Unwrap your early Christmas gift


Hi Reader

Do you ever feel like the lead-up to Christmas speeds up and slows down all at once?

Same here! But don't worry—I've got your back.

With the silly season approaching fast, I'm making sure Tot Hot or Not keeps you covered with festive fun, family-friendly activities, and stress-free planning. Here's what's coming:

  • 🎄 Your Free Christmas Guide: I've put together the ultimate guide to Melbourne's Christmas magic—festive markets, Santa photos, carols, events and more. Consider it an early Christmas gift! Download it here.
  • 📩 Weekly Festive Content: Every week through to the holidays, I'll be sharing the best Christmas and summer activities to keep your family entertained.
  • 🌿 Taking a Breather: I'll be taking a short break over Christmas to recharge and soak in some family time—because we all deserve a little pause.

I hope this helps you navigate the festive season with a bit more ease and a lot more joy!

What's on your Christmas checklist? Hit reply and let me know—I'd love to hear your plans!

Joyce xx

Top Picks

  • Imagine Creative Experiences (Friday 21 November - Saturday 22 November) Kids aged 8-12 can explore art, nature and hands-on fun in this low-cost program designed to build confidence and spark creativity. Croydon
  • African Music and Cultural Festival (Friday 21 November - Sunday 23 November) Three days of vibrant African music, food, fashion and culture unite over 40 Victorian communities at Fed Square. Melbourne CBD
  • Advent Calendar Making Workshop (Saturday 22 November) Design, decorate and fill a handcrafted reusable Advent calendar in this festive all-ages workshop. South Yarra
  • 5K Foam Fest (Saturday 22 November) This playful alternative to traditional races brings fun, fitness and foam for families and friends looking for something different this summer. Myrniong
  • Forest Workshops at Gresswell Forest Reserve (Saturday 22 November) Help Polyglot Theatre create a brand new interactive show as children aged 4-9 and their adults explore, play and rediscover the bushland together. Bundoora
  • Vision Australia's Santa Fun Run (Saturday 22 November) Don your Santa hat and sleigh your way around the iconic Tan Track to raise vital funds for children who are blind or have low vision. Melbourne CBD
  • Alliance Française Christmas Market (Saturday 22 November - Sunday 23 November) Experience a festive French market at the iconic Abbotsford Convent with vibrant vendors, delicious food and plenty of Christmas cheer. Abbotsford
  • Brunswick Multicultural Festival (Sunday 23 November) This free family celebration features cultural performances, workshops, cooking demonstrations, West African drumming, Irish music and delicious food vendors. Brunswick
  • A Special Christmas Enchanted Market (Sunday 23 November) Catch PAW Patrol shows and Santa appearances alongside curated stalls, fresh produce and picnic spots perfect for Christmas shopping. Mount Martha
  • Bumble Bee Baby and Children's Market (Sunday 23 November) Snap up bargains from 60+ stall holders offering new, handmade and preloved baby and children's goods from maternity to primary school age. Berwick

New + Noteworthy

Take the Train to Santaland

Santa's officially set up shop at Myer with the beloved Santaland Express Train, free Santa photos and hands-on activities that make Christmas come alive for kids.

Festive Theatrics

Dickens' timeless tale comes alive at Comedy Theatre in this award-winning production that's warm, emotional and genuinely wonderful for families with older children.

FROM OUR FRIENDS

For the Love of Play!

Brought to you by Playgroup Victoria, this exciting new podcast explores childhood, community, family, belonging and PLAY in conversation with some pretty amazing guests (Emma Memma anyone?!)

Your Personal Christmas Planner

Your free ticket to Christmas planning success: our ultimate guide covering every family-friendly festive event, market and activity worth knowing about in Melbourne.

A Crown-Worthy Christmas

Crown's Christmas River Show lights up the Yarra nightly from Friday 28 November to Christmas Day, turning the precinct into a festive wonderland of entertainment, Santa visits and plenty of magic.

Summer Cinema

Nothing beats watching movies outdoors on warm summer nights, so we've found the best places across Melbourne where you can do exactly that.


Giveaway


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