Christmas_2015_Guide
Christmas Festival Gift and Event Guide
Enjoy a very special Christmas with gift ideas and events found only in the city
Contents
Message from the Lord Mayor of Melbourne
This December, we invite you to celebrate the Christmas season in true Melbourne style.
Our annual month-long Christmas Festival features a wonderful range of activities and events, many of which are free.
Head to City Square which will be transformed into ‘Christmas Square’, to see our majestic Christmas tree, activations, carols and you can take a photo with Santa for free on your own phone or camera.
The Gingerbread Village at Melbourne Town Hall is a favourite among city visitors. You will be impressed with the craftsmanship and may even spot a mini marzipan Lord Mayor!
Of course Melbourne, the Christmas capital, offers the most diverse shopping experience: from major complexes and department stores to laneway boutiques and Queen Victoria Market. You’ll find something for everyone from grandad to teachers to the youngest members of the family and have fun doing it!
Rest your weary shopping bones and recharge with a caffeine hit or satisfying meal at one of our world-class cafes or restaurants. Again, you will be spoilt for choice as we are home to purveyors of five-star cuisine, tasty street food and everything in between.
Before you head home, do not miss the spectacular projections on Melbourne Town Hall.
Merry Christmas Melbourne!
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle
Christmas is a magical time of year to be in Melbourne, with the annual Christmas Festival set to transform the city – and our wonderful neighbouring precincts – into a festive wonderland.
Head to vibrant Carlton to celebrate Christmas with an Italian flavour. ‘Carols in the Piazza’ is a free event, featuring much-loved carols in English and Italian, delicious food and our friend St Nicholas will even make a guest appearance.
Docklands will also come alive with th e festive spirit, with the ‘Festival of Giving’ on 6 December. This fabulous family event features music, food, markets, a giving tree and a fun-filled treasure hunt, sure to get you in the spirit of giving.
Of course, the city is also the perfect place to indulge in a bit of retail therapy, and cross those Christmas gifts off your list! To make things easier, from the first week of December, some of our city retailers such as
Emporium Melbourne, Myer and David Jones will be trading until 9pm daily and Melbourne Central, QV
Melbourne, The Strand Melbourne and Melbourne’s GPO will be trading until 9pm Wednesday to Saturday.
Traditions we all know and love will be brought to life this festive season, creating an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. Christmas truly is the perfect time to enjoy all that our city has to offer.
Enjoy a very special Christmas in Melbourne!
Cr Beverley Pinder-Mortimer
Special Christmas events
Enjoy these free Christmas events presented by City of Melbourne and partners.
Christmas Square
Presented by City of Melbourne, supported by Intel
27 November To 25 December, City Square
The centre piece of Melbourne’s Christmas Festival, City Square will be transformed into Christmas Square, a magical forest offering festive fun for families and children. By day, discover nutcracker soldiers, interactive candy canes and free photos with Santa. An interactive Intel Christmas installation will also offer an exciting glimpse of the future. By night enjoy soundscapes and Christmas lighting. On Friday 27 November come on down and see the official launch of the festive season at Christmas Square.
Santa In The City
28 November to 25 December, Christmas Square
Daily, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm. Also on Fridays 4pm to 7pm
Children are invited to meet Santa, tell him their Christmas wishes and take a free photo with Santa and his helpers.
Rotary Docklands Festival of Giving
6 December, Docklands
Music, food, markets, a Giving Tree, classic and exotic cars plus a family treasure hunt. You’ll get into the spirit of giving at this fabulous family event.
Santa’s Post Box
Presented by City of Melbourne and Australia Post
Until 19 December, Christmas Square
Write a letter to Santa addressed to North Pole, 9999 and post it in Santa’s Mail Box to get a reply from Santa himself! Plus drop a gift off at the Australia Post Giving Box where your donation will be delivered to a child in need.
Nativity Scene Blessing
2 December 10.30am, Christmas Square
You are invited to witness a blessing of the nativity scene and listen to traditional Christmas carols sung by a
Christmas choir.
Gingerbread Village by Epicure
1 to 24 December, Melbourne Town Hall
Entertain the kids for free and find your favourite Melbourne landmark made out of gingerbread. Make a gold coin donation to Make-A-Wish Australia.
Lego® Christmas Tree at Fed Square
27 November to 27 December, Plaza
The Southern Hemisphere’s largest LEGO® Christmas Tree is coming to one of Melbourne’s most iconic spaces – Federation Square. Standing taller than a two-storey house and wider than a family car, the spectacular LEGO® Christmas Tree will switch-on its lights on Friday 27 November as part of the official start of the festive season.
Carols in the Piazza
20 December, Piazza Italia, Carlton
Buon Natale! Celebrate Christmas with an Italian flavour. This free event will feature carols in English and
Italian, delicious food and our friend St Nicholas will even make a guest appearance.
Remember to #melbxmas your Christmas moments in Melbourne city and we’ll share the best with our followers.
