PRESENTED BY CITY OF MELBOURNE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FED SQUARE
Experience the magic of Christmas in the city with a free evening of family-friendly fun and entertainment, culminating in the first lighting of Melbourne’s spectacular 17.5m Christmas Tree.
The City of Melbourne Christmas Festival returns to Fed Square, and everyone’s invited to celebrate the start of the festive season. Enjoy an evening packed with music, performances and festive surprises as Christmas Square comes to life.
The festivities kick off with a merry mix of Christmas tunes from DJ Gavin Campbell, before Lucy Durack’s Glee Club leads a joyful Christmas sing-along. Later, the acclaimed Daryl McKenzie Jazz Orchestra featuring Raleigh Williams will fill the Square with swinging festive classics.
Families can enjoy face painting, snap a photo with Santa, and meet a colourful cast of roving entertainers including giant bouncing elves, marching musicians and the delightfully dazzling duo, The Huxleys.
Then, as the evening builds to its magical finale, join the countdown to the first lighting of Melbourne’s iconic Christmas Tree. Accompanied by a spectacular light and sound show, the moment marks the official launch of Christmas in the city and the beginning of the festive season.
6.30pm – Merry Mix with DJ Gavin Campbell
6.50pm – Lucy Durack’s Glee Club Christmas Sing-Along
7.20pm – Christmas Bangers with DJ Gavin Campbell
7.45pm – Swinging Christmas with the Daryl McKenzie Jazz Orchestra feat. Raleigh Williams
8.30pm – Official Proceedings: Welcome to Country, carols with Simone Page Jones and The Huxleys, a special guest appearance, then Santa and Lord Mayor Nick Reece lead the countdown to light the tree
9pm – First light and sound show of the 2026 Christmas season