Free Events in December 2014

Welcome to the December 2014 Events Newsletter.

I think I may have gone a little overboard this month but hey, it's almost Christmas, take a holiday!

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Till 28th February - Disney Fairies Trail, Royal Botanic Gardens. During summer you can experience the Gardens like never before. Download the app and start looking for Disney Fairies hidden in the Gardens.

Look for Tinker Bell and her winged friends as they flutter among the garden beds, giant trees, and sparkling lakes.

The trail raises awareness of plant habitat and conservation and encourages visitors of all ages to experience the rich environmental heritage that the Gardens provide.

Collect your Disney Fairies Trail booklet from the Visitor Centre. Find a Disney Fairy and collect your free seeds from the Gardens Shop, Melbourne Observatory, from 9:30am-5pm (except 25 December).


Till 25th December – Christmas Decorations. See the city come alive during the festive season with the City of Melbourne's Christmas decorations.

Discover 'Jingle Bells' on Bourke Street, count down the days 'til Christmas with the Advent Calendar or visit the Nutcracker Soldiers at Southern Cross Station.

See Melbourne Town Hall 'gift wrapped', kiss under the mistletoe at Southbank pedestrian bridge and visit Santa and the giant living Christmas Tree in City Square.

Christmas decorations maps are available from the Melbourne Visitor Centre, Melbourne Town Hall or the Melbourne Visitor Booth.


Until 24th December – Gingerbread Village, Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston Street, 10-6pm and till 8.30pm after 13th December. Entry by gold coin donation. Can you smell that sweet, gingery scent in the air? It's the Gingerbread Village, on display at Melbourne Town Hall.

Epicure's Executive Pastry Chef Deniz Karaca, his 12-strong team and a brigade of sweet-toothed volunteers will spend over 2,000 hours creating the Gingerbread Village. This year you'll see some recognisable landmarks, including the Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Luna Park and a zoo, all connected by the Christmas train - a feature no gingerbread village should be without.


Till 25th December - Melbourne Town Hall Christmas Projections, 90-130 Swanston Street, 9pm-11pm. By night, the Melbourne Town Hall becomes a dramatic facade for a spellbinding light projection with a festive flavour. Screening from dusk till 11pm, from world-class projection designers, Electric Canvas.

Electric Canvas has created a 3D model of the Melbourne Town Hall, and a team of artists and designers will celebrate Christmas in a playful way.


Till 12th December - The Australian Red Cross in the Great War. Celebrate 100 years of the Red Cross in Australia with this stunning photographic exhibition. Featured in the exhibition are striking images from the Australian Red Cross archives – most on public display for the first time – that convey the nerve-centre of the Australian Red Cross in Melbourne. The exhibition also looks at Australian Red Cross fund-raising efforts in Victoria and their compassionate projects at home and abroad. Royal Historical Society of Victoria, 239 A'Beckett Street, Melbourne, Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm.


Till 19th December - Melbourne Central Awkward Christmas Photos, Melbourne Central, Latrobe Street, opp Frozen seating area Level 2, Thursdays and Fridays 3pm-9pm and Saturdays and Sundays 11-5pm. Have you got one of those awful childhood Christmas shots, sitting awkwardly on Santa's knee in your brand new festive jumper? Relive the horror of these hilarious yuletide photo shoots at Melbourne Central when Awkward Portraits set up a special holiday edition photo set.

Pull on a costume that puts the 'silly' into the Silly Season, and share your shot afterwards. Looking awkward has never been so much fun!


Till 4th January 2015 - Myer Animated Christmas Windows, 314-336 Bourke Street Mall. The Myer Animated Christmas Windows, now in their 59th year, attract over one million visitors to Myer in Bourke Street Mall each year.

This year the windows feature a beautifully animated tribute to a much-loved children’s book, ‘Santa Claus and the Three Bears’. The delightful fairy tale by American author Maria Modugno brings Santa Claus and the polar bear into the original tale of Goldilocks and the three bears, in an appealing new take on a festive tale.


