Free merry-go-round rides, the City Centre Christmas Party, a pop-up bar and more: all the inspiration you need for your weekend
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There truly is something happening for everyone this weekend in Canberra – and it’s looking extra festive!
With Christmas markets, the City Centre Christmas Party, free merry-go-round rides, a pop-up bar, and more, trust us when we say that there’s plenty to do around town.
Special Events and Festivals
Trove Canberra’s Christmas Shopping Night
Get your Christmas shopping out of the way with this joyous Christmas shopping night at Trove Canberra.
They will be offering drinks, nibbles and an exclusive discount for your holiday shopping. Embrace the spirit of giving by exploring the unique offerings at Trove Canberra and finding that perfect, one-of-a-kind gift for your loved one!
Friday 6 December, 5 pm – 7 pm | Trove Canberra. 25 Dickson Place, Dickson | More information here.
AIATSIS Indigenous Art Market 2024
The AIATSIS Indigenous Art Market is back in Canberra and online, to support the ethical purchase of authentic Australian Indigenous art.
As the largest Indigenous art market in the Canberra region, you’ll see a diverse range of paintings, textiles, sculptures and much more. Importantly, 100 per cent of sales from the art market goes back to Indigenous art centres, artists and their communities.
Friday 6 until Sunday 8 December, 10 am – 3 pm | AIATSIS, 51 Lawson Crescent, Acton | Book here.
RSPCA ACT’s Christmas Markets
This Friday RSPCA ACT is hosting it’s annual Christmas Markets at the Shelter in Weston Creek.
You can expect food and drink trucks, retail vendors, kids activities, photos with Santa & Mrs Claus, and more! They will also be keeping their doors open to the public until 7.30 pm so you can come and meet the residents, take part in the kissing booth (featuring the beautiful long term dogs) and adopt your new best friend. See you there?
Friday 6 December, 4 pm – 8 pm | RSPCA ACT, 12 Kirkpatrick Street, Weston | More information here.
City Centre Christmas Party
This is a Christmas party for Canberra, by Canberra!
This festive bash will see live music, roving performers, interactive party games, kids workshops and more transform City Walk. Along with free merry-go-round rides (you read that right), the Festive Lane Markets, food and drink offerings and more, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season. Make sure to dress up in your favourite holiday-inspired attire!
Saturday 7 December, 3 pm – 9 pm | City Walk, next to the Christmas tree, City | More information here.
Supersmile Orthodontist Aranda Open Day
Explore the exciting world of orthodontics at Supersmile Orthodontist’s Open Day in Aranda. Start the day with a freshly brewed coffee from the coffee van and enjoy a tasty sausage sizzle BBQ by St. Monica’s Primary. Relax with lawn games, take a tour of the practice, and discover the latest advancements in orthodontic care!
You’ll be able to watch a live demo of 3D scanning technology, meet the friendly team, and learn about the treatments available. A perfect opportunity to explore orthodontics in a welcoming, interactive setting.
Saturday 7 December, 10 am – 1 pm | Supersmile Orthodontist, 13 Bindel Street, Aranda | More information here.
Battle of the Big Bands Christmas Ball
Prepare for a dazzling spectacle with the Savoy-style Battle of the Big Bands!
Featuring the Connexion Big Band and Blamey St Big Band, deck yourself out in your festive best, and bring your favourite festive dishes to share. This event is open to the public, and patrons can come to dance (instruction will be provided for beginners) or to just sit and listen. Get ready for an evening of pure swing bliss
Saturday 7 December, 7.30 pm – 11 pm | Albert Hall, 100 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | Book here.
Christmas Celebration
Celebrate this Christmas at Fusion’s annual Christmas Celebration! Offering two carol services, families are invited to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit with joyful carols, exciting games, and inflatable fun for kids (and adults).
Enjoy delicious food and participate in delightful giveaways, creating memorable moments for everyone. Registration is essential, and tickets are free. Mark your calendars and share in the joy of Christmas!
