New Delhi: Melbourne is all decked up set to embrace the spirit of Christmas in 2017.
From markets to the Myer windows, selfies with Santa and a merry activation in Federation Square, there's something for locals and visitors alike as Victoria celebrates the festive season.
Here are a few decked laneways with boughs of holly:
1. Federation Square
Federation Square will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland offering festive fun for the whole family. The jolly man in red is in residence, found beneath a 16-metre-tall tree and waiting to make his list of naughty and nice children. A light show takes over at 9:00pm every night, with a six-metre bauble glittering in the Square.
2. State Library of Victoria Christmas Projections
The iconic State Library of Victoria will light up across December, with its stunning architecture featuring a bright and swirling projection show that tells the story of the North Pole's preparation for the big day. The show begins at 9:00pm every night.
3. Myer Christmas Windows
As iconic as Santa Claus himself, the Myer Christmas Windows are a Melbourne institution. Celebrating 'The Completely and Utterly Perfect Christmas' by HC Floren, it's best to get there early and avoid the queues. The Giftorium on the sixth floor provides plenty of inspiration for those on the hunt for presents that surprise a loved one.
3. Christmas Laneways
Degraves Street, Alfred Place, Howie Place, Meyers Place and Manchester Lane are some of Melbourne's most iconic laneways and in 2017 they'll be decked out with boughs of holly, fairy lights, baubles and in some cases, a reindeer too. Did someone say Instagram?
5. The Gingerbread Village
The Gingerbread Village by EPICURE returns to the Melbourne Town Hall in 2017, brought to life by award-winning pastry chef Deniz Karaca and his talented team in an effort to raise money for the Royal Children's Hospital. This year they will craft the F1 Grand Prix circuit, adding to the existing village comprising 500 kilograms of gingerbread, 360 kilograms of royal icing, 150 kilograms of marzipan and around 800 miniature Christmas trees for the festive backdrop.
5. Christmas with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Feet will be tapping as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra perform favorite festive orchestral works, such as 'The Nutcracker' by Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Christmas Eve' at the Arts Centre's Hamer Hall, where a recent renovation and the very latest sound technology has cemented the venue as one of the world's great music halls.
6. Carols by Candlelight
Those attending will join in the chorus at Carols by Candelight, a now 80-year long celebration of music that donates 100% of profits to the efforts of Vision Australia. For locals and visitors alike, this is an unforgettable evening of music, laughter and memories. Spectators can enjoy a BYO picnic on the grass, watching and listening to your favorite carols by artists like Marina Prior, Denis Walter and Silvie Paladino.
7. Skate with Santa
Budding Winter Olympians can take to the ice alongside Santa at O'Brien Group Arena, with skating for the whole family a fantastic way to begin the build-up to Christmas Day. It's on every Saturday and Sunday across December, from 11:00am - 3:00pm.
8. Queen Victoria Market
The North Pole comes to Melbourne's most iconic market this December, as thousands of Melburnians stock up on the trimmings required for a feast to remember. More than 250,000 people are expected to pass through in the days leading up to Christmas, with entertainment from carollers to feature alongside Santa Claus and cooking demonstrations by celebrity chef Lynton Tapp.
9. South Melbourne Market
An Australian Christmas abounds for Melburnians on the hunt for seafood, and the South Melbourne Market is the place to be for prawns, crayfish, crabs and oysters this festive season. There will be extended trading from 20 December and Santa and his elves will be on site to support with any final gift ideas.
10. Dining on Christmas Day
A culinary adventure each and every day of the year, Melbourne provides plenty of tantalizing dining options for those not wanting to prepare a Christmas feast at home. For more information on a number of highlights, check out this impressive list from the City of Melbourne.
11. 12th Christmas Day BYO Picnic
The holidays don't have to be a lonely time of the year, with everyone welcome to pull up a blanket at the annual Christmas Day BYO Picnic. Young and old, of any faith or religion, are invited to bring a plate to share in a bit of holiday spirit and to make some new friends.
