The (Very Merry) Weekender: December 14 – 16

CHRISTMAS is here, bringing good cheer! This Weekender is all about ways to embrace the festive spirit here in Melbourne in the lead up to December 25! Diane Leow brings you the details.

Melbourne Town Hall Christmas Projection Lightshow
Until December 25

Located on Swanston Street – arguably the backbone of the city – Melbourne Town Hall is hard to miss in daylight. But in the lead up to Christmas, the Town Hall is transformed at night as a canvas for a stunning projection show. World-class projection designers The Electric Canvas bring their expertise to us here in Melbourne. Enjoy the show every night from 9pm to 11pm. Check out the above video for a preview – nothing beats seeing it live though.

Look out for the QV Sister's Market at QV Square this weekend! Photo: Sister's Market

QV Sister’s Market
Until December 22

Melbourne is known for its quirkiness. If you’re still looking for a gift that really represents Melbourne (or you just need a reason to go shopping), the QV Sister’s Market will be on till December 22. The Sisters’ Market was started in 2008 in Brunswick Town Hall by Roberta Parisi and Marianna Gentilin. Both Parisi and Gentilin love markets themselves, and decided to join forces to bring local artists together and showcase their work. With 45 stalls bringing unique wares – such as bow ties, organic skincare, screen-printed cushions, stationery and more – you may just find the perfect gift. If shopping is not your thing, you may want to sit around and enjoy live music – all for free. The QV Sister’s Market is on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and is open from 12 noon till 7pm.

http://youtu.be/i8hiECFN3Zk

Santa’s Magical Kingdom
Until Sunday, December 23 – Burnley Oval

Indulge your inner child and visit Santa’s Magical Kingdom right here in Melbourne – no need for long arduous trips to the North Pole. Be mesmerised by a circus show, sit on a sleigh and imagine yourself flying around the world, or play with “snow”. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased from Ticketek. For more information, head to their Facebook page or click through to their website.

http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/connect-asia

Monday to Sunday Gift-wrapping service

Until December 24 – Corner of Elizabeth and Bourke Streets

So you’ve done all your Christmas shopping and written your Christmas cards… but wrapping presents seems to be the last on your list. Why not bring your gifts to the newsstand at the corner of Elizabeth and Bourke Streets in the city? For a small fee, your presents will be beautifully wrapped – and you will be contributing to a charity or a not-for-profit organisation of your choice at the same time. If you’re still stumped for ideas, Monday to Sunday also stocks some gorgeous leather accessories. You still have some time before Christmas, so don’t fret!