Good News If Yr Into Free Hot Chocs & Doughnuts ‘Cos Melb Is Hosting A Fun Pop-Up Winter Fest

If you’re into fashion, good deals, and fun things to do — basically, if you’re not the grinch — then boy do I have some good news for you! If you live in The Good City, that is — and by good city, I mean Melbourne, obviously.

Anywhooo, Shop the City, Melbourne’s favourite shopping festival, is back baby. Running on the first weekend of winter (June 3 – 5), the 2022 iteration of the fest will have a cosy winter theme and is set to be the biggest ever, showcasing all the lovely city of Melbourne has to offer.

Celebrate the start of winter with free hot chocolates or tasty doughnuts as you peruse the city’s iconic malls, centres, and laneways — all featuring exclusive retail offers and discounts just for the festival. 

But that’s not all folks, there are fun freebies to score, prizes to be won and exciting pop-ups taking place around the city. Plus, there’ll be immersive light experiences and winter-themed photo opportunities, with giveaways of cosy seasonal food and drinks – think marshmallow pops, loaded s’mores, and snowball cones.

You can score free hot chocolates at Collins Street Precinct’s Howey Place, and enjoy ‘em in the heated outdoor seating while taking in the winter atmosphere, complete with fake snow!

Or treat yourself to free Walker’s Doughnuts at Spencer Outlet Centre, which will also feature the Insta-worthy Winter Rainbow Wall — a shimmery kaleidoscope backdrop perfect for capturing memories (i.e. sick pics). There will also be a pop-up playground for the young ones!

Personally, I’m most excited about the winter-themed pop-up lounge happening at The Strand. A lovely spot to escape the chaos and commotion of the city and warm up and wind down with bespoke winter-style snacks and drinks. That, and the too hot to miss mulled wine deals — with $8 mulled wine at Chuckle Park iconic laneway bar or 2-for-1 mulled wine at Cinema Nova.

God, is there anything better than a hot mulled wine on a cold winter’s night, out and about in your favourite city in the world, shared with someone you care heaps about? Oh no, am I getting sentimental on main? I can’t help it though, winter is magical, Melbourne is beautiful, and to do anything but head out to the city on the first weekend of winter feels like sacrilege.

So mark your cals and get your coats ready, cos winter is coming. And honestly, I can’t wait.

For more info on events and timings, check out the What’s On Melbourne website.

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