Festive Season
Celebrate the festive season at Fed Square, with inclusive free programming offering family-friendly fun, outdoor cinema, bespoke gift-shopping – 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.
Favourite events returning are the Christmas-themed queer cabaret As Camp as Christmas – curated by glittery and glam Melbourne performance art duo, The Huxleys – and 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 sharing a nightly double bill in our ‘Naughty or Nice’ edition, with thanks to United Airlines, our supporter of the series.
Celebrating Chanukah, Pillars of Light returns, with community gatherings, talks and performances.
For specialty gift-shopping, check out our bespoke retail shops, featuring curated collections of toys, books, games and homewares, exclusive artist collabs and First Nations designs.
28 November–25 December, all day | Swanston St Forecourt
The heart of Melbourne’s festive celebrations, featuring the City’s Christmas Tree and twinkling decorations.
Presented by the City of Melbourne in partnership with Fed Square.
28 November | Main Square
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.
Presented by the City of Melbourne in partnership with Fed Square.
13 December, 10am–4pm | Main Square
A visit from Koorie Klaus, a First Peoples makers’ market and a day of free entertainment – Koorie Krismas is a highlight of the annual festive season calendar, celebrating and showcasing First Peoples talent.
Presented by Koorie Heritage Trust, supported by Fed Square and City of Melbourne.
5 December, 6pm–10pm | Main Square
The popular annual Christmas-themed queer cabaret returns, featuring some of Melbourne’s most exciting and sparkly drag, cabaret and performance artists. The program is curated by glittery and glam duo, The Huxleys.
Presented by Fed Square, curated by The Huxleys.
8–11 December, 6pm–10pm | Main Square
From Klaus to Krampus, the Grinch to Gremlins, over four nights, we screen wholesome Christmas family favourites followed by grown-up cult classics – helping you decide which side of Santa’s list you’re really on.
14–19 + 21 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.
Presented by ARC Foundation.
GIFT SHOPPING
Shop for bespoke gifts at our design stores, including ACMI Shop, shopKHT and the NGV design store. And pop in to Koorie Krismas to check out the First Peoples makers’ market, showcasing First Peoples businesses, artists and designers.
Daily, 10am–5pm (closed 25 December)
Melbourne’s favourite shop dedicated to all things moving image, with a focus on local creative talent.
Daily, 10am–5pm (closed 25 December)
NGV design store is a place where people can take a piece of their NGV Gallery experience home. Their carefully curated ranges celebrate artists, designers, makers and thinkers from around the world.
Daily, 10am–5pm (closed 25 December)
Shop for authentic First Peoples designs, art and products, including jewellery, apparel and homewares.
Partner
United Airlines is the proud supporter of Christmas Outdoor Cinema at Fed Square.
