024 - Sun, 30 Mar 2025

    Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, South Yarra

    Catch 'The Fall Guy', 'Gladiator II', 'The Substance' and a heap of Christmas movies under the stars in the Royal Botanic Gardens.

  • Event

    ALWAYS LIVE — Garage Band

    Sat, 7 Dec - Sun, 8 Dec 2024

    Federation Square, Melbourne

    A free event shining the spotlight on Victoria's talented young musicians.

  • Event

    ALWAYS LIVE — Yerambooee

    Sat, 7 Dec, 2024

    Federation Square, Melbourne

    A free communal celebration of First Nations legend and song.

  • Event

    Upstairs @ The Rochey

    Multiple single dates

    The Rochester Hotel, Fitzroy

    The Rochey is hosting intimate electronic gigs every Saturday night in its upstairs bandroom.

  • Event

    Van Gogh at The Lume

    Thu, 26 Dec 2024 - Mon, 31 Mar 2025

    THE LUME Melbourne, South Wharf

    Sunflowers, stars and a sublime multi-sensory experience: you'll find them all at this immersive and stunning exhibition.

  • Event

    Apéritif v Aperitivo Arvos at Molly Rose Brewery

    Wed, 16 Oct 2024 - Fri, 31 Jan 2025

    Molly Rose Brewery, Collingwood

    Sample Molly Rose's new small-batch gins, pastis, vodkas and vermouths at its aperitivo sessions and masterclasses.

  • Event

    Mov'In Bed Beach Cinema at The District Docklands

    Fri, 6 Dec 2024 - Sun, 30 Mar 2025

    The District Docklands, Docklands

    Watch movies on mattresses on the sand at Docklands — 'Gladiator II', 'Wicked', 'Joker: Folie à Deux' and 'Home Alone' are on the lineup.

  • Event

    British Film Festival

    Wed, 6 Nov - Sun, 8 Dec 2024

    Select cinemas in Melbourne, Various locations

    This year's showcase of UK cinema features Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield's new romance 'We Live in Time', not one but two Saoirse Ronan movies and Barry Keoghan's latest.

  • Event

    Bottomless Brunch at Ming Dining

    Fri, 4 Oct 2024 - Sun, 23 Feb 2025

    Ming Dining, Melbourne

    This CBD fine-diner is pairing a seven-course Asian-fusion feed with bottomless cocktails, beer and wine for only $69 per person.

  • Event

    The Future & Other Fictions

    Thu, 28 Nov 2024 - Sun, 27 Apr 2025

    ACMI, Melbourne

    From 'Blade Runner 2049' to Björk, this world-premiere exhibition at ACMI explores and celebrates futuristic storytelling.

  • Event

    The Fans Strike Back: A Fan Exhibition

    Sat, 23 Nov 2024 - Mon, 31 Mar 2025

    The District Docklands, Docklands

    This 'Star Wars'-worshipping showcase is bringing one of the planet's largest private collections of replica memorabilia from the franchise to Melbourne.

  • Event

    The Killers: Live in Australia 2024

    Thu, 12 Dec - Fri, 13 Dec 2024

    Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

    You'll be doin' just fine when The Killers hit Melbourne to celebrate 20 years of 'Hot Fuss'.

  • Event

    Good Things

    Fri, 6 Dec, 2024

    Flemington Racecourse, Flemington

    Korn, Sum 41, Violent Femmes and Billy Corgan lead the 2024 lineup at this big alternative, metal and punk music fest.

  • Event

    Beyond The Valley

    Sat, 28 Dec 2024 - Wed, 1 Jan 2025

    Barunah Plains, Hesse

    See out 2024 and welcome 2025 with Fisher, Ice Spice, Tinashe, Sugababes, Natasha Bedingfield and more.

  • Event

    Elf: The Musical

    Thu, 19 Dec - Sun, 29 Dec 2024

    Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Sydney

    The stage musical version this festive big-screen favourite is finally making its Australian premiere.

  • Event

    Meredith Music Festival

    Fri, 6 Dec - Sun, 8 Dec 2024

    Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, Nolan Farm, Meredith

    This year's massive 2024 lineup will get you dancing to Jamie xx, Waxahatchee and Genesis Owusu in regional Victoria.

  • Event

    Always Live

    Fri, 22 Nov - Sun, 8 Dec 2024

    Various venues across Victoria

    17 days of leading live music on stages all over Victoria.

  • Event

    Handmade Design Market

    Sun, 15 Sep and Sun, 15 Dec 2024 

    Coburg Town Hall, Coburg

    Support local artists and designers at this neighbourhood makers market at Coburg Town Hall.

  • Event

    Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy

    Sun, 3 Nov - Sun, 15 Dec 2024

    Regent Theatre, Melbourne

    Your prayers have been answered: this smash-hit Broadway musical is finally bringing its screen-to-stage show to Melbourne.

