Melbourne’s ultimate festive pop culture celebration is back! Oz Comic-Con Xmas Edition returns to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026, transforming the venue into a wonderland of cosplay, gaming, creativity, collectibles and Christmas cheer.
Bringing together fans of film, television, comics, anime, gaming and everything in between, Oz Comic-Con Xmas Edition promises a jam-packed weekend of entertainment, interactive experiences and festive surprises as the convention season draws to a close.
Whether you’re a dedicated cosplayer, a competitive gamer, a passionate collector or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate the festive season with friends and family, the event offers something for pop culture lovers of every age.
Oz Comic-Con Xmas Edition is also the perfect festive outing for families, with children under 12 admitted FREE! Packed with family-friendly entertainment, interactive activities, gaming, cosplay and Christmas surprises, the event offers something for little superheroes and grown-up fans alike. From meeting Santa in cosplay and hunting for mischievous elves to discovering new games and joining in the Kids Cosplay Parade, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained, making it an affordable and fun-filled way to celebrate the festive season together.
A Very Merry Celebration of Pop Culture
This year’s festivities put a Christmas twist on all the fan-favourite Oz Comic-Con experiences, with a huge program of activities to explore across the weekend.
- Cosplay Photos with Santa – Give your festive photos a superhero, anime or fantasy-inspired makeover.
- Christmas Cosplay Competitions & Meet-Ups – Celebrate incredible costumes, craftsmanship and festive creativity.
- Elf on the Shelf Photo Scavenger Hunt – Track down 12 mischievous elves hidden throughout the show floor.
- “So Yule Think You Can Just Dance” Competition – Show off your best moves in a festive dance showdown.
- Xmas Cosplay Bingo & Lip Sync Battles – Join in the fun with interactive challenges and crowd-pleasing performances.
- TTRPG Yuletide Adventures & Tabletop Gaming Library – Roll the dice on festive adventures and discover your next favourite game.
- Australian Esports League Gaming Zone – Enjoy gaming freeplay on console, plus competitive tournaments.
- Live Music, Entertainment Stage & Just Dance Freeplay – Dance, sing and celebrate throughout the weekend.
- Three Stages of Entertainment – Discover interactive Q&As, performances, cosplay parades and creative workshops.
Cosplay, Christmas Cheer and Creative Magic
Cosplay takes centre stage throughout the weekend, with fans invited to dress as their favourite characters, take part in Christmas-themed competitions, join community meetups or simply admire the incredible creativity on display.
The Christmas Cosplay Competition will showcase impressive handmade costumes and craftsmanship, while the Cosplay Parades offer fans of all experience levels the chance to step into the spotlight.
Younger fans can get involved in the Kids Cosplay Parade, while Cosplay Central will offer complimentary photo opportunities with local cosplay photographers.
And for a truly festive keepsake, fans can snap a photo with Santa while dressed as their favourite pop culture character!
From competitive esports to tabletop adventures, Oz Comic-Con Xmas Edition has gaming fans covered.
The Australian Esports League returns with console gaming freeplay, tournaments and hands-on gaming experiences, while the Tabletop Gaming Library invites visitors to discover everything from classic board games to exciting new favourites.
Fans can also embark on tabletop role-playing adventures with local groups or hit the Just Dance Stage for some friendly dance-floor competition.
The Ultimate Pop Culture Christmas Shopping Destination
For those still searching for the perfect Christmas present, Oz Comic-Con Xmas Edition is also a treasure trove of unique gifts and collectibles.
Visitors can explore a bustling marketplace filled with pop culture merchandise, artwork, comics, clothing, jewellery and collectibles, while Artist Alley provides the opportunity to meet talented creators, discover original artwork and pick up something truly one of a kind.
With so much to see, do and discover, Oz Comic-Con Xmas Edition is the perfect way to finish the year surrounded by your favourite fandoms, friends and festive fun.
So gather your crew, dust off your Christmas cosplay and get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, Oz Comic-Con style!
What: Oz Comic-Con Xmas Edition 2026 When: Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026 Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Melbourne
For tickets, announcements and full event details, visit: https://ozcomiccon.com/melbourne-xmas-edition