Saturday 7 December, 6 pm and Sunday 8 December, 10 am | Fusion City Church, The HUB, 1/87 Hoskins Street, Mitchell | Register here.
Med’s First Birthday Bash
Med in Barton is turning one this Sunday and you’re invited to the party!
Celebrate with an all-day brunch at Med – we’re talking a feast of fresh baked pita bread with dips, spinach & cheese gözleme, BBQ king prawn, chilli & garlic butter, charcoal roasted chicken, Turkish chilli, baklava sundae and more!
Choose from the Á la carte menu or lunch banquet from $65pp. See the menu.
Sunday 8 December, from 9:30 am | 1 Burbury Close, Barton | Book here.
Making Music: International Day of People with Disability
Head along to the National Museum of Australia for Making Music in recognition of the United Nation’s International Day of People with Disability.
Attendees will participate in an instrument-making workshop with Hands-On Studio, be part of a playshop with Music for Canberra or take a tour of Breathing Space with Museum educators in the Garden of Australian Dreams – it’s suitable for all ages and abilities!
Sunday 8 December, 10 am – 2 pm | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | Book here.
Empowering All Abilities Day
This will be a fun and inclusive event bringing Canberra’s children of all abilities together to explore sports, arts, and recreation.
Wondering what can you expect? Stalls, food trucks and ‘come and try sessions’ with eight local sporting bodies including cricket, rugby, football, and basketball. Plus there will be Kulture Break performances and workshops!
Sunday 8 December, 10 am – 2 pm | Evatt Primary School, Evatt | More information here.
Markets
Festive Lane Markets
Transforming the heart of the city, The Festive Lane Markets are bringing festive fun that everyone will enjoy.
Running from Friday 6 until Sunday 8 December, you’ll find everything from artisan market stalls selling handmade crafts to festive food and drinks and live music. We also hear that the big man in red will be there to check which locals have been naughty or nice.
Friday 6 until Sunday 8 December, hours vary | City Walk, Canberra City | More information here.
Canberra Potters 2024 Christmas Fair
Looking for unique Christmas gifts? Look no further than the Watson Arts Centre, where local potters and ceramicists will showcase a curated selection of ceramic art and pottery at the Canberra Potters Christmas Fair.
You’ll find a wide array of handcrafted treasures that are both meaningful and locally made, ensuring you’ll find gifts as unique as the people you’re shopping for.
Friday 6 until Sunday 15 December, 10 am – 4 pm | Canberra Potters, Watson Arts Centre | 1 Aspinall Street Watson | More information here.
Christmas Sparkle Market
Located in the leafy inner suburb of Pearce, this bespoke market is bringing some seasonal magic to the area.
Gathering a range of crafters and artisans from across the region, you’ll be able to find thoughtful handcrafted gifts, including home-cooked goodies, skincare, pottery, and more. There will also be food, tea, coffee, and live music, perfect for refuelling between present shopping. Plus, Santa will be making a special appearance on Saturday!
Saturday 7 December, 10 am – 3 pm and Sunday 9 December, 10 am – 1 pm | Pearce Community Centre, Collett Place, Pearce | More information here.
Sutton Village Country Market: Christmas in the Country
Tis the season for Christmas markets! Head along to the Sutton Village Country Market to enjoy live entertainment, a visit from Santa, camel rides, horse and cart rides, the Anglicare Giving Tree, market and food stalls and more!
Pets are welcome, so you can take the whole family.
Sunday 8 December, 9 am – 1.30 pm | Sutton Oval, Corner Victoria & Camp Streets, Sutton | More information here.
Christmas at Old Bus Depot Markets
Hold onto your Santa hat, because every Sunday throughout December, the Old Bus Depot Markets will be selling holiday-themed high-quality handcrafts.
