Melbourne’s much-loved Christmas Festival is returning to the city with a very merry line-up of new attractions – including a themed roller-skating rink and a festive pop-up playground.
The launch of the Christmas Festival comes as the iconic Myer Christmas Windows are unveiled in spectacular fashion.
Christmas decorations will begin to light up the city from Monday 7 November with hundreds of decorations bringing colour and joy to every corner of Melbourne.
The iconic 16.5 metre LED Christmas tree at Christmas Square in Fed Square will be back and better than ever, with new lights and sounds to make it even more spectacular.
There are plenty of new and exciting additions to this year’s program, including:
- a Christmas-themed roller-skating rink at Carlton’s Argyle Square, with decorations in the piazza
- a pop-up playground at Queensbridge Square, featuring bell swings, a giant dancefloor and an interactive orchestra
- the ‘How to Make Gravy’ performance, which will see some of Melbourne’s best indie voices takeover Fed Square
- the Christmas Eve Circus Spectacular, bringing the festive cheer to Town Hall
- The popular Christmas Projections program will return to Town Hall with new themes and visuals, joined by a new 142-metre projection on Flinders Street station – creating a showstopping moment for those visiting Christmas Square.
This year will also see the return of the String Bean Alley Christmas Night Markets at the Queen Victoria Market precinct, the giant Christmas Maze in Docklands, the Christmas Carnival at Birrarung Marr and plenty of other festival favourites.
The Christmas Festival will run for four weeks from 25 November to 25 December. For more information, visit What’s On.
The Christmas Festival is supported by major partners including the Victorian Government, Fed Square and TAC.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“We’re spreading the festive cheer across all corners of our great city – as the hugely popular Christmas Festival returns with a jam-packed program of seasonal favourites and new and exciting events, installations and sites.”
“Melbourne is the best place to celebrate the festive season with family and friends – from magnetic projections and expertly made Christmas cocktails, to an unbeatable shopping experience in the city.”
“The Christmas Festival is Only in the City.”
Quotes attributable to City Activation portfolio lead Councillor Roshena Campbell
“Christmas is the most wonderful time of year in Melbourne, but it’s also a crucial chance to supercharge our businesses and retailers and take advantage of everything our city has to offer – from arts, entertainment, shopping and dining.”
“Australian retailers are expecting a mammoth $64 billion spending blitz over the festive season, and we’re confident Melburnians will flock to our unmatched retail precincts as we enjoy our first COVID-normal Christmas in two years.”
Returning Christmas Festival favourites:
- Christmas Square in Fed Square – featuring decorations, Santa’s Workshop and a range of free festive activities
- Christmas Projections – lighting up Melbourne Town Hall and an exciting new Flinders Street location
- Christmas Carnival – bringing amusement rides and attractions to Birrarung Marr
- Row Ho Ho – a 27-metre-long floating art installation on the Yarra River
- Elfie Selfie – augmented reality stations scattered across the city
- String Bean Alley Christmas Night Market – bringing the Christmas cheer to the Queen Victoria Market precinct
- Christmas Maze – a full-sized festive maze to explore at Docklands
- Pillars of Light – a Chanukah celebration for all Melburnians
- Koorie Krismas – a First Nations celebration at Fed Square
- Christmas Roller Park in Carlton
- Christmas Collective grant program – supporting small events across the city, such as Christmas markets, workshops and laneway parties