Melbourne puts on her festive face

A free ride in a specially decorated Christmas tram is just one more reason to come to town and absorb something of the spirit of the festive season.  

Other features of the city’s festive garb include light projections on landmark buildings, the State Library of Victoria and St Paul’s Cathedral.  Melbourne Town Hall will be ‘gift wrapped’, Flinders Street Station will showcase giant presents and the Docklands pillars will light up with Christmas carols.  An exploration of the city’s famous hidden laneways will reward you with decorations representations of the Twelve Days of Christmas, and if you are looking for a chance to be caught under the mistletoe make for the Southbank pedestrian bridge.

In decking the bridge with mistletoe is the Melbourne City Council hoping to see a mass indulgence in the ancient Kissing under the Mistletoe tradition or should we expect an appearance from teen idol Justin Bieber?  The much awarded Canadian 17-year-old’s recent album Under the Mistletoe shot to number one immediately after its release last month.  So if you visit the mistletoe-decked Southbank pedestrian bridge, you might like to sing along:

It’s the most beautiful time of the year

Lights fill the streets spreading so much cheer

I should be playing in the winter snow

But I’mma be under the mistletoe…

(You’ll be thrilled to know that you can install Bieber’s ‘Mistletoe’ as a ring tone on your mobile phone!)

•  To all our readers we send warm wishes for a happy and safe festive season and an active, healthy and fulfilling 2012.  Our first issue for 2012 will be published on 3 February.