From fresh Christmas trees to decorations, and family photos with Santa (including a session for your four-legged friends), you’ll be sure to discover a festive find. After all, ‘tis the season to do some last-minute shopping…
Sunday 8 December, 9.30 am – 2.30 pm | 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Southside Farmers Markets
This village market is located at Canberra College, making it the perfect place to duck in to grab what you need (and maybe a few things you don’t). Order an egg and bacon roll to start the morning as you explore the best of fresh seasonal veggies, handmade pasta and pet treats.
8 am–11.30 am Sunday | 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | facebook.com
Food and Wine
Introductory Wine Appreciation
Want to know more about wine but don’t know where to begin? You can learn some basics of wine in a fun, friendly environment.
You’ll discover the essential elements of wine, how wine is made, and how to describe wine – and you get to do all this by tasting through a hand-picked selection of quality Canberra wines.
Saturday 7 December, 1 pm – 3 pm | Canberra and Region Visitors’ Centre, Parkes | Book here.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience
With two hours of comedy, three courses of food, and five-star reviews, expect chaos, laughs, this sounds like a brilliant night out.
Officially the world’s longest running and most successful tribute to the BBC’s famous sitcom, Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is returning to the Mercure Canberra. Highly interactive and completely original, anything will happen. But be warned: tickets will sell out here too, so early booking is essential!
Saturday 7 December, 7 pm – 9 pm | Mercure Canberra, Braddon | Book here.
Santa’s Breakfast at Marketplace Gungahlin
One of the best parts of Christmas is the food, so with Santa in town, why wouldn’t you want to join him for a festive breakfast celebration?
This December, Santa is hosting a special breakfast for families. Promising a morning of holiday cheer, treats, and unforgettable memories, each child will receive an individual breakfast box that includes a croissant, fruit, cheese, chocolate, and a fruit popper! There will also be the opportunity to join in with some craft activities with the big man himself – talk about festive fun.
Saturday 7 December, 10 am | 30 & 33 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | Book here.
Santa’s Breakfast at Westfield Woden
Exclusive to Westfield members, this is a magical dining experience with the man in red!
Book in your little one’s spot so they can dive into a scrumptious brekkie, followed by entertainment for the whole family. Seats are limited, so you better hurry!
Sunday 8 December, 8.30 am and 10 am | Keltie Street, Phillip | More information here.
The Canberra Distillery Pop-Up Bar
Who doesn’t love gin? Local Gin distillery, The Canberra Distillery, are showcasing their wonderful range of gin’s at Westfield Woden with an exclusive Christmas pop-up at Westfield Woden.
Westfield members can visit The Canberra Distillery Pop Up Bar Friday to Sunday to redeem a free drink! You potentially could get some Christmas gifts sorted as well!
Until Sunday 22 December | Westfield Woden, Keltie Street, Phillip | More information here.
High Tea at Louis
Looking for a sophisticated and refined experience high tea experience? Nestled within the elegant confines of Hotel Realm, you can’t go past high tea at Louis.
Offering a meticulously curated array of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an exquisite selection of pastries and desserts that showcase the finest craftsmanship (along with an impressive tea menu) it will be an occasion to remember.
Every Saturday, 2 pm – 4 pm | Louis, 18 National Circuit, Barton | Book here.
QTea High Tea x Space Kitchen
There’s no cucumber sandwich in sight at this high tea experience. And you better get excited because QT has partnered with Space Kitchen in what be the most delicious collaboration ever.
Taking their high tea offering to the next level, the QTea High Tea x Space Kitchen experience is all about indulgence – from the sweet to the savoury. Lock eyes with Canberra’s first cake trolley featuring Space Kitchen cakes, choose from 28 teas (along with the prettiest of cocktails featuring special brews) and dig into tiers of treats that include Wagyu bresaola bites and picture-perfect serves of duck liver parfait for a decadent dining experience.
Every Saturday, sittings at 12 pm and 12.30 pm | 1 London Circuit, City | Book here.
