The Weekender: December 25 – 27
THE holiday season is here! This long Christmas and Boxing Day weekend, partake in water balloon fights, enjoy a concert at the Royal Botanic Gardens, or watch Christmas lights projections in the city. Dea Putra brings you the details for the events unfolding this weekend.
Water Wars at Melbourne Star
December 26, 2015 – January 31, 2016 (Monday – Sunday, 11.00am – 5.00pm) | Melbourne Star Observation Wheel (101 Waterfront Way, Docklands)
What would summer be without water balloon fights? Image by Steve Wilhelm on flickr, licensed under Creative Commons. No changes were made.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens was a definite crowd favourite, but not everyone can fight evil while wielding awesome lightsabers. What you can do instead though, is fight opponents in a water balloon fight at Melbourne Star!
Move over, laser tag: here, you’ll be provided with water balloon launchers and strategically-placed openings to ramp up the fun.
Let out your inner child, and battle your friends in this twist on a classic summertime fun. Make sure you bring spare clothes, ’cause you’re gonna need it!
Water buckets contain ten water balloons, and they are priced $5 each for Melbourne Star ticket holders, or $6 for non-holders. More information can be accessed at their official website.
Harp in the Gardens Free Concert
Friday, December 25 (2.00pm – 3.30pm) | Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne (entry through Gate F)
Bring a picnic basket and enjoy music composed and performed in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Image retrieved from Michael Johnson’s official website.
For some, summer is the time for rigorous physical activities, but if all you want to do in this weather is to chill out to some relaxing tunes in a park, then this event is just for you.
This Christmas day, enjoy an exhilarating concert, free of charge, from Michael Johnson, the Royal Botanic Gardens’ resident harpist and composer, with special guest Matthew Arnold on violin.
Head to the Oak Lawn for a lovely afternoon picnic in this intimate event, accompanied by music composed in the Gardens itself.
Bookings are essential and available online, or call 0407 302 771. For more details, visit Michael Johnson’s website.
The Australian Open Big Serve Breakfast
Friday, December 25, 2015 (8.00am – 11.00am) | Federation Square, Melbourne
Tennis Australia believes that young people are more empowered when they feel that they belong, and this free breakfast event is a stepping stone towards that ideal.
Most everyone likes a good breakfast, and this is probably the best kind there is, as it benefits those who are more disadvantaged among us.
This free breakfast event is served up by Tennis Australia, who invites families and young people in Melbourne who are displaced, homeless, or in a foreign city to come together in celebrating Christmas spirit.
There will also be fun activities for all, including face painting, games, and – obviously – a bit of tennis.
Head to the event’s official webpage for more details.
Christmas Building Lighting
December 25 (Various times) | Various locations (Melbourne CBD)
Watch iconic buildings become illuminated with whimsical Christmas lights. Image retrieved from That’s Melbourne Facebook page.
It wouldn’t be a Melbourne Christmas without fantastic projections on (often historical) buildings! Head down to the city at night after Christmas lunch with your friends and family and witness Melbourne’s city structures transform through Christmas-themed light projections.
Watch the Melbourne Town Hall come alive and immerse yourself in a journey based off the Twelve Days of Christmas!
Other participating venues around the city include The Arts Centre, State Library, Melbourne Star, and the Melbourne Gaol, among others.
Check out the complete list of illuminated venues this Christmas, or call 03 9658 9658 for more information.