Festive Season
Celebrate the festive season at Fed Square, with inclusive free programming offering family-friendly fun, outdoor cinema, pop-up choirs – and a whole lot of sparkle.
Once again, this festive season we transform into Christmas Square – the home of the City of Melbourne’s light-up Christmas tree, and a great place to start your festive season adventures in the city.
Looking for something fun and free to do? Throughout December we have free entertainment, outdoor cinema and inclusive celebrations, offering something for everyone.
A yearly favourite event returning is Koorie Krismas, with family-friendly activity, entertainment and a Krismas Market, celebrating First Peoples talent.
This year’s Christmas Outdoor Cinema program is a bumper one, with family faves and cult classics in the week leading up to Christmas day.
Celebrating Chanukah, Pillars of Light returns, with community gatherings, talks and performances.
27 November–25 December, all day | Swanston St Forecourt
The heart of Melbourne’s festive celebrations, featuring the City’s Christmas Tree and twinkling decorations.
27 November, 6.30pm til late | Main Square + Swanston St Forecourt
Experience the magic of Christmas in the city, with an evening of free family-friendly fun and entertainment, and the first lighting of the spectacular 17.5m Christmas Tree.
4–11 December, various times | Main Square
Rooted in the spirit of Chanukah yet reaching far beyond it, the Pillars of Light festival invites people of all backgrounds to come together, celebrate, and connect.
Saturday 5 December, 9am–1pm | Test Garden
Celebrate the festive season with a uniquely Australian twist. Join us in the Test Garden for a creative and inspiring native wreath workshop with Robyn Bunting, where you’ll discover the beauty, textures and fragrances of Australian native foliage.
Bookings are essential. Registrations open in late November.
Thursday 17 December, 6pm | Main Square
Hark! A diverse range of community and cultural choirs will bring joy to your world this festive season.
More dates and times to be confirmed.
19–25 December, 5pm | Main Square
In the lead-up to Christmas Day, enjoy classic festive season movies about family, love and the spirit of Christmas, each night on the Big Screen.