The Ultimate Summer School Holidays Family Movies & Shows Guide
The hot list of new cool & fun Australian Christmas school holiday movies at the cinema to entertain your family – plus a smash hit show for you and the teens!
The Wicked Movie Australian Premiere
Stuck for ideas on what to do these Summer school holidays? Don’t worry, we’ve been checking out the best new family-friendly movies you’ll all love, and a brilliant new show!
As always, I’m targeting movies and shows mums and dads will really enjoy too, rather than sit there bored!
Here are my top Summer School holidays movies…
1. – National Cinemas – WICKED Movie
WICKED Movie Review
A massive movie-hit around Australia and the world, we were privileged to attend the Sydney Premiere of WICKED the movie – and haven’t stopped singing yet!
The Wicked Movie Australian Premiere Yellow Brick Road
Which is the best family movie to see these Christmas school holidays?
Released by Universal Pictures, this gorgeous Wizard of Oz timeline movie was masterfully directed by Jon M Chu and has already amassed over 500 million US dollars at the box office. But what you need to know is that school age kids up will be enchanted by this great story of the unlikely, charming friendship of two witches – Glinda & Elphaba. I love the moments of comedy and light-heartedness of the story. If you’ve seen the theatre show like us, we think you’ll love this adaptation too. Don’t forget to wear baby pink if you are team Glinda, and Emerald green if you are team Elphaba! WICKED is a great movie all around, and a must see whilst it’s still in cinemas so that you can soak up the vibe of all the other fans having fun getting in to it. If you’ve already seen WICKED, why not go again? There are even sing-along versions playing in many cinemas now!
The stars came out to attend the Australian WICKED movie Premiere in Sydney
Where can I watch the WICKED movie?
WICKED is only in cinemas these Christmas School Holidays.
When does the WICKED movie stop showing in cinemas?
The WICKED movie premiered in November 2024, and it’s now available to watch on streaming services. Wicked sing-a-long versions are expected to continue showing in cinemas well into 2025.
Watch our WICKED Sydney Premiere experience YouTube video here.
Don’t miss another of our Australian family YouTube videos! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here
What ages is WICKED the movie suitable for?
The general consensus age to watch Wicked the Movie is 6 and up – with parental guidance. Most of the film is light-hearted and fun, however especially towards the end it does get a little scary and dark.
See our Instagram post of our experience at the Sydney WICKED Premiere here
Thanks to Universal Pictures for inviting us to attend the Sydney Premiere of WICKED.
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2. – Canberra Dendy Imax & national cinemas – MUFASA
We were excited to be invited to the VIP Opening of Canberra Dendy’s brand-new IMAX cinema theatre. This truly immersive luxury theatre has set new standards in just how good a cinema experience can be. On the night we enjoyed watching the Premiere screening of Disney’s new MUFASA: The Lion King movie.
Opening Night at the new Canberra Dendy IMAX Mufasa Premiere
Disney’s MUFASA: The Lion King Movie Review
MUFASA is Disney’s new musical movie. The prequel tale to the smash-hit Disney movie THE LION KING, in MUFASA we learn the story of Mufasa, Simba’s father. The tale follows Mufasa as a small cub, separated from his parents. Mufasa is saved by his new lion cub friend Taka, and other extraordinary characters who join together as a band of misfits. They embark upon an adventure across the pride lands, testing their bravery and friendship before Mufasa’s reign as Lion King. MUFASA takes what we know of animated movies and turns it on it’s head, taking it to a whole new level. The production quality is incredibly close to life like, and it’s very easy to become invested in this charming new Disney movie, especially viewing it on Dendy Canberra’s huge new IMAX laser screen.
Where can I watch the MUFASA movie?
The MUFASA movie is exclusively showing in cinemas these Christmas School Holidays.
When does the MUFASA movie come to Disney+?
The MUFASA movie is expected to be available for home purchase around February, and be able to be streamed on Disney Plus around March 2025.
What ages is MUFASA the movie suitable for?
The general consensus age to watch Disney’s MUFASA movie is 6 and up with parental guidance, or 9 and up is okay – this is due to scary scenes and violence (violent storms, lion stalking and fights). More on age appropriate guides at the children and media org here.
See our Instagram reel of our MUFASA Premiere night at Dendy Canberra here
Thanks to Dendy Canberra for inviting us to attend their opening night of their new IMAX to watch the MUFASA Premiere.
3. – National Cinemas – MAGIC BEACH the movie
Magic Beach movie still
MAGIC BEACH Movie Review
Alison Lester’s beloved children’s book MAGIC BEACH has been read to – and by – generations of Australians – and it’s now been transformed into a magical animated movie!
With book sales of over half a million copies, the MAGIC BEACH illustrated story book has been an Australian favourite for over 30 years. The MAGIC BEACH movie is sure to be a Summer school holidays hit! We absolutely adored it!
Magic Beach movie poster
The MAGIC BEACH movie is a mix of live action and animation, and tells the charming childhood story of an enchanted seaside world where anything is possible. This timeless tale is brought to the big screen by Madman Entertainment, and is directed by Robert Connolly of Paper Planes and The Dry.
Special Event MAGIC BEACH Preview Screenings with Alison Lester!
There will be MAGIC BEACH preview screenings in Sydney with the author Alison Lester and director Robert Connolly (Paper Planes, The Dry) meet and greets and hear them introduce the movie (how exciting!) on Saturday January the 11th of January at the Ritz Cinemas and the Cremorne Orpheum.
Where can I watch the MAGIC BEACH movie?
MAGIC BEACH will come out in Australian cinemas from January 16, 2025 nationwide. You can watch the MAGIC BEACH movie trailer here.
The Sydney Magic Beach advance screening with author Alison Lester
What ages is MAGIC BEACH the movie suitable for?
