Things to do in Melbourne in December
All the best things to do in Melbourne in December in one place – it's your social emergency saviour for fun things to do this month
Wondering what to do in Melbourne in December? We can help. Check out our guide to all the fun things to do in Melbourne, including mega NGV art exhibitions, summer festivals, rooftop cinemas and more. Plus there's plenty of free attractions, art exhibitions, theatre shows, activities for kids to get amongst as well.
Too hot to trot? Here are the best ways to beat the heat in Melbourne. Plus, it's Melbourne, so there's a chance it will rain. If so, consult our guide to Melbourne's best indoor activities instead.
Best things to do in Melbourne in December
Babydrag
Upcoming drag king and queens get the chance to practise their shows and refine their acts every Thursday night at Melbourne's favourite LGBTQIA+ venue (as voted by Time Out readers), Sircuit. Bio queens, drag queens, trash queens and drag kings all perform, and the event is hosted by famed drag queen Missy La ’Minx. It's a chance for up-and-coming performers to get experience, and for audiences of course it's a night of fantastic drag. The bar offers $5 pints from 7pm until 10pm, and entry is free.
Veg Out Farmers' Market
The volunteer-run Veg Out Community Garden's farmers' market, open the first Saturday of each month, overflows with local organic produce, jams and preserves, handmade bread and sundry delights to fill up your basket. This blue-eyed bloke's name is Rod Blake, but his customers know him as Blakey. On any given Veg Out Saturday market, you'll find him swapping stories with a young couple while weighing bendy zucchinis, or talking footy with the 10-year-old son of a long-term customer. "Nearly everything here – kale, capsicum, gem squash – were all picked yesterday," explains Blakey. Along with his wife Meg, Blakey's been growing organic produce at their Grampians farm for over two decades, ever since he parted ways with pesticides ("nasties!"). At 10am, the Bellellen Grampians Organics stall is buzzing over the sound of a busker playing acoustic guitar. Stocks are depleting, but the two never falter in their back-and-forth energy and banter, despite getting up at 1am. "I'm staying in Melbourne tonight because I've got a little party to go to!"
Gasworks Farmers' Market
If all you sell is raspberries (or olives, or rhubarb, or honey), then you've got to have a pretty strong passion for them. Every third Saturday of the month, enthusiasm for high quality local produce runs like electricity at this Port Melbourne arts space, and your tastebuds will feel it too.Grab a fresh, crusty baguette to go with your market haul salad for later, stock up on seasonal produce and a treat or two for afternoon tea (handmade chocolate biscuits, anyone?).The Gasworks Farmers' Market is plastic free so make sure to bring your reusable bags, baskets and coffee cups.
Dita Von Teese
The most famou burlesque performer in the world, Dita Von Teese, is bringing her corsets and class to Melbourne. Her new tour, Glamonatrix, will continue the genre-dominating path of her last show, The Art of the Teese, with four dazzling burlesque acts. In performances that maintain a healthy level of humor and self-awareness, you’ll see Von Teese pop out of a cake, ride a giant bejewelled lippy across the stage, tame metaphorical felines in a circus-styled act, and resurrect her famed martini glass performance with fresh style. This 1940s-inspired striptease variety show will have a soundtrack by Von Teese herself – yep, she also creates dreamy, ’80s-twinged electro-pop tracks as well as designing costumes, modelling and acting. She’ll be joined by burlesque stars for the tour, including New York gem Dirty Martin and fierce Aussie performer Zelia Rose. And with an aim to highlight the beauty of diversity, the show will feature other performers who are male, female, gender fluid and from varied backgrounds and of all body types. As always, the charismatic crew will be rocking and dropping some splendid frocks. They’ll don and derob outfits by the UK’s Jenny Packham, corset specialist Mister Pearl, French couturier Alexis Mabille, burlesque star Catherine D’Lish and New York’s Brooks Brothers, plus Louboutins to make their toes sparkle. Melbourne audiences can celebrate sexuality with Dita Von Teese and her glamorous gang at two performances on November 30 and December 1
The Temper Trap
September 2008: the GFC had hit, Bitcoin was still a pipe dream and we’d still have to wait a couple of weeks to start enjoying Spotify. It was also the month that Australians first heard the dulcet voice of Dougy Mandagi belt “sweeeeeet diiiiiiiiiissss-pohhhh-zishuuuunnn” over the airwaves. Yes, it’s been a decade since the Temper Trap’s hit song ‘Sweet Disposition’ and debut album Conditions was released, and to celebrate the band is going on a national tour. The Conditions 10th Anniversary tour kicks off on Wednesday, December 4 in Melbourne (the Temper Trap’s hometown). While ‘Sweet Disposition” is easily the band’s biggest hit (it gained further popularity due to its use in 500 Days of Summer and in advertising), fans will be happy to hear that the Temper Trap will also be playing their debut album Conditions in its entirety. Slip into some skinny jeans and get to the Forum on December 4 for the Temper Trap’s nostalgic Conditions 10th Anniversary show. Presale tickets are available from June 25 and general sales from June 28.
