Melbourne's best Christmas events 2012

'Tis the season! Time Out scours the city to find our best yuletide events - some crafty, others classic and some just plain cheesy (in a literal and figurative sense!)

First published on 16 Nov 2012. Updated on 24 Jan 2013.

Charles Dickens performs A Christmas Carol
Melbourne	For the tenth year in a row, Charles Dickens Performs A Christmas Carol, a recreation of Dickens’ celebrated readings, will return to Melbourne as part a world tour. Actor Phil Zachariah talks to Time Out about a close call in an Amsterdam nightclub, a 48kg block of St Kilda Rd and what it’s like to play a literary hero.
The QV Sisters' Christmas Market
Melbourne	Sisters' Market will be making its debut in QV's open-air grassy square with a bunch of local artisan and craftsmen stalls. Whether you're after a crafty Christmas present, a sneaky stocking stuffer or just a treat for yourself, you'll be bound to find something different among the 40 plus stalls. Roving entertainment, live music and performing artists will add to the atmosphere and there will also be plenty of gourmet treats to fill up on.
Christmas fetta cheese making
Brunswick East	This yuletide hands-on workshop will teach you how to make your own gourmet fetta and Greek style yoghurt, alongside a ricotta making demonstration. The day includes a light lunch, class notes and of course lots of taste testing.
Santa’s Magical Kingdom
Richmond	Santa's Magical Kingdom has rides, Christmas activities like bauble decorating and ginger bread making, as well as a variety of other amusements to keep the little ones entertained. Special appearances from everyone's favourite fat man are guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of young and not-so-young alike.
Christmas Paper Craft Workshop
Southbank	Inject creativity and individuality into your yuletide gifts at this Paperlab.co Christmas workshop. Learn how to create your very own environmentally friendly decorations, wrapping paper and personalised cards.
MGLC Christmas Carols
Fitzroy	The Melbourne Gay & Lesbian Chorus kick off the Christmas season with this fun carolling evening. Expect audience participation, old numbers and some surprises.
The National Boys Choir Celebrates Christmas
Melbourne	The National Boys Choir of Australia celebrates Christmas with a 180-voice boys and men’s choir accompanied by a professional orchestra. The programme includes Vivaldi’s Magnificat as well as many glorious Christmas carols and songs for the festive season.
Christmas Melodies with Eddie Perfect
Melbourne	Eddie Perfect will have the honour of hosting this year’s Christmas Melodies, which is sure to have you singing along and belly laughing with holiday cheer. Recommended for the whole family, just in time to get you into the festive spirit.
Human Nature: This is Christmas
Melbourne	In the lead up to Christmas, Human Nature take to the stage at Hamer Hall to bring you some yuletide cheer and croon a selection of holiday favourites, backed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The night will include both traditional carols, such as Silent Night and Away in a Manger, and some of the best Motown and Las Vegas tunes. It’s not Christmas unless there’s carols, and this performance is sure to be Christmas cheer at its very best.
Carols by Candlelight
Melbourne	Like Old Man Santa himself, Carols by Candlelight is getting old – it's turning 75 this year! On Christmas Eve top entertainers will perform all the season's classics while the night sky is lit up by a sea of candles. Presented by Vision Australia.
See more Christmas events around Melbourne