The Christmas Festival in the city turns gift shopping into a delightful experience

The heritage-listed Nicholas Building is a Melbourne beacon of artistry and style, known for its labyrinthine corridors housing a hive of creatives practising their crafts and selling their wares. Behind the building’s grand facade built all the way back in 1926, you’ll find galleries, boutiques, artists, jewellers and innovators of all kinds. In case you haven’t guessed, this hub is the place to source one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones. Our favourite place to start is Kuwaii, a carefully considered designer leading the charge in slow fashion and sustainability – so Melbourne. You'll also discover vintage lords Retrostar, where you can pick up vintage band tees, bags, leather jackets and more. Explore more and you'll find purveyors of culinary tomes World Food Books and archival designer clothing experts Reina. Grab a takeaway from Cathedral Coffee to energise your shopping expedition. 

Take a break from all that retail therapy at Miss Pearl Bar and Dining, located in Melbourne’s Arts Precinct. This pearl of a bar specialises in thoughtful fusion eats, showcasing the flavours of Asian cuisine with a contemporary twist. You can hand pick dishes from the à la carte menu or go big and opt for the banquet. There are also dedicated pre-theatre and late-night menus to keep things simple no matter what you’re up to. Dig into noodles, seafood and house specialties, curated to pair perfectly with crafted cocktails and lively tunes. Bonus: add a touch of sparkle to your festivities with a complimentary Christmas Chandon Spritz, when you dine from a banquet menu between November 14 and December 23.

Get the vibrant atmosphere of Bangkok’s Khaosan Road without the plane ticket at this new Thai street food joint. Soak in the live music as you savour authentic Thai flavours paired with a refreshing beer tower, or a cocktail served in a cute jar. The Moo Kata (Thai barbecue) and Esan favourites are sure to fuel your festive voyage.

Looking for a quirky knick-knack for that one tricky-to-buy-for friend (or their kid)? Carlton’s Poppyshop is your new bestie. This charming Lygon Street store has been delighting playful people of all ages since 1965, with a focus on beautiful, sustainable and durable toys from all over the world. Inside, you can explore an extensive treasure chest of collectibles featuring mobiles, board games and mechanical toys, as well as a huge collection of cards. For a more mature gift, there are also unique journals, candles and homewares.

Take a brief stroll off Lygon Street and you’ll find a cosy nook to rest your feet and delight your taste buds. Bar Holiday located in Lincoln Square is where Italian dining meets Melbourne’s hidden bar scene. Settle in to sample their small plates and bar snacks such as white anchovy toast or mixed pickled vegetables, accompanied by a beer, wine or a ocktail. Alternatively, swing by during the day for a loaded baguette, flaky pastry or even just a quality takeaway coffee.

The Queen Victoria Market might be famous for its colourful flowers and fresh produce, but it’s now also home to a partnership between two leading social enterprises. Good Cycles and Streat. The Purpose Precinct brings together bespoke products and services from more than 20 Victorian social enterprises including Clothing the Gaps and HoMie. You can forget buyer’s remorse when you do your Christmas shopping here, thanks to a rotating range of goods made, designed and/or recycled from sustainably and ethically sourced materials. There are homewares, non-perishable foods, clothing, accessories and more.

There’s no chance of a white Christmas in Melbourne, however you can still tap into the cosy vibes with a classic pub meal. That’s exactly what they provide at the Courthouse Hotel in North Melbourne, plus a few surprises. Built in the 1850s, this old-world hotel stands proudly on the corner of Errol and Queensberry Streets, serving up a menu that moves with the seasons. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by friendly, knowledgeable staff and a welcoming atmosphere. Take a seat at one of the high-top terrazzo tables and get to know the extensive drinks list.

You can’t go Christmas shopping in Melbourne without marvelling at the specialty stores inside the city’s architectural jewel, the Block Arcade. This famous Melbourne shopping destination was modelled on the Galleria Vittorio in Milan, complete with a glass domed roof, stained glass windows and an extraordinary mosaic tile floor. The arcade is home to Haigh’s Chocolates, one of Australia’s premier chocolatiers, as well as spice boutique Gewurzhaus, the Tea Rooms 1892 and L’Occitane – all luxurious gift options.