Festive events
For event times and more festive events visit Christmas Festival 1 .
The Listies Ruin Christmas
25 November to 13 December, The Malthouse
Start the silly season with this riotous take on the holiday pantomime, set to make kids big and small shriek with laughter.
Lego Fun
Every Sunday, Federation Square
Build your own LEGO® Christmas decoration every Sunday until Christmas and enjoy a showcase of LEGO®
Christmas creations in the Fracture Gallery daily.
Southgate Performers
Saturdays in December, Southbank Promenade
Bring the family down to the riverside for children’s entertainment and carols galore.
Our Christmas Gift – Salvation Army
28 November, Arts Centre, Hamer Hall
The Salvation Army bring their annual concert spectacular to Hamer Hall. Featuring the Salvation Army Big
Band, Fatai, David Hobson, Silvie Paladino, Emma Pask and the Wacky Creative. All proceeds go to the
Salvation A rmy’s many charitable programs.
Carols on Collins
Presented by the Collins Street precinct
18 December, Christmas Square 21 to 23 December, Collins Street, City
Hear the soaring voices of the Australian Girls’ Choir as they serenade you with Christmas carols. The choir will be supported by a number of special guests.
Christmas At Fed Square
27 November to 27 December, Federation Square
Fed Square will be transformed by art, music and lots of fun-filled activities. Bring your friends and family to explore unique exhibitions, soak up the sounds of community choirs, challenge your mates to Big Screen gaming sessions hosted by Freeplay or kick back and watch Christmas films on the Big Screen.
Myer Christmas Windows
Daily, Bourke Street Mall
1
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/christmas
A Melbourne tradition, celebrating 60 years, the iconic Myer Christmas Windows bring joy and Christmas cheer. Don’t miss these wonderful animated windows.
QV Outdoor Cinema
Every Thursday to Sunday from 3 December, Qv Melbourne
This Christmas, QV Melbourne invites you to escape the Christmas frenzy and chill out under the stars at the
QV Christmas Cinema. The program for December will feature a mix of classic Christmas films as well as other beloved big screen favourites.
Wonderland Fun Park and Spiegeltent
Daily, Docklands
Be amazed by the crazy acrobatic elves getting themselves into all sorts of mischief in the Santa’s Christmas
Circus Spectacular Show.
Messiah
5 and 6 December, Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Join conductor Bramwell Tovey, the MSO Chorus and renowned international soloists for the MSO’s much loved Christmas rendition of Handel’s Messiah.
A Swingin ’ Bella Christmas
20 to 22 December, Bella Union Trades Hall
A finger-snappin', toetappin' romp through traditional carols, modern favourites and speciallywritten original songs of the season, executed with airy panache by a bevy of brilliant performers.
Giant Theremin
Throughout December, Northbank Near Signal
The Giant Christmas Theremin is a supersized musical instrument standing more than seven metres tall. It’s controlled by movement rather than touch and can be played by up to eight people at once. Enjoy creating your own Christmas styled compositions and spread the Christmas cheer.
Christmas Carols in Errol Street
10 December, Errol Street, North Melbourne
Visit charming Errol Street as it comes alive with Christmas carols. Then join in the celebrations at The Centre.
Pay it Forward at Queen Victoria Markets
Thursday to Sunday and Tuesdays from 1 December
Visit Queen Victoria Market this December to help brighten the Christmas of a family in need. Leave a present under our Giving Tree or pay it forward by purchasing some extra food from our traders to donate to the
Salvation Army Christmas Appeal.
Awkward Christmas Portraits
From 1 December, Melbourne Central
Create some cringe-filled kitsch in your very own Awkward Santa Photo! Everything from novelty sweaters and goofy props are provided to fully capture the silly season.
A Christmas Carol
3 December, Reader’s Feast
Start the festive season with a performance reading by actor John Stanton, A Christmas Carol by Charles
Dickens. After the reading, enjoy live music, refreshments and Christmas shopping.
Wally ’ s Christmas Photobooth
From 1 December, The Carlton
For adults who are too shy to visit the real Santa, get your photo taken with The Carl ton’s resident Ostrich,
Wally, who’ll be dressed in a Santa costume. As an added bonus, you get to play dress ups too.
Vision Australia’s Carols By Candelight
24 December, Sidney Myer Music Bowl
An iconic Christmas tradition for 77 years, this year’s line-up promises a fantastic evening of festive entertainment.
Christmas at David Jones
Until 25 December, David Jones, Bourke Street Mall
Watch Santa’s helpers busily prepare for Christmas and bring your pets in for a Santa PAWtrait or have your face painted by a Christmas Fairy. Plus visit the David Jones Christmas window and follow the Christmas elves from James Gulliver Hancock’s ‘Colour Me In Christmas’ book as they collect gifts from all around the world.
Christmas markets
For handmade, locally made, fair trade and everything in between.