Stage and Screen
Jack Maggs
Step back in time to 19th century London, where intrigue and mystery mix in Jack Maggs.
Based on the novel by Peter Carey, the story follows the enigmatic ex-convict Jack Maggs returning to London from Australia and embarking on a relentless quest to find his ‘son’ Henry Phipps, who has mysteriously disappeared. An award-winning “reworking” of Charles Dickens’ canonical novel Great Expectations, don’t miss this sweeping new adaptation.
Until Saturday 7 December, 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
The Gruffalo
After sell-out seasons across the world, including London’s West End and Broadway, The Gruffalo is coming to Canberra!
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Ideal for children aged three and above (and their grown ups), expect songs, laughs and scary fun.
Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December, 10 am – 10 55 am | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
(Sleigh) Slay – An Interactive Murder Mystery
This holiday season, step into a world of intrigue with an interactive murder mystery set in the festive world of Christmas politics – because Santa is stepping down after centuries of being the master of Christmas, and rival factions are vying to take his place.
As one of the guests, you’ll take on a unique character role, uncover hidden motives, and work with your team to solve the mystery before the saboteur strikes again. That’s right, it’s up to you to save Christmas!
Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December, 7 pm – 9 pm | Tuggeranong Homestead, 130 Johnson Drive, Richardson | Book here.
Smiths@Belco: Glorious! A Handel Celebration
Discover the man behind Messiah, Water Music and the Coronation Anthems and meet some of the artists he collaborated with in this inventive salon experience.
They’ll be using narration, music, mime and masks to magically recreate the experience of 18th century London where George Frederic Handel’s influence was arguably greater than any monarch’s. Citynews arts writer Helen Musa will lead a discussion after the show with Tobias and the other performers. And to finish there will be a rousing encore!
Sunday 7 December, 7 pm – 9 pm | The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.
Jewish Film Festival
Don’t miss the chance to see screenings of the best Jewish-themed films in Canberra.
Opening on Saturday 7 December at Dendy, you’ll see an exceptional range of films that range from moving dramas to insightful documentaries.
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December | Dendy, Canberra Centre, City | Book here.
Stripping in the Name Of
Burlesque. Pop Punk. Babes. Rockers. What more could you need? Get ready to get hot under the collar and sing your heart out.
Returning to The Baso, Stripping in the Name Of is the ultimate in live music and burlesque entertainment. Listen to your favourites – from The Offspring, Fall Out Boy, Fountains of Wayne and more – all while your eyes feast on the bombshells of burlesque. Leave the kids at home.
Saturday 7 December, 7 pm | The Baso, 2 Cohen Street, Belconnen | Book here.
Eurydice
In Eurydice, Sarah Ruhl reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine.
Originally produced by Madison Repertory Theatre, in Madison, Wisconsin, in 2003, you’ll see contemporary characters, ingenious plot twists, and breathtaking visual effects. It’s a fresh look at a timeless love story.
Until Saturday 14 December, 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Building 3.3, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
This exciting production promises laughter and romance, moonlit woods, love potions, and more than a few misunderstandings.
Transporting theatregoers to an enchanted forest this summer, Echo Theatre is bringing Shakespeare’s famous comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, to the great outdoors. Starring some of the region’s finest and funniest actors, Shakespeare’s classic play will be presented in The Q’s new outdoor performance space: Aunty Louise Brown Park.
With no performance exactly the same, it will be an evening of outrageous fun for the whole family. Pack a picnic and make a night of it!
Until Sunday 15 December | Aunty Louise Brown Park, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre | Book here.
Sunset Cinema
Your favourite outdoor cinema is back for the summer with their signature mix of new releases, all-time classics and family favourites.
Catch new summer blockbusters like Gladiator 2, the latest superhero action Venom: The Last Dance and don’t miss the brand new dark comedy sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in the stunning Australian National Botanic Gardens. Grab yourself a bean bag, some snacks and enjoy!
