Where to enjoy a European-style winter in Melbourne

What Melbourne lacks in snow, we make up for with cool creativity. From ice-skating to cheese fondue and snowy pop-ups, we love to party when it’s cold. Here’s how to recreate a Northern Hemisphere winter.

Wander through a glitzy Christmas shop

It’s Christmas year-round at Ambiance, in Queen Victoria Market. The store stocks blingy decorations and rare ornaments sourced from around the world. Head straight for the spectacular white-themed room and snap a pic among the snow capped trees, glowing lights and icicle baubles.

Visit the Winter Night Market

Melbourne's iconic Winter Night Market is back in full swing. We're talking twinkling lights, roving performers and live music. Warm up with a mug of steamy mulled wine or spiced Milo. Grab a bite to eat at the dozens of food trucks. Then shop for locally-made homewares, vintage clothing, gifts for pets and more.

Embrace the chill at a fire festival

Melbourne's epic free winter festival is back. Firelight Festival is taking over Docklands for three nights of fiery installations, mesmerising light shows, pop-up foodie feasts and more. See fire twirlers, live music and roving entertainers. Toast s'mores over the roaring fires for an indulgent after-dark treat. Then marvel at the giant new inflatable sculptures towering over the festival.

Take a cosy cooking class

Put all that time indoors to good use and learn to make your own preserves. This winter cooking class will teach you to turn your fruit and veggie scraps into delicious chutneys. It's held in the Purpose Precinct at Queen Victoria Market and all produce is sourced from the market. More of a sweet tooth? Learn the art of French baking and prepare your own choux and eclairs.

Eat fondue in a pop-up ski chalet

Transport yourself to the French Alps at the winter wonderland Fondue Chalet. Book your very own private chalet and nestle in under the string lights. Indulge in melted cheese, sip on mulled wine and enjoy Belgian chocolate fondue. Then step outside and roast marshmallows on the open fire. And there'll even be a flurry of snow!  

Try kurling on a winter rooftop

Good Heavens is being transformed into a winter oasis this season. Soar up to Heavens Above to check out the new kurling lane. This ultra-social sport is the new age version of curling, minus the ice! Grab a pickle margarita and indulgent mac and cheese toastie, then challenge your mates to a match.

Stay in a cosy winter chalet

Is that Chamonix or Melbourne? The DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne team have transformed their loft room into a cosy ski chalet for winter. Expect alpine-style decor, faux fur throws to curl up under and an in-room hot chocolate station. The package starts from $395 per night and comes with free breakfast in the morning and 15 per cent off at Fed Square's Fondue Chalet.

Settle in by the fire

Feeling the chill? Head to one of Melbourne's many cosy winter watering holes where crackling fires await. Warm your tootsies and get cosy in front of the open fire at West Melbourne’s Benchwarmer. Other spots include Town Hall Hotel, Courthouse Hotel and Aster. For something completely different, have a pub meal at Fortress, where the fireplace is an 8-bit animated delight.

Order a hearty roast dinner

Pass the gravy and warm up with a good-old-fashioned Sunday roast. Head to Langlands to share a full spread with friends. Settle in by the fire at Naughtons where the roast is accompanied by live music. Go for a plant-based feast at Green Man's Arms. And try an old-school feast with all the trimmings, including Yorkshire pud, at The Lincoln. Then eat your way through more of Melbourne's best Sunday roasts.

Pick up a mulled wine spice kit

Just as winter is the time for mulled wine, Gewürzhaus is the place to buy the fixings to make your own at home. The spice kit includes the vanilla bean sugar, Glühwein Gewürz spice and infuser bags you’ll need. Just add to your own merlot. Follow the recipe and serve with orange and a cinnamon quill.

Explore a glowing garden after dark

Lightscape is back with a brand new trail through the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens. Visit after sunset to see the gardens aglow. Grab a hot drink, toast a marshmallow or two, then explore under the stars. See floral canopies, glowing trees, tunnels of light and more Instagrammable scenes.

Dance in the snow at a cosy winter chalet

With a dusting of snow and a dash of après ski vibes, you'll be whisked away to the Italian Alps at Pepe's. The garden lounge has been transformed into a magical European winter chalet. Dine on Italian antipasti and pizza under the snow machine. Snap a pic with the sleigh. And finish the night with spiced whisky cocktails and sticky toffee pudding.

Take a spin around the ice rink

Get your skates on and practice your triple axel for year-round skating at O’Brien Icehouse. Whether you’re an expert or beginner, skating with your crew is always fun. Slice across the ice during their public skating sessions, with extended hours during school holidays. Grab a toastie at the Igloo Cafe or get a little fancy at the St Moritz bar on site. And remember to rug up in warm socks, gloves and a beanie.

Sip campfire hot chocolate 

Check out Mörk for an artisan cup of ethically sourced hot chocolate. Campfire is the Insta star, recreating the nostalgic atmosphere of a childhood bonfire. It comes complete with house-made marshmallows. Then discover more of Melbourne’s best hot chocolate including a chilli and orange brew, Milo mochas, Sicilian-style hot chocolate and more. 

Plan a play date with penguins

For a slice of ice-cold Antarctica in Melbourne, make tracks to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Meet the aquarium’s cutest residents, the king and gentoo penguins. These playful little bundles of energy will hold your attention for hours. Want a closer encounter? Suit up in your snow gear, get your Penguin Passport stamped and spend 45 minutes on the ice with the penguins.

Explore a festival dedicated to red wine and cheese

It's time to break out the good cheese and a big glass of red. This year, the Mould cheese fest and Pinot Palooza are teaming up for an epic double header. Sample artisan cheese and sip pinot noir from all over Australia. Then pick up salumi, honey, crackers and more goodies to elevate your next cheeseboard. Your ticket even comes with a cooler bag to get all that cheese home safely.