My Day at the Variety Kids Christmas Party
I am going to the Variety Kids Christmas Party! There will be so many fun things to do, and I can’t wait to go.
Arriving at the Party
When I arrive at the party, I will go to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). If I am not on a bus, I will go to the front entrance near door 1.
I will wait in a line with other people to get my wristband. It might get a little noisy as more people arrive, and the line might be long. If I feel like I need help, I can talk to one of the friendly volunteers in red shirts.
Arriving by Bus
When I arrive at the party with my school by bus, we’ll pull up with other school buses at the loading dock. I might need to wait on the bus for a little while as my teacher checks us in. It’s important to listen carefully to the adults when it’s time to exit the bus and enter the party. There will be other buses and people moving around, so I need to stay close to my teacher and follow directions to keep everyone safe and make sure we all have a great time!
Meeting Some Friendly Characters
When I’m waiting, I might see characters dressed in costumes. They are there to welcome me and help me feel excited about the day! If I feel a little shy or overwhelmed by the colours, sounds, or people, that’s okay! I can always ask for help.
Our Friendly Volunteers
There will be lots of friendly volunteers at the party to help me if I need it. I can find them by looking for their bright red shirts. If I get lost or feel unsure about where to go, I can ask a volunteer for help. They’re here to make sure everyone has a safe and fun time at the party!
Everyone is Welcome
The Variety Kids Christmas Party is a special place where all kids are welcome. It’s a safe place where I can feel like I belong. There’s no judgement here—just a fun and friendly environment where everyone can enjoy the magic of Christmas.
Exploring the Party
When I walk into the party, there will be a lot of people—about 7,000 people! That’s a lot! There will also be carnival rides, games, animals, displays, and entertainment.
Hearing: It might be loud, with music playing, people talking and laughing, and some of the rides making noises. I may also hear announcements or cheers from the main stage. If it feels like too much, I can go to the Quiet Zone or wear earmuffs to help make it quieter.
Sight: There will be lots to look at! I’ll see bright lights from the carnival rides and colourful stage lights shining on the performers. I might see different characters walking around in costumes and lots of Christmas decorations that make everything feel exciting and festive.
Smells: I might smell different foods around the party, like the food served for lunch.
Touch: There will be many people around me, so I may be sharing space with others or waiting in lines. If I need help with lines or cues, I can ask one of the volunteers in red shirts.
Taking a Break if I Need It
There are so many things to experience, and I can go at my own pace. If the party starts to feel too loud or too busy, I can go to the Quiet Zone. The Quiet Zone is a place where I can take a break from the noise and relax.
If I need a break from the party, I can go to the sensory room. In the sensory room, I’ll find different tools and activities to help me feel calm. I can use these things to help myself feel better and relax. When I’m ready, I can go back and join the party with my friends.
They will also have earmuffs that I can wear if I want things to be quieter. I can also bring along my own headphones, sunglasses and fidget toys to help throughout the day.
Photographers and Videographers
There will be photographers and videographers capturing all the joy and fun of the day. If I don’t want to be in any photos or videos, I should get a ‘No Photo’ sticker when I arrive. It’s important to wear the sticker where people can see it. If I might take my jumper on or off, it’s a good idea to get two stickers, so I can always have one showing!
Fun Things to Do
There are lots of fun things to do at the party! I can:
- Go for a ride on a fast carnival ride, or a slower one if I like
- Watch the live entertainment on the big stage, with music and performers
- Play games at Sideshow Alley and collect stamps to claim a prize
- Make crafts and do creative activities
- Get my face painted to look like a fun character or animal
- Pat some cute animals at the animal display
Lunch Time!
Everyone will get a token to pick up a special lunch box. When I feel hungry, I can use my token to get my lunch and find a place to eat.
There will be a limited range of lunch options, so if I would like something specific or have any dietary requirements, I can bring my own favourite snacks.
A Special Gift
At the end of the day, I will get to line up and receive a special gift just for me! I can take this gift home to remember the fun I had at the Variety Kids Christmas Party.
This is my day at the party!
There will be so many fun things to do, and it’s a safe place where I can have fun, make friends, and feel accepted. If I ever need a break, the volunteers and Quiet Zone are there to help. I can’t wait to enjoy the Variety Kids Christmas Party!
