How to enjoy the New Year in Elsternwick Village

There’s no better place to kick off the New Year than Elsternwick Village, a neighbourhood where fun, flavour, creativity, and serenity come together effortlessly. Instead of pressure-filled resolutions, let this year begin with joy by trying new things, connecting with friends, exploring your local favourites, and discovering experiences that make you feel alive.

Here’s how to enjoy the New Year in Elsternwick Village.

Start the New Year by having fun in Elsternwick Village.

In 2026, one rule applies: fun first!

Elsternwick Village is buzzing with places that make summer nights memorable and weekend adventures exciting. Whether you’re after laughter, good food, cocktails, or entertainment, there’s a place for every mood.

Head to Classic Cinemas for a cosy film night, a new release, or a special event screening. Take advantage of the warmer weather and catch a movie at their seasonal rooftop cinema, set against the sunset, with a frosty beer in hand. Make it a tradition, start with dinner at Copycat Bar & Restaurant, then go to the movies with someone you love, or have a solo date with popcorn.

Wander the local boutiques for a fun refresh of your wardrobe at Tsalta, with its eclectic and fashionable range; find a new beauty routine at Waxed; or update your living room with affordable home decór from the Linen House Outlet. Shopping in Elsternwick Village feels less like an errand and more like a treat.

For lively dinners and warm evening drinks, The Rifle Club is the go-to. With new owners spearheading its rebirth, this local favourite offers a refreshed menu of quality bistro classics, including fresh oysters and charcoal-grilled steaks, while retaining its cocktail appeal with a boozy brunch that is a hit with the ladies.

If you prefer a casual, relaxed vibe, Harold’s Food & Liquor offers the perfect setting for craft beer and mixer catchups. Then head next door to Leena’s Bar for late-night chats over homemade pizza, bespoke wines, and everything in between.

Experience creativity and hands-on fun

Creativity isn’t just good for the soul – it’s gratifying. Elsternwick offers extensive, hands-on experience that turns an ordinary day into something memorable and enjoyable.

Join a pottery session at Ceramiques, where you can shape, mould, spin, and laugh your way through a class with friends or a partner. It’s tactile, grounding and joy-filled.

Prefer plants to pottery? Try a terrarium or floral workshop run by Greenlab Collective. Create something beautiful to take home – a living reminder of slowing down and trying new things.

These experiences spark playfulness and curiosity, making them one of the best ways to kick off the year, with something to show for it.

Make your New Year delicious

What’s a fun year without great food?

Elsternwick Village is rich with cafés, bakeries, grocers, and restaurants that make an experience in itself. Start with a post-holiday reset that still feels indulgent: seasonal produce from Dirito’s Quality Fruits, market-fresh, premium-cut meats from Trialto Meats, and Aviv Cakes’ pastries, longtime favourites with locals. Are you living a gluten-free lifestyle? The sky’s the limit with Glazed Gluten Free, offering a 100% gluten-free, kosher selection of cakes and pastries.

Try Japanese and Korean fusion dishes at Dawn Eatery, and complement them with a perfectly made latte and one of their delectable Japanese-style mochis, or taste passion in a bowl of incredible homemade pho at PrePho. Owner Duc explains the authentic Vietnamese way to savour the popular dish, and you’ll never eat pho the same way again.

Grab fresh loaves and treats from Woodfrog Bakery, or enjoy a brighter, lighter meal with The Art of Dumplings, featuring their handmade Shanghai xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). You can even watch their expert chefs wrap them before your very eyes through their front window!

Eating well becomes effortless when it’s delicious, and Elsternwick Village is full of options to explore with friends or on your own.

Refresh your space for a happier year

Drop into Green Envy for something natural for your home, or discover a unique piece of homeware at the wide range of variety and op shops on Glen Huntly Road.

You could also consider a handcrafted ceramic piece from Merchants of Society, or a fresh scent from Dalgarno’s of Elsternwick.

Mindful mini-resets for the calm seekers

For readers who prefer a gentle, soothing start to the year, Elsternwick Village has plenty of quiet corners too.

Pick up a new book at Avenue Bookstore, then spend a slow morning at cosy Mother’s Instinct or newcomer Kaichi, which could become a grounding ritual. Take a slow walk through the village, window-shop, or schedule a self-care treatment at one of our local wellness or beauty providers.

A year that feels good begins here

Let Elsternwick Village make your New Year feel exciting, creative, delicious, relaxed, or all the above, with everything you need in one friendly, bustling community.