The sun is shining, our days are longer and Christmas decorations line the street. Summer time is almost here Melburnians, and there is no cooler way to escape the heat this season than at the QV Dream Tent.
With its otherworldly feel, the QV Dream Tent – held at QV Melbourne – will be a sanctuary amongst the CBD's Christmas craziness. The pop-up space will be a hub of pre-Christmas activity but with a decidedly calm and dreamlike feel. You can thank the floating cloud, summer rain, and feather sculptures designed by Flower Temple and RMIT design students for that!
Held from 2nd – 22nd December, the tent will be offering market stalls and Christmas pressies aplenty, plus creative workshops and relaxation stations (hey, Christmas shopping is hard work!). Whatever you're after, the QV Dream Tent is here to help.
Here's our pick of the fabulous activities on offer…
CHRISTMAS CUPCAKE DECORATING WORKSHOPS
Why not pretend you're Martha Stewart and give the cupcake decorating workshop a go? Let The Cupcake Family teach you how to make delicious treats that you can take home and share with the family.
Christmas Cupcake Decorating Workshops
Tuesday 3rd, 10th and 17th December | 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Another unmissable event for baking aficionados is the gingerbread course with GingerGirl – she's an expert in all things gingerbread related! Learn how to put together the ultimate gingerbread house, which you'll get to keep of course!
Gingerbread House Courses
Wednesday 4th and 11th December | 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Monday 16th December | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
FLOWER TEMPLE CHRISTMAS WORKSHOPS
Flower Temple, arguably one of Melbourne's best florists, will be dishing out their expert advice, helping guests make their very own Christmas wreaths and centrepieces. It's the perfect mix of arts & crafts and floristry.
Flower Temple Christmas Workshops
Wreaths | Wednesday 4th and 11th December | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Centrepieces | Thursday 5th and 12th December | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
There is nothing that signifies the Christmas season more than a full belly. When you're done crafting and decorating, get yourself down to Shophouse Kitchen for a dumpling feast. Don't forget to RSVP!
Express Dumpling Dinner
Friday 6th, Monday 9th and Wednesday 18th December | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
FREE NAIL ART FROM GODDESS OF NAILS & BEAUTY
You know, Christmas decorations are not just for the tree. Get on board this silly season and get your hands looking all merry with some fabulous nail art from Goddess of Nails & Beauty – it's FREE-ninety-nine!
Goddess of Nails & Beauty Free Nail Art
Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December | 10:00am – 12:00pm
(If you're a fan of nail art then don't miss our guide to Melbourne's best nail art salons!)
Sisters' Market know what makes a good market better than anyone, so you can be sure that their takeover of the Dream Tent will be awesome! There'll be 40 different stalls offering all sorts of presents for the loved ones in your life.
Christmas Markets
Friday 13th – Sunday 15th and Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd December | Various times
Christmas shopping is thirsty work, so make sure you take a break and rehydrate at the Nimbus Bar! Running for the duration of the QV Dream Tent, the bar is the perfect place to sip on an icy cold beverage and relax.
QV Nimbus Bar | 12:00pm – 5:00pm daily
QV Melbourne 'Dream Tent' | Monday 2nd – Sunday 22nd December
Corner of Lonsdale and Swanston Streets in Melbourne
You can check out the full program and make bookings here.
Image Credit: Trendzona.