Until Sunday 22 February 2025, 6.30 pm – 11.30 pm | The Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | Book here.
Music
Canberra Blues Society 19-Twenty
The 19-Twenty lads are coming to Canberra for one show only, so you better get ready.
Whipping up a frenzy on the festival scene, this groove based blue-billy-grass-rockin’-roots band will be hitting the stage at The Zeppelin Room, after headlining sell-out shows and festivals in all states and territories.
Saturday 7 December, 7 pm – 11 pm | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | Book here.
Carols in the Park
Running for over 20 years, this festive event aims to help the local community celebrate Christmas joy.
Including a family carnival with a jumping castle, face painting, balloon animals, and more, head along to explore market stalls, food trucks, and, of course, enjoy the live Christmas carols!
Sunday 8 December, 5 pm – 9 pm | Dickson Playing Fields, Antill Street, Dickson | More information here.
Exhibitions
Punk, Romantic
Punk, Romantic is the debut solo exhibition by early-career Kamberri/Canberra-based artist Sophie Dumaresq. Dumaresq’s interdisciplinary practice brings perspectives of absurdity, queerness and humour to creative and critical robotics.
Working across photography, video installation, sculpture and performance, her work explores what it is to try and share joy, love, laughter and communicate in a universe filled with beings whose brains, existence and or bodies are built inherently differently.
Showing 6 to 15 December | Canberra Contemporary Art Space Manuka, 19 Furneaux Street, Manuka | ccas.com.au/current-manuka
Oikos by Peter McLean
Peter McLean is an artist with a deep affinity for nature and the environment. In this exhibition, he explores the ‘oikos‘.
In ancient Greece oikos referred to both a house and members of a family/household. The modern English prefix of eco derives from oikos, as in the terms ecology and economy. In drawings and prints, he emphasises the relational aspect of nature: the landscape as home, and all earth’s species as family.
Friday 6 December until February 2025 | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
Grounded by Robyn Evans, Sabina Moore, Amanda Andlee Poland
The Grounded Collective is three artists researching place, time and memory. Through drawing and sculpture, the act of making is amplified by each artist in a three-way conversation to produce site-specific works, both collaborative and individual, that overlaps ideas and practice.
Head along to see the works of drawing practitioner Robyn Evans, sculptor and educator Sabina Moore and ceramics artist Amanda Andlee Poland.
Friday 6 December until February 2025 | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
Echoes of Absence by Rebecca Tapscott
Rebecca Tapscott’s cyanotype print wall installation, Echoes of Absence, is a poignant exploration of loss and interconnectedness, drawing from personal and environmental experiences.
Crafted from the remains of animals lost due to human impacts, these prints symbolise the absences in the tapestry of life and the installation vividly portrays the profound impact of our actions on interrelated habitats, forming a collective image of ecological fragility.
Friday 6 December until February 2025 | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
Dear Forests…
This is an open postcard exhibition.
Artists have been invited from throughout Australia to share in bringing a lens of focus on the world’s forests, the need for their safe keeping and preservation inclusive of the wildlife within. Asking artists to embrace their imagination to raise awareness, and provoke dialogue, political activism, boldness, experimentation, thoughtfulness, playfulness, or deep contemplation, all works are eligible for consideration of the AUD500 People’s Choice Award.
Friday 6 December until February 2025 | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
Ethel Carrick
Apart of a National Gallery initiative celebrating the work of all women artists to enhance understanding of their contribution to Australia’s cultural life, you can head along to the NGA to see the work of Ethel Carrick (1872–1952).
A pioneering artist who forged new ground in the early twentieth century with her bold and vibrant post-impressionist works, this will be the first retrospective of Carrick’s work for nearly half a century and an opportunity to assess her work in a new light.
Saturday 7 December until April 2025 | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | Book here.
