It’s the first weekend in December—here are 35+ things to do!
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The holiday season has finally arrived! From Christmas festivities and fine dining to exhibitions and stage plays, Canberra is bustling this weekend.
Here are some of the best ways to spend it…
Special events + festivals
Christmas in the City
Celebrate Christmas in the City as City Walk is transformed into ‘Christmas Walk’ with uniquely Canberran Christmas decorations, a 16 metre renewed tree and a packed program of fantastic offers from local businesses.
Whether you’re popping out for a bit of Christmas shopping, celebrating with friends or getting that classic (sometimes stressful) family photo with Santa, there’s a bit of festive fun for everyone.
Until Saturday 24 December | City Walk, Canberra City | christmas.inthecity.com.au
Pet-friendly Santa Photos
Want to get your furry friend in the Christmas spirit? Free, pet-friendly Santa Photos (with speical guest Mrs Claus) are being held at Dickson shops—complete with a Christmas-y backdrop. Want to know the best part? It’s free!
Festoons lighting and Christmas decorations will also be hung throughout the Dickson Shops with local community choirs bringing cheer to the shops every weekend while the Santa photos are operating.
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December | Dickson shops (next to the library) | facebook.com/events
Christmas at the Gallery of Small Things
Already thinking about Christmas shopping? The Gallery of Small things in Watson has a special Christmas show that will make any gifting fears a thing of the past. Rotating every two weeks, head along to explore new artworks from 15 of their artists—think porcelain bud vases in minimalist white by Julie Pennington, tapestries by Lee Leibrandt, woodcarvings wall works by Isobel Rayson, and more.
Ranging from $20 to $500 (or more if you’re looking to splurge), there’s something for even the fussiest friend.
Until Sunday 4 December | 27 Wade Street, Watson | galleryofsmallthings.com
Canberra Nara Candle Festival
After being postponed due to wet weather, the Canberra Nara Candle Festival is back to celebrate the Canberra Nara Sister City relationship and promote the values of peace and goodwill. Head along to see the Nara Peace Park at Lennox Gardens light up with thousands of candles and experience Japanese cuisine, music, dance and demonstrations.
Saturday 3 December | Canberra Nara Peace Park, Flynn Drive, Capital Hill | events.canberra.com.au/nara
A Gorgeous Excuse
Gather your best girlfriends, this is a gorgeous excuse to catch up over gorgeous food, wine, fashion, and retail therapy at the Hotel Realm. With a two-hour package of bottomless wine package (and accompanying sweet and savoury delights) take some well-deserved ‘time out’ with your besties to experience some of the amazing array of beauty, wellness, fashion, and accessories that Australia has to offer.
Saturday 3 December, 11 am – 3 pm | 18 National Circuit, Canberra City | Tickets here.
Philippine Christmas Festival
The Philippine Embassy is opening its doors and warmly welcomes you to experience a taste of the Philippines with the much-awaited Pasko sa Canberra (Christmas in Canberra) festival. Enjoy an array of colourful performances, cultural displays, food and product stalls that create the ambiance of a traditional Filipino Christmas celebration. Have fun and fiesta the Filipino way!
Sunday 4 December | Embassy of the Philippines1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla | facebook.com/events
Canberra Aqua Park
This fun swimming experience has returned to Black Mountain Peninsula just in time for the warmer weather. A 1,600 square metre inflatable obstacle course, Canberra Aqua Park will operate throughout summer.
Black Mountain Peninsula | Access via Lady Denman Drive | Google Map
Food + Wine
Wine Island
Already dreaming of December? Well, we have some news for you—the forecast for the first weekend is 100% fun as Wine Island comes to Canberra!
Get ready to experience the ultimate island getaway (without needing a passport) as Wine Island floats into the capital from Friday 2 until Sunday 4 December, transforming Queen Elizabeth II Island on Lake Burley Griffin into a wine lover’s paradise over three glorious days. And after a very wet winter, you have to admit that indulging in a chilled glass of wine from a sun-drenched bar has never sounded so good.
Friday 2 until Sunday 4 December | Queen Elizabeth II Island | wineisland.com.au
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience
Basil, Manuel and Sybil are back in town—and they’re bringing a healthy dose of mayhem to your door. With two hours of comedy and three courses of food, this show is fully immersive, highly interactive and completely original—and with 70% of the show improvised it’s never the same twice.
