20+ ways to spend the last week before Christmas
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There’s just one week until Christmas Day…so let’s make it count!
From a seasonal award-winning stage spectacle to a pop-up champagne bar, an interactive Christmas experience and more, here’s what’s on in Canberra.
Special Events and Festivals
Free Community Yoga Classes
Take a break from the craziness of the festive season with two free yoga classes from Grounded Motion. Taking place in Wamboin and Narrabundah, carve time out to connect with yourself before Christmas! RSVP’s are essential!
Monday 18 and Thursday 21 December | Wamboin and Narrabundah | Book here.
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
The award-winning stage spectacle is returning to Canberra to lift your spirits. Brimful of song, humour, love, and lashings of festive joy, with live music, yule-tide carolling, innovative video design, lavish costumes and, of course, snow, A Christmas Carol is quite simply a must-do Christmas experience.
Tuesday 19 until Sunday 24 December | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
The House Of Bubbles
Grab a glass and head outside – The House Of Bubbles is popping up (get it?) in Campbell. It promises to be the perfect way to spend a hot Friday afternoon.
Friday 22 December | Hassett Park, Chowne Street, Campbell | More information here.
North Pole Lane
Experience the magic of Christmas at North Pole Lane! Walk through a storybook and into a snow forest to meet the snow princess and her life-size animatronic polar bear Miska. There will also be life-size animatronic reindeers in their stable and Santa workers in the wrapping room and visit the North Pole Lane Post Office!
Until Sunday 24 December | Majura Park, 10 Catalina Drive | More information here.
Discovering Ancient Egypt
Journey back in time to discover the wonders of ancient Egypt in this must-see exhibition featuring over 220 objects from the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden). You’ll learn all about the lifestyles of the ancient Egyptians, their religion and society, their creativity and their belief in an afterlife where they hoped to live for eternity.
Until September 2024 | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | Book here.
Cate Maddy’s ‘Shifiting Shadows
Cate Maddy’s paintings capture the snippets we remember after a walk in the bush, the flashes that return to us of the flowering gum, the wind rustling the leaves, the crunch of the dried leaves and bark underfoot the grevilias, banksia and paper flowers we walk amongst.
“Shifting Shadows” is a beautiful exhibition that is celebratory of the activity of painting and also of the ability of painting to convey the artist’s thoughtful environmental message.
Showing until 24 December | Grainger Gallery, Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Food and Wine
Festive Afternoon Tea At The Park
Hungry for a fun afternoon? This is a delightful Christmas themed afternoon tea filled with festive treats, freshly baked scones and a selection of fine teas that capture the essence of the holiday season. It’s the perfect way to send out the silly season in style.
Until Monday 25 December | The Tea Lounge, Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | Book here.
Festive Dining at The Park
Head along to the Promenade Café at the Hyatt Hotel to enjoy a gourmet meal whipped up by the executive chef. Think: festive share-style and buffet menus – perfect for intimate get togethers or a joyful team dinner to celebrate the silly season.
Until Monday 25 December | The Promenade Cafe, Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | Book here.
Christmas High Tea at Australian Parliament House
Festive high tea anyone? Celebrate Christmas at Queen’s Terrace Café with a selection of sweet and savoury treats inspired by Christmas classics – think trifle made with Parliament House honey vodka, and sticky Scottsdale ham. And with vegan and gluten free high tea options available, there’s something delicious for everyone.
Until Sunday 31 December | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive | Book here.
Sport
Canberra Cavalry vs Sydney Blue Sox
The Canberra Cavalry are back! This time you can head along to Narrabundah Ballpark to see them play the Sydney Blue Sox. It’s guaranteed to be energetic and entertaining!
Wednesday 20 until Saturday 23 December | Narrabundah Ballpark, 3 Naupai Place, Narrabundah | Book here.
UC Capitals v Adelaide Lightning
Up against the Adelaide Lightning , join the UC Capitals at the National Convention Centre Canberra as they hit the half way point in their season. Head along to show your support!
Thursday 21 December | National Convention Centre Canberra, 31 Constitution Avenue, City | Book here.
Canberra United v Central Coast Mariners
Be there for the first visit of the Mariners to Canberra since October 2009 to see what promises to be an epic game. Cheer on Canberra United to what could be a vital three points!
Saturday 23 December | Mckellar Park, Walkley Place, Mckellar | Book here.
Stage and Screen
Steve Hofstetter in Canberra
Have you heard of Steve Hofstetter? Find out what the fuss is about during this no-holds-barred stand-up performance, featuring some of his unfiltered observations about life.
Thursday 21 December | Gungahlin College Theatre, 23 Gozzard Street, Gungahlin | Book here.
