Melbourne’s City Square has reopened with a dazzling Christmas display, marking the start of the city’s festive season. The launch, a partnership between the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne, features a six-metre Christmas tree, a jumbo-sized Santa chair, and a month-long community choir creating a lively holiday atmosphere.
The opening weekend of the Christmas Festival coincided with Black Friday sales, drawing foot traffic 36 per cent higher than the same period in 2024, signalling a thriving CBD. The festive display follows a major facelift as part of the Metro Tunnel Project, with City Square now featuring a two-tiered concourse and five new escalators leading to upcoming retail offerings scheduled to open next year.
The celebrations complement the Labor Government’s ALWAYS LIVE Melbourne Vibes program, which delivers free pop-up live music events across key CBD precincts and laneways throughout summer. These initiatives tie into Melbourne’s 2026 major events calendar, which will feature the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne Fashion Festival, NRL State of Origin, and an NFL Regular Season Game.
Melbourne’s Christmas activities attract over 2.5 million visitors annually, generating more than $144 million for the local economy and supporting shops, cafés, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Authorities are encouraging locals and visitors alike to enjoy the festivities, support local businesses, and soak up the seasonal atmosphere.
Minister for Small Business and Employment Natalie Suleyman highlighted the importance of combining festive cheer with support for local traders, saying the new City Square offers families a vibrant place to shop, dine, and enjoy the holiday spirit. Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams emphasised the role of the Metro Tunnel upgrade in transforming the space. Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece described the reopening as “one of the best Christmas gifts Melbourne has ever received,” with a mix of traditional decorations and after-dark neons bringing the square to life.
The festivities provide a central hub for families and visitors to enjoy Christmas in the heart of Melbourne, blending community activities, retail, and seasonal entertainment to make the CBD a lively destination throughout the holiday period.
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