Anne Dangar
Coming to the NGA as part of a summer double bill with Ethel Carrick, don’t miss seeing retrospectives from Anne Dangar (1885–1951).
One of Australia’s most important, yet underacknowledged modern artists, the exhibition will explore Dangar’s life and practice, as well as her important position in French modern art as one of most dedicated and truly modern Australian artists of the twentieth century.
Saturday 7 December until April 2025 | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | Book here.
2024 ANU School of Art & Design Graduating Exhibition
Head along to celebrate and see the culmination of the ANU School of Art & Design students’ efforts across a wide range of practices in Visual Arts and Design.
It’s only running for a few days, so make sure to set aside some time.
Until Sunday 8 December, 10 am – 4 pm | ANU School of Art & Design, Building 105 Childers Street, Acton | More information here.
A Feeling for Place
Hosted at Civic Library, A Feeling for Place shows places and scenes in Canberra, Sydney and India.
Ranging from picnic areas, community centres, cultural activities at home or at festivals in a park, to an image of a café managed by a Burmese refugee, behind the images presented in the exhibition lie both an emotional and narrative content arising from the artist’s family and cultural background.
Until Friday 13 December | Civic Library, Civic Square London Circuit, City | More information here.
Megalo Wayzgoose
Megalo Print Studio’s Megalo Wayzgoose exhibition will bring together over 100 artworks by more than 50 contemporary printmakers from across ACT, NSW, SA, Victoria and Tasmania.
If you’ve never heard of a wayzgoose before, it’s an annual printmakers’ tradition dating back to the mid-1700s when a printing house would have an event to celebrate the printers’ work. This exhibition features artists from across Australia who are working with print in its multiplicitous forms:
Until Saturday 14 December | Megalo Print Studio, 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston | megalo.org
Mythica Ignota: Solo Exhibition by Elliat Rich
Showcasing new work developed during Elliat Rich’s residency at Canberra Glassworks throughout 2024, Mythica Ignota uses mythology as a framework to nest scientific observation and more-than-human orientated values with artefact and narrative.
Curated by Aimee Frodsham, in this exhibition Alice Springs designer Elliat Rich taps into ancient and future ways of seeing the world.
Until Sunday 15 December, 10 am – 4 pm | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Cate Maddy – Gentle Choir, Brittany Ferns – The Shade of Songs and Shadows, and Thea Katauskas – Birdspotting
Grainger Gallery hosts its final three shows of 2024 featuring Cate Maddy, Brittany Ferns and Thea Katauskas.
Cate Maddy’s stylistic flora and still life paintings are a celebration of summer, those snippets we remember after a walk in the bush, the gentle choir of the wind rustling the leaves and the joy of family coming together around the outdoor table.
Brittany Ferns’ latest body of work focuses on quietude and introspection within the natural world, evoking a sense of serenity and connection to the earth.
Thea Katauskas’ collection of birds are a playful investigation of imaginary avian species, their various roles and dispositions, presenting their plumage and physical form as reflections of our natural environment.
Until Sunday, 22 December | Grainger Gallery, Building 3.3, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | graingergallery.com.au
20 Years of Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Experience the wonder of two decades of award-winning nature photography in the 20 Years of Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year,celebrating winning entries from each year since its inception.
Conceived in 2004 by Dr Stuart Miller AM, the competition aims to stoke the public’s fascination with the natural world and provide a platform for emerging and established photographers alike to showcase the remarkable flora, fauna and landscapes of Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea.
Developed by the South Australian Museum, this free exhibition invites visitors to trace the evolution of photographic techniques over the past 20 years.
Images on display range from the eye of a firestorm captured by last year’s winner Samuel Markham to 2016 winner Matthew McIntosh’s macro shot of mosquitoes feasting on the forehead of a treefrog, to the 2010 winner Glenn Ehmke’s face-off between a Gentoo penguin and an elephant seal.
