Overview
For most of us, getting festive involves trees, lights, wreaths, tinsel and other assorted decorations. For the folks behind pop-up dessert museum Sugar Republic, nothing says Christmas like a ten-room pop-up absolutely brimming with end-of-year cheer. Think marshmallow-themed pools, human-sized snow globes, a lane filled with candy canes and a giant peppermint ball pit — plus a a gingerbread cottage and plenty of ugly sweaters, naturally.
That's what Melburnians will find at Christmasland, which takes over the old MacRobertson's Confectionery Factory from Sunday, November 10. Basically, the Sugar Republic crew is swapping out sweet treats for all things jolly and merry, then decking the Fitzroy spot's halls and walls in the same over-the-top manner as its previous dessert-heavy installation.
And, we do mean over the top. That marshmallow pool? You'll be able to slide into it. The snow globe? You'll be able to stand inside and try to catch falling snow. One space will be called Tinseltown, so you know what you'll find there. There'll also be life-sized toys, the requisite Christmas carols and even seasonal smells.
The ball pit at Sugar Republic.
Because these kinds of installations are all about the photos, Christmasland will feature a heap of merry backdrops for your snaps and selfies — such as a giant Christmas card, a ski lift, a huge advent calendar and a forest of pink trees. And, because festive season isn't complete without indulgent snacks, you'll also be able to sample chocolates and lollies.
Just how long Christmasland will run for, how much tickets will cost and what the pop-up's opening hours will be are all yet to be revealed, with general public tickets going on sale on Tuesday, October 8.
This should go without saying, but if you're a known Grinch who has recurrent Christmas-themed nightmares, this probably isn't for you.
Find Christmasland at MacRobertson's Confectionery Factory, 379 Smith Street, Fitzroy from Sunday, November 10. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, October 8 from the Sugar Republic website.