Melbourne comes into its own over Christmas with heaps of fun activities for families—and the Christmas cheer will be even brighter with the return of the Salvation Army’s beloved carolers and musicians.
Premier Jacinta Allan joined Minister for Major Events Steve Dimopoulous, Minister for Small Business Natalie Suleyman, Lord Mayor Nick Reece, Commanding Officer of the Salvation Army Major Brendan Nottle and carolers at Melbourne Town Hall to announce the Salvation Army is getting the band back together.
The Salvation Army band will bring the city streets to life with music from Monday, 9 December until Christmas Eve.
This is a chance for everyone to come together, enjoy the sound of Christmas and donate to the Salvation Army—who do amazing work every day of the year to support vulnerable Victorians.
In addition to carolers, the Salvos will have a variety of musicians out on key street corners as well as the stations on the City Loop—including vocalists, violinists, guitarists, a string quartet and the traditional Salvos’ brass band.
The beautiful music isn’t the only thing bringing the city to life this Christmas time, with a wonderland of events and dazzling decorations for families to enjoy.
From the iconic Myer Christmas Windows to the Christmas Eve Circus at Town Square to the festive-themed maze in the Docklands—Christmas is set to take over, bringing families to the city and filling up local businesses, restaurants and hotels.
Families can enjoy a First Peoples makers’ market and performances at Federation Square thanks to Koorie Krismas, or they can collect a map from Mary Martin Bookshop to join the Melbourne City Christmas Treasure Hunt.
There’s Christmas Crafternoons at the Library at The Dock, or you can find bespoke gifts of artwork, pottery, glass, crafts, candles and old wines at the Artist Christmas Market in East Melbourne.
These Christmas events join Melbourne’s jam-packed calendar of major events for families and friends to enjoy this festive season.
Iconic sports will return with the Boxing Day Test and the Australian Open—and the Pro Kabaddi Melbourne Raid will be held for the very first time at John Cain Arena.
The world-first exhibition of the contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama will transform NGV International and a dedicated kids gallery and the return of NGV Friday Nights will attract even more visitors.
For some Victorians, Christmas is tough—it’s why the Labor Government will also donate $20,000 on behalf of the Victorian people to Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, which is run in partnership with the Salvation Army.
The appeal aims to make Christmas brighter for Aussies facing hardship or crisis through gifts to those in need.
The Government is also proud to regularly support the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal and was pleased to contribute $150,000 this year to help Victorians in need.
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