Darebin Celebrates

From creative community activations to festive shopfront artwork, dazzling reindeers, to joyous performances, there are so many ways to celebrate and connect in Darebin.

For the full program, as well as handy festive season tips visit Darebin Celebrates and check out our socials.

Traditional Christmas displays and decorations maintain a strong presence in Darebin’s key activity centres and selected shopping strips. Delivered by Darebin’s four Trader Associations (Preston, Northcote, Fairfield & Reservoir), with each receiving a $2,500 contribution from Council.

Yes, having outgrown its home at Preston, the big 6 metre Christmas tree will move to a more suitable space at the Northcote Town Hall Civic Square. To ensure the safety of our community and staff, protect our gum trees, and support our sustainability goals, we will be installing the 3.6 metre Christmas Tree at Preston Town Hall.

Additionally, smaller Christmas trees will be placed in multiple key activity centres throughout Darebin to spread the festive cheer. 

The Reindeer are located at the Northcote Town Hall Civic Square on High Street, Northcote. This decision was made as we would like to share the dazzling Reindeer across the City. 

Visit Darebin Celebrates for info about local businesses and op shops.

We absolutely do! Darebin is a uniquely diverse and vibrant community, and while we celebrate Christmas, we also embrace and honour the many ways our residents come together at this time of year.

We’re so fortunate to be part of a community that reflects so many different traditions and backgrounds – let’s celebrate all the richness and joy they bring!

This Christmas and festive season, Council will be running and supporting over 20 events, workshops and activations across Darebin.

Darebin has not done a backflip. In 2024, there was some misinformed commentary around our use of the word Christmas. Darebin confirms we celebrate Christmas and we respect that not everyone in our community does. Darebin embraces and honours our diverse and unique community.

Our campaign branding has mostly remained the same, and we have and will continue to use the word Christmas across all festive season communications.

The #DarebinCelebrates campaign is a year-long campaign that touches on the 50+ significant days and events that hold meaning for our community.

Let’s keep in the spirit of Christmas and holiday cheer, and show how inclusive, kind and wonderful our community can be however we celebrate.

Example social media response from 2024:

Ho Ho Ho-ld your horses, the words "Merry Christmas" aren't on our naughty list!

In fact, in 2024 we decked the halls with:

• 12 Christmas activations across Darebin
• 11 Choir and orchestra performances spreading Christmas cheer
• 10+ Mentions of Christmas on our Darebin Celebrates web page
• 9 Live festive music events
• 9 Illuminated Christmas Reindeer at Northcote Town Hall Civic Centre
• 7 Social media mentions of Christmas
• 6 Interactive angel wings for fun festive photos
• Funding for our Trader Associations for Christmas decorations at four Darebin activity centres
• 4 Christmas gift wrapping workshops at Darebin libraries
• 3 Sparkling Christmas trees and glowing fairy light displays
• 2 Festive Christmas themed window installations
• 1 Video featuring our Mayor wishing Darebin a Happy Christmas!

...but we did skip the partridge in a pear tree (sorry, we couldn't find one).

For many years, Darebin’s annual Carols were celebrated as a family Christmas concert held at All Nations Park in Northcote.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Carols event pivoted into Illuminate Darebin where Council buildings and sites were lit up with artistic light installations, complemented by an online Community Mixed Tape featuring different community choirs showcasing end of year festive songs.

In December 2021 we introduced a new annual concert series across various Darebin sites titled Our Songs which will run again in 2025 for the community to enjoy.  

Our Songs is inspired by the idea of our local community coming together in the spirit of reconciliation and harmony at the neighbourhood level.

 Check out the 2025 Our Songs program

In line with our sustainability goals, we have decided to reduce some plastic decorations as part of this year’s festive season program. Instead, we will be focusing on providing opportunities for our community to connect and celebrate together. 

This is our third year of no plastic bin wraps and tree wraps. In line with our sustainability goals, we have removed plastic, single use bin wraps from the festive season program. Funds historically spent on the bin wraps will be redirected to a program of community activities and opportunities to connect and celebrate in Darebin. 

Find out how you can make more sustainable choices this festive season by visiting Sustainable Christmas in Darebin.

There are lots of sustainable options when it comes to choosing a Christmas tree this year.

• Reuse or buy second-hand: use the tree hidden in your garage or buy a second-hand tree
• Opt for a live, native tree: look for Albany Woolly Bush or Wollemi Pine at local your local nursery. You can keep these trees in large pots to be used year after year, or you can plant them in your backyard after the festive season is over.
• Decorate your plants: you don't have to buy a tree! Spruce up your favourite potted monstera by draping over some fairy lights and hanging a few decorations.

If you've got a cut tree, you can drop off your tree at the Darebin Resource Recovery Centre for free in the new year. Darebin residents who receive kerbside waste collection, are also entitled to one free Christmas tree collection each year. Christmas tree collection bookings are limited and open in mid-December. For more information, call Customer Service on 8470 8888.

The Reindeer are a permanent asset of Darebin City Council. A local business created these art pieces over 5 years ago. 

We understand that the festive season can be a difficult time for some people, particularly those who may feel socially isolated, disconnected from family or community, or are experiencing other challenges.

There are local support programs and services available in Darebin to help residents stay connected and supported at this time of year. Links to services will be made available.

Each year, Darebin Council acknowledges through messages and activities, over 50 significant days and events that hold meaning for our community. These acknowledgments are intended to honour and increase awareness of our community’s values and commitments, respectfully recognising these important dates.

We’re so lucky to be part of a community filled with diverse traditions and backgrounds – let’s embrace the beauty and joy each one brings. 

For the full list, visit Darebin.vic.gov.au/HowDarebinCelebrates and check out our socials.