Six things to do around Canberra to get in the Christmas spirit early
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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas all around Canberra—and even though we’re still a month away from the magic of the holiday, there’s plenty to do.
Forget about the rule that Christmas doesn’t start until December, pull out your cutest Christmas Oodie, put Mariah Carey on repeat, and start watching Home Alone. Here are five things you can do this month to get in the Christmas spirit early.
Enjoy Christmas magic at the Canberra Centre
Christmas has arrived early at the Canberra Centre, and they can’t wait to celebrate with you. Head along to enjoy their magical decorations (because who doesn’t love floating Christmas trees?) and block out your weekend—Santa is here and there will be plenty of festivities to celebrate, including snow, a kid’s craft workshop, and special Santa photography sessions.
This year, the Centre has also revealed its all-new exclusive and inclusive Baby’s First Christmas photography sessions, to capture the magic of a baby’s first Santa photo—and giving your bub a VIP experience.
And that’s not all. From Sensitive Santa sessions, Christmas Gifting Workshops, giveaways, recipes, and everything in between, there are plenty of chances to start embracing the Christmas spirit.
Bunda Street, Canberra City | canberracentre.qicre.com
Get the best presents at the Undercurrent Markets
One of the best feelings in the world must be knowing that you have just bought the perfect gift—and with the return of the Undercurrent Design Market, you’ll have all you need to succeed at secret Santa this year.
Head along to explore over 50 bespoke and hand-selected market stalls, perfectly placed four weeks out from Christmas, you’ll have your presents ready for under the tree before you know it. Read more here.
Friday 25 November, 5 pm – 8 pm and Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 November, 10 am – 5 pm | National Portrait Gallery, Parkes Place, Parkes | undercurrentdesignmarket.com
Explore North Pole Lane
Reindeer, elves, a snow forest, and the man in red himself—a magical North Pole is in Tuggeranong to bring some Christmas magic.
Transporting visitors to a winter wonderland until Christmas Eve, enter the North Pole storybook to find yourself in a Christmas themed word complete with a Snow Princess and her adorable life-sized polar bear, reindeer and their wrangler, a dedicated present wrapping room (with some little helpers on hand), the North Pole post office, as well as the chance to have photos with Santa.
Take the kids or treat yourself to a little magic—it’s enough to make any Grinch’s heart swell. Read more here.
Until Saturday 24 December | Southpoint Shopping Centre, Tuggeranong – Reed Street North Undercover Carpark (entry to the left of TK Maxx) | ministryofevents.au
Celebrate Christmas at the Gallery of Small Things
Already thinking about Christmas shopping? The Gallery of Small things in Watson has a special Christmas show that will make any gifting fears a thing of the past. Rotating every two weeks, head along to explore new artworks from 15 of their artists—think porcelain bud vases in minimalist white by Julie Pennington, tapestries by Lee Leibrandt, woodcarvings wall works by Isobel Rayson, and more.
Ranging from $20 to $500 (or more if you’re looking to splurge), there’s something for even the fussiest friend.
Until Sunday 4 December | 27 Wade Street, Watson | galleryofsmallthings.com
Visit Under the Mistletoe
The perfect haven for the Christmas-obsessed, we’d be surprised if you haven’t already been to Under the Mistletoe. Grab your ugly jumpers and Santa hats and head along to Canberra’s dedicated Christmas store to enjoy (and stock up on) all the seasonal magic—and yes, a Christmas mug is a need, not a want.
Open Monday to Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm and Sunday 9:30 am – 4:30 pm | Shop 4, Federation Square, 26 O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls | underthemistletoe.com.au
Have a merry time at the CBRwoman Christmas Market
Celebrating local women in business, the CBRwoman Market is back with a magical twist—just in time for a spot of shopping. Spend your Saturday morning present buying for someone special (or yourself) while supporting local businesses.
For a touch of extra Christmas spirit, this year there will also be a Karinya House tree to support women in the Canberra community who are pregnant or parenting and need extra support.
Saturday 26 November, 10 am – 2 pm | The Fitters Workshop, Kingston | facebook.com/events