The MAGIC BEACH movie is suitable for all ages, but especially suited for preschoolers to school age children.
Thanks to Madman & Arena Entertainment for inviting us to attend the Sydney special advance screening of Magic Beach with author Alison Lester and Director Robert Connolly.
4. – National cinemas – DRAGONKEEPER Movie
Dragonkeeper movie still
DRAGONKEEPER Movie Review
Calling all dragon lovers! The DRAGONKEEPER movie is a new animated film based on the multi award winning children’s DRAGONKEEPER series, showing only in cinemas these school summer holidays from January 16, 2025.
Dragonkeeper movie poster
Kids can revel in letting their dragon imagination fly free with this exciting new movie from Umbrella Entertainment! DRAGONKEEPER is an adventurous dragon tale set in ancient China. Follow the story of Ping as she fights to protect a rare and precious Dragon Egg to save dragons from the brink of extinction and fulfil her destiny. This family-friendly movie sends a strong message, highlighting empowerment for young girls everywhere. Starring Bill Nighy (of Pirates of the Caribbean and Love Actually), Mayalinee Griffith and Bill Bailey (of Hot Fuzz and Black Books), DRAGONKEEPER is sure to be a Summer holiday hit – we loved it!
Where can I watch the DRAGONKEEPER movie?
DRAGONKEEPER releases in Australian cinemas from January 16, 2025 nationwide. You can watch the DRAGONKEEPER movie trailer here.
What ages is DRAGONKEEPER the movie suitable for?
The DRAGONKEEPER movie is suitable for school age children.
Thanks to Umbrella Entertainment for sending us tickets to DRAGONKEEPER.
Plus 2 special events in Sydney and Canberra…
Sydney Capitol Theatre – Jesus Christ Superstar
Jesus Christ Superstar Australian Premiere Opening Night
Sydney – the people have spoken! We were excited to be invited to the Opening Night of the Australian Premiere of Jesus Christ Superstar What an amazing show this is! Powerful rock-star performances filled with more than a touch of glitz and glam.
This thrilling musical features one of Australia’s most well-respected musicians and acclaimed recording artist, Michael Paynter as Jesus, musical theatre star Javon King as Judas and the incredible Mahalia Barnes, as Mary. Fabulous comedian, singer, and writer Reuben Kaye plays Herod and theatrical star Peter Murphy plays Pilate. What a lineup!
With lyrics and music by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, it’s no wonder JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a smash hit everywhere it goes. The show continues to travel Australia, so check for dates in your city following Sydney.
This is one for your musical-loving kids and teenagers. A very special school holidays family treat for Sydneysiders. It’s gone after January, so don’t miss it!
I got the Dress Circle Program shot at Jesus Christ Superstar!
What ages is Jesus Christ Superstar suitable for?
The official recommended age to watch Jesus Christ Superstar is 10 and up. (All theatre-goers must hold a valid ticket.)
How much are tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar?
Ticket prices for Jesus Christ Superstar in Sydney start from $69.90 each.
What dates is Jesus Christ Superstar playing?
Jesus Christ Superstar is playing now and throughout the Christmas school holidays right up until January 26, 2025.
Where can I buy tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar in Sydney?
You can buy tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar in Sydney and find out more information at the Jesus Christ Superstar Australia official website here
Where is Jesus Christ Superstar in Sydney playing?
Jesus Christ Superstar is now playing at the Capitol Theatre located at 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket, Sydney City, NSW – you’ll find it on Google Maps here.
See our Instagram reel of our night at the Opening Night of Jesus Christ Superstar here
Thanks to the Producers of Jesus Christ Superstar for inviting us to attend the Australian Premiere Opening Night.
Sydney Weekender – Visit Canberra to see Pompeii
Opening Night of “Pompeii – Inside a Lost City”
Grab the family and book that flight or hit the road to visit our national capital city of Canberra, because there is a very special exhibition on right now at the National Museum of Australia.
Brace yourself for a full-on volcanic eruption at the National Museum of Australia and go and see “Pompeii – Inside a Lost City”.
We were very excited to be invited to the Opening Night of “Pompeii – Inside a Lost City”. This exhibition is an incredibly immersive, fascinating look at Pompeii – it’s times, it’s artefacts, architecture and people – and ultimately, it’s tragic end.
The Pompeii – Inside a Lost City Exhibition in Canberra
What ages is Pompeii – Inside a Lost City Exhibition suitable for?
Pompeii – Inside a Lost City is suitable for all ages, however note that every 15 minutes the area darkens and a loud simulation of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius occurs.
What dates is Pompeii – Inside a Lost City on?
“Pompeii – Inside a Lost City” is on now until 4th May 25, exclusive to the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.
Watch our Pompeii – Inside a Lost City YouTube video here.
Don’t miss another of our Australian family YouTube videos! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here
How much are tickets to see the Pompeii – Inside a Lost City Exhibition?
Adults $25, Children 5-16 12.50, Concession $20. Family $62.50. Children 4 and under go free.
Where is Pompeii – Inside a Lost City on?
Pompeii – Inside a Lost City is showing exclusively at the National Museum of Australia, Lawson Cres, Acton ACT 2601 – you’ll find it on Google Maps here.
Watch our Instagram reel of our experience at Pompeii in Canberra here
Thanks to the National Gallery of Australia for inviting us to the Opening Night of Pompeii.
Have you attended any of these shows or movies, or do you plan to go? Tell me, or ask your questions in the comments below…
All information is correct as at December 2024 -January 2025 – movie and show information may vary accordingly – always check the official websites for relevant, up to date information and prices.
The Let’s Go Mum Family were invited guests to all of the above movies, shows and exhibitions. As always, all opinions remain firmly our own.
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