Rolling around the Christmas tree

Move over Xanadu, Carlton’s Piazza Italia is set to become the new home of roller skating with a pop-up roller rink taking over the suburb’s most famous civic space. 

The Piazza (Argyle Square) will also be getting a Christmas spruce-up with a giant purple Christmas tree and decorations – the perfect place for a festive picnic sampling Lygon St’s famous fare. 

The Christmas festivities will run over two weeks from December 10 to 24, with attendees enjoying free Italian tasty treats and gift voucher giveaways thanks to local business association, Carlton Inc.

Carlton Inc. executive officer Phillip Mansour told Inner City News Carlton’s Christmas Roller Rink will transform “our famous Piazza into an all ages Christmas wonderland”.

“This activation will be a great way to welcome in the festive season and bring people back into Carlton,” he said.

“We will be giving away free Christmas biscuits, free gift vouchers to spend at Carlton Inc. member businesses and will have a range of live performers singing and playing your favourite Christmas carols.”

The Christmas Roller Rink will be open to the public from 11am to 9pm Sunday to Wednesday, and 11am to 10pm Thursday to Saturday. 

This is a free event with roller skate hire setting you back $5. 

This Christmas Festival event is presented by Carlton Inc., Malt Shop Rollers and the City of Melbourne with support from the Victorian Government.

For more information: whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/christmas-roller-rink •

Photo: Henry Li