Winter is coming (this weekend). Here’s how to embrace it like a true Canberran
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Okay, perhaps we’re being a bit dramatic. Because no one really embraces winter in Canberra.
Even us born-and-bred Canberrans whinge and whine our way through the colder months, layering our UNIQLO Heat Tech and Mont puffers and holding our latte-filled Keep Cups extra tight as we hustle back to the office. Too real?
Luckily, there are some heart-warming (if not literally warming) upsides to Canberra in winter. Aside from sparkling bluebird days, our city knows how to put the win in winter (sorry) with a calendar of chilled (sorry again) activities that will allow you to make the most of the season.
All the snow without the drive
Forget venturing all the way to Thredbo to chuck snowballs – it’s not winter in Canberra until you visit to Corin Forest.
While you do need to pay to take part in the activities (which include the alpine slide, Snowplay, lessons, and skiing), entry to Corin Forest – Canberra’s own mini snow wonderland – is free and if you’re on a bit of a budget, snuggling up on the viewing decks besides the Snowplay area and Ski Hill with a hot coffee or nibbling on some woodfire pizza is a great way to spend a day.
Get seasonal at a European-style Christmas market
Snow, really, one of Canberra’s hottest tickets in recent years has been the Xmas in July Festival, which is back in 2024 to serve up European-style festive goodies
From mulled wine and falling snow to melted cheese (raclette!) stations, real Christmas trees, wooden huts, hot chocolate, mulled wine, Christmas lights and live music, it’s all about celebrating the magic of Christmas…in July (or in this case, the end of June).
Table for two, please
Really can’t stand the cold? Ready to move to Darwin? Can’t relate, to be honest (the humidity!) but if the indoors is calling your name, there are so many cosy places to eat and drink in Canberra.
Think: hot chocolates, fireplaces, cosy couches, belly-warming dishes and maybe a glass of wine or too. Good for fighting chilly nights, right?…right?
Winter is also the time many Canberrans go into hygge home hibernation which I do indeed relate to, however, this can also be a challenging time for our hospitality industry.
Why not get the best of both worlds and discover a new suburban gem or try that place your mate recommended that you haven’t got around to yet? Your patronage could mean the world to these small businesses.
Attend this cosy community event
The temperature might be dropping but there are plenty of fun family friendly events to warm the cockles of our hearts. And this year, in exciting news Canberra’s favourite lakeside market is putting on a wee winter warmer for everyone to enjoy! Seeing Queen Elizabeth Terrace lined with gorgeous winter market stalls, glittering with goodies and food and drink from the diverse cultures that make up the Canberran community, the Little Burley Market’s Winter Wonderland is celebrating the magic of the colder months.
Taking place on Saturday 6 July, from a celebration of soups and damper roasted over the coals, free local entertainment, drumming and dance groups, free kids art and craft, marshmallows for toasting and more, there’s plenty for everyone to do.
Don’t miss out on sipping on hot mulled apple and orange, hot chocolates, mulled wine, hot apple cider and an awesome selection of regional wines.
Step into a winter wonderland in Braddon!
On 14 July, Braddon’s Haig Park Village Market will be transformed into a winter wonderland!
Enjoy twinkling lights and spices in the air, cradle mugs of glühwein, taste marshmallows and stroll the stalls of bakers, makers, creators and producers. Feast on delicious warming cuisines, sip toasty drinks and taste sweet treats, fresh produce and local wines. Then once you’re warmed, discover handcrafted artisan designs from local artists and makers.
Kids can get their face painted or they can create their own snowflakes and make their own lanterns!
There’ll also be free live entertainment from the Burns Club Pipe Band, choirs, dancing and drumming groups.
Cosy up and see a show
Heading into a warm theatre for a few hours of escapism is never more inviting than when the weather turns cold outside. Check out these five productions that should be at the top of any winter theatre-goers list.
Feature image: facebook.com/corinforestresort