Friday 2 and Saturday 3 December | Mercure Canberra, Corner of Ainslie & Limestone Ave, Braddon | Tickets here.
Festive Long Lunch
Did someone say leisurely lunchtime feasting? Start with antipasti featuring charcuterie, then tuck into glazed ham, roast turkey with braised leeks and figs and roast potatoes with chimichurri and vegetables followed by pavlova with seasonal fruits and whipped cream (it is a festive occasion, after all). It’s the perfect dose of holiday cheer.
Sunday 4 December | Pialligo Estate Glasshouse, 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo | thepialligoestate.com.au/festive-long-lunch
The Wizard’s Den
Witches and wizards of Canberra, behold! Get ready to unleash your inner magical being as you brew potions, cast spells, and drink more mead than you can shake a wand at—at this pop-up bar, you’ll concoct devilish brews for good (or evil), all under the watchful eye of their wise potions master.
Until Tuesday 31 January 2023 | Zoo Bar, London Circuit, Canberra City | Tickets here.
Cressida Campbell: Grazing by the Garden
Inspired by Cressida Campbell’s love of gardens and shared food between friends, the National Gallery is hosting Grazing by the Garden. Design your own grazing experience and choose from a selection of delicious scones with ribbon sandwiches, local grazing boards or a rustic pizza flatbread prepared daily. Espresso coffee, specialty tea or wine and beer will also be available, perfect for a light lunch in the Gallery’s dining room with scenic views of the Sculpture Garden and Lake Burley Griffin.
Until Sunday 19 February 2023 | National Gallery of Australia | nga.gov.au
Stage + screen
A Very Canberra Comedy Festival Christmas
The Canberra Comedy Festival has a very special Christmas present for you. Bringing some of the best comedians back to the stage, head along to this two-hour comedy gala to get into the festive spirit and have a giggle in the process.
Saturday 3 December, 7:30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre | Tickets here.
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase
Forget hitting the highway, to see the best of the Sydney Comedy Festival all you need to do is jump the boarder to Queanbeyan! The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase will feature some of the festival’s hottest acts live on stage for an incredible two hours of hard-hitting laughter. Boasting a line-up of veteran favourites and some of the freshest emerging talents, this jam-packed night of pure entertainment will leave you sore from belly laughs.
Friday 2 December, 8 pm | 253 Crawford St, Queanbeyan | Tickets here
EMILIA
Over 400 years ago, an exceptional woman raised her voice—but the world didn’t listen. Now, the story of 17th century poet and revolutionist Emilia Bassano is being told, calling out across the centuries to pay tribute to the riotous, witty, and trailblazing life of a woman who refused to take no for an answer.
Following acclaimed seasons at Shakespeare’s Globe and the West End, the ground-breaking triple Olivier Award-winning ‘mock-history’ stage show EMILIA will take audiences through the comedy, fury, and rebellion of being a woman in a man’s world. See you there?
Friday 2 until Sunday 4 December | Canberra Theatre Centre | Tickets here.
Finucane & Smith’s Travelling Dance Hall
From the creators of the World’s Most Provocative Variety shows, and Australia’s longest touring burlesque spectacle Caravan Burlesque, comes the whole-of-community shindig, Dance Hall!
Born out of Finucane and Smith’s love affair with regional and remote Australia, and packed with songbirds and showgirls, disco divas and dancing stars, opera arias, local legends, burlesque twirlers and go-go groovers, when the Dance Hall touring party of four (Maude Davey, Mama Alto, Jazida and Chris Burgess) roll into Tuggeranong,
Until Saturday 3 December | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Tuggeranong | tuggeranongarts.com
A Stellar Lineup
Celebrating the power of inclusion, Stellar Company and Liz Lea present A Stellar Lineup—a stunning lineup of Canberra’s most engaging community dance companies that will be closing 2022 with a bang, aligning with International Day of People with Disability.
Working across generations, across abilities, across cultures and across Canberra, expect performances from ZEST Dance for Wellbeing, Deaf Butterflies, Subsdance, Canberra Dance Theatre’s GOLD company, Project Dust and The Chamaeleon Collective, Canberra’s first inclusive dance company.
