Marvel Stadium unveils “The North Pole” Christmas wonderland

Marvel Stadium is set to turn on the festive magic this December, with Stadium Square transforming into The North Pole featuring Pixar Putt – a colourful, character-filled Christmas activation running from December 11 to 23.

The free live site, open daily from 10am between Gates 2 and 3, will see one of Docklands’ busiest precincts reimagined as a family-friendly Christmas wonderland. Organisers say this year’s installation is the biggest yet, combining festive traditions with the creativity and nostalgia of beloved Pixar films.

A towering nine-metre Pixar-themed Christmas tree will take centre stage, decorated with iconic touches inspired by favourites such as Toy Story, Cars and Monsters, Inc..

Visitors can expect photo opportunities with character sculptures, a festive activity station for kids, and a display of 18 AFL club–themed Christmas trees adding local colour and sporting flair.

Santa will also make daily appearances for free family photos, while visitors can browse pop-up merchandise stalls or get a close-up with the AFL Premiership Cup. Food vendors 8Bit and Friends of Fire will serve festive snacks throughout the activation.

The popular mini-golf attraction Pixar Putt will return to Marvel Stadium for its final Australian season, running alongside The North Pole through to January 18. Made up of interactive holes inspired by Pixar’s most iconic films – plus a new design based on the upcoming release Hoppers – the course is expected to be a major drawcard during school holidays. After-dark sessions will run Thursday to Saturday nights, complete with a pop-up bar for the adults.

There will also be a range of prizes offered across the “12 Days of The North Pole”, including a double pass to see Ed Sheeran at Marvel Stadium, a year-long Disney+ subscription and signed AFL guernseys.

Marvel Stadium general manager Scott Fitzgerald said the team was excited to close out the year with one of the venue’s most family-focused activations.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to transform Marvel Stadium into The North Pole again in 2026,” he said. “This year has been another incredible year at Marvel Stadium – from unforgettable concerts to blockbuster sporting events – finishing it with The North Pole featuring Pixar Putt and Santa is the perfect finale.”

“We can’t wait to see the smiles on the faces of all of our guests throughout the festive period, and we thank Disney, Pixar and TEG Experiences for their support in bringing it all to life.”

Tickets for Pixar Putt start from $19.90, with full details available at marvelstadium.com.au.