Hi there Reader

Do you ever notice how this time of year seems to slow down and speed up at the same time? It’s weird, right?

Anyway, because of this weird thing with the calendar, I just want to update you on what’s going on here at TOT: HOT OR NOT so you know exactly what’s coming and when (unlike the unpredictable, sometimes inappropriate gifts from Aunt Marge).

(I’ll try to keep the update brief, too.)

1. This is the last email you’ll receive in 2023. My team and I are all taking a summer break with our families.
2. We will resume normal programming on Thursday 4 January 2024.
3. If you want to know more about Boxing Day Sales and What’s On during the Summer School Holidays, I’ve got you covered.
4. I’ll be eating my body weight in ice-cream, swimming as much as possible and enjoying some quality family time over board games (I’m pretty ruthless at Scrabble).

What is your end-of-year stuff? Hit reply and let me know! I’m here!

Joyce xx

P.S. Join me and my friends at Scienceplay Kids these summer holidays for Sensing the Smart City! We’re running two days of FREE, hands-on and interactive science classes for kids all about how we can use digital technology, data and information to help create better places for everyone! Book now as spots are limited.

What’s On This Week

• ​Candlelight Christmas Jazz (Fri 22 Dec) – Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Melbourne.
• ​Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight (Sat 23 Dec – Sun 24 Dec) – an evening of magical performances to support kids who are blind or who have low vision.
• ARCTIC 3D at IMAX (Thu 21 Dec – Sun 28 Jan) – Escape the heat these school holidays and explore the coldest inhabited place on Earth with IMAX’s exclusive new documentary narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch.
• ​Santa’s Magical Wonderland 2023 (Sat 18 Nov – Sun 24 Dec) – A magical Christmas wonderland with five weeks of community festivities at Greensborough Plaza.
• ​Cherry Picking Cherryhill Orchards (Mon 27 Nov – early Jan 2024) – Pick your own cherries and enjoy cherry treats. Full review.​
• ​The Piano Man (Sat 23 Dec) – A tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John with live music and a fantastic support act.
• ​Santa Special Train Rides (Sat 23 Dec) – Mornington Railway is welcoming back Santa for another year to meet with all the excited children and bring in loads of holiday cheer!
• ​Como House of Discovery: Seasons Greetings (Until 21 Jan 2024) – Embark on a journey through time and experience the enchantment of an 1880s Christmas.
• ​Christmas Under the Big Top (Until 24 Dec) – Enjoy entertainment and activities including storytelling from Mrs Claus, performances from Elmo and The Cookie Monster, craft and construction, and so much more.
• ​Westfield Christmas Craft Activities (Until 24 Dec) – Bring the little ones along to Westfield as they’ve prepared a range of Christmas crafts and activities for them to enjoy during the holiday season.

What’s HOT This Week

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TO DO

​Summer Fun At Scienceworks​

Keep the kids entertained AND educated these school holidays

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SHOP

​Shop ‘Til You Drop This Boxing Day​​​

All the best sales, including big discounts on bedding at Emma Sleep

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EAT & DRINK

​Bubble Up For Tea-rrific Sips​

Where to find the best bubble tea in Melbourne

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TO DO

​30 Days Of Summer Fun​

Kickstart your fun with our list of awesome things to do with your kids every day in January

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SHOP

​Must-Try Casual Summer Styles​​​

Don’t miss this perfect summer collection of stylish outfits from lululemon

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TO DO

​Explore More At Melbourne Museum​

The ultimate guide to making the most of Melbourne Museum’s School Holidays Program

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EAT & DRINK

​Sip, Smile, Repeat: Melbourne’s Top Smoothie Spots​

Add a burst of healthy, fruity goodness to your day

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TO DO

​Enjoy A Local Splash This Summer​​​

Visit an indoor swimming pool near you and enjoy a cheap day out with the family

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PARTNER CONTENT

​Blue Illusion End Of Year Sale​

Shop Blue Illusions End of Season sale to create your endlessly chic French inspired wardrobe. Check back in daily for exclusive offers, embrace your Joie de Vivre this festive season.

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Giveaway!

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WIN

​Migration Movie Family Passes ​

From Illumination, the creators of Minions and the studio that brought you Mario, comes Migration. Escape this summer with this magical family adventure – MIGRATION In Cinemas Boxing Day!