This year Santa has chosen to take the more scenic route while in Australia. Switching out the reindeer and sleigh for, well…. a lighter than air option.
That’s right, Santa’s going to be traversing the Australian sky via hot air balloon this year. It may be slower than the sleigh he is used to, but all Santa cares about is kicking back and enjoying the views; even if he misses delivering a couple presents (you didn’t hear that from us!).
I have put together a list of why you should follow Santa’s lead this year, and why a hot air balloon flight makes the best Christmas gift of all (even if you are the grinch).
1. The Christmas time views
“Come on its lovely weather for a balloon ride together with you (ring-a-ling-a-ding-dong-ding!).”
The stunning morning skies of Melbourne, the majestic rolling hills of Mansfield, the vast fields of the Yarra Valley. Do I really need to say more? It’s enough to blow Santa’s woollen socks off, and he’s been just about everywhere.
Picture this: slowly drifting off into the sky, up up and up as you clasp the sides of the basket, watching the world below begin to come awake, the calmness in the air, the excitement building, the tingles in your legs, the warmth of the flames atop your head, the light reverberating around the basket, the shared smiles with loved ones and strangers alike, the soaring feeling in your body, the moment of complete tranquillity in the stillness of the sky, and then… the world around you in a sudden rush coming to life as the morning sun rises, and you flying high up above, just a silhouette to those below.
There is nothing quite like gliding across the sky in a hot air balloon, taking in the incredible views all around, whether you are in the city or the country. I’m sure Santa didn’t get this experience from his sleigh, and why it’s on the top of his gift list for Mrs. Claus this year.
2. Our ballooning reindeer
“You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, but do you recall, the most famous reindeer of all?”
Although our pilots may not be called Dasher and Dancer and Prancer, or even Rudolph, they still sure do know how to operate in the skies. Our expert pilots don’t just operate the balloons and look after your safety, they also ensure you have the best and most memorable experience in the sky. Ask them questions, our pilots love to pass on knowledge and see the excitement in all passengers’ smiles.
From our Santa’s little helpers in our office, to our ground crew of elves, and then to our reindeer in the sky. We are all about making your experience as memorable and special as possible, from the moment you book, till the moment you touch back down from above. A hot air balloon gift is made even more special with the hard work of our team (they are even looking at taking over the North Pole from Santa… watch your back Santa).
3. A Christmas celebration of Melbourne
“Silver bells, silver bells, it’s Christmas time in the city.”
Melbourne is one of the best cities in the world (you don’t get voted most liveable city for 7 years straight for nothing), with so much to experience throughout its streets. But what makes Melbourne even better is the fact it can be experienced from high above too. Our special, one-of-a-kind city, is the only major city in the world where you can traverse over it in a hot air balloon. Flying in a hot air balloon is an experience to remember in itself, but having a world only experience over our beautiful city as well? Now that is a magical Christmas.
So put down your skinny lattes and take your morning coffee run to the skies of Melbourne, as why walk the streets when you can soar above them. You may even be able to spot your work colleagues going about their mundane mornings. Be sure to not stop talking about your ballooning experience to them for the next calendar year (we’re sure they will love that…).
4. A Christmas breakfast
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, ev’rywhere you go; take a look in the five-and-ten, glistening once again, with candy canes and sliver lanes aglow.”
Santa made the most of his sparkling breakfast after his flight. Rumour has it, he went back for fifths! Who can blame him when the breakfast options are just this good. A hot air balloon flight finished off with a glass of bubbly and a platter fit enough for a king (approved by Santa, the king of the North Pole himself), now that is an experience to remember.
Although you won’t be eating candy canes for breakfast after your flight (or you can… that is up to you, I won’t judge), a hearty breakfast is sure to get you in the Christmas mood. Our flight and breakfast packages are the perfect Christmas gift for all. Not only are you gifting a once in a lifetime experience, but also adding on a little refreshing post flight brekky (the only thing that is missing is a glass of eggnog with a Christmas pudding for dessert!?). Now everyone has got to love that, even the grinch family next door.
5. A Christmas getaway
“The mood is right, the spirit’s up, we’re here tonight, and that’s enough, simply having a wonderful Christmastime, simply having a wonderful Christmastime.”
What does Santa love more than food? Well, a relaxing trip away of course! Putting his feet up, cucumber slices on his eyes, martini in hand, smooth jazz on in the background, and a pedicure for good measure (well that is at least how I pictured Santa’s vacation). You deserve a break too, and so do your loved ones. A night away and a balloon flight with us is the perfect gift package for everyone in your life, especially those who love Santa’s level of relaxation.
Making your flight in the Yarra Valley that little bit extra by turning it into an overnight getaway in the beautiful wine region of Victoria? Now that sounds special (just be sure not to get too relaxed and miss your flight! Santa is waiting eagerly to steal your spot).
6. The Christmas memories
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year. There be much misoltoeng, and hearts will be glowing, when loved ones are near. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”
Sure, you could gift your loved ones that new Dyson vacuum they have been wanting, or a Christmas onesie, or even the DVD boxset of Game of Thrones (minus season 8 of course), but wouldn’t you rather create memories with your loved ones that will last forever? There is no gift quite like an experience. Something you can share with your loved ones, and memories you can create together.
Don’t get me wrong, Dyson vacuums are great, and Roombas too! But there is nothing quite like a once-in-a-lifetime experience (or multiple times for all you balloon lovers out there), especially when it is experienced together. Think of the memories you will make while flying high in the sky in a lighter than air balloon, taking in the spectacular views and surrounds. Believe me when I tell you, there is nothing quite like a hot air balloon ride. This is why Santa left the reindeer at home this year. Sorry Rudolph and gang.
7. A Christmas gift suited to everyone
“Snow is fallin’, all around me, children playin’, having fun, it’s the season, love and understanding, Merry Christmas everyone.”
Although there will be no snow this time of year, a summer Christmas down under still has its perks. One of these perks: the perfect flying weather for ballooning. A summer Christmas is really a great time to experience everything hot air balloons have to offer, and no matter who that special person is in your life, we are sure they would all love a ballooning gift. From your grandparents, to a whole family experience, to your sister-in-law, to your best friends, to your partner, to your neighbour, to your colleague, to the angry guy in your block of flats (although I’m sure you wouldn’t be buying him a gift).
A ballooning experience has something for everyone and an experience to treasure, so why not follow Santa this year and gift the best Christmas gift of all, an experience high above with Global Ballooning.
