It’s always tempting to go out for drinks on a Thursday night. But when you have to work on Friday morning, it hurts. This New Year, it’s time to try something different. For some good quality, hangover-free entertainment on a Thursday evening, why not head to the St Kilda Twilight Market?

Beneath the palm trees in the iconic O’Donnell Gardens, you’ll find rows upon rows of stalls. In fact, the market is bigger than ever, thanks to new management that’s taken over for the 2012 season. But the word ‘market’ is often misleading. Sure, there are more than 60 stallholders offering vintage clothing, jewellery, arts and crafts, hand-designed pieces and one-off finds, but the Twilight Market is so much more than that.

If you’re not one to have your face painted, opt for the fire twirling or drumming ensembles. Still not convinced? Try the silent disco where you’ll be given a set of wireless headphones and a space to rock out to your choice of music. If a herd of people singing out loud to different songs and dancing to apparent silence isn’t your thing, you can at least have a laugh at those brave enough to try it.

Collapse after your shopping expedition at a restaurant in nearby Acland Street, or grab a bite at one of the exotic, international food stalls. If it’s a warm night, visit 7 Apples Gelato and plant yourself on a nice grassy spot where you can soak up the atmosphere.

With Luna Park’s rickety rollercoaster lit up in the background and the sound of local musicians humming through the air, you’ll want to stay ’til the stars come out.

Where: O’Donnell Gardens, cnr Cavell and Carlisle Sts, St Kilda
When: 5-10pm, every Thurs until Feb 23
Details: stkildatwilightmarket.com