Music
Christmas Choirs at Australian Parliament House
The festive season is in full swing at Australian Parliament House! Throughout December, Christmas Groups and Choirs will be popping up to perform some classic carols to help get you into the spirit of the season. Here’s what’s on:
- ANU Choral Society (SCUNA) – Saturday 2 December
- Belconnen High School – Monday 4 December
- St Thomas Aquinas – Wednesday 6 December
- QWIRE ACT Saturday – 16 December
- Spence Community Choir – Friday 22 December
Various dates and times | Parliament Drive, Canberra | More information here.
Causeway Carols at The Hub
Get into the festive spirit as the talented performers from ACT Hub serenade you with beloved Christmas carols. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate the spirit of Christmas with extraordinary talent from Canberra’s vibrant musical theatre scene!
Saturday 23 December | Australian Capital Theatre Hub, 14 Spinifex Street, Kingston | Book here.
Exhibitions
Gardening Gloves
This is an exhibition by local artist Sharon Peoples. Featuring sophisticated individual embroidered gloves using moths and butterflies found in the Canberra hills, she explores portraits, self-portraits, the inner secret garden, artists’ gardens, public gardens and gardens of the imagination through stitch.
Until February 2024 | Australian National Botanic Gardens, Visitor Centre Gallery, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | More information here.
Jordan Wolfson: Body Sculpture
This is the first solo presentation of Wolfson’s work in Australia and will feature the world premiere of Body Sculpture – so you don’t want to miss this exhbition. Using animatronic sculptures to reflect the socio-political currents of the United States today, Body Sculpture will be shown alongside a selection of earlier works, offering Australian audiences a full expression of Wolfson’s innovative vision.
Until April 2024 | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here.
Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize
The National Portrait Gallery is hosting the Art Gallery of NSW’s touring exhibition Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize. Celebrating 100 years of Australia’s oldest and most-loved portrait award and reflects upon the changing face of the nation, this exhbition delves into the controversies and the commonplace, the triumphant and the thwarted, and honours the artists who have made the Archibald Prize the most sought-after accolade in Australian art today.
Until early 2024 | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
Guns & Flowers: Ex de Medici
Ex de Medici grew up and lives in Canberra and is one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists. In this exhbition at the Canberra Museum and Gallery, audiences will have the opportunity to see Medici’s earliest works, made when she was part of the energetic first wave of independent artist-activists in Canberra in the early 1980s, to some of her most recent, travelling from her acclaimed retrospective at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.
Until early 2024 | Canberra Museum and Gallery, Corner London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra City | More information here.
Through their Lens
Explore the year in news through Australia’s top photographers. The prestigious Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Exhibition showcases the talent and dedication of Australian photographers by focusing on excellent visual storytelling. Get ready to be taken on a journey through the world of news, sports, portraiture, and visual essays, where fleeting moments are transformed into unforgettable images that defined the year.
Until Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Civic Library, London Circuit, Civic Square, City | More information here.
Focus: Australian government photographers
Focus: Australian government photographers brings Australia’s government photographers out of the darkroom and into the spotlight.
Between 1939 and 1996, dozens of photographers were employed by government agencies to capture Australian life. This fascinating exhibition delves deep into the lives and work of these talented individuals who helped to preserve our rich visual heritage, including Harry Frauca, Max Dupain, Mervyn Bishop and many more. Focus invites visitors on a journey spanning six decades of Australian life.
Explore a diverse selection of work that includes intimate nature photography, striking architectural shots and images that capture everyday memories from Australia’s past. Step into our virtual darkroom and experience the magic of photography by watching pictures develop before your eyes. Experience the power of photography to shape perceptions, ignite conversation and preserve memories.
Showing until 10 June 2024 | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au
Behind The Lines 2023
Celebrating the best of the year’s political cartoons, Behind The Lines is back again to help us look back on 2023. This year, the exhibition theme is ‘All Fun and Games’, reflecting on a year when political party games were being played in parliament and featured in Australia’s daily news. Head along to see the witty, insightful and often poignant satirical drawings, paintings, GIFs and sculptures for yourself.
Running until late 2024 | Museum Of Australian Democracy, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
Workshops, webinars and more
Warehouse Circus School Holiday Program
This is one for kids of all ages – the opportunity to unleash their inner acrobat, clown, and performer. This program is designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and cultivate lifelong skills, just like their graduates who shine in the circus spotlight. They’ll discover the magic of circus, where they can flip, twist, and turn!
Monday 18 December until January 2024 | Warehouse Circus, 70 Maclaurin Crescent, Chifley | Book here.
Art Play Space @ The NPG
Free creative activities? Yes please! Drop in to the family space these school holidays to enjoy activities are inspired by portraits in the Gallery’s collection.
Thursday 21 December until late January 2024 | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | Book here.