Blender Lane Market
Every Wednesday (Excl 23 December), 5pm to 10pm Franklin Street, City
Surrounded by street art, this is one of the coolest markets in town, featuring art and design from Me lbourne’s urban art collective.
Markit at Fedsquare
Sunday 29 November, 10am to 5pm Federation Square
With a focus on Australian-made and sustainable products, Markit@ FedSquare brings together independent designers selling products ranging from ceramics to jewellery.
Saturday Christmas Market
Saturdays, 21 November to 5 December, 10am to 4pm Arts Centre Melbourne
Discover original Christmas gift ideas with unique handmade goods ranging from arts and crafts to freshly made delicacies.
The Big Design Market
4 to 6 December, Fri 10am to 9pm, Sat 10am to 7pm, Sun 10am to 5pm, Royal Exhibition Building,
Carlton
Wowsers! This is the biggest range of Australian and international independent design under one roof. We recommend you wear comfy shoes and get there early.
Little Sparrow Market
20 December, 10am to 5pm, Federation Square
Perfect for those last minute shoppers, browse beautiful products by emerging and established designers, makers and artists.
Fair at Square
5 to 6 December, 11am to 6pm Federation Square
Let your Christmas gifts have a positive impact on the world by shopping at Fair@ Square, a sustainable and fair trade festival.
Queen Victoria Market
Various times, Elizabeth Street
From all your Christmas feast ingredients to gift shopping under the iconic Sheds and at the Night Market, when you think of shopping destinations in Melbourne, you can’t go past the famous Queen Vic.
Swagger Child Design Market
6 December, 10am to 3pm Meat Market, North Melbourne
With over 100 designers showcasing everything for the little tacker in your life, you’re sure to find everything they need and then some.
Kensington Arts and Craft Market
13 December, 10am to 3pm Kensington Town Hall
With over 70 specialty stalls this inner city market offers an eclectic mix of handmade, local produce, live music and kids activities.
Local and handmade gifts
Proudly made with love.
1. Delicious gingerbread candle, $24.95, B Inspired, Little Collins Street, city
2. Flower necklace, $185; silver earrings, $390; colourful earrings, $190, from e.g.etal, Flinders Lane, city
3. Copper dinosaur bookends, $80, Corky Saint Clair, Campbell Arcade
4. Floral arrangement, the perfect centrepiece for any Christmas party, prices vary, Whitemoss, off Flinders
Lane, city
5. Koala & The Age sketch, $50, from Monsterthreads, QV Melbourne
6. Silk scarves, featuring 1887, Melbourne map and Melbourne Royal Exhibition building, $119 each, from
The Melbourne Shop by Lumbi, Driver Lane, city
Meet a maker, Chris Bril
A thoroughfare for Flinders Street Station foot traffic, Campbell Arcade is a non-traditional retail space where you’ll find the likes of Cup-of-truth, Wax Museum Records and the particularly quirky, Corky Saint Clair.
For more than a decade, screen printer-turned-jewellery designer, Chris Bril, has held his own, underground in a city full of arca des and hidden laneways, ‘It adds a sense of discovery for new customers,’ says Chris, ‘That
‘I found you!’ moment.’
Corky Saint Clair is known for original, distinctive jewellery. ‘Jewellery’s personal. You wear it; it reminds you of the person who gave i t to you,’ says Chris. ‘It’s rewarding to contribute to people’s memories.’
If you’re after something different for a special someone, Chris may have just the gift for you.
Gifts for less
Under $20, under $40 and under $50
1. This is the perfect shopping bag for your Christmas groceries, $15, Queen Victoria Market
2. Find quirky and original gifts like this pipe tea infuser, $15, and banana hipflask $35 at Pigeonhole,
Melbourne Central
3. Make Me Iconic tram, $10, Shoko koala chopstick rest, $16, and Hasa cheese board $42, from Wilkins &
Kent, Little Bourke Street, city
4. Choose from a wide selection of records including Oasis Boulevard by Splendour, $18, Wax Museum
Records, Campbell Arcade
5. Keep a little piece of Melbourne on your mantelpiece with this model Polly Woodside, $39, Nautical
Replicas, Queen Victoria Market
6. Vibrant men’s dress socks from Fortis Green, $29.95 per pair, Manfred’s Shoe Lounge, North Melbourne
7. This hardback journal is interspersed with beautiful photographs and illustrations by local artist Matt Irwin,
$29.99, Matt Irwin Art Space. Block Place, city.
