Our city comes to life this Christmas
24 Nov – 25 Dec 2017
whatsonmelbourne.vic.gov.au/christmas
Contents
Welcome – Message from the Lord Mayor of Melbourne
Free Events
Christmas Festival launch and tree launching
Snap Happy Christmas
Santa’s House
Festive Projections
Docklands Projections
Santa’s Mailbox
Giant Christmas Bauble
Gingerbread Village
Christmas Festival App: Santa’s Lil Helper
Christmas Laneways
Christmas Celebrations
Carols by Daylight
Tacky Christmas
Deck the Halls
Santa’s Grand Arrival
Myer Christmas Windows
12th Annual Christmas Day Picnic
Karaoke Snow Globe
I’m Dreaming of a Cabaret Christmas
Christmas at Old Treasury
Our city is filled with festive #melbmoments this year. Share yours.
Merry Markets
A night at the Nicholas summer edition
German Christkindlmarkt
Markit + Bake Sale
Arts Centre Melbourne Saturday Christmas Market
The Thread Den Christmas Market
Collins Place Design Market
Japanese Christmas Market
The Big Design Market
Christmas at Queen Victoria Market
Flemington Racecourse Christmas Market
Fair@Square
Welcome to the Neighborhood
Melbourne Neighbourhood
Northside
Carlton
Docklands
West CBD
East CBD
Southside
Explore
Discover our laneways
Play
Eat & Drink
Shop
Shop the Laneways
Arcade Game–Plan
Eat & Drink
Shop
Shop the Arcades
Beauty and the East
Eat & Drink
Shop
Shop Eastside
Go West
Eat and Drink
Shop
Shop Westside
Southern Charm
Play
The Snowman
Eat & Drink
Meat Market
Shop
Northern Delights
Play
Eat & Drink
Shop
Quirk & Co.
Shop Northside
Docklands
Play
Eat & Drink
Twirled Pasta Bar
Shop
Classic Carlton
Play
Eat & Drink
Shop
Shop Carlton
Santa’s Little Helper Christmas Festival App
Getting Around
Train
Tram and Bus
Parking
Melbourne Bike Share
Thanks to our Christmas Festival Partners
Welcome – Message from the Lord Mayor of Melbourne
Melbourne is completely immersed in the Christmas spirit this year as we spread the festive cheer wider and with more decorations than ever before.
The Christmas vibe will enchant, from family festivities at the new Christmas Festival hub in Fed Square to our unique range of shopping offerings throughout the city.
As the big man in the red suit readies his list, our very own elves have been hard at work creating a new Christmas tree in Fed Square and ensuring our colourful projections stretch even further across the city to three locations this year.
With decorations adorning our iconic laneways, Melbourne is the perfect place for a catch- up with friends at one of our world-class restaurants and bars.
For our own Christmas lists, we are lucky to call Australia’s best shopping destination home. From small boutiques to large retailers and countless design markets, Melbourne has it all; and supporting our local traders is something
I feel especially passionate about.
May I extend a very Merry Christmas to all my fellow Melburnians: it truly is one of the happiest times of the year. Hold your loved ones close, enjoy the time together and you will have manymemories to treasure in our city this festive season.
Merry Christmas Melbourne!
Lord Mayor
Robert Doyle AC
Free Events
From a gingerbread city to Christmas lights after dark – new festivities and old favouriteswill delight young and old.
Christmas Festival launch and tree launching
Friday 24 November from 7pm, Fed Square
Mark the beginning of the Christmas Festival by welcoming Santa to Melbourne, as he arrives at the brand-new Christmas Festival hub in Fed Square. Roving performers will entertain children and big kids alike, as the crowd eagerly awaits our brand-new Christmas tree lighting up for the first time. Expect a dazzling spectacle.