Friday 2 and Saturday 3 December, 7 pm | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Tickets here.
The Torrents
Canberra’s newest theatre is opening on Wednesday November 23 with the bold production of a witty Australian gem, The Torrents by Oriel Gray. In this 1890s screwball comedy, an all female and non-binary cast take to the stage to turn back time—and touch on themes that are still are as relevant today as when it was written.
Until Saturday 3 December | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, 1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick | Tickets here.
Sense and Sensibility at Canberra REP
This is some quite sophisticated nonsense. Based on the novel by Jane Austen, Kate Hamill’s Sense and Sensibility, this playful new adaptation follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood shortly after their father’s sudden death. Head along to experience a story that stands the test of time…and the perfect springtime rom-com.
Until Saturday 3 December | Canberra REP Theatre (formerly Theatre 3), 3 Repertory Lane, Acton | Tickets here.
Sunset Cinema
Sunset cinema is back for summer and with even more screening nights, and food options (hello popcorn and burgers from the Hungry Brown Cow) you better be excited. Screening weekly Wednesday to Saturday until February 2023, it’s the perfect opportunity for movie lovers to bask in the warm nights while enjoying some of their favourite films.
Until Saturday 25 February 2023 | Australian National Botanic Gardens | sunsetcinema.com.au/canberra
Music
Canberra Choral Society: Handel’s Messiah
Perfect for the lead up to the Christmas season, the Canberra Choral Society (CCS) invites the Canberra community to come and enjoy the most performed and loved work in the choral repertoire: Handel’s Messiah.
Beloved of audiences and performers alike, this extraordinary work balances sublime solos with some of the most beautiful choruses ever written and brings the chorus to the centre of the drama of the story of Christ’s birth, death and resurrection.
Saturday 3 December, 7:30 pm | Llewellyn Hall, The Australian National University | Tickets here.
Maruki Community Orchestra Concert: Summer magic
Maruki Orchestra is looking forward to presenting its final concert for 2022. The program will comprise The Magic Flute Overture by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Hymne à Sainte Cécile by Charles Gounod featuring violin soloist Peter Ellis, Symphony No. 103 by Franz Joseph Haydn and Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major ‘Eroica’ by Ludwig van Beethoven.
Sunday 4 December, 3 pm–5 pm | Albert Hall, Commonwealth Ave | Tickets here.
Exhibitions
Femmes Fatales on the Frontier
Grainger Gallery hosts “Femmes Fatales on the Frontier”. These six female artists are dangerous women who, through their femmes fatales, invite you to a quirky and irreverent exhibition on the power of feminine beauty as viewed through the female gaze.
Vanessa Stockard takes us on a deep dive down a hallucinatory rabbit hole of Alice and her friends, the Infanta, Ophelia and Jane Morris, while Gria Shead’s Kate Kelly rides into town with an arsenal of cigar box femmes. Penelope Boyd’s Victorian gothic girls invite closer investigation as they hide their crimes and misdemeanours. Ella Kilgour’s ladies are odes to Gainsborough and Poussin with a contemporary twist – all neon-powder-puff, Autie pouf and Snapchat Catface, they stare back across centuries of history into hypermodern times.
Hilary Herrmann’s haloed heroines float through the skies like mystical saints, referencing ancient iconography and pointing to the order of the universe. Monika Scarrabelotti’s sensuous bronzes traverse the voyeuristic, engaging the viewer in an intimate response. All in all, these six artists invite you to gaze into the realm of the Magical Real in the Neon-Classical Age!
Until Sunday 4 December | Grainger Gallery, Dairy Road, Fyshwick | graingergallery.com.au
Pictures of You
Have you ever tried to explain it is to be YOU? To a friend, a partner, your family, a professional – even to yourself? Now imagine having a disability; of the prejudices that come with that, and the challenges of engaging people to look beyond the disability to the whole of your personality. This is the focus of the Pictures of You exhibition, which explores a unique approach to self-portrayals of people with lived experience of physical and mental health disabilities – collaborating as equals with a professional photographer to produce a portrait honestly reflecting the whole person.
Saturday 3 December until Sunday 5 February 2023 | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Clean Slate: Isobel Rayson at the COX Gallery
In this series Isobel Rayson explores the emotional experience of wandering through rural landscapes, national parks or along beaches and the patterns and textures found on the surface of objects that surround her. Documented in photographs and sketches, Isobel considers how these details might translate into a woodblock carving later in her studio.