Luxury gifts
For those once in a lifetime gifts
1. Tom Ford leather bracelets $545 each, Stefano Ricci Eau de Parfum $795, or silk Tom Ford pocket square $225, from Harrolds, Collins Street, city
2. Vintage cutlery set (only forks shown) $275, Madame Vintage, Chasse au Tresor, North Melbourne
3. Arts & Crafts earrings, available in a range of gemstones, $350, classic egg pendants, from $425 available from Kozminsky, Bourke Street, city
4. Pick your favourite from the colourful range of Capri wristlets, $349, or give the gift of organisation with this leather card holder, $135 at Braun Büffel, Collins Street, city
5. Your potted plants have never been so stylish. Give them tasteful hydration with this copper watering can,
$139.95 available from Mr Wares, The Block Arcade
Meet a shop keeper, Kirsten Albrecht
We chat to Kirsten, Managing Director of Kozminsky, established in Melbourne in 1851.
What’s your favourite thing about Christmas?
Spending time with family, especially with my grandchildren.
What favourite Melbourne destination would you recommend people visit this Christmas?
Kirk’s Wine Bar; fantastic Chablis and beautiful people.
How do you prepare for Christmas at Kozminsky?
We love Christmas at Kozminsky. The store becomes a Christmas wonderland, filled with decorations, sweet nibbles and champagne.
Why should people visit Kozminsky this Christmas?
Kozminsky is renowned for its beauty and individuality, filled with unique bespoke jewellery for your loved one.
What’s your favourite Christmas gift in store?
Our beautiful Rivière necklace collection. It is a beautiful modern take on the Victorian rivière. We think it’s a must-have adornment this Christmas.
Kids gifts
Classic toys for the little people (and little big people) in your life.
1. Help little ones master numbers using ancient Egyptian art with One Blue Hippo, $16.95, or improve their motor skills with a set of Zolo Boa stacking rings, $85, The Museum of Metropolitan Art, Emporium
2. Commemorate baby’s first Christmas with these delightful baubles, $24.95 each, Ambiance, Elizabeth
Street, city
3. A classic kids’ favourite, you can’t go wrong with a Lego set, prices from $5, helicopter set $59.99, Metro
Hobbies, Swanston Street, city
4. Give your aspiring directors their first start in the film industry with this authentic-looking clapperboard,
$20, ACMI shop, Federation Square
5. Anime fans will love these Pikachu Nanoblocks, $17, and Attack on Titan figurine, $24.98, One Stop
Anime, Bourke Street, city
6. The must-have accessory for babies everywhere, Sophie la girafe now comes in a Christmas Bauble set at the special price of $49.99 from Mary Martin Bookshop, Southgate.
Meet Madison from Taylors Hill, aged 4
Favourite place in the city?
I like the penguins. My Daddy likes the sharks cause they have big teeth. He picks me up so I can see them closer. (Melbourne Aquarium)
Favourite shop in the city?
My mummy takes me to the Princess Cinderella castle and we play with Princess Anna and Thomas [the Tank
Engine]. There is a big dinosaur. My brother says it is cool but it scares me when it roars. (Myer Melbourne)
Favourite thing about Christmas?
My favourite [thing about Christmas] is Santa. He brings me presents if I’m a good, good girl. He has reindeers and they fly to my house when I’m asleep.
Favourite place to eat in the city?
I’m very happy and very good when I eat tiny teddy cupcakes. (Little Cupcakes, Degraves Street)
What do you want for Christmas this year?
Ummm... a Queen Elsa yo-yo. Mummy is going to ask Santa and write him a letter with me.
Festive food
Christmas food that will please all tastes.
1. Icicle cupcake silicon baking mould, $9.90 from Cake Deco, Port Phillip Arcade
2. Reg Barber Speckled Palm Coffee Tamper, $160, Black Velvet, Galleria
3. Handmade terracotta jug (1 litre), $35 from Casa and Bottega, North Melbourne
4. This festive Indian spice pack includes homemade chutney, chai masala and more, $19.90 from Tadka
Boom, Goldsborough Lane, city
5. Festive chocolate brownie blocks for $15, Brownie Bar, The Hub Arcade
6. Limited edition facsimile of Australia’s first published cook book, $75, Books for Cooks, Therry Street, city
7. Red Aleppo pepper spices, $16 - 200g / $8 - 50g, Maha restaurant, Bond Street, city
8. A modern French Christmas cake, Bûche de Noël is a flavour sensation of coconut, pineapple and caramelised banana, $52, Le Petit Gateaux, Little Collins Street, city.
Meet a bookseller, Tim White
Tim from Books for Cooks had a chat to us about his favourite places in Melbourne and about running a bricks and mortar store.
Si nce a recent move to Queen Victoria Market, Tim starts every morning with ‘a Market Lane coffee and a pastry from M & G Caiffra ’. An added bonus is the opportunity to eat oysters for lunch every now and then.
As for why bookstores are better than online, ‘Anyone can publish a database to the web but real booksellers carefully choose and recommend their books .’
Books for Cooks has comfortable couches, great coffee and produce only a step away, and real cooks to advise. ‘Our customers think they are in ‘cookbook heaven’.’
It’s no surprise that as a book lover, Tim’s favourite places to shop in Melbourne are The Little Bookroom, Kay
Craddock’s and Embiggen Books. He also ‘loves wandering the laneways in Melbourne’ as you’re sure to find something special or unique.
