If you haven’t seen how they turned the town hall and Federation Square into a big and bright Christmas town, then you’re probably living under a rock. From the Christmas carols chiming through the Federation Bells, to bright stories illuminating the town hall, to a giant Lego Christmas tree displayed in the City Square; Melbourne is coming alive with Christmas cheer. Be part of the Melbournian holiday spirit this December with fun, funky, festive, and (sometimes) free events all month long:

Cinema Under the Stars

What better way is there to spend a hot summer night than being under lush leafy trees, feeling the cool summer breeze, lying on cool grass? It’s being in that lush parkland with your favourite treats, watching a free movie. Yes, you read that right — FREE MOVIE. Laugh, cry, and enjoy as the Boroondara Council shows off it’s flourishing greenlands with free family friendly films every Saturday of December.

For more information call the Arts and Culture hotline on 0411 199 122. For movie schedules and other events, check out the City of Boroondara website or the City of Boroondara Facebook page.

Ice Cream Appreciation Masterclass

I’m pretty sure I had you at “ice cream appreciation”, hot weather or not. At any given day ice cream sounds like heaven, and who better to bring heaven to your taste buds than your friends at Helados Juaja? Take note that the word “Jauja” in Argentina roughly translates to “absolute indulgence”, so you can imagine how amazing those ice creams must be. Lucy, Pepe, and Po-Lin brought the art of creating mouthwatering ice cream from South America after a holiday. Couple those mad skills with quality local ingredients, you have cold, creamy goodness in the form of artisan ice cream. No premixed or artificial flavours. No fake colouring.

Whoever you are and whatever you’re into, Helados Juaja’s artisan creations will make your tastebuds tingle and your heart flutter with happiness. Taste all 24 flavours in their range this 12th of December in their Ice Cream Appreciation Masterclass. For more information check out the Helados Juaja website.

Christmas Carols by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

To end 2015 with a bang, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) gives you two Christmas concerts, conducted by conductor, arranger, pianist, presenter, and natural comedian, Briamwell Tovey. Prepare for an eargasmic night at the Hamer Hall on the 12th and 13th of December as the MSO plays everything from 13th century chants to modern Christmas songs.

For a great evening of Christmas carols, old and new, call 9929 9600 or visit the MSO website.

Love Your Local Markets

It’s that time of the year again, and by popular demand Love Your Local Christmas Twilight Markets are back! It’s all about quality, locally made and sourced products, perfect for presents or even your Christmas feast. There’s so much to do, see, and eat! It’s a great way to spend a day with the whole family, grab a few beers or cider wine with friends, or shop for food and trinkets.

There are loads more to see, do, and eat in and around Melbourne! But with the amount of shopping and the number of places you’ll be going to in a day, you really wouldn’t want to take public transportation. Don’t have a car of your own? No worries, book your Melbourne car rental, drive to multiple destinations, and keep your shopping bags safe and sound. Happy Holidays!