Till 24th December - Santa in Christmas Square, City Square, 44-86 Swanston Street, daily 10-3pm and 4-7pm on Fridays. Children are invited to meet Santa at City Square (renamed Christmas Square during December) and tell him all their Christmas wishes.

Be sure to bring your camera for this free activity.


Till 24th December - Christmas at Queen Victoria Market, 65-159 Victoria Street, Tue: 6am – 2pm, Thu: 6am – 2pm, Fri: 6am – 5pm, Sat: 6am – 3pm, Sun: 9am – 4pm. There is something on at Queen Victoria Market every market day in December.

Share the joy of giving by donating a present to a child in need at the market's Giving Tree.

On 9, 11 and 12 December at 11am and noon, join Kirsten Tibballs for a festive cooking demonstration highlighting the use of food as delicious Christmas gifts.

Visit Santa every weekend in December at the market to tell him about your Christmas wish list.

Follow the Christmas Trail every market day – pick up a map and follow Rudolph's footprints on a magical Christmas journey through the market.


Till 25th December - Christmas Square, City Square, 44-86 Swanston Street. The centrepiece of Melbourne's Christmas decorations, Christmas Square will be transformed into a magical forest offering festive fun, especially for families and children.

By day, discover nutcracker soldiers, interactive candy canes, enjoy Christmas buskers and free photos with Santa.

By night, you can visit Santa on Friday nights, and experience daily sound and light shows from 9.30pm to 11.30pm, creating a very festive atmosphere to the city.


Till 1st March - Emily Floyd: The Dawn for Kids, Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square, everyday 10-5pm. In 'The Dawn for Kids', Emily Floyd invites visitors to experience two interactive spaces that encourage creativity using letters and words.

The first project in collaboration with designer and educator Mary Featherston, provides a social space for families, inviting young visitors to make ephemeral sculptures using specially made letter blocks.

In an adjacent space, experimentation with design and typography is encouraged through a Small Press equipped with copiers and typewriters, where visitors can put their thoughts on paper, creating their own short-run publication.


Tuesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th – Tai Chi in Main Square at Federation Square 7.30am – 8.30am.


Tuesdays 2nd, 9th and 16th – Lunchtime Meditation in The Atrium at Federation Square 12.30-1pm.


Tuesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd - Spirit of the Square: Big Screen Gaming, 6pm-8pm. Curated by Melbourne-based collective, Freeplay Independent Games Festival, the games include Push Me Pull You, Hokra, Towerfall, Hidden in Plain Sight, Starwhal, Flop and Super Pole Riders.

This series of Big Screen Gaming is presented as part of Federation Square's free Christmas program, Spirit of the Square.

Visit fedsquare.com/spirit for the schedule of games playable each week.


Tuesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd -  Groove Dance at St Pauls Court, Fed Square, 6pm - 7pm. Groove Dance is a simple, fun and interactive dance class that everyone can enjoy – forget complex choreography and just groove! Beginners to experienced dancers.


Tuesday 2nd - Southgate Silent Cinema.  You are provided with individual headphones and audio kits to listen to the film, while sitting back and relaxing amidst the hustle and bustle of the restaurant and shopping precinct. Movie – Save Your Legs. Starts 8.45pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank.


Wednesdays 3rd and 10th - Storytime for Pre-Schoolers, (3 to 5 years) The Courtyard, State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, 11.30am – 12.30pm.  Have fun with stories, songs, rhymes and creative activities brought to life by the Library's Chief Storyteller. Stay and explore or read a book of your own!


Wednesday 3rd - Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Queen Victoria Market, 65-159 Victoria Street, 5pm-10pm. Visit the Queen Victoria Market for a special celebration as Christmas is welcomed to the market.

Set within the incredibly popular Summer Night Markets, the night will feature all things Christmas including the lighting of the giant Christmas tree and a visit by Santa Claus.


Wednesdays 3rd, 10th and 17th – Nike Run Club – one of the largest free training run clubs held globally bringing together fellow runners from all over Melbourne. Meet at the Amphitheatre in Federation Square 5.30pm (till 7pm).