Experiences as gifts
For those who want to try new things.
Georgy Girl
Her Maje sty’s Theatre, tickets from $60
A world premiere, opening on 15 December and featuring the hit songs of the Seekers, this musical will be the smash hit of summer.
The Escape Room
Bourke Street city, from $16
Buying for your very own Houdinis? Get them a voucher for the Escape Room – they’ll need to work with teammates to escape a locked room.
Chunky move
Southbank, from $20
Give the gift of dance! Melbourne’s leading contemporary dance company offers fun classes for adults, from complete beginners to advanced, in their Southbank studios.
Become the brewer
Victoria Street, West Melbourne, starter kits or demonstration courses from $29.90
Know someone who is seeking to be a craft brewer or D.I.Y. foodie? Let them learn the art of brewing with a voucher f rom the Artisan’s Bottega Team.
Cats
Melbourne Regent Theatre, from $74.90
CATS, one of the greatest musicals of all time, returns to Melbourne from 18 December. Featuring a fantastical set and stunning costumes, Cats is a purrfect night out.
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Various locations, gift cards available at any value.
A Melbourne Symphony Orchestra gift card is the perfect musical treat to give to your loved one this
Christmas.
Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
Departs near Crown Casino, from $85
Spoil someone special this year with a Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Gift Certificate. They can be purchased for a service or a monetary value, and posted or emailed instantly to you.
Djb Photography Walk-Shop
City, from $69
Learn to use your digital camera and see Melbourne’s best photographic hot spots! The perfect gift for beginners.
Meet a performer, Mike Mcleish
Mike Mcleish, best known for his portrayal of Paul Keating in Keating! The Musical, has hung up his political cap and will be playing bruce woodley in the world premiere of Georgy Girl – the Seekers musical. We had a quick chat with Mcleish to find out his favourite Melbourne and Christmas memories.
One of Mike’s favourite not-so-secret restaurants in Melbourne is Mekong on Swanston Walk. He loves filling his kids’ Christmas stockings. They were a favourite when he was a kid so every year he ensures ‘my kids’ stockings are overflowing with awesomeness. Very reasonably priced awesomeness ’ When Mike has guests who are visiting the city he tells them ‘to put on their walking shoes and follow their noses’.
Finally, the reason we should all see Georgy Girl: ‘It’s a brand spanking new, Australian-made musical tracing the incredible journey of one of the most successful bands in our national history ’.
Shop the City
The largest choice of brands for every taste in one place.
Emporium Melbourne
Emporium Melbourne hosts the largest Australian designer precinct in the country along with 30 unique food icons. Emporium’s kids precinct is home to the largest toy department, MYKIDS Emporium, along with many premium kids’ brands. Ensure you visit Emporium’s live Christmas forest on Lonsdale Street!
QV Melbourne
Discover an eclectic mix of boutique stores and cosmopolitan bars and restaurants in the intimate laneways of
QV Melbourne, and for convenience visit Woolworths, Big W and the Urban Market in the heart of the building.
Harbour Town Melbourne
Head to Harbour Town to find brand direct outlets, specialty stores and experiential events. Pick up themed food products or visit a great range of restaurants. Parents can bring in the kids to visit Santa Land every day from 21 November, and kids can bring in their parents on 12 December to attend the VIP shopping day.
Southgate
Visit the spectacular waterfront for a range of boutique shopping stores providing unique gift ideas for
Christmas, from fashion and jewellery, homewares and books. Or save yourself the hassle of cooking on
Christmas Day and enjoy a festive feast at Southgate, with several restaurants open for Christmas Day lunch.
Melbourne Central
With over 300 stores under one roof, celebrate the festive season with a program of art and light installations, handcrafted wreaths and a unique 11-metre-high tree. Wrap your gifts at the Art of Christmas Wrapping
Station, with paper designed by local artist Emily G reen and STREAT’s Alex Hotchin.
Collins234
Collins234 has a broad range of gift ideas for people of all ages – books, handbags, shoes, clothing, jewellery and beauty therapy among more. Truly celebrate the festive season in style at the centre’s Christmas Party on
18 December , with complimentary canapés and drinks, live jazz music and retailer offers.
David Jones
Occupying two buildings on either side of Bourke Street Mall, David Jones offers unique services such as gift wrapping, personal shopping and beauty salons, as well as departments full of fashion, shoes, toys, books, homewares and more. They also have several fun events happening to entertain the kids while you shop!
Myer
Bring your family into the city to experience the excitement and tradition of Christmas at Myer, including the
Giftorium department which has gift ideas for everyone on your list in one location and a wide range of personalised solutions such as monogrammed leather goods, classic character prints and embroidered stockings.
For more details on these exclusive city shopping events, visit The City of Melbourne 2 .
