If you can hear the voices of Mariah Carey or Michael Bublé in the distance, it’s because Christmas is just around the corner. And there’s so many holly, jolly activities and decorations coming to the city as part of Melbourne’s beloved Christmas Festival. Get ready for a themed roller-skating rink, a festive pop-up playground, dazzling new projections and much, much more. Christmas decorations will start to light up the city from Monday November 7, and the Melbourne Christmas Festival will run from Friday November 25 to Christmas Day.
What’s new at the Christmas Festival?
New attractions include a Christmas-themed roller-skating rink in Carlton’s Argyle Square. Roll around to classic tunes on the rink with free entry, and $5 skate hire. The piazza will get a Christmas makeover to help you get into the festive spirit, with a giant purple Christmas tree and decorations. After you skate, stroll down Lygon Street for a scrumptious lunch or dinner.
A Christmas pop-up playground will take over Queensbridge Square. Swing on a giant illuminated bell, have fun on the dance floor, play with an interactive canopy of flower petals or conduct your own orchestra. The orchestra will take over the red stairs from December 15 to 24.
Enjoy a special performance at Melbourne Town Hall, with the Christmas Eve Circus Spectacular. Fun for the whole family, this interactive performance will take you on a circus comedy adventure. On top of the incredible performance, everyone will go home with a treat. Tickets cost $5 and bookings are open from November 25. All proceeds will go towards Make Room, a project assisting people out of homelessness.
Christmas projections will return to Melbourne Town Hall, with new themes and visuals, including native floral wreaths and singing reindeer and penguins. For something new, stroll over to Flinders Street Station, and admire the 142-metre projection.
More magical things to see and do
Head to the banks of the Birrarung for the spectacular Christmas Carnival. Ride the Ferris wheel, drive the dodgems, play carnival games and munch on classic carnival food. Entry is free and tickets for rides can be purchased on-site. The carnival will run from December 14 to 23.
The String Bean Alley Christmas Night Market is making a return to Queen Vic Market. Explore the alley for some unique gifts, indulge in street food and refreshing drinks, listen to Christmas carols and feel delighted by snow. There will also be a special visit from Santa, and a giant gingerbread man for pictures. The market will take place on December 5, 12 and 19.
Fed Square will transform into a delightful Christmas Square. Admire the 16.5 metre Christmas tree, which will feature new lights and sounds to make it even more dazzling. After that, visit Santa in his workshop and get a photo together.
Fed Square will also light up with a huge range of festive events. Experience the magic of a Koorie Krismas on December 10, with workshops, a market and performances from First Nations artists. Celebrate Christmas in the Wizarding World on December 16, and enjoy fun Harry Potter activities. Commemorate Hanukkah at the Pillars of Light Festival from December 18 to 23. And take part in the flash-mob style choir of Paul Kelly’s ‘How to Make Gravy’ on December 21.
Also making a return this year is the Christmas Maze in Docklands, the Row Ho Ho installation on the Yarra River, and the Elfie Selfie stations around the city.
That was just some of the Christmas events waiting for you this year. For more details and to discover more of the exciting attractions, click here.