Snap Happy Christmas
24 November to 25 December, across the city
Here’s your chance to be part of the Christmas decorations in Melbourne. Create your own Christmas-themed #melbmoment with festive photo opportunities across the city. Climb aboard Santa’s throne, ride his sleigh, or take a photo with the iconic Melbourne nutcrackers to capture a shot worthy of your own personalised Christmas card.
Santa’s House
25 November to 24 December, 10am to 12pm & 1pm to 3pm, plus 4pm to 7pm Fridays, Fed Square
The jolly man in red is taking up residence in the city. You’ll find Santa underneath the giant Christmas tree in Fed Square. Take a free photo with Santa, and tell him what you’re hoping to find in your stocking this year. He’ll be sitting snug amid a Christmas wonderland.
Festive Projections
1 to 25 December 9pm to 10.20pm (shows every 20 minutes) Fed Square and State Library Victoria
’Tis the season to be jolly, so head to the website for more hotspots whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/christmas[1]
A favourite festive Melbourne event is back again this year – the famous Christmas projections. The projections will tell two stories, weaving together a narrative across the sites through a magical rendering of Santa’s workshop. From a Lego factory to a sports gear superstore – see Santa’s elves busily creating your Christmas wishes in his industrious workshop.
Docklands Projections
30 November to 25 December
9pm to 10.30pm, New Quay Promenade
This year our Christmas projections reach Docklands, but these colourful creations, projected onto the ‘Silence’ sculptures along New Quay Promenade, will be unlike our traditional animations. Children and families alike will be amazed as these sculptures come to life with vibrant Christmas colours and imagery. This interactive experience will bring plenty of festive cheer.
Santa’s Mailbox
3 November to 15 December, The District, Docklands
Write aletter to Santa and drop it in his Mailbox. While he’s very busy at this time of the year, if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope along with your letter, you’ll even receive a personalised reply from the man in red.
Giant Christmas Bauble
30 November to 25 December, Fed Square
The giant Christmas bauble in Fed Square was a huge hit last year with both photographers and selfie-lovers, and it’s back for another season of fairy-lit goodness. Illuminating the court opposite St Paul’s Cathedral, the six-metre-high bauble will sparkle during the day and twinkle at night.
Gingerbread Village
1 to 24 December, 9am to 8.15pm daily, Melbourne Town Hall, gold coin donation
One of Melbourne’s favourite festive activities, the Gingerbread Village returns. Spot your favourite Melbourne landmarks – all made out of delicious gingerbread – as well as the cheeky gingerbread chefs getting up to mischief across the miniature city. If being surrounded by the tantalising baking aromas proves too much, treats can also be purchased.
Christmas Festival App: Santa’s Lil Helper
24 November to 25 December, Laneways across the city
Melbourne is Santa’s favourite place to shop –but last time he visited, he lost his phone. Help find Santa and return his phone and his naughty and nice lists to him to save Christmas as you travel among the city’s iconic laneways, unearthing magical augmented reality experiences. Our tech elves, based at Fed Square, will assist you to load the app and send you on your way to discover lush Christmas wonderlands and animated characters that literally spring to life along your adventure. Download Santa’s Lil Helper at the App Store or Google Play.
Christmas Laneways
24 November to 25 December, across the city
Melbourne’s most popular laneways across the city will be decked out in boughs of holly this year… with lights, baubles and reindeer, too. Head to Degraves Street, Manchester Lane, Alfred Place, Howey Place, Meyers Place and more to soak up some Christmas cheer.
Christmas Celebrations
From east to west, the Christmas festivities will stretch across the city this year.Here we come a-carolling…
Carols by Daylight
Sunday 10 December from 3pm Deakin Edge Theatre, Fed Square
If you’re not a night owl, but still want to get into the Christmas carolling spirit, then Carols by Daylight will fill your holidays with joy. This fun-filled family event sees the crowd singing along to their favourite songs with special guest artists and the combined Australian Schools Orchestra. You might event spot Santa Claus,if you’re lucky.