2
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/Christmas
Save the date for these unmissable Christmas shopping events
Christmas shop the city festival
1 December, 10am to 10pm
Save the date! Melbourne Central, Emporium Melbourne, QV Melbourne, The Strand Melbourne, Melbourne’s
GPO and other major city retailers will be open for a 12 hour shopping festival on the first day of the advent calendar.
Christmas extended trading hours
1 December to 23 December
Major city retailers are staying open late from Tuesday 1 December, giving you more time to get ready for one of the biggest days in your family’s calendar. Myer, David Jones and Emporium Melbourne will be trading until
9pm every day, with Melbourne Central, QV Melbourne, The Strand Melbourne and Melbourne’s GPO trading until 9pm Wednesday to Saturday.
Boxing Day sales
Saturday 26 December
On Boxing Day, the city will open early for you to score the best bargains in town! With over 2,500 retail stores to choose from, and 2,300 cafes and restaurants to fuel you along the way, you can easily make an enjoyable and thrifty day of it.
Special Christmas shopping night
Presented by The City Precinct, supported by SmoothFM
10 December, 5pm to 9pm
If you love the ‘little guys’ like we do, then you’ll love this special shopping night. A night to sample small, local and unique busin esses that contribute to Melbourne’s vibrant retail scene and support local artists. Businesses across the city will not only stay open late, but offer unique prizes, activities, music, lucky dips and more.
So take this opportunity to visit your favourite places and discover new ones in: Degraves Street, Centre
Place, Bourke Hill and its surrounding laneways, Russell Place, Hardware Lane and The Causeway.
Pamper yourself or someone you love this Christmas
Onsen Ma Japanese Bathhouse
Meyers Place, City
There's no need to go to Japan to find an authentic bathhouse – Onsen Ma offers a relaxing and rejuvenating environment for your body, mind and soul.
Orchid Day Spa
Hardware Lane, City
Escape busy Hardware Lane with a luxurious pamper session. Experience Orchi d Day Spa’s unique body scrub and mask application treatment that will take you into another world.
Mensroom Barbershop
Import Lane, Docklands
Visit this Englishowned barbershop in the heart of Docklands’ latest laneway for a cold beer while you enjoy your hot towel shave or haircut.
Saint Louie Hair
Russell Place, City
A quirky moniker, an iconic laneway location and stylists with impeccable credentials make this salon impossibly cool in the best possible way.
Barber on Degraves
Degraves Street, City
For the past 25 years Barber On Degraves has been grooming the men of Melbourne and still offers the unbeatable pampering of a hot towel, straight-razor shave.
Accent Hair & Beauty
Little Collins St, City
Spoil yourself with a rejuvenating facial or sumptuous massage, or why not enjoy the signature eyebrow threading for the perfect arch?
Festive dining
For all those Christmas catch-ups, visit any one of these amazing Melbourne venues.
Gaylord Indian Restaurant
Tattersalls Lane, City
Add some spice to your festive eating, right in the heart of Chinatown. A firm favourite of cricketers and
Bollywood stars, this place is perfect for large groups.
Henry and The Fox
Little Collins Street, City
Serving Australian and international favourites with a modern twist, you can also enjoy their outdoor terrace in the heart of the urban jungle.
Akachochin
South Wharf
This sushi and izakaya restaurant is a favourite among Japanese ex-pats. Make sure you try their signature dish of kingfish tartare and rice crackers.
Mrs Parma ’ s
Little Bourke Street, City
These folks take their parmas very seriously with a choice of 14 varieties, plus a festive special of turkey schnitzel topped with double-smoked leg ham, cranberry sauce and grilled cheese.
Yak Italian Kitchen & Bar
Russell Street, City
Under the watchful eye of head chef Leonardo Gelsomino, all pasta is handmade using stone ground flour from traditional Italian recipes.
Longhorn Saloon
Elgin Street, Carlton
The Balleau brothers, who started Le Bon Ton, have curated the best dishes from the US of A, and created one of the sexiest dive bars in town.
Pastuso
AC/DC Lane, City
Nestled within one of the most photographed laneways in Melbourne, this Peruvian grill and cevicheria is made for feasting with friends.
Mesa Verde
Curtin House, City
Here’s a little piece of Mexico just six levels up on Swanston Street that keeps its food authentic with a jawdropping list of tequilas and cocktails.
Meatmaiden
Little Collins Street, City
Far from shy and retiring, this maiden serves 40 day dry-aged beef and choice cuts of BBQ meat straight from its custom made smoker and grill.
Supernormal
Flinders Lane, City
Get a taste of the McConnell magic with these Asian inspired dishes made to be shared. Form a posse together for some private karaoke downstairs.
Taxi Kitchen
Transport Hotel, Federation Square
With killer views of Melbourne’s skyline from the city to Southbank, try a Christmas themed menu throughout
December.
The Brass Coq
Little Lonsdale Street, City
You won’t find a TV or a trace of formica at this stylish restaurant serving delicious Vietnamese food with
French colonial flair.