Thursday 4th, 11th and 18th - Fed Square Live - 5.30pm – 7.30pm. Soak up the summer evenings with weekly performances featuring some of Melbourne's most talented artists. Fed Square's free live music series features a huge line-up of independent and emerging acts that will launch you into the heart of Melbourne's music scene. Line-up Thursday 4th is an acoustic set from Bruce le Moose, pop-folk from duo Jeanie and indie-pop from Chris Watts. Rest of month acts not verified at time of writing newsletter.


Fridays 5th, 12th and 19th – Qigong (a sort of Tai Chi combining integrated movement, mental cultivation and regulated breathing) – Main Square at Federation Square 8am – 9am.


Friday 5th - Water Safety Fun Day, Federation Square, noon-2pm. Enjoy free entertainment and activities at Federation Square to celebrate Water Safety Awareness Week.

Now in its 15th year, Water Safety Awareness Week is a key water safety campaign that encourages lifesaving clubs and aquatic facilities to get involved and promote the importance of water safety prior to the peak summer season.

Bring the kids along for family-friendly shows including magicians, flash mobs and presentations, as well as the chance to meet sporting stars, join in competitions and a range of other activities. There will also be 500 free showbags up for grabs.


Fridays 5th and 19th – Salsa - Get your hips swinging at Fed Square with free salsa lessons led by the Salsa Foundation. In these professionally led summer classes you will learn the basic steps of salsa dancing…enough to dance salsa with anyone anywhere in the world! Stop by and join in at anytime or just sit back and enjoy listening to those sultry salsa beats. No partners or experience needed, beginners welcome. 5.30pm – 7.30pm St Pauls Court, Fed Square.


Fridays 5th, 12th and 19th - Spirit of the Square: Fed Jam, 4pm to 7pm. Watch audio-visual masters Brigid Burke and Mike Gurrieri take to the stage for multimedia shows of lively music and captivating visuals on the Big Screen.

Brigid Burke is an Australian composer, performance artist and film maker who has participated in new media festivals around the world including the Generative Arts Festival in Rome, Futura Music Festival in France, MONA FOMA in Hobart and many more.

Mike Gurrieri is a regular in the Melbourne DJ circuit and has performed at many music festivals across Australia including So Frenchy So Chic, Harvest Festival, Summadayze to name a few.


Friday 5th - The 1st Friday Dance Club, 6pm – 7.30pm. Each month anyone in Melbourne can come into the city and learn a dance with skilled dancing groups. Today it's time for Hawaiian Hula! The 1st Friday Dance Club takes place at the same place and the same time every month. The site becomes known as a place for dancing and the first Friday becomes known as the night for dancing. Led by community and professional dance groups, 1st Friday Dance Club provides opportunities for people to come together to learn, share and experience dance. It is free, lo-fi, and open to all ages. The address is 1A Queens Bridge Street, Southbank which is on the Southbank side of the pedestrian bridge over the River Yarra behind Flinders Street railway station.


Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th - Fair@Square 11am-6pm at Fed Square. This is a free event which offers something for everyone interested in being part of a more sustainable future. Fair@Square fair-trade+ethical Festival is an annual event celebrating ethical, sustainable, morally responsible behaviour with activities for the whole family, from live cooking demonstrations, fashion shows, music, children activities and creative displays. See http://moralfairground.com.au


Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th - Artplay – Tricky Traps (installation and craft), Birrarung Marr, noon to 4pm. The incredible design and engineering feat of the spiders’ web will become an object of wonder and inspiration. ArtPlay will be transformed by a delicate tangle of webs with the installation of Tricky Traps. Visitors will be encouraged to reconsider the workings of these tiniest of creatures that help make the amazing world that we live in. Carefully wander through this tricky environment and find a space to create your own artwork. Make an insect pod from string, do a drawing or craft a spider sculpture. Age: 4 to 12 years.


Saturday 6th – Anatolian Festival, Waterfront City, 429 - 437 Docklands Drive, Noon-10pm. The Anatolian Festival is a celebration of the coming together of communities, with outdoor stalls of food and merchandise, street theatre and entertainment, cultural performances, arts and crafts, and information booths from both the Turkish and mainstream community groups.

