Here are our eight festive event picks from this year’s Christmas Festival

The city’s famous Christmas projections return for another eye-popping year, wrapping up the CBD in a festive bow. Let it glow at Melbourne Town Hall and State Library of Victoria as the beautiful heritage facades of each building light up with colourful festive treatments. Native floral wreaths and themed flower beds will combine in a dazzling display for you and the little ones. Don’t forget to say hi to the much-loved nutcracker soldiers standing guard outside the Town Hall.

When: November 24 – December 25

Price: Free

Get your skates on and roll on up to Carlton, because a pop-up roller skating rink will soon take over Argyle Square. Whether you’re after some family fun or a sweet date night, you’re sure to make special memories as you make laps around the rink. They’ll supply the classic tunes and hire skates (for a fee), just BYO your best dance moves and a confident attitude. Book online from November 24 to secure your slice of the action.

When: December 14-24

Price: Free entry and $10 for skate hire

Fountains, lasers, light projections and a festive soundtrack? Count us in! Head down to the Yarra near the Evan Walker Bridge in Southbank for a special show this Christmas. Simply rock up from 9pm on any night during the Christmas Festival and you’ll never have to wait long – there’ll be showings every 15 minutes each evening.

When: November 24 – December 25

Price: Free

Santa and his elves will be slogging away diligently in the lead up to Christmas, making countless toys and presents that must be ready for the big day. While this is obviously a massive global operation, the local workshop is at none other than Howey Place, just off Little Collins Street. Drop by to say hello or pose for a photo, just be aware that there might be a short wait during busy times. The workshop will be open from 10am-5.30pm Saturday-Wednesday and 10am-7.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

When: November 25 – December 24

Price: Free

Take a trip to New Quay Central Park in Docklands this festive season, because Santa needs your help with a Christmas-y emergency! Santa has lost his elves, and he needs your help to find them. Navigate your way through the twists and turns of this giant, present-themed maze and try your hand at some fun, interactive games that you’ll encounter along the way. When you play, you’ll also go in the running to win a prize. The Christmas Maze will be open from 11am until 5pm Wednesday to Sunday. 

When: November 29 – December 24

Price: Free

A side-splitting comedy extravaganza from kidult comedy extraordinaires the Listies will fill Melbourne Town Hall with laughter this December. Kids and families will delight in this comedy show packed with dextrous juggling and daring acrobatics. The Listies Ruin Xmas is a bin-night adventure that promises to be a truckload of fun. The proceeds go to Make Room to help assist people out of homelessness and everyone goes home with a treat. To make it a wheelie good time, keep in mind that the performance doesn’t include any dialogue, is highly interactive and includes haze and strobe lighting. There’ll be limited pram parking, as well as a quiet space and a family room.

When: 10.30am and 2.30pm, December 22

Price: $10

Melbourne’s striking Art Deco Capitol Theatre will host a flock of festive films throughout December. The program will mix it up with a combo of family faves and cult classics. The kids and adults alike will enjoy Elf, The Grinch, The Polar Express, The Santa Clause, The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Nutcracker and The Four Realms on the big Capitol Theatre screen. Films will play at 2pm throughout December and all the proceeds will also go to Make Room Project – you can find further details on the event website.

When: Throughout December

Price: $5

Make your way to the banks of the Birrarung for the Christmas Carnival. There’ll be festive thrills in the form of carnival rides and games, alongside classic carnival food. Ride the ferris wheel, drive the dodgems or get a sparkling view of the city lights as you spin 35 metres in the air on the Sky Flyer. The carnival will be open from 11am until 10pm and entry is free. You can buy tickets for each ride at the on-site ticket box.

When: December 14-24

Price: Various