What Melbourne lacks in snow we make up for with cool creativity. From an ice bar and see-through igloos to cheese fondue and Christmas in July, 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 Igloo Wonderland returns 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, chocolate fondue and boozy hot chocolate. The igloos fit up to eight people, so you can bring your pals or have a cute date night for two.

Sip chocolate cocktails and mulled rosé

Visit the pop-up Pavilion of Indulgence at Common Man for a bumper boozy chocolate menu. It features the finest blends from local legends Mörk. Think mudslide cocktails, spiked cherry ripe hot chocolate and a luxe winter dessert menu. Or skip the cocoa and try pink gin mulled rosé, popcorn hot toddies and a stacked menu of loaded fries.

Explore the Winter Night Market

Roaring fire pits, roving performers and free entertainment. Enjoy all this and more when the Winter Night Market returns in June for an epic 14-week season. Grab a dish of your favourite winter comfort food. Think dumplings, cheese-loaded pasta and indulgent desserts. And warm up with steaming cups of mulled wine, spiced cider and hot toddies.

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.