  • Event

    Yayoi Kusama

    Sun, 15 Dec 2024 - Mon, 21 Apr 2025

    NGV International, Melbourne

    Australia's biggest-ever Yayoi Kusama retrospective is coming to the NGV in Melbourne with a brand-new infinity mirror room.

  • Event

    Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius

    Sat, 16 Mar - Sun, 8 Dec 2024

    THE LUME Melbourne, South Wharf

    Hello 'Mona Lisa': Melbourne digital art gallery The Lume's big multi-sensory 2024 exhibition is dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci.

  • Event

    Santas Eat Free at Mr Miyagi

    Tue, 17 Dec, 2024

    Mr. Miyagi, Prahran

    Dress up as Santa for an evening and get a free set menu and unlimited drinks for 90 minutes.

  • Event

    Koorie Krismas

    Sat, 14 Dec, 2024

    Federation Square, Melbourne

    Celebrate Christmas early at Fed Square with market stalls, stellar First Nation performances and a special appearance from Koorie Klaus.

  • Event

    CherryHill Orchards Cherry Picking Festival

    Sun, 10 Nov 2024 - Sun, 5 Jan 2025

    Cherryhill Orchards, Wandin East

    Hit this Yarra Valley orchard for cherry picking, picnicking, live tunes and cherry ice cream.

  • Event

    QVM's Summer Night Market

    Wed, 20 Nov, 2024

    Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne

    Over 100 local traders are participating in this summer's market, including 45 street food stalls and six pop-up bars.

  • Event

    Palm Tree Music Festival

    Sun, 8 Dec, 2024

    Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne

    This impressive fest is returning Down Under for the second time with The Chainsmokers leading the lineup.

  • Event

    Portsea Hotel's Summer Music Series

    Multiple single dates

    Portsea Hotel, Portsea

    The Presets, Jake Webb, Darley and DJ Levi will be playing waterfront gigs this summer at Portsea Hotel.

  • Event

    Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion

    Mon, 25 Nov 2024 - Sun, 19 Jan 2025

    Melbourne Museum, Carlton

    Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Melbourne Museum invites you into the world of First Nations fashion and textile design at its latest exhibition.

  • Event

    'Home Alone' in Concert

    Thu, 5 Dec 2024, Fri, 6 Dec 2024 and Sat, 7 Dec 2024 

    Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne

    This festive season, you can relive the 90s Christmas classic with a live orchestral score — ya filthy animals.

  • Event

    Lost Paradise

    Sat, 28 Dec 2024 - Wed, 1 Jan 2025

    Glenworth Valley, Glenworth Valley

    Fisher, Tinashe, Royel Otis and Flight Facilities doing their Decades mix are all on the lineup at this end-of-year festival.

  • Event

    Jewish International Film Festival

    Sun, 27 Oct - Wed, 4 Dec 2024

    Select cinemas in Melbourne, Various locations

    2024's JIFF is opening with Jesse Eisenberg's 'A Real Pain' — and there's plenty more highlights across its 41-film program from there.

  • Event

    $5 Taco Tuesdays at Mesa Verde

    Tue, 2 Jul, 2024

    Mesa Verde, Melbourne

    Drop by Curtin House's Mesa Verde to score as many $5 tacos as you like — potentially pairing them with the venue's happy hour margarita special.

  • Event

    Inner-West Sessions

    Thu, 4 Jul, 2024

    Misfits Bar, Footscray

    This monthly event series champions DJs, artists and food vendors from Melbourne's vibrant western suburbs.

  • Event

    Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition

    Tue, 17 Sep 2024 - Sun, 16 Feb 2025

    ACMI, Melbourne

    Start honking: this free world-premiere 'Untitled Goose Game' celebration at ACMI showcases everyone's favourite horrible goose.

  • Event

    Non-Stop Noods at New Quarter

    Sat, 20 Jan - Sun, 29 Dec 2024

    New Quarter, Richmond

    Sip and slurp your way through bottomless margaritas and never-ending bowls of Vietnamese noodles.

  • Event

    SCI-FI: Mythologies Transformed — Science Gallery Melbourne

    Sat, 3 Aug - Sat, 14 Dec 2024

    Science Gallery Melbourne, Parkville

    It's time to learn about the ancient history and diverse future of science fiction.

  • Event

    All-You-Can-Eat Charcoal Chicken

    Sat, 13 Apr - Sun, 29 Dec 2024

    Henrietta Windsor, Windsor

    Featuring hot chicks, crispy chips, creamy toum, fattoush salad, Henrietta’s signature hummus, and pickles.

There’s stacks of things to do in Melbourne this December, from film festivals and food pop-ups to art exhibitions and free gigs galore.

Top image: Section 8.

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