Until Friday 16 December, 9 am – 5 pm | 1/19 Eastlake Parade, Kingston | coxarchitecture.com.au
Swooming, Shimmering, Sparkling
Tuggeranong Arts Centre is swooning, shimmering, and sparkling its way to the end of 2022 with the Spring exhibitions, Swoon! We are Dizzy with JOY!, by Hands On Studio and All That Glitters by local artists Helen Braund, Tiffany Cole, Romany Fairall, Michele Grimston and Emma Rani Hodges.
Until Saturday 17 December | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Tuggeranong | tuggeranongartscentre.com
Viewfinder: Photography from the 1970s to Now
Featuring 125 images from the last 50 years, all uniquely captured by celebrated documentary photographers, Viewfinder is an exhibition that provides a fascinating glimpse into the changing face of Australia.
Walk through the exhibition and you’ll see the faces and stories of migrants, shearers, dancers, miners, gardeners, surfers, and bronzed bodies at the beach—but it also reveals how much photography has evolved over the years, from black and white captures to the vibrant high-definition images of today.
This is a reflective exhibition that can be enjoyed by all ages. Read more here.
Until Sunday 30 April 2023 | National Library of Australia | nla.gov.au
The Robert F!NK National Metal Prize
We’re all obsessed with the F!nk jug (hello Christmas present inspo), but did you know that there’s a Robert Foster F!NK National Metal Prize celebrating outstanding work in the field of contemporary metalworking?
Recognising the exceptional skill and innovative design of both established and emerging designers and craftspeople, head along to see the work of 10 finalists and see the winners of the three awards: an established artist, an emerging artist, and an acquisition prize.
Until Saturday 10 December | Craft ACT, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit | designcanberrafestival.com.au
Seeing Seventies: Photography Competition
There’s no denying that Canberra has some iconic architecture—and this exhibition at Craft ACT is the ultimate celebration of design in the 70s. Capturing the best of Canberra’s design and architecture from the decade, the exhibition has over 90 photographs from professional and amateur photographers—perfect for spending an afternoon immersing yourself in architecture and art.
Until Saturday 10 December | Craft ACT, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit | designcanberrafestival.com.au
Assembly
Angelica Mesiti explores the notion of how communities are formed through shared movement and communication. A mix of dance, music, verbal, and non-verbal musical forms, Mesiti shows the different ancestries that make up modern Australia while investigating the nature of connection
Until Sunday 29 January 2023 | The National Gallery | nga.gov.au
Blanche Tilden – ripple effect: a 25 year survey
An artist with an international reputation in the fields of contemporary jewellery and studio glass, this 25-year survey of the Tilden’s work reveals her remarkable and critically acclaimed practice.
This major survey exhibition includes both historical and contemporary works looking at the key themes of mechanical movement, and industrial and architectural uses of glass as well as a series of photographic portraits of collectors wearing their Tilden jewellery or ‘bringing out their Blanche.’
Until Sunday 12 February 2023 | Canberra Museum & Gallery, London Circuit | designcanberrafestival.com.au
JamFactory ICON Tom Moore: Abundant Wonder
Born in Canberra, Tom Moore is one of Australia’s leading glass artists and over the course of his career has carved out a singular voice in Australian glass art making. Expect to see ybrid creatures of part animal, vegetable, mineral and personal such as ‘plantbirds’ and ‘photofishcars’ that critique the current human condition and the impact humans have wrought on our environment.
Until Sunday 12 February 2023 | Canberra Museum & Gallery, London Circuit | cmag.com.au
Workshops, webinars + more
Bespoke Letterpress Gift Wrapping Workshop
Just in time for the lead up to Christmas, gift wrapping experts Bespoke Letterpress will be hosting a special Christmas wrapping workshop. You will learn great wrapping techniques, ribbon tying techniques and how to do small gift wrapping ornaments. Sips and nibbles will be provided by L’Americano.
Saturday 3 December, 1 pm – 2 pm | Level 1, Monaro Mall (near David Jones) Canberra Centre | Tickets here.
