A Grandparent’s Guide to Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland 2026 at Caulfield Racecourse
Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland returns to Caulfield Racecourse from 25 November to 24 December 2026, with pre-sale tickets on until 30 September.
Grandchildren have a way of talking you into outings you’d never plan alone, and a Big Top full of tinsel, lights and Snoopy is a good example. This year’s Christmas Wonderland adds Charlie Brown’s Christmas Forest and Snoopy’s Vesper Track to the usual line-up. Each session runs for three hours, so you can take it at your own pace. Below you’ll find the 2026 dates, ticket prices, what’s new and how to get there, plus what our team learned on a visit last year.
Christmas Wonderland 2026: Dates and Tickets
- Dates: Wednesday 25 November to Thursday 24 December 2026 (Christmas Eve)
- Where: Caulfield Racecourse, Station Street, Caulfield. Enter via Gate 21.
- Session length: about three hours
- Pre-sale (8 August to 30 September): single ticket $35, family ticket (4 tickets) $110, plus booking fee
- General sale from 1 October: single ticket $42.50 (ages 3 and above), family ticket (4 tickets) $130, VIP ticket $75, plus booking fee
- Book online here via Ticketmaster, or phone Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland on 0400 881 007
- Children 2 and under go free; everyone else pays a single ticket price
If you’re buying for a family group, the pre-sale saves $7.50 on a single ticket and $20 on a family ticket.
What to Expect Inside the Big Top
Christmas Wonderland is held under The Grand Big Top, which means everything is indoors, weather-proof and close together. You’ll move through themed areas filled with lights, activities and gentle entertainment.
Some of the key experiences include:
- Rudolph’s Barnyard, with an animatronic reindeer for selfies
- Roving characters, including Snoopy
- Santa meet and greet, with a free gift
- North Pole Post Office, where letter-writing elves help with letters to Santa
- A 45-minute live show with Mrs Claus and her elves, described as “where Christmas meets circus”
- Mrs Claus’ Bakery, where children decorate a shortbread treat
- Three Christmas and candy themed jumping castles
- Junior rides: teacups, a small carousel and a mini train
- Elves Christmas Craft Village, where children paint a wooden Christmas tree or snowman stand
- Charlie Brown’s Christmas Forest and Snoopy’s Vesper Track
Extras that cost more: Santa photos, Meet the Grinch photos, carnival games and food and drink.
It’s colourful and lively — think the energy of a school fete, only wrapped in tinsel. The sessions run for a generous three hours, so there’s plenty of time to move at your own pace.
All of these things are included in the entry price, except the professional photos with Santa and The Grinch, some carnival games, merchandise and dining. The food options are very basic, with things like pies and chips.
We visit for an afternoon session, so we don’t need to buy a meal, but just get popcorn and some fairy floss for the kids.
What’s new this year
Two Peanuts additions join the line-up. Charlie Brown’s Christmas Forest is a Snoopy-themed walk-through where children make their own Christmas stocking to take home.
Snoopy’s Vesper Track lets them ride a Snoopy-themed vesper around a track with Peanuts characters and Christmas touches along the way.
Diane’s review: 29 November 2025 visit
Christmas Wonderland with the Grandchildren. That’s exactly what it was!
After an easy train ride to Caulfield — a highlight in itself for the out-of-town grandkids — we started what turned out to be a wonderful day. It’s just a short walk across the road from the station to the Caulfield Racecourse, where an enormous Circus Royale Big Top tent was waiting for us.
Once inside, you’re immediately entranced by the beautiful decorations, lights, trees and all the little touches that make it feel magical. Roaming characters greeted the children — Mrs Claus, the Grinch, Rudolph and the Care Bears — all very happy to stop for photos.
There were so many activities included at no extra cost: a Christmas craft village where the kids could decorate their own stocking, a factory to create a foam gingerbread house, plaster figures to paint… the list goes on. The jumping castles, especially the giant snowman, were a big hit, as was the Cup and Saucer ride.
We all enjoyed the live show featuring the Care Bears, Santa, Mrs Claus and several international circus acts. Our last stop was the roller-skating rink. I can’t say I enjoyed watching the grandkids attempt to navigate themselves around it — I was too busy hoping they’d all come home in one piece!
We spent a delightful three hours at Christmas Wonderland and would definitely recommend a visit with young children — and the big kids (adults) too!
Grandi,
Diane
Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit
1. Use the toilets before entering
The toilets are outside the main entrance. Once you’re inside, it’s a bit of a hassle to duck in and out again, especially with little ones in tow.
2. The craft areas are calm zones
Christmas Wonderland is highly stimulating — lots of sound, movement and excited children. The various craft areas allow kids and grown-ups to sit down and relax with an activity.
3. It’s not very pram-friendly
The space gets busy, and some corners are tight. If possible, leave the pram in the car, use a carrier, or have one adult stay with the pram in quieter areas.
4. Parking and public transport
- Parking costs $10, and spaces can fill quickly.
- Caulfield Station is right across the road, making the train an excellent alternative.
For many families — especially those avoiding the parking shuffle — public transport is the easier option.
5. Choose the right session time
Earlier sessions tend to be calmer and cooler, which many families prefer. Evening sessions can feel more energetic, but the lights are lovely.
6. Plenty of time to see everything
Each session runs for three hours, so there’s no need to rush. Take breaks, sit when you need to, and let the kids burn their energy while you enjoy the atmosphere.
Who Will Enjoy Christmas Wonderland Most?
The event is mostly geared towards children under 10, but the magic rubs off on adults too — especially those who enjoy watching the joy on their grandkids’ faces.
Parents and grandparents often say that having multiple generations together makes it a far richer experience. There’s something about the mix of lights, music and craft tables that brings out a bit of nostalgia.
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The Seniors in Melbourne team was hosted by Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland in 2025. All opinions are the writer’s own.
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