Christmasland

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.

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 sleigh, 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 lots of chocolates and lollies from the likes of Darrell Lea, Mars, Skittles and Wizz Fizz.

This should go without saying, but if you're a known Grinch who has recurrent Christmas-themed nightmares, this probably isn't for you.

Tickets will set you back $35 — or less for littlies — which includes an hour in Christmasland and four sugary snacks. You can, of course, buy more, too.

Images: Kate Shanasy