Whether you’re wrangling kids, catching up with friends, or bringing the family dog along for the fun, these venues are dialled all the way up for Christmas cheer.
Here’s your go-to guide to the most joyful, family-friendly Christmas events happening this December.
College Lawn Hotel – Sunday, 7 December
Event details: Check it out here
Forget reindeer — this year, it’s all about the four-legged friends.
College Lawn Hotel is bringing back its cult-favourite Paws on the Lawn Christmas edition, transforming the beer garden into a festive playground for pups and their people. Expect:
📸 Photos with Santa Paws
🎁 A doggie Christmas market packed with treats, toys & gifts
✏️ Free caricature sketches (because yes, your dog deserves a portrait)
🍖 Special doggie meals + splash-worthy paddle pools
🎟️ Charity raffle at 3pm supporting The Lost Dogs’ Home
All dogs welcome — big, small, cheeky, nice, and everything in between.
Studley Park Boathouse – Selected dates in December
Event details: Check it out here
Santa’s traded the sleigh for the Yarra — and honestly, we get it.
Under the shade of the trees at Studley Park, families can swing by for a wholesome riverside photo opp with the big man himself. Every child walks away with a small gift, making it an easy December ritual for the whole family.
Santa’s visiting hours (5–7pm):
Wed 3 & Thurs 4 December
Wed 10 & Thurs 11 December
Wed 17 & Thurs 18 December
The Studley team will even capture the perfect phone snap for you — no awkward family-selfie struggle required.
Studley Park Boathouse – Wednesday 24 December
Event details: Check it out here
If your Christmas isn’t complete without a sing-along moment, make your way back to Studley Park for a full day of festive charm.
The riverside space will come alive with roaming characters, golden-hour carols, and plenty of seasonal sparkle.
The lineup:
2:00–3:00pm — Santa Claus
3:30–5:30pm — Gingerbread Man & Elf Helper
5:30–7:30pm — Santa Claus
From sunset — Carollers bringing the classics
It’s wholesome, it’s atmospheric, it’s peak December magic.
Saturday, 21 December | 2pm–4pm
Event details: Check it out here
Santa’s seaside this year, making a special appearance at The Espy Queenscliff. He’ll be roaming the venue for two hours of family photos, festive fun, and spontaneous “Have you been good this year?” moments.
Perfect for families making a day trip down the coast or locals wanting to kick off the Christmas countdown in style.
Christmas Eve – Tuesday 24 December | 12pm–2pm
Event details: Check it out here
For those who love a pre-Christmas lunch, Birallee Tavern has Santa clocking in early. He’ll be popping in for photos and festive chats between 12pm and 2pm.
Book a table, settle in for lunch, and make it a cosy, memorable Christmas Eve with great food and excited kids — a winning combo.
Wednesday 24 December | 5pm–7pm
Event details: Check it our here
Gather the crew and settle into Victoria Hotel’s warm, buzzing dining spaces for a relaxed and festive start to Christmas Eve.
From 5–7pm, Santa makes his grand appearance — perfect timing for families grabbing dinner or groups kicking off their holiday gatherings. Expect good food, good vibes, and that unmistakable eve-of-Christmas energy.
Tuesday 24 December | From 11am–1am
Event details: Check it out here
Not every Christmas event involves reindeer and candy canes — some call for DJs and a riverfront party that stretches into the night.
Anglers Tavern is bringing back its all-day, all-night Christmas Eve celebration, complete with:
Live DJs from 11am–1am
Massive festive energy
Free entry
A dance floor of people who definitely “only came for one drink”
This one’s strictly 18+, so round up your mates and toast to Christmas the riverside way.
Whether you’re chasing Santa sightings, kid-friendly fun, dog-friendly Christmas markets, or an all-out riverside party, Victoria’s got you covered.
