MYER CHRISTMAS WINDOWS GO FULL TOY STORY FOR 2026 AND THE KIDS WILL GO WILD
It is officially the most wonderful time of the year in Melbourne, because the Myer Christmas windows are back.
This year Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the rest of the Toy Story gang have taken over the famous Bourke Street windows.
The display opened to the public on Saturday, November 7, and families have been pressing their noses to the glass ever since.
What to expect from the Myer Christmas windows this year
The 2026 theme is A Toy Story Christmas, created with Disney and Pixar.
Across six windows, the story follows the picture book Merry Christmas, Woody, beginning on a busy Christmas Eve in Andy's bedroom.
According to AAP via The Canberra Times, the windows took more than 10,000 hours to build.
This year's story is narrated by MasterChef judge Andy Allen, who told AAP it was one of the first times he had done script work.
The family guide To Hot Or Not reports that the team used more than 200 paint colours and gave the toys almost 100 custom movements.
Look out for Rex in a Santa suit, a light show from Buzz and a few cheeky nods to other Disney and Pixar films hidden in every window.
A Melbourne tradition that keeps on giving
This is the 71st year of the Myer Christmas windows, a tradition that dates back to 1956.
Recent years have brought a LEGO Christmas story in 2025, an Irwin family theme in 2024 and Bluey in 2023.
For many parents, the windows are a trip down memory lane as much as a treat for the kids.
One mum, Sarmarah Clark, told AAP it was "just special that it's still going".
Another mum of two said free outings like this help her children feel they are not missing out while the family cuts back on spending.
With so many households watching every dollar this year, a free festive outing has never felt more welcome.
Dates, hours and cost
The windows run from Saturday, November 7 until Tuesday, January 5, 2027.
You will find them at Myer Melbourne on Bourke Street Mall in the CBD.
Visiting is completely free, with no tickets or bookings required.
Family guide Kiddiehood lists viewing hours as 10am to 8pm daily, but it is worth checking Myer's website before you go, as festive hours can change.
Free fun inside the store
The fun does not stop at the glass.
A free Toy Story Play Zone has opened in the basement of Myer Melbourne and runs until Christmas Eve.
Little ones can pose with Toy Story photo backdrops, curl up in a book corner and make their own Forky or Toy Story bauble at the craft station.
There are also free LEGO activities and Disney LEGO displays to keep older children busy.
If a visit to Santa is on your list, Santaland is on Level 7, with free entry but timed bookings recommended.
Photos with Santa are optional, and To Hot Or Not reports packages start from $33 for two prints.
Myer also offers Sensory Santa sessions, Baby's First Christmas visits and even Santa Paws for the family dog or cat.
Tips for visiting the Myer Christmas windows
Go on a weekday morning or in the evening if you can, as weekends and the last few weeks before Christmas are the busiest.
November is usually calmer than mid to late December, so an early visit can mean less queueing and fewer tears.
Bourke Street Mall is closed to cars, which makes it easy to bring a pram or wheelchair right up to the windows.
Trams run through the mall and it sits inside the Free Tram Zone, so you can leave the car at home and skip the parking fees.
For better photos, stand close to the glass and use your body or hand to block reflections.
Pack water, snacks and a little patience, and you are all set for one of Melbourne's sweetest Christmas traditions.