The Anatolian Festival presents a wide range of cultural activities to celebrate the Anatolian community, and aims to facilitate unity, harmony and diversity in Melbourne’s multicultural society, in a safe and risk-free environment.


Saturday 6th - City Sessions Freestyle Dance Battle Grand Final, 2 - 5pm, Section 8 Bar, 27 Tattersalls Lane. This is one of Australia’s largest freestyle arts event. City Sessions Freestyle Dance Battle Grand Final features a crowd-judged 2 vs 2 dance battle as well as emcee, street art and DJ performances and battles.

City Sessions is presented by the Freestyle Dance Academy, led by Filipino Australian Efren Pamilacan and Indian Australians Sid Mathur and Nish Mathur, who host dance programs to inspire Melbourne’s youth and embrace the challenges of life with spontaneity and confidence.


Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th - Spirit of the Square: Crafternoons, 2 - 4.30pm Spend an afternoon getting crafty with artist, Zoe Stuart and make a bauble that you can fill with your Christmas wishes. Once you've created your Christmas bauble, pay a visit to guest illustrator Jeffrey Phillips, who can transform you into a playful sketch to take home!

Friends and family of all ages can join in.


Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th - Spirit of the Square: Live Illustrations, 3-6pm. Jeffrey Phillips is a well-known Melbourne illustrator with both commercial and artistic works. He is part of the award-winning Joining Forces Collective, who illustrated a Melbourne Art Tram for Melbourne Festival 2013.

Jeffrey specialises in drawing characterful 'street sketches'. Watch him at work on his signature illustrations and marvel as he recreates you in the same style!


Sundays 7th and 21st – Laughter Club at Federation Square by Swanston Street 11am – 11.30am. Join in this free laughter session and experience the benefits of a good old chuckle.


Sunday 7th - Southgate Silent Cinema.  You are provided with individual headphones and audio kits to listen to the film, while sitting back and relaxing amidst the hustle and bustle of the restaurant and shopping precinct. Screening – Tropfest. Starts 8.30pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank.


Monday 8th - Learn Crochet at The Square in Federation Square 12-2pm. Learn the old craft of crochet at this workshop. You'll be 'hooked' before you know it!


Tuesday 9th - Southgate Silent Cinema.  You are provided with individual headphones and audio kits to listen to the film, while sitting back and relaxing amidst the hustle and bustle of the restaurant and shopping precinct. Movie – All is Lost. Starts 8.45pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank.


Thursday 11th - Feel Young - Drawing from ancient Chinese traditions this combines gentle exercise and dance – The Atrium in Federation Square 10.30am – 12.30pm.


Thursday 11th – Belly Dancing – a gentle aerobic dance perfect for strengthening and toning core muscles – for all ages. The Atrium in Federation Square 12.30 – 1.00pm.


Thursday 11th – Acoustica at City Library – Bit unusual for a library but catch some music from Abe Dunovits, a performer for 25 years who'll be playing acoustic solo guitar. 253 Flinders Lane.The performance will be in The Gallery at City Library on level 1, 6pm – 7pm.


Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th - Spirit of the Square: Crafternoons, 2 - 4.30pm. Spend an afternoon getting crafty with artist, Zoe Stuart and make a bauble that you can fill with your Christmas wishes. Once you've created your Christmas bauble, pay a visit to guest illustrator Jeffrey Phillips, who can transform you into a playful sketch to take home!

Friends and family of all ages can join in.


Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th - Spirit of the Square: Live Illustrations, 3-6pm. Jeffrey Phillips is a well-known Melbourne illustrator with both commercial and artistic works. He is part of the award-winning Joining Forces Collective, who illustrated a Melbourne Art Tram for Melbourne Festival 2013.

Jeffrey specialises in drawing characterful 'street sketches'. Watch him at work on his signature illustrations and marvel as he recreates you in the same style!


