10 Children’s Christmas Activities For December 2009 In Melbourne

There is just so much to do in Melbourne with the kids and December takes it to a new level, with a fantastic range of Christmas activities.

1. Myer Windows

This year’s theme for the Myer Windows is Olivia Helps Out. You can check out some photos of the unveiling here if you would like a sneak peak. The windows are available for daily viewing between 7.30am and 1.00am.

2. Nativity Scene at City Square

Children's Activities In Melbourne Christmas

The Nativity Scene at City Square runs from 3rd Dec to 31st Dec (8:00am – 12:00am). The display features a message of hope and joy through a contemporary calligraphic interpretation of a traditional nativity scene.

3. Christmas Carols

There are local Christmas Carols all over Melbourne in December, here are just a few that you can attend for free:

4. Christmas At The Queen Vic Market

Christmas at the Queen Victoria Market this year includes a special week end with Santa:

When: Saturday 12 & Sunday 13, Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 Dec, 10am – 2pm
Location: Therry Street Plaza, Cnr Queen & Therry Streets
Cost: Free

Queen Victoria Market is providing a free photos with Santa for all Kids! (One photo per child.)

5. Christmas Movies

ACMI will be screening two Christmas movies this December:

Christmas Movies Melbourne 2009

Eloise: Little Miss Christmas

With Christmas in the air, Eloise and her friends at New York’s Plaza Hotel are planning a yuletide extravaganza. However, it doesn’t take long for things to get more than a little out of control and their holiday celebration is placed in jeopardy. In their attempt to save the show, Eloise and her friends learn to appreciate the true spirit of the festive season.

Dates: Thu 10 Dec 2009 11am, Fri 11 Dec 2009 11am, Sat 12 Dec 2009 11.15am, Mon 14 Dec 2009 11am, Tue 15 Dec 2009 11am, Wed 16 Dec 2009 11am, Thu 17 Dec 2009 11am, Fri 18 Dec 2009 11am, Sat 19 Dec 2009 11.15am, Mon 21 Dec 2009 11am, Tue 22 Dec 2009 11am, Wed 23 Dec 2009 11am, Thu 24 Dec 2009 11am
Location: ACMI Cinemas
Admission: Free

Christmas Movies Melbourne 2009

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Michael Caine, surrounded by a legion of muppets, plays it straight as the crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge, an old miser who couldn’t care less about Christmas, in this adaptation of Dickens’ classic story.

Working for the skinflint is Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog), who begs Scrooge for a holiday on Christmas Day. Scrooge reluctantly agrees and goes home on Christmas Eve filled with bile at the festive merrymakers. But when he is visited by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, Scrooge is forced to face his sorrowful past and its consequences.


Dates:
Thu 17 Dec 2009 1pm, Fri 18 Dec 2009 1pm, Sat 19 Dec 2009 1pm, Mon 21 Dec 2009 1pm, Tue 22 Dec 2009 1pm, Wed 23 Dec 2009 1pm, Thu 24 Dec 2009 1pm
Location: ACMI Cinemas
Admission: All tickets $5

6. Make A Gingerbread House

Children's Activities in Melbourne  December - Making Gingerbread House

Image by terren in Virginia

Gourmet Kids are running workshops for children (and adults) on making Gingerbread houses:

Starting from Monday 30th November, we’re getting into the Christmas spirit and making delicious gingerbread houses. Suitable for kids ranging from 2-15 the kids use the finest ingredients to make and shape the gingerbread dough for us to bake. Later on, they then build and decorate their personalised Gingerbread House displays which look as good as they taste! These classes cover 2 sessions (so twice the fun!) and we giftwrap your child’s creation to give it that distinctive touch.

Decorating – $65.95

  • Kids from 2-5 (if accompanied by carer)
  • Kids from 6-9 (if accompanied by carer)
  • Kids from 10+
  • Adults-only sessions

Making and decorating – $69.95

  • Kids from 6-9 (if accompanied by carer)
  • Kids from 10+
  • Adults-only sessions

If you book a place before Monday 30th November you receive 20% off of your booking, and the classes can be booked for anytime up until Wednesday 23rd December. Bookings are required and can be made by calling 03 9824 5979 or via email

7. Thomas & Friends Christmas Surprise

Thomas & Friends Christmas Surprise is on this December at Waterfront City, Docklands.
It is a singing and dancing live musical and it is free!

Engineered for fun, Thomas & Friends brings the imaginary world of Thomas the Tank Engine into sparkling reality live onstage in a colourful and entertaining musical spectacular!

The event is interactive and educational with a dynamic mix of performers, music and theatrical magic.

Visit Harbour Town for your FREE ride on the Thomas the Tank engine train. From 10.30am – 4.30am daily from December 5th – 20th.

Date: Saturday 5 December – Sunday 20 December
Time: Scheduled Arrivals: 11am, 1pm and 3pm*
Location: Waterfront City piazza, Docklands, Mel Ref 2ED4
*No Shows on Mondays.

8. The Nutcracker

Children's Activities In Melbourne Decemeber - The Nutcracker

Image by Bomba Rosa

We are delighted to once again bring you this traditional Christmas presentation of the well loved ballet, The Nutcracker, which will be performed in a unique setting with 70 dancers of the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet and featuring international guest artists including the 90 musicians of the ACB Orchestra led by renowned conductor Peter Bandy.

The Nutcracker is on at The Arts Centre:

Time:

  • Sunday 20 – Monday 21 December, 6:30pm
  • Monday 21 December matinee, 1:30pm

Pricing:

  • A Reserve: Adult $58 | Concession $48 | Family $ 180 | Group $49.30 (10+)
  • B Reserve: Adult $48 | Concession $38 | Family $ 158
  • C Reserve: Adult $40 | Concession $30

Bookings can be made online or by phone 1300 182 183.

9. Christmas Workshops

Box Hill Community Arts Centre are running a number of Christmas Workshops . As some of these workshops are using clay they are well ahead of the Christmas rush, so there is time to fire and glaze clay work.

  • Fun with Clay – Santa – Saturday 12th December, 11.00am – 12.30pm with Frida
  • Fun with Clay – Angels – Saturday 12th December, 1.00pm – 2.30pm with Frida

Bookings can be made online or by phone 9895 8888.

10. Christmas Cubes

Artplay is hosting Christmas Cubes with Trudy White on Sunday 20 December from 10am to noon and1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Christmas doesn’t have to be frantic. Come and rest awhile with visual artist Trudy White as you create some beautiful Christmas Cubes to decorate your tree or give as gifts. Forget rushing to the shops! Use paint and little cardboard boxes, designing, creating and decorating to your heart’s content.

Bookings are essential. Artplay now has a booking lottery system, which you need to enter.