Where to enjoy a white winter in Melbourne

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

Have a white Christmas 

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.

Dine in an Igloo Wonderland

Melbourne's pop-up winter igloos return to the Wharf Hotel on the banks of the Yarra. Cosy up beneath a sky of twinkling fairy lights in your own private igloo. Get warm with mulled wine, luxe grazing boards, hearty comfort food and boozy hot chocolate. The igloos fit up to six people, so you can bring your pals or have a cute date night for two.

Visit a Euro-inspired market

Melbourne's adorable European Night Market returns to Madame Brussels Lane this winter, and it's set to be the biggest market yet! Knock back brews in the Bavarian beer hall, order winter comfort food and browse the stalls.

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 café or get a little fancy at the St Moritz bar on site. And remember to rug up in warm socks, gloves and a beanie!

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 warm apple strudel.

Order a hearty roast dinner

Pass the gravy and warm up with a good-old-fashioned Sunday roast. Head to Victoria to share the luxe mighty Sunday roast with friends. Settle in by the fire at Naughtons where the spread is accompanied by live music. Go for a plant-based feast at Green Man's Arms. And try an old-school feast with all trimmings, including Yorkshire pud, at The Lincoln.

Celebrate Christmas in July at the Winter Night Market

Carollers, glowing trees and falling snow. It can only mean one thing – it's Christmas time at the Winter Night Market! Get merry with mulled wine, spiked Milo and hot butter beer. And nibble your way through a warming Chrissy dinner of market faves like dumplings and cheese-loaded pasta. There'll also be live ice sculpting, roving entertainers and a silent disco stacked with carols.

Feast on fondue 

If you can’t do fondue in the Alps, then get dipping right here in Melbourne. Get that warm cheesy indulgence at Milk the Cow. The Carlton fromagerie has three kinds of gourmet fondue. A must-try for cheese-lovers is the whole wheel of baked brie. It’s bathed in sparkling wine and wintery flavours like fig and honey. Or head to Transit Bar rooftop for $15 fondue on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Perhaps raclette and chardonnay, or churros and hot chocolate sauce.

Sip campfire hot chocolate 

Visit 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, a peanut butter–loaded cup 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. 

Visit a -10°C ice bar 

Get a taste of those Northern hemisphere ice hotels with a visit to IceBar Melbourne, open daily in Fed Square. It’s the place to take chilling to the next level with family-friendly icy mocktails or ice shots with your besties. You’ll be kitted out in Arctic attire for a sub-zero experience among expertly carved ice sculptures.

Settle in by the fire

Feeling the chill? Head to one of Melbourne's many cosy winter watering holes where crackling fires await. NYC-style loft bar Ferdydurke has a flaming fireplace, which pairs perfectly with the fiery new cocktail menu. Other hot spots include Town Hall Hotel and The Lincoln. For something completely different, have a pub meal at Fortress, where the fireplace is an 8-bit animated delight.