The Lincoln
Cardigan Street, Carlton
This gorgeous old pub has been around since 1854. Celebrate the festive season with a five-course seasonal menu for $45 per person.
Rosa’s Kitchen
Punch Lane, City
A self-taught cook, Rosa Mitchell infuses her rustic Italian dishes with her slow food philosophy and local produce from her own farm in Yandoit.
Ms Collins
Collins Street, City
One of the best places to start or end your night, nibble on bar food and sip on delicious Christmas cocktails by award-winning chefs and bartenders.
Meet a Cook Rosa Mitchell
Rosa Mitchell is one of the founding members of the slow food movement and is the owner of R osa’s Kitchen and Rosa’s Kitchen Canteen.
How does the slow food movement influence the food in your restaurant?
We embrace the philosophy of ‘Paddock to Plate’ in both of my restaurants. I like to know where the food comes from, the growers of the produce, the breeder of the animal. I believe this is not only a more sustainable way to live, but a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience for the customer and staff alike. Not to mention, TASTY!
When you want a break from the pots and pans, where do you like to eat out in the city?
I lik e relaxed dining. I love to kick back and graze. Gerald’s Bar has been a favourite of mine for years. Lee Ho
Fook is interesting, fun and delicious.
Being of Sicilian heritage, how do you think Melbourne compares in terms of its food culture?
Both are amazing vibrant cities that produce such beautifully prepared food. But Melbourne pulsates with a multitude of multicultural influences. So much mix and colour, that proves that Melbourne is truly one of the best cities in the world for dining and produce. While Sicily is also a melting pot of cultures, the Sicilians like to keep close to their roots and cook food like their Mumma used to make.
What are you cooking this Christmas for your family?
Anything easy! Christmas is a celebration of coming together. I like to sit back and relax with my family, not be tied to the kitchen. We will be in Yandoit, so whatever is local, fresh and simple to prepare. But we always start with cured fish and finish with cannoli!
What do you love about the city at Christmas time?
I love Melbourne city at Christmas time! The energy, it’s bustling. I love the lights. It reminds me of being a child in Sicily.
Dining with kids
Pit stops that will please parents and kids alike.
Father’s Office
Little Lonsdale Street, City
Enjoy this Americana style menu using the best Victorian produce. Best of all, kids under 10 eat free every
Saturday and Sunday from 11am- 4pm!
Ginza Teppanyaki Restaurant
Little Bourke Street, City
Kids of all ages will love the fun of this Japanese style BBQ where they are encouraged to play with their food!
Mr Tulk
Swanston Street, City
After a visit to Play Pod, the free creative hub at the State Library, pop into Mr Tulk next door for its childfriendly menu.
Bohemian Bar & Restaurant
South Wharf
Enjoy Spanish fare along Melbourne’s waterfront at Bohemian Bar. Kids under 12 will be entertained with a fun activity pack and a Spanish hot chocolate when dining with their folks.
Spaghetti Tree
Bourke Street, City
A Melbourne institution for over 25 years, this restauran t has a children’s menu and caters well for gluten free and vegetarian diets.
The Leveson
North Melbourne
Renowned for their famous chicken parmas, the Leveson’s laid back vibe is exactly what you need after a busy day of Christmas shopping in North Melbourne.
La Camera Southgate
Southgate
Located alongside the Yarra River, La Camera serves up honest Italian food and offers an excellent kids menu that will please the fussiest of eaters.
Eat, play and stay
Treat yourself to a weekend away from home.
Hilton Melbourne South Wharf
2 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf
This riverside location offers spectacular city views and relaxed dining and drinking. Enjoy the city’s lively waterfront in style this season. Don’t forget to count the Christmas crackers in this gift guide (see page 3) for your chance to win a stay in a two-bedroom ensuite at Hilton Melbourne South Wharf for two adults and two children, including buffet breakfast. Prize valued at over $600.
Doubletree by Hilton Melbourne
Flinders Street, City
Only steps from the vibrant arts and entertainment district, this hotel offers an ideal base for business, leisure and shopping.
Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Corner Exhibition And Lonsdale Streets, City
The theatre is at your doorstep in this luxury hotel (and a day of pampering and fine dining is also on the menu).
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Collins Street, City
The hotel lobby comes alive this festive season offering gingerbread houses and decadent sweet treats.
Discover the perfect Christmas gift.
The Westin Melbourne
Collins Street, City
This hotel’s tranquil wellness centre, in-house art collection and chic restaurant and bar offer the perfect getaway in a bustling city.
Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto
Collins Street, City
The Venetian Palazzo-style architecture and gold-rush opulence of this five-star hotel offers a uniquely
Melbourne experience.
Pegasus Apart Hotel
A’beckett Street, City
Pegasus Apart’Hotel features one of Melbourne’s largest hotel indoor pools. When you dry off, Queen Victoria
Market is just around the corner.
