It’s Millie’s third Christmas this year, but the first time she has understood what all the fuss is about.
We’ve been to see Santa for a photo at Malvern Central (where Millie told Santa she wanted a “pink present” and a “new one Thomas”), visited the impressive Lego Christmas tree at Federation Square, the CBD and City Square lit up at night and lights on houses in the ‘burbs in our nearby streets.
We’ve also done a couple of activities this week that Millie absolutely loved.
We met friends in Melbourne’s east at the fantastic new The Little Village Play Cafe in Croydon South.
Move aside, make way, for Fireman Millie
The cafe, with a secure play village for the kiddies, is worth a visit in itself but at the moment the café is in the middle of the 10 Days of Christmas with festive activities including cookie decorating, dress-up days, craft, music and a visit from Santa.
There are two Christmas-themed activities each day at 11am and 1.30pm and the cost is included in the standard entry price ($6.50 per child, $15 for three or more children).
Eat, play, repeat at The Little Village Play Cafe
“The Little Village ’10 Days of Christmas’ celebrates Christmas in a creative way and makes exciting memories for the kids,” says owner Jocelyn Bouma. “There is a real sense of community around Christmas time and I’m thrilled to start the 10 Days of Christmas tradition that will hopefully continue for years to come.”
Millie could have spent hours playing shops, a firefighter, racing cars along a track, posting letters into the red letterbox, cuddling dolls or eating at The Little Village. During our visit we managed all this and more.
Bookings are essential and the Christmas activities are happening until December 18.
Just a few days later, Millie squealed with delight when we walked into the big top tent that had been transformed into a Christmas wonderland for Santa’s Magical Kingdom.
A giant sparkly tree, a gingerbread man and Santa’s helpers greeted us and we knew Millie was in for a treat.
Santa’s Magical Kingdom
A snowy winter scene in one area was like something straight out of Frozen, a craft station allowed little artists to decorate their own ornament, hungry kids could decorate (and eat) a gingerbread man and a train ride and merry-go-round were perfect for the tiny thrill-seekers like Millie, too young to go on the big rides – but the big kids looked to be loving those.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
But it was the impressive Christmas circus that was the highlight of the day. Tightrope walkers, magicians, trapeze artists – it was all there. Make sure you don’t miss the motorbike daredevils at the end. Wow. Millie sat glued to her seat the entire time and it was the first time we had taken her somewhere to sit as part of an audience. She was mesmerised…and chuffed to spot Santa on stage too.
Appreciative audience at circus in Santa’s Magical Kingdom
Santa’s Magical Kingdom is on at the Caulfield Racecourse until December 24. Make your choice of session time and book online. Sydneysiders can visit Santa’s Magical Kingdom at Sydney Showground.
