Melbourne’s dreamiest summer tradition is back. From 3 December 2025 to 5 April 2026, Moonlight Cinema transforms the Royal Botanic Gardens into an open-air wonderland of movies, picnics, warm evenings, and very good dogs living their very best lives.
Think starry skies, comfy bean beds, picnic rugs, chilled spritzes, and your dog curled up beside you. It’s the kind of summer night you want on repeat.
Movies Under the Stars with Your Dog
There’s nothing like warm summer evenings under the stars, surrounded by friends and great films. This January, Moonlight Cinema delivers a lineup with something for everyone, from family favourites to exciting new releases.
December Program: Summer Starts Here
December is all about comfort watches, Christmas chaos, big musicals, and a few shiny new films. Here’s what’s hitting the lawns this month:
Festive Icons
Love Actually (multiple screenings because Melbourne demands it)
Home Alone
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Elf
The Polar Express
The Grinch (both Jim Carrey and the animated version)
How the Grinch Stole
The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Holiday
Big New Films and Summer Releases
Wicked (Part One)
Wicked: Rise of Good
Protecting You
Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere
Eternity
Aquaman 2
Moana 2
Whether you’re here for a classic Christmas moment, a date night musical, or a family-friendly screening your dog will definitely sleep through, December has a little bit of everything.
Check out the full program here: Moonlight Cinema Program
January Program Drops December 11
If you’re hanging out for blockbusters, award-season favourites, and fresh new releases, keep your eyes on the Moonlight Cinema site.
January’s full program goes live on December 11 with a whole new wave of summer films.
We’ll update our guide as soon as the new titles drop.
Elevate Your Moonlight Experience
Want to take your movie night from picnic to premium? Moonlight has options.
CONNOISSEUR Lounge
Reserved bean bed. Exclusive area. A gourmet ice cream included. Perfect for anyone who plans their summer around dessert.
Singapore Airlines Gold Grass
Prime viewing. Waiter service. Plush seating. It’s the VIP treatment without losing the relaxed open-air vibe.
Premium Double Bean Bed Experience
Two tickets, a giant bean bed, popcorn, sparkling water, a take-home blanket, and full service to your seat. It’s like a cosy indoor date night, but with the sky instead of a ceiling.
Feast Under the Stars
Expect the classics: freshly popped popcorn, ice cream, chocolates, and chips. Hungry for more? Grab nachos, tacos, or hot snacks from onsite vendors.
Moonlight is BYO friendly, so feel free to pack a picnic, a blanket, and your favourite spritz. Just keep it classy and follow park rules.
Bringing Your Dog? Here's What You Need to Know
Moonlight Cinema is proudly dog-friendly, and honestly, your pup will love it more than you do.
To keep things safe and comfy for everyone:
Dogs must stay on a short leash (2 metres max)
Bring water and a dog bowl
Clean up after your pup
Make sure they’re comfortable around crowds and noise
Aggressive or overly stressed dogs may not be admitted
If your dog loves picnics, pats, and sniffing other people’s snacks, they’re going to thrive here.
