Melbourne in December
December is a busy time of the year for any city, and it isn’t any different for Melbourne. The weather starts to become more or less predictable as the festive season takes place, and with it the exciting energy from holiday-goers sparks the streets with many things to do.
15th Japanese Film Festival
The exciting
Japanese Film Festival
returns to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and Hoyts Melbourne Central with its outlandish quirks and astonishing cinematography. The festival will run over 7 days from the 29th November – 6th December and will be screening some 30 films as well as special events. The Japanese really do know how to make their movies. From deep nostalgic remarks of lost love to unnecessary, yet so necessary samurai gore. The films on show this year are not to be missed. Shame I will be on holiday in Apollo Bay while they are screening…
Rooftop Cinema
December means the return of the much-loved
Rooftop Cinema
on the top of Curtain House in Swanston Street. With its candy coloured stripy deck chairs and astro turn lawn, reclining in utter comfort is made super easy. Not to mention the open night city views.
The Cinema is licensed until 1am and also holds a permanent BeatBox Kitchen, flipping Melbourne’s funkiest mushroom burgers to delight you all. The Cinema keeps mildly up to date with the latest releases, but its pride comes with showcasing much-loved favourites such as Blues Brothers, Clerks, Reservoir Dogs and many, many more.
Christmas, Artists and Makers Markets
I reckon the best Christmas shopping in Melbourne is at one of the growing in number
artists and makers markets.
Lots of uniquely Melbourne wares, from little bits and pieces, jewellery to hand-knit scarves, bags, clothes – handmade with love. We’ve been a long fan of the Rose Street Artist market in Fitzroy, but there are many others as well.
Additionally, there are a few Christmas markets, like the Kris Kringle market at Northcote townhall on Thursday nights in December and the Docklands Twilight market, on Thursday, December 15.
Myer Christmas Windows
The iconic Myer Christmas Windows are back in place once again this December in anticipation of the big day on the 25th. This year has been inspired by the style and colour of the 1950’s, which is shown in the wonderful design of 114 characters across the 6 massive windows. The streets of Melbourne around Christmas time are full of Christmas shoppers, which can become a little to daunting. Pick your times carefully if you want to see the Christmas Windows.
Christmas Light Stalking
Since it’s nearly Christmas, so many people – although less now because of green consciousness - are going overboard on their Christmas lights so why not make the most of them? Grab your bike (if you live in Melbourne and don’t own one… you are strange) and ride around the suburbs of Melbourne with a few mates in awe of the many colourful LEDs flashing around.
These are some of the December things to do in Melbourne. We'd love to hear from you what you would like to see here.
We'll be off bike touring this weekend. Down the Eastlink trail all the way to the Bay.
With all the best Wishes
Brigitte & David,
for the
We Love Melbourne team
