Another Festive Weekender!: December 21 – 23
ONE more weekend till Christmas! Catch a festive flick under the stars, admire a gingerbread village, hear some carols and hip-hop stars or feel like you’re in the North Pole a an ice sculpture exhibition. Elizabeth Yick has it all planned out for you.
Cinema Nights at Piazza Italia
December 22, 7-9pm, Piazza Italia (Argyle Square), Carlton
It’s time to get into the festive mood, and what better way to do so than to catch an early Christmas screening of the Polar Express under the stars this Saturday. Entry is free, no bookings necessary, and seating is provided. However, the Piazza Italia is an open-air cinema, so do bring a blanket to rug up against the cooler Melbourne evenings, and be aware that screenings are subject to weather cancellations. For any queries, email ray.thompson@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/54333566[/vimeo]
Carols at the Docklands
December 23, 5.30-10.30pm, The Piazza, Docklands (429-437 Docklands Drive, Docklands)
This Sunday at the Docklands, Planetshakers are hosting an event of carols and festivities for the whole family. For the kids (or the kids-at-heart), the carnival will commence at 5.30pm, with face painting, jumping castles, rides, and – of course – fairy floss. The main event will begin at 8pm, and aside from festive fireworks and traditional Christmas carols, there will be performances featuring guest stars Evermore, Stan Walker, and hip-hop group No-Limits. This event is free, for more information on access and performances, click here.
Gingerbread Village
Until December 24, 9am-5pm daily, City Gallery (110 Swanston Street, Melbourne)
Tis the season of giving, and for those who are looking to spread some Christmas cheer to those less fortunate, Epicure is hosting a gingerbread village exhibition in support of the Starlight Children’s Foundation. The chefs from Epicure will be displaying their magical gingerbread village – complete with unique Melbourne landmarks – at the City Gallery until Christmas Eve. There will also be plenty of gingerbread goodness available for purchase… gingerbread men, gingerbread love hearts, and even gingerbread ice-cream perfect for the Melbourne summer! This is a free exhibition, but donations are most welcomed and will go towards granting the Starlight children their magical Christmas wish.
Photo: City of Melbourne
Christmas Ice Carvings
Until December 30, 10am-10pm daily, Chill On Ice Lounge (3 Southgate Avenue, Southgate Complex Mid-Level MR6, Southbank)
It is not quite a snowy, white Christmas at the Chill On Ice Lounge, but it may be a lot like what Santa’s hometown would feel like. Ever enjoyed a festive drink (or two) at sub-zero temperature from a glass made of ice? For December, the Chill On Ice Lounge will be displaying a series of interactive Christmas ice sculptures. Basic tickets are priced at $30 and include one drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Guests are provided with ski jackets, gloves, and woollen boots to keep warm and cosy amongst over 50 tonnes of carved ice. For more information on taking some photos with an ice Santa, visit the Ice Lounge website.