Tis’ the season to eat, drink and be merry – and what better place to partake in Christmas festivities than in the ‘World’s Most Inspiring City’? Melbourne is the heart and soul of Think Property & Co, but it’s also an urban playground, brimming with arts and culture to delight people of all ages. Here’s some of its unmissable highlights this Christmas.
Classic Melbourne moments
It seems that the City of Melbourne takes their orders directly from the North Pole at Christmas, because there’s always a world-class line-up of seasonal events on offer! Don’t miss the brightly coloured, swirling Christmas light projections on the Town Hall – they’re a Melbourne must-see. While you’re there, check out Epicure’s breathtaking Mini Gingerbread Village. Open daily from 9am until 8.45pm, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Melbourne’s most iconic buildings expertly crafted in gingerbread! Be sure to purchase some delicious goods to take home – funds raised will go toward supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Another Melbourne essential is Myer’s Christmas Windows, a 61-year-old Melbourne tradition. Featuring iconic local venues including models of Luna Park, The Palais Theatre and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl – the display is said to have taken a team of 30 artisans over 17,000 hours to create! After you look at the windows, check out the Giftorium and Meet Mr and Mrs Claus at Santaland on Level 6 (be sure to book in advance and get in early to avoid the crowds).
Light spotting with the family
Glittering, tinsel-laden trees that reach for the stars, a ‘Mistletoe Kissing Bridge’ and light projections at Flinders Street Station are just the beginning! Find more Christmas novelties using the city’s Decorations Finder here. And while you’ve got the camera out, look for the Nutcracker soldiers stationed dutifully around the city – they are patiently awaiting the opportunity to partake in your selfies.
A suburban Christmas lights adventure is also recommended. You can download the Melbourne Christmas Lights Finder app to locate the best residential exhibits in your area. The app allows users to find, view and rate the quality of local displays – and it’s available for iPhone, iPad and Android!
Let’s talk about Luncheon
There’s a chance you may already have plans by now – but if your family is overseas or it’s just a small group this year, why not take the hard work out of Christmas day? Have a relaxing, indulgent and festive lunch at one of Melbourne’s top eateries. Local favourites include the Hotel Windsor, Bells Hotel in South Melbourne, Bayview on the Park, the Park Hyatt in East Melbourne and The Duke of Wellington are all taking bookings and are subject to availability. For more recommendations, check out The Weekly Review’s top 10 Places for Christmas Day Lunch here, and Pieces of Victoria’s Five Star favourites here.
Boxing Day
If you’re in town on Boxing Day and haven’t got cricket-related plans, don’t worry! There’s still plenty to do. For movies, check out the grand opening of the Backlot Rooftop Drive-In – a new entertainment sensation in Dockland’s Harbour Town, or book tickets for IMAX Melbourne. A bit of retail therapy also never hurt anyone, with Highpoint, Northland and Eastland opening at 8am and Chadstone opening at 7am. Fancy some ocean air? Head to Station Pier in Port Melbourne to watch the Cock of the Bay (Boxing Day Dash), a world-class yacht race.
For a delicious brunch, 127 Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, Hobba Coffee & Kitchen in Prahran, St Ali and De Clieu on Gertrude Street will also be doing business as usual.
From the team at Think Property & Co, we hope your Christmas is as joyful as can be, and that you have a safe and happy New Year! We look forward to assisting you with all your property needs in 2017.