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Little Collins Street, City
An ideal spot for theatre-goers, this five-star hotel at the Paris End of Collins Street offers all the amenities of a luxury hotel in a cosmopolitan city.
The Hotel Windsor
Spring Street, City
This heritagelisted building is one of Melbourne’s grandest hotels. Allow their expert concierges to make your
Christmas getaway a memorable one.
Novotel Melbourne on Collins
Collins Street, City
Unwind over an espresso in the inviting Lane Cafe & Bar and relax in contemporary comfort in the centre of the city.
Crowne Plaza Melbourne
Spencer Street, Southbank
This exciting location is packed with restaurants, bars and entertainment. There’s something for every traveller along the banks of the Yarra River.
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
Collins Street, City
The Atrium Bar, Friday Night Jazz Club and Sofi’s Lounge will impress and you’re situated right in the heart of the glamorous Paris End of Collins Street.
Tune Hotel Melbourne
Swanston Street, Carlton
At this optin hotel, you can tailor your stay to suit your budget and preferences. And with Melbourne’s ‘Little
Italy’ on your doorstep, what’s not to love?
New smoke-free city areas
Now, visitors coming to shop, dine or meet in Goldsbrough Lane, QV Melbourne and City Square can breathe easy, as these areas are now smoke-free (daytime only for City Square as part of 12-month trial). These new areas are in addition to four existing smoke-free areas: The Causeway, Howey Place, Equitable Place and
Block Place. Visit the City of Melbourne 3 .
3
http:www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/smokefree
Getting around Melbourne
There are lots of options for getting in and around the city this Christmas.
Public transport
Whether it’s by bus, train or tram, public transport is a cheap and easy way to join in the Christmas spirit in the city this year. Remember that the city and Docklands are part of the Free Tram Zone. More information at
Public Transport Victoria 4 .
Parking
The city has more than 7000 car parks and over 186,000 car spaces. And there are great Christmas deals, some from as low as $5 (terms and conditions apply, see operator websites for full details). Emporium
Melbourne will even provide free parking throughout December after 3pm on weekdays and all day on weekends (must be prebooked).
Major city retailers will also be getting in on the discount parking action, so keep an eye on their websites for details of how you can save.
You can find out more in the Visitor Info section of What’s On 5 .
Melbourne Visitor Shuttle
It may not be a sleigh, but it is red, and it’s the best way to show visiting friends and relatives your Melbourne.
Stopping at 13 key attractions, including Fed Square where you can see the giant LEGO® tree, the Melbourne
Visitor Shuttle is the perfect way to explore the city. Two day tickets are just $10 each and children 9 and under travel free. Visit the Visitor Shuttle website 6 .
Melbourne Bike Share
Melbourne’s flat terrain and network of bike lanes makes cycling in the city a breeze. Cover more territory and make the most of the blue bikes through Melbourne Bike Share. More information on Melbourne Bike Share 7 .
4 http://www.ptv.vic.gov.au
5 http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/visitors/transport/car/Pages/Car.aspx
6 http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/visitors/transport/shuttle/Pages/VisitorShuttle.aspx
7
http://www.melbournebikeshare.com.au
Contact us
We’re very sociable, like and follow us on:
Facebook 8
Twitter 9
Instagram 10
Pinterest 11
Tag your moments in Melbourne city and we’ll share our favourites with our followers #melbxmas
Contact
Phone 03 9658 9658 (7.30am to 6pm)
City of Melbourne website 12
City of Melbourne contact details 13
We’re multilingual too
We cater for people of all backgrounds.
Phone 03 9280 0716
Phone 03 9280 0717
Phone 03 9280 0718
Phone 03 9280 0719
Phone 03 9280 0720
Phone 03 9280 0721
Phone 03 9280 0722
Phone 03 9280 0723
Phone 03 9280 0724
Phone 03 9280 0725
Phone 03 9280 0726
Amharic
Cantonese
Greek
Bahasa Indonesia
Italian
Mandarin
Somali
Spanish
Turkish
Vietnamese
All other languages
National Relay Service
Teletypewriter (TTY) users phone 13 36 77 then ask for 03 9658 9658
Speak & Listen users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 9658 9658
8
http://www.facebook.com/thatsmelbourne
9 https://twitter.com/thats_melbourne
10 https://instagram.com/thats.melbourne/
11 https://www.pinterest.com/cityofmelbourne/pins/
12 http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
13
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/contactus
In person
Melbourne Town Hall, Administration Building, 120 Swanston Street, Melbourne
7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Postal address
City of Melbourne
GPO Box 1603
Melbourne VIC 3000
Please recycle or dispose of this brochure thoughtfully.
Please remember to drink responsibly.
Published in November 2015 by the City of Melbourne. Information contained in this guide is correct at time of printing but is subject to change where necessary and without notice. Please check the City Of Melbourne 14 for updates.
14
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/christmas