Open until 27 April 2025 | National Archives of Australia| More info here.
Sport
McDonald’s Stadium Golf at GIO Stadium
The home of the ACT Brumbies and Canberra Raiders is being transformed…into a golf coliseum That read that right.
Suitable for the novice or serious golfer, you’ll be able to tee from elevated platforms and hit onto the field of play. All equipment is supplied and you visit the inner sanctum of the Canberra Raiders and ACT Brumbies change rooms and play shots from the run-out tunnel!
Until Saturday 7 December, 4 pm – 9 pm | GIO Stadium Canberra, GIO Stadium, Battye Street, Bruce | Book here.
BGCC 24 Hour Challenge
This is a unique chance to watch paddlers push themselves to achieve new records!
One of the pinnacle endurance events in New South Wales, you’ll see paddlers test their limits as they attempt to maximise their distance over 24 or 16 hours. Head along to see what it’s all about!
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December, 10 am – 10 pm | Burley Griffin Canoe Club, Molonglo Reach, Campbell | More information here.
NICA Try-It-Out Day
NICA is the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, a cross-country mountain bike program for anyone aged 12-17 years, and they’re running a Try-It-Out day!
Each session will be hosted by ride leaders, and last approximately 90 minutes, where you’ll experience a taste of what NICA has to offer – from a beginner-friendly cross-country course to a skills challenge, a checkpoint scavenger hunt, and other fun engaging activities. All you need is to know how to ride a bike!
Saturday 7 December, 9 am – 5 pm | Majura Pines, Majura Road Carpark, Majura | More information here.
Workshops, Tours and Talks
Sweet Christmas Workshops at Marketplace Gungahlin
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!
Until Friday 20 December, 11 am – 2 pm | 30 & 33 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin| Book here.
Family craft at the Archives
It’s time to get crafty at the National Archives of Australia.
Suitable for all ages, families will enjoy getting crafty during this festive time by creating beautiful wreaths and hanging ornaments, perfect for decorating your home or giving as special gifts. It’s a great way to kick-start the holiday season.
Saturday 7 December, 1.30 pm – 3 pm | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | More information here.
Cutlery Pockets and Card Making Workshop
Join Sumaya Garba Imoro from Ghana in creating beautiful Christmas cards and cutlery pockets using upcycled materials!
This workshop series is part Crafting My Story, a social enterprise, that provides a platform for culturally and linguistically diverse women to share their creative skills.
Saturday 7 December, 1 pm – 3 pm | Mingle Community Space (across the road from Heartbeat Cafe in the SLA Display Village), 3 Klaus Moje Street, Whitlam | Book here.
All Ages Holiday Card Making Workshop
Get into the holiday spirit with your family at this festive card-making workshop!
Inspired by the magical designs from Canberra Museum + Gallery’s exhibition Hiroe and Cornel Swen: Making a Creative Life, everything you need will be provided. Just bring your imagination and festive cheer!
Saturday 7 December, 12 pm – 1 pm | Canberra Museum + Gallery, City | Book here.
Restorative Yoga and Chai
Stressed by the silly season? Here’s how you can find some inner peace.
Join Holistic Yoga Teacher Tracey Murray from flow and food for an extended 90-minute peaceful restorative yoga class to calm and settle your nervous system followed by a mug of handmade flow and food calming chai tea. Low intensity and perfect for finding some serenity, you’ll feel zen after this session.
Sunday 8 December, 4 pm – 5.30 pm | Mandala Studio, 253 Northbourne Avenue, G06, Lyneham | Book here.
Play Day at Dairy Road
Play Day is returning to Dairy Road in the LESS Garden.
There will be free play with water instruments, bubbles, toys and tunnels. Each session includes special performances from both local and visiting performers, delivering acts such as puppetry, cabaret, dance, live music, comedy and circus. What’s not to love?
Sunday 8 December, 12 pm – 4 pm | Dairy Road, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
