Christmas Festival at Jack’s Magazine

Bring the family, bring your friends, and bring your well-behaved dog (on a lead) for a day of discovery in a heritage site many Melburnians have never visited before.

Browse more than 30 stalls from local artists and makers for early Christmas gifts, enjoy live music and choirs, explore the historic magazine buildings and grass-covered mounds, enjoy a special visit from Santa and his elf, and let the kids write a letter to Santa. There's also pony rides, puppet shows, croquet, wildlife encounters and food from the CWA and Lions Club to round out the day.

Take a tour of Jack's Magazine, a former 1870s explosives storage site transformed into one of Melbourne's most unusual heritage settings. Normally closed to the public, Jack's Magazine opens its doors this Christmas for a festive day out where Christmas meets heritage.

Early Bird Ticket Prices:

Adults: $8

Children: Free

Early bird tickets are available online until Saturday 21 November 2026. Tickets will be $12 thereafter.

Meet Our Makers
Come and do all your Christmas shopping with our wonderful, local stallholders — more than 30 artists and makers bringing handmade gifts, treats and treasures to Jack's Magazine.

• Lucky Dip Creations: gorgeous candle bouquets

• SavageangelDesigns: handmade toys and gifts — bag tags, coin purses, finger puppets and fidgets

• Bee Ceramics: handmade pottery — bowls, mugs, mosquito coil holders and more

• LE REVE: beauty and wellness — parfum, aromatherapy, skincare and soy candles

• Jaytee's Handcrafts: handmade cards, Christmas baubles, decorations and gift ware

• Ocean Sage Co.: soy candles, melts, diffusers, lip balm and hair accessories

• Luna Grace Candle Co: perfumes, reed diffusers, candles and room sprays

• yoohoo products: bags made from recycled materials

• Alili's Handprinted Eco Creations: handprinted pure linen products, made eco-consciously

• JW Ceramics: handmade functional ceramics and Christmas decorations

• Crafty Betty: hand-thrown ceramic tableware blending Asian heritage with contemporary Australian design

• Little Desk Books: a self-published Christmas children's book

• Crochet Creations by Connie: crochet plushies, keychains, teatowels and vintage dolls

• Luna Candle Co: candles, custom Christmas jars and sculptured candles

• Tony D'Agruma: artisan boutique wines from Heathcote, Bendigo and the King Valley

• J and R Designs: handmade polymer clay earrings

• Soul Secrets: soy candles, wax melts and room sprays

• Recrafted by Mary and Mel: Christmas decorations handcrafted from recycled and repurposed materials

• The Scented Edition: natural fragrance and tallow skincare

• Makaio Crafts: jewellery and ceramics — earrings, hair clips, incense holders and trinkets

• INTO CHRISTMAS: Christmas decor — wreaths, garlands, signs and table pieces

• Sixteen Paws: artisan handmade dog treats

• Flowersbyanthea1: fresh floral handbags and artificial/dried flower arrangements

• Aromatherapy Dispensary: aromatherapy products

• Night Forest Studios: ceramics

• Little Galaxy: earrings

• The Teeny Rabbit: gifts

• Elfwood Tents: elf tents

• Sacred Stone Kinesiology: crystals

• 8Senses: Christmas decorations

FAQs

Is Jack's Magazine safe?

Yes. Explosives or gunpowder are no longer stored at Jack's 😄

What does my ticket include?

• General admission to Jack's Magazine

• Access to all open buildings and activities (live music and choirs, puppet shows, wildlife experiences, heritage tours)

• The letter-writing station for Santa

How do I book tickets? 

Tickets can be purchased here via Humanitix, or at the gate on the day. Unfortunately, we cannot take bookings by phone or email.

Can I buy tickets on the day? 

Yes. Tickets can be purchased at the gate, but we strongly recommend booking in advance for faster entry and to secure the best price. 

What is the refund policy?

If Working Heritage cancels the event the ticket price will be fully refunded. There will be no other refunds. 

What ages is the event suitable for? 

This is a family-friendly day suitable for all ages, especially children aged 3–11 years. Grandparents and carers will also enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. 

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Please bring either a printed ticket or display it on your smartphone so we can check we've got everyone.

Will there be food?

There will food available to purchase. Lion's Club Footscray will be offering a sausage sizzle and soft drinks. Country Women's Association Footscray will have cakes, teas and coffees. There will be vegetarian options available, as well as an ice-cream van!

How much walking will I have to do?

This is a large site (around 6 hectares) but you are welcome to explore as little or as much as you want. There will be some chairs available to sit in and around the food offerings. A basic level of fitness is recommended.

Is there parking available? 

Jack's Magazine has its own car park on Magazine Way, Maribyrnong.

Where is the entrance?

To get to the entrance walk along the bluestone wall from the Magazine Way car park and turn left to walk between the wall and the canal. Then you should see us! The entrance is approximately 300 metres walk from the car park.

Are there toilets?

Yes. They are near the entrance.

Is Jack's Magazine wheelchair and pram friendly?

Most of the area is grass with some gravel paths. The path to the mounds is steep and grassed and it might be difficult for pram and wheelchair users.

Will the event go ahead in bad weather?

Unless extreme weather that poses a danger to visitors is forecast, event will go ahead – rain, hail or shine.

What should I bring to the event?

• Clothes and footwear that are weather-appropriate.

• Prams and strollers for little legs

• Cashless payment for food and pony rides.

Can I bring my dog? 

Yes, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. There are no bins on site, so please take any waste with you.

Where does my money go?

Money from events contribute to Working Heritage's management of heritage places across Victoria.

Where can I contact the organiser with any other questions?

Contact Working Heritage with questions: J.Beshara@workingheritage.com.au