There's only 16 more sleeps until Saint Nick and his reindeer roll into town…16 days, people!!! Can you believe it?!
If you're looking for some festive fun, you're in luck – Melbourne is in full Christmas swing. From Rippon Lea's Christmas Festival and Fed Square's Festive Foodie Market, to the Paperlab.co Christmas Craft Extravaganza and carols at both Mornington and Malvern, there is something for everyone!
Here's what's happening this week in Melbourne…
Monday 9th December
The calm before the storm of events…
Tuesday 10th December
Image Credit: Pinterest
Grab your sombreros and get ready to parrrrrty, because Amigos, on Hardware Lane in the CBD, is celebrating its 2nd birthday! Happy hour will be running all day (hell yeah), so come on down and help celebrate!
Amigos 2nd Birthday | 75 Hardware Lane in Melbourne | 11am – 11pm
Show your support this International Human Rights Day at AmnesTEA, a multicultural tea party held in the Parliamentary Gardens. For $15 you'll not only be treated to delicious Asian, European, and African finger food, but you'll also do your bit by supporting Amnesty International's valuable humans rights work.
AmnesTEA | Parliamentary Gardens, Spring Street in East Melbourne | 11am – 1pm
Tickets $15 per person | To book, please click here
Wednesday 11th December
Get your groove on this Wednesday at Fed Square's FREE African Drumming session! Led by the Asanti Dance Theatre, the sessions are a great way to loosen up, relax, and have FUN! Get a group of friends together and dance the afternoon away.
African Drumming | St Pauls' Court steps, Fed Square in Melbourne | 12pm – 2pm
Thursday 12th December
Image Credit: Clink Jewellery
A favourite of many a Melburnian, the St Kilda Twilight Market is back charming the crowds with its easygoing, laidback vibe. Head to the O'Donnell Gardens, next to Luna Park, from 5pm for plenty of unique little market stalls plus great music, and delicious snacks.
St Kilda Twilight Market | O'Donnell Gardens, Lower Esplanade in St Kilda | 5pm – 10pm
Wow, what a year it's been! Casey Bennetto, the creative brains behind the musical Keating!, has summarised the past 12 months (cabaret style, of course) for his latest production Show Of The Year. Held at the Athenaeum Theatre, Show Of The Year covers all the major stories and events, and promises to have you laughing, crying, singing, and everything in between.
Show Of The Year | Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins Street in Melbourne | 7:30pm – 9pm
Tickets $35 per person | To book, please click here
Friday 13th December
Celebrate the impending arrival of Mr Claus at the inaugural Christmas Festival, held at the beautiful Rippon Lea House & Gardens. It promises to be a fun and festive evening, with carols, craft workshops, market stalls, and snacks aplenty! The perfect family night out.
Christmas Festival | 192 Hotham Street in Elsternwick | 5pm – 9pm
Tickets $10 per adult, $7.50 per child/concession or $30 per family (Two adults & two children) | To book, please click here
Laneways and Melbourne go hand in hand, so when a laneway like Howey Place throws a party, it's definitely something to check out. The Howey Place Shopping Night Party will be host to designers, drinks, DJs (of the Brazilian variety), and delicious Senor BBQ food – don't miss it!
Howey Place Shopping Night Party | Howey Place (off Little Collins Street) in Melbourne | 5pm – 9pm
Saturday 14th December
Image Credit: Lonely Hunter Facebook
Get ready for market mania – Saturday is going to be a doozy! There'll be handmade crafts at the Lonely Hunter Market, super talented Mornington Peninsula based designers at Primose Fair, mouthwatering Christmas food at the Festive Foodie Market, and plenty of old-school cool at the Nanna Cool Christmas Market. Definitely something for everyone!
Lonely Hunter Market | The Cape Lounge, Corner Brunswick and Johnston Streets in Fitzroy | 12pm – 5pm
Primrose Fair | Toorak College, Old Mornington Road in Mount Eliza | 10am – 4pm
Festive Foodie Market | Fed Square in Melbourne | 11am – 4pm (continues on Sunday too!)
Nanna Cool Christmas Market | Chelsea Hub, Showers Avenue in Chelsea | 10am – 2pm
Saturday is also the perfect day for caroling with the family, either at Mornington Carols in the Park or Carols at Central Park (both delightfully free!). Mornington's carols will be held at family friendly Mornington Park and will feature an appearance by The Voice's Jackie Sannia, while Carols at Central Park will be held at the leafy Malvern East hotspot with an Scooby-Doo there to entertain the kids.
Mornington Carols in the Park | Mornington Park, Corner Esplanade and Schnapper Point Drive in Mornington | From 6:30pm
Carols at Central Park | Central Park, Burke Road in Malvern East | From 7:30pm
Sunday 15th December
Image Credit: Mitzi's Collectibles
Learn to make a Christmas wreath with a difference at the Paperlab.co Christmas Craft Extravaganza. Instead of using traditional pinecones, workshop leader PaperLou will show you how to create a wreath from recycled wrapping paper and books. Just think of it as festive eco-fun!
Paperlab.co Christmas Craft Extravaganza | Boyd Building, 207 – 227 City Road in Southbank | 11am – 1pm
Tickets $50 per person | To book, please click here
If you love your wine and love your Italian food, then you're going to love the Izway Wine Lunch at Ladro Prahran. Hosted by Top Australian Wines, the event features five dreamy courses from Ladro, each with a perfectly matched Izway wine. Tickets are a steal at only $79.99 so get booking NOW!
Izway Wine Lunch | Ladro, 162 Greville Street in Prahran | From 12pm
Tickets $79.99 per person | To book, please click here