Elton John
His gift is his song, and this one's for you. Elton John is coming to Australia as part of his three-year (!) Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, and he is performing at several wineries as part of A Day on the Green as well as a huge stadium show at Hanging (Crocodile) Rock. The tour is just as epic as you'd expect from Elton John, with more than 300 shows across five continents. You can expect all the hits you know and love from the seasoned performer, including 'Tiny Dancer', 'Sad Songs', 'I'm Still Standing' and maybe even 'Candle in the Wind'. As Saturday night's all right for performing, John's biggest shows in Victoria will be on Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26 at Hanging Rock. Also on the Saturday theme, he's playing AAMI Park on February 22. He's also playing Mt Duneed Estate on December 7 and Rochword Wines on January 31 and February 1. Don't let the sun go down on 2020 without seeing one of pop music's living legends.
Cat Lovers Show
The most paw-sitively meow-nificent thing has happened: the animal-lovers from the Dog Lovers Show have announced the first annual Cat Lovers Show, set to hit the Royal Exhibition Centre on September 8 and 9, 2018. For cat owners, the cat show will be the purr-fect opportunity to meet fellow crazy cat people, and for aspiring cat owners, the event will be a great chance to live vicariously through those lucky enough to have a furry pal in their lives. One of the main objectives of the show will be to raise awareness for cat rescue and to work closely with shelters across the country to drive adoptions and increase education about responsible cat ownership. Punters will be able to meet and greet cats and kittens at the Breed Showcase, where over 30 different feline breeds will be on show, meaning you have the opportunity to meet and learn more about lifestyle requirements, temperament and characteristics of each cat. Your day will be made at the Pat-a-Cat Zone, where you can get up close with felines of all shapes, sizes and breeds. The Pet Circle Colosseum will showcase cats at their most entertaining – think skateboarding felines and talented jumping cats – and you can learn all about cat adoption and maybe find a fur-ever friend to take home at the Cat Adoption Zone. Dr Katrina Warren will be MC-ing the Royal Canin Stage and will be chatting to a number of high profile guests including Dr Harry Cooper and Nat Geo Wild's Ben Britton. In addition to the stalls, there
Abbotsford Convent Farmers Market
Beneath the grey spires of the historic Abbotsford Convent is a market that champions small-time growers. The market is managed by social enterprise Melbourne Farmers Markets (MFM) who connect Victorian farmers and food producers with several urban neighbourhoods in Melbourne. Open the fourth Saturday of each month, seasonal, organic food is king here, and learning about the origins of your produce is half the fun. This farmers market is plastic bag free so remember to BYO carry bags. Entry is $2 and it runs from 8am to 1pm.
Preston Market Flavourhood tours
One of Melbourne’s largest and most delicious markets is now running tasting tours. Preston Market has launched Saturday morning food tours that curates some of the tastiest products on offer at this northside food hall. The 2.5-hour tour walks guests through the market, introducing them to traders who will talk them through what they have on offer and how best to use their products in their own kitchens. As well as getting to try organic produce, fresh seafood, deli items and Preston Market’s winning paella, guests on the tour will also get to try more unusual foodie finds like crocodile meat (which we’re informed can be cooked easily on a sandwich press if you want to jazz up your sad office lunch). The Flavourhood tours run roughly twice a month, are $20 per person and include a progressive breakfast, coffee, Preston Market eco bag and a $5 market voucher. Tours are limited to ten people per tour and you can book online to secure your place.
Dumplings ‘N’ Massage at Horse Bazaar
When it comes to comfort foods dumplings are pretty high on the list. The team at Horse Bazaar are taking dumplings to a whole new level of cosy by offering a dumpling and massage combo on Tuesday nights. Every Tuesday night at Horse Bazaar is Dumplings 'N' Massage night where you can get three dumplings and a ten-minute massage for $15 (plus online booking fee). There are six flavours to choose from ranging from Horse Bazaar's classic pork and vegan dumplings to stranger concoctions like fried cheese, Nutella and nuts and the very experimental 'Aussie breakfast' dumpling (that's egg, bacon and Vegemite). Your massage will be delivered by resident masseuses from Soul Aquarian Therapy who will work the knots from your back as you work the dumplings into your mouth. Make the worst day of the week just a little bit better – Dumplings 'N' Massage is on every Tuesday at Horse Bazaar. Bookings are a must and can be made online.
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