Free merry-go-round rides, festive markets, and more: Christmas has come early with Festive Finds in the City

Posted on 29 November, 2024

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go – but especially in Canberra’s city centre and Braddon.

That’s because Festive Finds in the City is bringing some Christmas cheer to the heart of Canberra, helping locals kick off the holiday season with a lineup of amazing experiences taking place right up until Christmas Eve.

Perfect for everyone – with a range of events happening during the day and night –it’s the perfect excuse to grab your Santa hat and make it a December to remember.

And from free merry-go-round rides (you read that right) to a massive Christmas party and some cracking offers from local businesses, you’ll be singing ‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year’ before you know it.

Here’s what’s happening during Festive Finds in the City. We promise that it will jingle the bells of even the grumpiest Grinch.

Tis the season for free-merry-go-round rides

Since 1974, the merry-go-round in Petrie Plaza has been bringing whimsical wonder to locals – and from Sunday 1 December until Christmas Eve, you can experience its enchanting joy every day for free. Cue the joy of parents and grandparents everywhere.

Running from 10 am until 4 pm Sunday to Thursday and 10 am until 7 pm Friday and Saturday, to make the most of this magical experience, you’ll need to redeem the offer before letting the kids jump on the gorgeous horses and elephants.

And look, we won’t judge if you take a ride yourself. Also redeemable for adults, you can grab your friends, family or even your co-workers for a truly nostalgic experience. After all, isn’t Christmas all about joy? Go on, treat your inner child…

This Christmas party will totally sleigh

Please don’t put me on the naughty list for that pun. Because it’s true.

Taking place on Saturday 7 December, from 3 pm until 9 pm, the City Centre Christmas Party will be bringing City Walk to life with a magical day filled with holiday cheer.

From Canberra Centre’s Festive Lane Markets – which will gather a range of local producers and creators for an adorable Christmas market – to festive food and drink, kids activities and more, there will be something for everyone. You might find the perfect present, or you might discover a fantastic festive find.

Either way, it promises to leave you feeling jolly.

Light up your life with Canberra’s biggest Christmas tree

Nothing says ‘Christmas in Canberra’ like our 16m tall tree – and it’s back in City Walk to light up your December.

Head along to enjoy the Christmas decorations and make sure not to miss Canberra’s snow globe and wishing trees. They’ll all make the perfect backdrop to your festive fun (and possibly your next Insta post).

Looking for more festive finds?

If that’s not enough, City Renewal has even put together a gift guide so you don’t need to write a list (or check it twice). Taking all of the hard work out of having to hunt down the perfect present, simply choose your price range and category and browse the local businesses selling some amazing treasures in the City Centre and Braddon.

From the health guru to fashion lovers and the foodie in your life, there’s something for everyone. Supporting local businesses without the stress of hitting the shops for hours on end? Now that’s the perfect Christmas present for yourself.

Plus – because Festive Finds in the City is the gift that keeps on giving – on Sunday 1 December some cracking offers will be announced so you can make the most of the silly season. Think dining, shopping and entertainment offers from local businesses that can be redeemed day or night.

As they say – Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling. And Festive Finds in the City is making us feel merry and bright.

For more information, visit festivefinds.inthecity.com.au

Images supplied.