Australian Skeptics National Convention
At Skepticon, you’ll get to hear leading speakers discuss Science and Skepticism in a Changed World, as well as get a chance to meet all your long-lost skeptical friends for a chat and a (much needed) laugh! It’s the perfect antidote after another year seeing both the best and worst in humanity—after all science, skepticism, and critical thinking will be vital to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December | National Library of Australia, Parkes | Tickets here.
Markets
Pearce Crafters Christmas Sparkle Market
This beautiful bespoke market run by artisans and crafters is the perfect place to find the most thoughtful and unique handmade Christmas gifts. Both days you will find not only gorgeous, handcrafted items, but also food, tea, coffee and live music. It’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend supporting small business and locals. You can also have your photo taken with Santa. Proceeds from the stallholder fees, sale of tote bags and raffle tickets all go to helping children in need around the world.
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December, 10 am – 2 pm | Pearce Community Centre, Building 1, Collett Place, Pearce | facebook.com/events
Christmas Village Markets
Braddon is getting into the festive spirit with their annual Christmas Village Markets! Whether it’s meeting Santa, having a relaxing drink and picnic with loved ones or shopping for that perfect gift from local Canberra makers, they have you covered. Head along to enjoy new Christmas-inspired stalls and more.
Sunday 4 December | Haig Park, 14 Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Christmas at The Little Burley Market
Some festive fun is coming to the lakeside: The Little Burley Market will be celebrating the festive season every Saturday in December.
Forget the chaos of Christmas stuck inside a shopping center, this year Canberra’s own bespoke market by the lake is bringing a festive shopping experience. And with the chance to have photos with Santa, a relaxing drink and picnic whilst listening to Christmas tunes, and shopping for the perfect gift from local Canberra makers, we’ll be there with (jingle) bells on.
Every Saturday until Saturday 24 December, 9 am – 1.30pm | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Canberra Canine Christmas Markets
This is for all the doggos, fluffs, woofers, puppers, good bois and their human servants—a special Canine Christmas Market is coming to Canberra! Head along to enjoy a range of activities, including selfies with Santa (for the doggos), show bags, food vans and drinks, a best dressed competition (so make sure your Christmas outfit is washed and ironed) and more!
It’s time to start saving your paw-ket money.
Saturday 3 December, 10 am – 1 pm | Belconnen Dog Park | facebook.com/events
Pearce Crafters Christmas Sparkle Market
This beautiful bespoke market run by artisans and crafters is the perfect place to find the most thoughtful and unique handmade Christmas gifts. Both days you will find not only gorgeous, handcrafted items, but also food, tea, coffee and live music. It’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend supporting small business and locals. You can also have your photo taken with Santa. Proceeds from the stallholder fees, sale of tote bags and raffle tickets all go to helping children in need around the world.
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December, 10 am – 2 pm | Pearce Community Centre, Building 1, Collett Place, Pearce | facebook.com/events
Haig Park Markets
Moments away from Lonsdale street’s boutiques and cafes, the Haig Park Village Markets will delight your senses with delicious cuisines, tasty treats, beautiful blooms, fresh produce, delectable charcuterie and artisan products. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a picnic whilst feasting your senses on the culinary delights on offer or to browse the fabulous local handmade design stalls.
Every Sunday, 8:30 am – 2 pm | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Sutton Village Markets
A new farmers market has entered the Canberra region. Located only thirty minutes away in Sutton, take a Sunday drive to enjoy some entertainment and the chance to explore a little slice of the countryside. The fresh and local produce is also a plus!
Fortnightly | Corner of Camp and Victoria Street, Sutton | suttonvillagecountrymarkets.com.au
Old Bus Depot Markets
With more than 100 stalls (including your old favourites), you’ll have the chance to shop for a brilliant variety of Australian-made, handcrafted and premium products. Sneak a walk around the foreshore while you’re down there.
9.30 am – 2.30 pm Sunday | Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Capital Region Farmers Markets
With more than 100 stallholders each week, the Capital Region Farmers Market at EPIC Park has endless options when it comes to freshly picked, grown and handcrafted produce.
Fill the garden using their great selection of native and landscape plants, fruit trees, seedlings and shrubs or fill your stomach with freshly baked bread, cakes, macarons and croissants.
7 am–11.30 am Saturday | Exhbition Park, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
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