Tacky Christmas
1 to 25 December, Lonsdale and Russell streets
This year the Lonsdale Street Greek Precinctwill channel its inner cheesiness for Christmas – in the best way possible! Head to Lonsdale and Russell streets for ‘tacky’ decorations in shop fronts, Christmas inflatables and even a ‘tacky’ Santa Claus singing unconventional Christmas carols.Bridget Jones-style daggy festive sweaters optional.
Deck the Halls
1 to 2 December, 7pm, Wyselaskie AuditoriumCentre for Theology & Ministry, Parkville
If you like your Christmas celebrations with a distinctly Aussie flavour, why not join the Melbourne Chamber Choir, Polyphonic Voices, for a true blue concert of gorgeous Christmas music? With drinks and nibbles upon arrival, you’ll be treated to a night of traditional Christmas carols alongside celebrated local composers for the ultimate musical night out.
Santa’s Grand Arrival
Saturday 18 November, 9.30am to 10.30am and 11.30am to 12.30pm, Bourke Street Mall
David Jones brings its much-loved Christmas extravaganza, featuring Santa’s official arrival to the City of Melbourne, to Bourke Street Mall.Don’t miss your favourite Christmas characters live on stage at The David Jones Christmas Concert for some singing, dancing and festive fun.
Myer Christmas Windows
From Sunday 12 November, Bourke Street Mall
Everyone loves the Myer Christmas windows, but what will be the theme this year? In its62-year history, this memorable installation has brought to life classic stories like A Christmas Carol. At least we know one thing for sure: it will be a guaranteed hit with kids big and small.
12th Annual Christmas Day Picnic
Monday 25 December, Queen Victoria Gardens
The holidays don’t have to be a lonely time of the year if you’re far from family this Christmas Day. Everyone is welcome to pull up a blanket at the annual BYO picnic. Young and old, of any faithor religion, bring a plate to share, a name tag, and a bit of holiday spirit to make some new friends.
Karaoke Snow Globe
30 November to 25 December, Fed Square
Get ready to take your carolling to a whole new level... with a rendition of ‘Let It Snow’ immersed in a giant snow globe as you karaoke your way through all your favourite holiday tunes. Then proudly share a video of your performance with friends to get them into the spirit.
I’m Dreaming of a Cabaret Christmas
17 November to 23 December, Speakeasy HQ
Naughty or nice, you’re going to love this Christmas cabaret extravaganza. In the lead-up to the big day, Speakeasy HQ will be hostinga feast of cabaret shows from all genres. Expect a night full of magical mysteries,a dizzying collection of worldwide circus acts, and a delightful mass of musical styles.
Christmas at Old Treasury
13 November to 5 January, Old Treasury Building
Back in the 1920s, the idea of store-bought decorations was an extravagant folly for most. Newspapers at the time contained creative designs for crepe and paper to be repurposed into cheerful ornaments, for those who had little to spare. See the fruits of their labour in a cheerful installation at the caretaker’s basement flat.
Our city is filled with festive#melbmoments this year. Share yours.
Merry Markets
Local makers and provedores descend upon our city to deliver unique gifts, with nothing mass-produced.
A night at the Nicholas summer edition
This event adopts sustainable practices.
Thursday 7 December, 6pm, Nicholas Building
If you have a special someone in mind but they present a present-procuring problem, then nine storeys of artists, boutique retail, milliners, jewellers, illustrators and more might help. A maker-haven, the Nicholas Building will open its doors for one inspiration-filled night to herald the festive season.
GermanChristkindlmarkt
Thursday 30 November, 9am to 3pm Melbourne Town Hall
The German Christkindlmarkt is back again for one bumper day filled with everything delightful and delicious straight from the heart of Deutschland. With food and themed gifts on offer, it’s the perfect way to wish a FröhlicheWeihnachten to all our German locals.
Markit + Bake Sale
This event adopts sustainable practices.
