Federation Square is city’s Christmas HQ

Federation Square is transforming itself into Melbourne’s Christmas headquarters this year, and with a program full of lively, uplifting performances and events, it is sure to have even the Grinch smiling. 

The Christmas Festival is presented by the City of Melbourne, with support from the Victorian Government and Federation Square, and it is a time for Melburnians to come together and share in some good fun and laughs.

“Fed Square is Melbourne’s headquarters of festive fun this year and we’re always proud to play host to celebrations for this special time of year,” Melbourne Arts Precinct Co.’s director of programming and interpretation Sarah Tutton said. 

“We have a jam-packed calendar of free events and activities that you can enjoy with the whole family, from live choirs, a visit with Santa at his workshop, free films on the big screen, the Pillars of Light Festival, to Koorie Krismas and much more.” 

“We’re happy to bring you a joyful holiday season, in partnership with the City of Melbourne and Koorie Heritage Trust, ACMI and NGV.”

For all Christmas enthusiasts who love getting a jumpstart on putting up their Christmas tree and the sounds of festive tunes, then make sure to head down to the square from November 25. 

Not only will the atmosphere be filled with the voices of a host of choirs singing in a range of musical styles, but the night sky will be lit up with larger-than-life festive decorations, twinkling lights and the iconic 16.5-metre LED Christmas tree.  

Santa’s Workshop will also be set up from late November, with Santa and his helpers paying a visit from the North Pole in the lead up to Christmas. 

The festivities will then continue well into December with performance art duo The Huxleys taking over the square with As Camp as Christmas on December 9, from 4.30pm to 10pm. Live performances from the Rainbow Voices Community Choir, and a free screening of The Wizard of Oz will also take place. 

Koorie Heritage Trust will then fill the square with family-friendly market stalls and performances the following day, and Koorie Klaus will also be making a special appearance.

The magical and mystical continues with Christmas in the Wizarding World, which will include a day full of trivia, costume competitions, virtual wand workshops and a free screening of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. 

The event will take place on December 16, in partnership with Warner Bros, and giveaways will also be available.

Pillars of Light Festival will also provide live performances, talks, and the ceremonial lighting of the 12-foot-high Menorah to commemorate Chanukah, from December 18 to 23. 

Although December is already set to be a jam-packed month for Federation Square, the celebrations don’t stop there, with plans already in place to count down to the beginning of the new year. 

As well as live DJs encouraging people to spend the night dancing, students from the Victorian College of the Arts and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music will also have an art and sound show running on the night for people as they take in their final night of 2022. •

For more information: fedsquare.com

Photo caption: Christmas at Federation Square.

Photo: Liam Neal.