'Tis officially almost the season and with a jam-packed schedule of Christmas-themed activities kicking off in early November, a huge range of gifting options and a fresh dining precinct, Highpoint is Melbourne's spot to beat as the end of year festivities kick into full swing.
Fresh Food Gets A New Look
The fresh food and dining precinct at Highpoint is set to welcome an exciting lineup of newbies to the space. Whether you're looking to grab some fresh ingredients to whip up a post-shopping snack at home or need a half-time treat before getting back on the grind, with this many options, you don't have to stress about shopping on an empty stomach.
Fuelling up before a big shopping sesh during the festive season is crucial, so be sure to allow ample time to cruise through the upgraded precinct’s new kids on the block: Teddy Café, Mr Chocolate, and MarketPlace Flowers.
Come mid-December, you’ll be able to stop by A1 Bakery for an iconic cheese pie or settle in for a couple of oysters and some market-fresh sashimi from Maguro Bar. If snacking is more your style, there's an entire store dedicated to popcorn. Yes, 180 Degrees Popcorn is real, this is not a drill. Oh, and before we forget, the recipe goddess Dani Venn will be cooking up all things Chicken Tostadas and tasty summer salads in a pop-up cooking demonstration on the 21st and 22nd December 1pm - 2pm.
If you’re looking to tick off the weekly grocery shop while you’re at it, you’ll find everything you need to whip up the perfect charcuterie board at Gourmet Deli House, Foodle, and MarketPlace Fresh.
Come Christmas week, keep your eye out for a pop-up activation featuring cooking demos, delicious recipes, and of course plenty of free samples. Sign us up.
Christmas, Sorted
Speaking of Christmas, Highpoint truly knows how to get into the festive spirit with a non-stop schedule of activities happening across December,.
Bookings are now open for your annual Santa snap, with spots open up until Tuesday 24th December. You have the choice of sitting with Santa and Mrs Claus or the option to include your furry friend—because everyone knows no family portrait is complete without them.
For a quieter experience suitable for anyone with sensory needs, there's also the option to book a Sensitive Santa session complete with lower lighting and quietened background music.
Plus, how does winning a trip to spend Christmas 2025 in Lapland, Finland sound? Book in and sit for a photo with Santa before the 8th of December and you'll automatically go into the draw to win the trip of a lifetime to Santa’s hometown.
Interested in some old-school festive bites and a dining experience the kids will love? Santa’s Diner will be at Highpoint from 12-15th December on Level 3. Head along and enjoy 50's themed snacks, songs played straight from the juke box, complimentary ice cream and entertainment from the roller skating waiters.
One Stop Shop
No doubt the whisperings of the office secret Santa have begun, and the family group chat is pinging with gifting logistics. Lucky for you, you’ll be able to find something for everyone—as well as a few goodies for yourself—under Highpoint's one roof.
Peruse the racks and shelves at top brands like Dior, Chanel Beauty, and Polo Ralph Lauren for that someone extra special, or hit up the specific gifting spots like Nespresso, Mecca, Kikki.K, or The Memo to zoom through your gifting list with ease. We recommend a couple of Lanolips tinted balm from Mecca for the perfect stocking stuffers.
Gift Wrap For Good
We get it; some things are just seriously hard to wrap. If gift wrapping isn’t your forte and you have a gold coin on you, head to Customer Service on Level 3 and let the professionals take care of it for you. This year the crew at Highpoint have partnered with the Australian Childhood Foundation, meaning you can have your trinkets beautifully wrapped with all proceeds going to the Australian Childhood Foundation. The best part? The gift-wrapping bar will be open with extended hours for last-minute shoppers.
Last Minute Dash
The good people at Highpoint have thought of everything, from extended christmas hours to give you some extra time to secure 'that' gift for mum and dad, to gift-wrapping that could be snapped and popped up on your Pinterest board, to all your fresh food needs.
For more on how to make the most out of Highpoint this festive season, or to check out their Christmas Gift Guide visit here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Highpoint Shopping Centre and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Image Credit: Supplied