Sunday 17 December, 10am to 5pm, The Atrium and Deakin Edge Theatre, Fed Square
With 89 stalls of creative local goodness on offer, every maker at Markit has been carefully selected for their originality, an emphasis on quality and their commitment to sustainability. There will also be baked-goods stalls downstairs in the Deakin Edge Theatre stage area to satiate your shopping-induced hunger.
Arts Centre Melbourne Saturday Christmas Market
This event adopts sustainable practices.
18 November, 25 November and 2 December, 10am to 4pm, St Kilda Road
Wander through the Arts Centre Melbourne forecourt to discover original Chrissie gift ideas and one-of-a-kind handmade goods to add that special personal touch to your presents this season. Everything at this market is made locally.
The Thread Den Christmas Market
This event adopts sustainable practices.
Friday 22 December, 5pm to 10pm
Thread Den acts as an incubator for independent designers and makes an ideal place for last-minute gifts and distinctive items. Head here to get the perfect gift for the person who has everything.
Collins Place Design Market
Friday 15 December, 10am to 6pm Collins Place Forecourt
On the Friday before the final run-up to Christmas, pop into the Collins Place Forecourt for a glass of bubbles at this chic design market’s pop-up bar, grab a bite to eat and peruse the boutique market offerings.
Japanese Christmas Market
Tuesday to Saturday, 1 to 22 December, 10am to 5pm, Kimono House, Nicholas Building
If you are, or someone you love is, a fan of all things Japanese head to Kimono House to be inspired by a range of Japanese gifts and decorations celebrating the joyful season. The fun starts with a launch event at 7pm on 1 December. Merīkurisumasu!
The Big Design Market
This event adopts sustainable practices.
1 to 3 December, Royal Exhibition Building
If ethical design is your gifting goal this Christmas, then this shopping mecca is made for you. With over 230 designers popping up over a three-day weekend, delicious food and drinks, an art installation, a cocktail bar, and even an outback-themed play area for kids, this market combines festive fun with productive shopping.
Christmas at Queen Victoria Market
This event adopts sustainable practices.
13 November to 24 December, Queen Victoria Market
Melbourne’s favourite market is open the six days leading into Christmas, making it your one-stop shop. Wander the heritage sheds and uncover a huge range of gift ideas witha collective of local artisans and designers, the best produce in Melbourne and theever-popular Night Market continuing everyWednesday through the jolly season.
Flemington Racecourse Christmas Market
Sunday 17 December, 9am to 2pm, Flemington Racecourse
Combining the best of an open-air market, a family-friendly event and a fun picnic lunch, the Christmas Market at Flemington Racecourse is sure to tick a few boxes as summer holiday mode sets in. There will be a huge range of food to sample, as well as goodies for your house and garden, and classic market fare on offer.
Fair@Square
This event adopts sustainable practices.
Saturday 2 December, 11am to 9pm Fed Square, River Terrace and Swanston Street
Fair@Square is a socially conscious market bringing the best in fair trade to the Christmas season this year. Bring your family down to Fed Square for cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, workshops and hands-on activities to entertain the brood this holiday season.
For sustainable gift ideas to Christmas Day lunches in one handy spot visit whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/christmas[2]
Welcome to the Neighborhood
Melbourne Neighbourhood
Our city comes to life at Christmas – from boutique retailers to night markets and hidden patisseries; from places to shop for party dresses to waterside bars to show them off.
Unwrap the festivities across the city and share your #melbmoment.
Northside
Northside includes Kensington Road Macaulay Road and is bordered by Flemington Road and Victoria Street.
Carlton
Carlton covers Lygon and Elgin Streets and is bordered by Victoria, Nicolas and Elizabeth Streets.
Docklands
Docklands includes Harbour Esplanade, and is bordered by the Yarra and Spencer Street.
West CBD
West CBD is bordered by Elizabeth, Latrobe and Spencer Street.