Grab your little ones and plan a family day out during the festive season. These free events, fun activities and unique experiences will be loved by young and old.

The best family Christmas events in ³Ô¹ÏÍø

• Christmas Square – 28 November to 25 December

• Christmas Stamp Trail – 28 November to 25 December

• Crown Christmas River Show – 28 November to 25 December

• Bubble Show for Christmas – 23 and 24 December

• Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight – 23 and 24 December

• Christmas Cinema – 6 December to 21 December

Head to Christmas Square for the giant sparkling tree

28 November to 25 December

There's plenty to love at Christmas Square, and you can't miss the 17.5-metre high LED tree. Head to Federation Square and marvel at the dazzling structure and more glittering decorations. A spectacular sound and light show will fill the space with a beautiful festive glow from 9pm to 11pm every night.

Follow a merry trail through ³Ô¹ÏÍø

28 November to 25 December

Add some cheer to your Christmas shopping with this fun city adventure. Pick up a Christmas map at one of the ³Ô¹ÏÍø visitor centres and start your quest. From ³Ô¹ÏÍø Central to Town Hall, collect all five stamps to reveal a secret codeword. Spot magical Christmas decorations dotting the streets along the way. Then scan the QR code on your map for a chance to win a special prize valued at $4000!

See a magical Christmas river show

From 28 November to 25 December

A spectacular river show is coming to Crown this Christmas! Head to Southbank Promenade to catch this dazzling Christmas show featuring water fountains, lasers, light projections and a festive soundtrack. Shows will run from 9pm to 11pm each night.

See a festive bubble show

23 and 24 December

A cute and bubbly Christmas show is coming to ³Ô¹ÏÍø for two magical days. Mayhem breaks loose when Dr Bubble, Santa's official bubble maker, accidentally brings a new friend to life. Kids of all ages will be dazzled by the stunning bubble displays in this Christmas adventure.

Visit the iconic annual Carols by Candlelight

23 and 24 December

³Ô¹ÏÍø's most beloved Christmas tradition returns for another star-studded year. See famous faces perform stirring renditions of all your favourite festive tunes. Visit on Christmas Eve or score discounted tickets for the rehearsal on 23 December. And it's all for a good cause – the Carols raise money for Vision Australia's children's services.

Catch a screening of your fave festive films

6 December to 21 December

Get to the iconic Capitol Theatre to see your favourite Christmas movies. The program features a mix of cult-classic family favourites including The Santa Clause, Home Alone, Arthur Christmas and Elf. They're playing every weekend through December up until Christmas. Tickets are $8 per person or $5 for kids, seniors and concession holders.