Saturday 13th – Mazda Opera in the Bowl, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, 8pm-late, gates open from 4pm It’s a Saturday evening in summer and you’re sitting in a park with family and friends and a fabulous picnic dinner. The picture is completed when the glorious live music begins, especially when the music is some of the most-loved opera choruses and arias from four leading soloists, the Opera Australia Chorus and Orchestra Victoria. This marvellous combination could only be Mazda Opera in the Bowl.

This free concert celebrates the magic and memorable moments in opera. Staged at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl – one of the country’s premier open-air venues – Mazda Opera in the Bowl features some of the greatest arias and most beautiful overtures in a fantastic program of songs and duets that is sure to delight opera aficionados and novices alike.

The line-up features dazzling soprano Natalie Aroyan, gorgeous mezzo-soprano Sian Pendry; tender-hearted tenor Diego Torre; and commanding baritones Andrew Jones and Shane Lowrencev. The program include exhilarating chorus pieces from La Traviata and Il Trovatore; popular opera arias from Carmen, Madama Butterfly and Turandot, and, of course, the most loved of all duets from The Pearl Fishers.

This family-friendly event is presented by Opera Australia’s Principal Partner Mazda Australia, who are committed to introducing opera to a wider audience.


Sunday 14th - Learn French. (Every second Sunday of the month) noon – 1pm at St Michael's Uniting Church 120 Collins Street. Did you ever want to learn French? Join a French native speaker for a fun, free class. The classes allow those who have wanted to speak French to gain some pointers in basic French conversation and to practise their French in a fun, themed French conversation class. Sessions offer some notes and instructions, followed by conversation on a theme in small groups or pairs as the teacher assists.


Sunday 14th - Santa's Grand Arrival and the Looney Tunes Show, Harbour Town, Docklands, 2pm-4.30pm. Kids, see all your favourite Looney Tunes characters in Harbour Town's Looney Tunes Christmas Show and celebrate Santa's arrival.

This free family event will star Christmas Bugs Bunny, Daffy, Marvin, Sylvester, the Tasmanian Devil, Tweety and a special guest appearance by Santa. He'll have lots of giveaways to share with you all so come along!


Tuesday 16th - Organ &.... Symphonic Band, Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston Street, 1pm-3pm, doors open 12.30pm. The musical might of Australia’s military will be on display as the Air Force Band performs a Christmas-tinged program.

Favourites by Richard Strauss and Edward Elgar will be matched with lesser known works by Percy Grainger and Kenneth Alford. A highlight of this free concert will be the world premiere of a commissioned work by Melbourne composer Stuart Greenbaum.

The Air Force Band has a proud history dating more than 60 years. Its mission is to promote and enhance the image and culture of the Air Force through music and ceremony. Under the sixth director of music, Squadron Leader Mathew Shelley, the band regularly gives free public concerts as well as supporting the armed services both in Australia and abroad.


Tuesday 16th - Southgate Silent Cinema.  You are provided with individual headphones and audio kits to listen to the film, while sitting back and relaxing amidst the hustle and bustle of the restaurant and shopping precinct. Movie – Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. Starts 8.45pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank.


Friday 19th - Projector Bike Friday Night Ride. Grab your bike and your love of film and ride along with Projector Bike, a bike ride through the city, stopping at screening locations along the way to watch a range of award-winning short films and video clips. Projector Bike will be leaving Testing Grounds at 6:30pm and returning around 7:30pm for a drink from the Testing Grounds bar, 1 City Road, Melbourne. Testing Grounds is behind the Arts Centre. 0422 221 072, www.projectorbike.com.au.


Saturday 20th - African Music and Cultural Festival, Fed Square, 1pm-8pm. The inaugural African Music and Cultural Festival features a jam-packed program of family entertainment, live performances, sumptuous cuisines and colourful displays of African fashion.

Join a party in Fed Square, where you can move to the rhythms of local musicians including dynamic Afrobeat band the Alariiya Afro Beat Group, who will be serving up traditional Nigerian sounds live from the Main Stage.

The festival is presented by the African Australian Communities and Organisations in Victoria – come along and celebrate with African Australians and their community leaders from over 40 African countries.


