Christmas workshops, Santa photos, and more: four free and cheap activities to make your Christmas merry and bright

Posted on 26 November, 2024

The holidays are here, and things are looking more festive than a Christmas cookie.

But for those looking for free or cheap Christmas activities the whole family can enjoy, we have some good news – Marketplace Gungahlin is offering some festive activities that won’t break the bank.

Kicking off the festivities with Santa’s Arrival on Saturday 30 November, the man in red himself will be making his way through the centre to spread music, joy, and holiday spirit. And with something on every day until Christmas Eve there will be plenty happening to jingle the bells of kids big and small.

Here are four free and cheap activities at Marketplace Gungahlin to make your Christmas merry and bright – pop them in your diary and go-ho-ho have fun.

Santa Photos

A photo with Santa in exchange for a donation to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation? Talk about a Christmas miracle. Forget taking out a small loan to capture your family Christmas photo, this might just be the cheapest option in Canberra.

Running on various dates throughout December, from 11 am to 2 pm you can make some Christmas memories and capture a memorable photo with Santa in Marketplace Gungahlin. Photos will be taken on your devices in exchange for a simple donation and as a little bonus, you’ll also get a sweet treat!

You’ll need to book your spot in advance to secure your placement and just remember: you’ll only have a 10-minute time frame to capture your festive photo, so make the most of it!

Outside Big W | Book here.

Sweet Christmas Workshops

Looking for something the little ones will enjoy? These sweet seasonal workshops will keep them busy (and full). All running from 11 am until 2 pm outside Big W, book the kids into a free session to make Christmas Candy Wreaths, Christmas treat jars, and more!

There are limited spots available, so here’s the schedule so you can plan ahead:

• Monday 2 until Friday 6 December: Lolly Skewers
• Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 December: Melting Snowman Cookies
•  Wednesday 11 until Friday 13 December: Christmas Candy Wreaths
• Monday 16 until Wednesday 18 December: Christmas treat jars
• Thursday 19 and Friday 20 December: Lolly Sushi

Outside Big W | Book here.

Christmas Carollers

Let the Christmas spirit ring this December with a special visit from Gungahlin Anglican in Marketplace Gungahlin on Friday 13 and Friday 20 December.
They’ll be bringing some festive cheer to the centre by singing carols for passersby! Warm up your vocal orders and get practicing all the Christmas classics.

7 pm – 8 pm, outside Big W

Santa’s Naughty or Nice List

Have you been naughty or nice this year? Forget waiting until Christmas day, because from Friday 13 December until Christmas Eve, you can check Santa’s list daily to find out.

Located on Level 1 near MarketQuest, a new name will be added to Santa’s list each day. If you spot your name, simply head over to Santa or his helpers near Big W between 11 am and 2 pm to collect a prize!

There are only a limited number of prizes available so check Santa’s list twice to make sure you don’t miss out.

11 am – 2 pm, Level 1 near MarketQuest

That’s just the beginning of the Christmas magic at Marketplace Gungahlin.

You’ll also find Santa’s helpers roaming around, there will be gift-wrapping stations and even the chance to have all of your Christmas shopping paid for. Read that again.

For more information, visit marketplacegungahlin.com.au

Feature image: Supplied.