Christmas in Melbourne: Santa Claus is coming to town — and Federation Square

MELBOURNE’S jolly gent in red is on the move this year, pushed out of his regular spot in City Square by the Metro rail tunnel works.

SANTA CLAUS is coming to town — and to Federation Square.

Melbourne’s jolly gent in his red suit is on the move this year, pushed out of his regular spot in City Square by the Metro rail tunnel works.

Instead, Santa will hear children’s Christmas wishes in the square opposite St Paul’s Cathedral on Flinders St.

His big armchair will be located next to the city’s new 16m-high, six-tonne Christmas tree, which will have a galaxy of LED lights flicked on this Friday night.

Melbourne’s Xmas tree finds a new home

DIY Christmas decoration sales have soared

Santa is wheeled in to Federation Square by helper Isabel McCabe. Picture: David Caird

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said Christmas was a magical time for families.

“The enchanting crystal fir tree comprises 200 crystalline branches adorned with 30,000 colour changing lights,” Cr Doyle said.

The council’s Christmas hub at Fed Square will also have a festive forest, nativity scene and Christmas karaoke.

Light projections shows will also begin next Friday at Federation Square, the State Library and New Quay Promenade.

Santa is setting up in Fed Square. Picture: David Caird

No Christmas in the 21st century is complete without an app, with the Santa’s Lil Helper app taking users on an “augmented reality journey” at six sites: Fed Square, Degraves St, Manchester Lane, Howey Place, Bourke St Mall and Alfred Place.

Cr Doyle also said that the Gingerbread Village will return for its seventh year at Melbourne Town Hall. Proceeds will go to the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.

[e-mail]

@IanRoyall