Melbourne will soon sparkle 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. There will be events celebrating Chanukah, Christmas, First Nations culture and LGBTQIA+ communities, ensuring that there’s something for everyone during this happy time of year. The festive season will kick off on Friday November 29 and end on Tuesday December 31.
What festive things can you expect at Fed Square?
Fed Square will transform into Christmas Square, and the season will launch with the official lighting of the 17.5 metre Christmas tree. On the 29th, look forward to a joyous celebration, with face painting, live performances, choirs and an abundance of jolly decorations, including the light-up bell swings. Every night during the holiday season, the massive Christmas tree will twinkle with a magical sound and light show.
Christmas Choirs
When: Fridays from November 29 to December 20
Listen to the heavenly voices of choristers ring out across Fed Square. Listen to a range of traditional of contemporary Christmas and holiday songs, sung in English and other languages. Choirs on the line-up include Pop Choir, Glee Club Choir and more. Find the full program here.
Festive Season Workshops
When: Fridays from November 29 to December 20
Learn how to make your own wreath, macrame Christmas tree, gingerbread house of festive polymer clay jewellery.
Santa Visits
When: December 5, 12 and 19
Santa and two of his top elves will pop into the Atrium to meet kids and take family photos.
The Nutcracker Live
When: December 12
Watch The Australian Ballet perform The Nutcracker. This performance will be live streamed from the Sydney Opera House to the big screen in Fed Square.
Late Night Shopping
When: December 12 and 19
ACMI Shop, NGV Design store, shopKHT and the First Nations pop-up store Murran Melbourne will open until 9pm, perfect if you’re doing some Late Night Shopping. After you’ve purchased some pressies, bring them over to the Atrium for free gift-wrapping.
Koorie Krismas
When: December 14, 10am to 3pm
The annual Koorie Krismas is back. Presented by Koorie Heritage Trust, you’ll enjoy a visit from Koorie Klaus and performances from First Nations musicians, comedians and dancers. There will also be a First Peoples market, where you can shop for gifts, as well as drop-in workshops.
Christmas Outdoor Cinema
When: December 16 to 23
Grab a deckchair and watch free Christmas films under the stars. Look forward to all your holiday favourites, like The Polar Express, It’s A Wonderful Life and more.
As Camp as Christmas
When: December 20, 6pm to 10pm
Embrace the camp this year and jingle your bells at As Camp as Christmas. Back for its third year, this queer celebration of Christmas will include performances from The Huxleys, 2Joocee, Cerulean and more.
Pillars of Light
When: December 25 to 30
Celebrate Chanukah at Pillars of Light. This event will feature live performances, talks from the community and a ceremonial lighting of the 12ft high Menorah.
New Year’s Eve
When: December 31
Ring in the New Year with a line-up of free DJs and dancing. Bars and restaurants around Fed Square will have special dining packages if you’re interested. Stick around for the midnight countdown and watch the fireworks. Learn more here.
To find out more about everything happening at Fed Square this festive season, click here.