Melbourne’s multicultural southeast is lighting up this December with a vibrant calendar of community events that bring together diverse cultures, faiths and neighbourhoods in celebration of the holiday season and shared community values.

Grand Festival Celebrates Cultural Diversity

One of Melbourne’s biggest multicultural celebrations returns to Keysborough this weekend. The Keysborough Turkish Islamic & Cultural Centre Grand Festival takes place on Saturday 6 December and Sunday 7 December from 12:30pm until late at 396 Greens Road, Keysborough. The two-day extravaganza offers free entry and features over 40 food and retail stalls showcasing international cuisines, more than 15 rides for all ages, camel and horse riding, face painting, and a spectacular fireworks display. This celebration of community, culture and diversity welcomes everyone regardless of background, culture or faith, embodying the multicultural spirit that defines the region.​

Building Community Connections Through Dialogue

Addressing the pressures facing diverse communities, three local councils have partnered on an important social cohesion initiative. The “Connections That Matter” workshop takes place on Tuesday 9 December from 1pm to 4pm at Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Led by independent facilitator Tania Miletic, this free event brings together residents from Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia to define what social cohesion means for the community today and explore the role each person plays in shaping a stronger, fairer future. The initiative is a collaboration between the three councils, the Australian Government’s Office for Social Cohesion, the Municipal Association of Victoria and the Victorian Multicultural Commission. Registrations are essential and can be made through Eventbrite.​

Christmas Carols Light Up the Region

The festive season brings communities together through song and celebration across multiple venues. Carols by Kingston on Sunday 7 December at Bicentennial Park in Chelsea (5pm-9:30pm) features an impressive lineup with MCs Bobby Fox and Rob Mills, headliner Marina Prior, and performers including Bernard Curry, Alinta Chidzey, CC Dewar, Nina Ferro, Kathleen Halloran, and the Mordialloc Jazz Orchestra. The Australian Girls Choir performs a special kids show starting at 6pm, with Santa’s Workshop Kids Zone, food stalls, BBQ and fireworks rounding out the free family event.​

Endeavour Hills Community Carols takes place on Saturday 13 December from 5:30pm to 9:30pm at Reveal Church, 2-8 Gleneagles Drive, Endeavour Hills. This free family event features local schools and music groups including gospel ensemble Urban Praise, food trucks, carnival games, children’s activities and fireworks at 9:15pm.​

Narre Warren North offers a more intimate gathering with Community Carols on Saturday 13 December from 6:30pm to 10:30pm at A’Beckett Road Reserve. This relaxed picnic atmosphere features traditional carols, free sausage sizzle, tea and coffee, with entry at $10 per family of four or $5 per person. Note that pets are not permitted except service animals.​

Remembering Children with Love and Compassion

The Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust hosts its 20th annual Children’s Remembrance Service on Sunday 7 December from 5pm to 7pm at Bunurong Memorial Park, 790 Frankston-Dandenong Road, Dandenong South. For many families, this free service has become a cherished tradition to commemorate beloved children who are no longer with them. The event takes place at Stratus Reflection Space, with doors opening at 4pm and the service commencing at 5pm, followed by light refreshments and conversation until 7pm. A highlight is the recalling of the star “Eternal Light,” named in memory of all babies and children remembered since the first service in 2005, serving as a symbol of unwavering love and comfort. RSVPs are essential through Eventbrite.​

Australia’s Largest Nativity Display Returns

St. Elizabeth’s Parish in Dandenong North presents the Australian Nativity Scene, now in its 22nd year, from Monday 1 December 2025 through Friday 9 January 2026 at 107 Bakers Road. This free event showcases Australia’s largest and most renowned traditional nativity scene, created by designer Wilson Fernandez. The display features handmade huts, stables, buildings, bridges, palaces, houses and temples surrounded by mountains, rocks, lakes and rivers, telling the complete Christmas story from Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter through the holy family’s flight to Egypt. Viewing times are 10:30am to 8pm strictly by appointment only (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day). Appointments can be made by contacting Wilson at 0428 927 110 or the Parish Office at 9795 6217.​

Festive Activities and Community Support

The Christmas spirit extends throughout the month with numerous activities. The “12 Days of Christmas” at Dandenong Market (corner Clow and Cleeland Streets) runs until Sunday 21 December on market days from 10am to 2pm, offering free workshops including Christmas crafts, card making, cookie decorating, face painting, hair braiding, music circles and photo opportunities with Santa.​

“Helping Hand Day” on Friday 12 December from 4pm to 7pm at 307 Gladstone Road, Dandenong provides free poultry, fresh produce, pantry items, self-care hampers, BBQ and family-friendly activities to anyone in need. Hosted by We Care Community Services, this free event includes children’s entertainment and refreshments to support local families.​

Christmas entertainment enlivens shopping districts across the region, with multi-skilled musicians performing three 45-minute sets in Springvale (Saturday 13 December 11am-2pm and Tuesday 23 December 2pm-5pm), Dandenong (Wednesday 17 December 11am-2pm and Saturday 20 December 11am-2pm), and Noble Park (Friday 19 December 3pm-6pm and Monday 22 December 11am-2pm).​

Ongoing Community Programs

Beyond December events, the region offers year-round activities supporting wellbeing and connection. Free mental health support is available every Monday from 10am to 2pm at Springvale Community Hub through Mental Health and Wellbeing Local for people aged 26 and over, with no referral, Medicare card or visa required and interpreters available.​

The “WE” (Women’s Empowerment) Workshops meet Wednesdays from 10:30am to 12:30pm at Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park, offering free sessions on topics including self-defense, financial independence, Bollywood dancing, psychology and Japanese ink art.​

Senior citizens can participate in various activities including the Keysborough & District Multicultural Senior Citizens group (over 55s) featuring bingo, live concerts, line dancing and ballroom dancing on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at Rowley Allan Reserve, 352 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough.​

Celebrating Local History

“The Place To Be: Dandenong Town Hall” exhibition celebrates 135 years of the iconic venue, now the Drum Theatre, through photographs, fashion, stories and shared memories. The free exhibition runs Mondays to Fridays 10am-4pm until 20 February at Drum Theatre, 226 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, and Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am-2pm at Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong.​

A special event “Remember Dandenong Town Hall” takes place on Thursday 11 December at 1:30pm at Heritage Hill Museum, where Dandenong and District Historical Society President Chris Keys shares stories about events, performances and people associated with the historic venue. Attendees are encouraged to bring memorabilia, with delicious afternoon tea included. Bookings are required through the Greater Dandenong events website.