Tuesday 23rd - Southgate Silent Cinema.  You are provided with individual headphones and audio kits to listen to the film, while sitting back and relaxing amidst the hustle and bustle of the restaurant and shopping precinct. Movie – Elf. Starts 8.45pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank.


Thursday 25th - Spirit of the Square: Orphans Christmas.

Fed Square is a great place to bring the family or celebrate the day with fellow Christmas exiles.

Fill your bellies early in the day with the Breakfast Hop, a huge buffet breakfast initiative by the new Melbourne business, Hopskotch. This event open to everyone – travellers, international students, families, homeless, asylum seekers, the poor and the rich. The Breakfast Hop is a moment for everyone to connect with what ties all human beings together – food.

From midday, pull up a deckchair and settle in for free movie marathon of family films on the Big Screen.

Young and old can also join in a free program of hands-on outdoor games presented by Melbourne-based group of performance and theatre artists, Pop Up Playground. Breakfast 9-11am. Games and films from 12pm.


Thursday 25th - Social Christmas Day Lunch, noon-3pm. If you're not participating in the traditional family Christmas this year, come and join the Melbourne Social Club and the Newcomers Network for a Christmas picnic lunch in Queen Victoria Gardens, St Kilda Road.

Catch up with new friends enjoying Christmas Day in Melbourne at this free event. BYO food, drink, picnic blankets and outdoor games equipment for a leisurely festive picnic on the grass just opposite the National Gallery. Look for the Fun, Food and Friendship banner or Melbourne Social Club or Newcomers Network sign hanging in the tree!


Thursday 25th - Harp in the Gardens: Christmas Day Concert 2-3pm, Royal Botanic Gardens. Join the Royal Botanic Gardens' resident harpist, Michael Johnson, for a very special Christmas Day concert on the shady Oak Lawn.

Michael will perform original and inspiring music composed in the Gardens as a gift to everyone.

Bring your own rug or low seat.

Please note: Jardin Tan and the Terrace will be closed on Christmas Day.


Saturday 27th – Melbourne Social Club Drinks Night - Come along and enjoy an end-of-the- month drinks night. This free event is open to everyone, with drinks available at bar prices, so come along, meet some of the hosts and club members and start enjoying a great social life. Word Lounge Bar, 14 Goldie Place 6pm – 9pm. Book on 03 9111 0121.


Tuesday 30th - Southgate Silent Cinema.  You are provided with individual headphones and audio kits to listen to the film, while sitting back and relaxing amidst the hustle and bustle of the restaurant and shopping precinct. Movie – Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Starts 8.45pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank.


Wednesday 31st - Family Early New Years Eve at Yarra Park, 6pm - 10pm. Located right next to the MCG, Yarra Park is bound by Punt Road Oval, Brunton Ave and Wellington Parade. Early Eve at Yarra Park brings together all the exciting parts of celebrating the new year without the late night curfew. Families can enjoy free stage entertainment, films, games and a spectacular fireworks display at 9.30pm. All entertainment is duplicated in two distinct zones across the site to assist with large crowd volumes. Please note carnival games incur a fee.


Wednesday 31st - New Years Eve at Federation Square, 8pm till late. Federation Square's free New Year's Eve celebrations will be a party to remember with African beats, samba dance, circus acts and neon lights.

Reflecting the rich cultural diversity of Melbourne, The Square will be illuminated in a kaleidoscope of colour and so will you! Wear your brightest colours or crystal whites to glow under a canopy of ultraviolet lights installed exclusively for the celebration.

Experience the big beats of Lamine Sonko and African Intelligence as they guide you through easy dance steps that, on the stroke of midnight, will coalesce in an en masse dance to their popular track, Light and Shine.

The entertainment line-up also includes Sounds of Polynesia, Marawa the Amazing, Ethiopian Circus Trio, Neda and the Neon Rhythm Myth Masters, Wassawumba and Congo Tardis #1.

Wednesday 31st - New Years Eve Midnight Live Sites 9pm – 12pm.