Festive Season at Fed Square
Fed Square becomes Melbourne’s hub of festive fun this festive season, featuring a program of free activities for all – of all faiths and backgrounds to enjoy.
As part of the City of Melbourne’s free, city-wide Christmas Festival, the Square will again transform into the magical Christmas Square, home to the famous 17.5 metre light-up Christmas Tree – an annual family photo favourite and a beacon of Christmas joy.
In the lead-up to Christmas, nab a deckchair and settle back to enjoy free Christmas films on the big screen, in partnership with United Airlines. Thanks to United Airlines and in partnership with Los Angeles Tourism, this year we are giving away an incredible family holiday for four to visit Los Angeles, worth $18,500. See details below!
For the first time, The Australian Ballet’s beautiful Christmas classic The Nutcracker will be live streamed straight to the Fed Square big screen from the stage of the Sydney Opera House.
As Camp as Christmas, presented by Fed Square and curated by the Huxleys, is back again this year for a joyful, queer celebration of Christmas, as is Koorie Krismas, presented by Koorie Heritage Trust, where families can enjoy free performances, meet Koorie Klaus, and shop at the First Peoples makers’ market.
This year, we introduce late-night shopping on Thursday 12 and 19 December, when Fed Square’s design stores will be open late, offering bespoke gifts, exclusive design collaborations and artisanal products.
Drop by the festive-decked Atrium to enjoy free Christmas gift-wrapping from 5pm until 9.30pm each Thursday and Friday from November 29 until Christmas, along with a program of choirs and performance, visits from Santa and Laneway Learning workshops.
And don’t forget to pre-book your special Christmas lunch or New Year’s Eve package to make your festive season stress-free. Getting to Fed Square this festive season couldn’t be simpler, with the city’s major public transport options on the doorstep.
Grab family and friends and enjoy everything that the silly season has to offer – dining, shopping, culture, entertainment and holiday cheer – all at Fed Square.
29 November–25 December, all day | Swanston St Forecourt
Explore the stunning decorations, swing on the beautiful bell swings, and pose under the city’s famous light-up Christmas tree. This family-favourite is the centre of the City’s festive activities, and a must-see each year.
29 November, 6.30pm–late | Swanston St Forecourt + Main Square
Celebrate the first lighting of the City’s Christmas tree, the opening of Christmas Square at Fed Square and the launch of the City of Melbourne’s Christmas Festival, with face-painting, performance, music and Christmas magic.
29 November–25 December, various times | The Atrium
The festive-decked Atrium is your one-stop shop on Thursdays and Fridays leading up to Christmas, for all things gift-giving. Shop at our bespoke design stores or retail outlets for VIP free gift-wrapping service, and have your gifts expertly wrapped using sustainable methods. While you wait, enjoy the live program of community choirs performing your favourite festive tunes and Christmas carols. The Atrium will be decorated with an installation of inflatable Australian native animals by The Huxleys, making for a truly Australian Christmas experience.
29 November–24 December, 10am–5pm | The Atrium
At this festive season exclusive pop-up, you can purchase Christmas gifts by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander makers, artists and businesses from across Australia. Presented by Fed Square this Festive Season in partnership with Geelong-based First Peoples-led business hub, Ngarrimili, the Murran Melbourne pop-up features First Nations gifts, art and apparel. Support Blak businesses this festive season, at the Murran Melbourne pop-up store.
12 + 19 December, until 9pm | ACMI Shop, shopKHT, NGV design store + Murran Melbourne
Late night shopping at Fed Square is your go-to for beautiful gift-shopping made easy – with a good dash of festive cheer – this Christmas. On 12 and 19 December, shopKHT, ACMI Shop and NGV design store, as well as the Murran Melbourne pop-up store, will be open for late-night shopping until 9pm. Purchase artisanal products and exclusive design collaborations by local and First Nations makers and artists, and have your bespoke gifts expertly wrapped for free in the festive-decked Atrium. Bringing the festive spirit to late night shopping in the Atrium, a program of local choirs will sing your favourite Christmas carols and festive tunes.
12 December, 7.30pm | Big Screen
A Christmas favourite, The Australian Ballet presents The Nutcracker. This live performance from the Sydney Opera House will be livestreamed to Fed Square’s Big Screen. Bring your family and loved ones, pack a picnic and a picnic rug, to enjoy this very special, free performance of Tchaikovsky’s classic, brought to life by The Australian Ballet.
14 December, 10am–3pm | Main Square + Main Stage
The much-loved Koorie Krismas is returning to Fed Square, bringing with it a free, fun-filled day for the whole family. Get ready for an exciting program of live music, comedy and dance performances, featuring a line-up of incredible First Nations talent. Plus, shop for unique gifts from local First Peoples artists and makers, or create your own wreath or Deadly friendship bracelet. And of course, Koorie Klaus will make a magical appearance to top off the festivities!
16–18 + 20-23 December, various times | Big Screen
In the lead-up to Christmas, our popular program of Christmas movie favourites is back on the Big Screen, including Frank Capra’s beloved 1946 classic It’s a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve. Pack a picnic and a picnic rug and gather a group together for this annual Big Screen tradition, under the stars.
20 December, 6pm–10pm | Main Square
As Camp as Christmas is a celebration of queer culture and performance, guaranteed to make your festive season sparkle. This popular mainstay of the silly season is back for the third year running, curated once again by Melbourne’s glitteriest performance art icons, The Huxleys. The cabaret-style program features a fabulous line up of sparkling stars, drag artists, comedians, singers, circus artists and performers.
25–27 + 29–30 December, various times | Main Square
Celebrating Chunukah, Pillars of Light brings together Jewish and multicultural communities for an inclusive celebration. Each night, the Menorah will be lit, and there will be speeches from community leaders as well as live music performances.
31 December, 7pm–12am | Main Square
New Year’s Eve in the city is always a busy time of year, so make your experience stress-free by booking a drinks and dinner package at one of Fed Square’s bars or restaurants. With all-inclusive packages, you can avoid the crowds and celebrate in style. On a budget? Enjoy the free program of entertainment in the Square until Midnight – but be sure to check the City of Melbourne’s website for crowd control information and for alternative celebration zones across the CBD. Stay safe!
Christmas Outdoor Cinema is presented in partnership with United Airlines.
Partner
United Airlines and Los Angeles Tourism are offering an epic prize for the festive season, valued at $18,500, for a family of four to holiday in sunny Los Angeles. Including return flights to LA, four nights’ accommodation, dining, tours and local experiences, this trip will be an unforgettable Christmas gift for one lucky family. The prize includes:
– 4 x return economy tickets to Los Angeles with United Airlines
– 4 night stay at The Garland Hotel in LA for a family of 4
– 4 x passes to Universal Studios Hollywood
– 4 x 1 Day Big Bus LA Hop On Hop Off Tour tickets
– 4 x Hollywood Sign Hiking Tour tickets from Bikes and Hikes LA
– 1 x $200 USD Dining Gift Card at Hard Rock Café Hollywood
– LAX return airport transfers for 4 people
The competition opens Wednesday 27 November so visit our site again to enter!