Right now, Melbourne is sparkling under the lights of the Melbourne Christmas Festival. And in the heart of the city, at Fed Square, you’ll find an amazing line-up of festive events, live performances, picture-perfect moments and more.
What festive things can you expect at Fed Square?
Christmas Square
When: November 25 to December 25
Christmas will come to life with plenty of decorations, twinkling lights, and a spectacular 16.5 metre LED Christmas tree. Visit Santa in his workshop and take a cheerful photo together. Santa’s workshop will be available to see from November 26.
Christmas Choirs
When: November 25 to December 16
Listen to the heavenly voices of choristers ring out across Fed Square. This year will feature a diverse range of choir communities and musical styles, including gospel, LGBTQIA+ and Pasifika.
Find the full program here.It’s A Wonderful Life
When: November 27, 5pm
See this holiday classic broadcast for free on the big screen. Grab a deckchair, indulge in free popcorn, and watch this 1946 film under the stars.
Festive workshops
When: December 3 to 10
Get creative with these hands-on Christmas workshops. Make your own Christmas wreath, floral arrangements, jewellery and decorations, to bring home or gift to a loved one.
See the program here.Best 22 of 2022
When: December 1 to January 29
Head to ACMI and celebrate the best films of the year. These ticketed screenings will cover features, documentary and animation from Australia and around the world.
See the program here.As Camp as Christmas by The Huxleys
When: December 9, 4:30pm to 10pm
Embrace the camp this year and jingle your bells with duo The Huxleys. Expect live performances, including one from the Rainbow Voices Community Choir, and a free screening of The Wizard of Oz.
Learn more here.Koorie Krismas
When: December 10, 10am to 4:30pm
The annual Koorie Krismas is back. Presented by Koorie Heritage Trust, you’ll enjoy performances from First Nations musicians and a visit from Koorie Klaus. There will also be free workshops for kids, as well as a Koorie Krismas Market, showcasing art, craft and design from the Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Christmas in the Wizarding World
When: December 16, 4pm to 9pm
Whether you’re a Muggle or a wizard, be sure to pop by Fed Square for a magical Christmas. Expect trivia, costume competitions, a wand combat class, prizes and a free screening of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
How I See It: Blak Art And Film
When: December 16 to February 19
Head to ACMI for this free exhibition, covering moving image, installation, documentary, photography and video games from eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Pillars of Light festival
When: December 18 to 23
This family-friendly experience commemorates the eight-day Chanukah holiday. Each evening will have a bespoke program, highlighting the ideas of connection and collaboration through guest speakers, performers, cultural groups and more.
More info here.Out of Bounds: Exploring the Limits of Videogames
When: December 18 to April 23
This free exhibition at ACMI is a multichannel video artwork. It follows a group of Melbourne-based artists as they travel beyond the limits of the virtual world in Red Dead Redemption 2 Online.
‘How to Make Gravy’ Christmas Choir
When: December 21, 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Join the flash-mob style choir at Fed Square and learn hot to hit all the right notes of Paul Kelly’s ‘How to Make Gravy’. The final rendition will be led by Australian rock legend Ella Hooper.
For more details about each event, click here.