8 things in Melbourne you can only do in winter

Feast under the twinkling lights of your very own tiny Fondue Chalet. This winter pop-up is back for another Euro-style winter in Melbourne. Visit the alpine village in Fed Square, grab a mulled wine and choose your cheesy adventure. Will it be fondue or raclette? Sip French wine in front of the crackling fire pit as you soak in the cosy après-ski vibes.

Abandoned for decades and forgotten by time, this grand ballroom is returning to its former glory. Join a dance class to get a rare look inside the hidden space above Flinders Street Station. Take up line dancing for a night or master the art of the Melbourne Shuffle. Join a bush dance sesh with a live bush band then go back to the classics with ballet and salsa. Be sure to explore more of the RISING festival lineup.

Melbourne's cutest little cafe is hosting a winter night market. Visit Tram Cafe to shop for gifts from local makers. Then enjoy games and live music under the stars. The menu is stacked with cheap eats. Grab woodfired pizza, brisket rolls, satay skewers or dumplings for just $12 each.

A huge free Portuguese festival is coming to the Vic Market. And yes, there will be custard tarts made fresh before your eyes! Celebrate the tastes, sounds and culture of Portugal, Brazil and East Timor. Dance to samba music, shop the market stalls for authentic ceramics and scarves, then try more traditional street food.

The Big Freeze is back at the 'G and we can't wait to see who will take the plunge. The wintery event sees local celebs dress up in costumes and slide into near-freezing water. Catch all the bone-chilling action before Collingwood and Melbourne's King's Birthday clash. Can't make it to the match? Buy a beanie to join the fight against MND.

Melbourne's most iconic gardens are being taken over by giant art installations, glowing trees and shimmering projections. The only time to see it? You guessed it – winter! Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens after dark and follow the trail of lights. Discover hidden foodie pop-ups along the way and refuel with a hot chocolate or mulled wine.

Follow the flames to Docklands for this free family festival. Firelight is returning to Harbour Esplanade on the waterfront for three nights. Catch dazzling fire performers and live music. Then cosy up by the blazing fire pits while you enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores.

Don your tartans laddies and lassies, a free Scottish festival is coming to Melbourne. Catch a stirring parade of 200 bagpipers, drummers, highland dancers and wee Scottie dogs travelling down Collins Street. Then kick on with pop-up performances and Robbie Burns poetry readings.