Canberra Christmas activities to get you in the spirit
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There’s a sparkle in the air…it’s almost that time of year again!
Whether you’ve been counting down since September or scowling at the tinsel in the supermarkets, these activities are the perfect way to awaken your Christmas spirit, no matter how long it’s been snoozing.
Christmas in the City
The city is all decked out in seasonal sparkle, bringing the cheer to your holiday shopping. If you’ve been around the Canberra Centre lately, you’ve probably seen the iconic 16-metre-tall Christmas tree that has become the centrepiece of Christmas in the capital. If not, you’ll find it next to the merry-go-round – and it’s definitely the season of giving, because the merry-go-round is offering unlimited free rides to the whole family from Monday 1 until Wednesday 24 December.
Additionally, the city is bringing the cheer with all your favourite carols being sung in Garema Place on the evenings of Friday, 5, 12, and 19 December. A trip to the city will leave you feeling all the more joyous as Christmas rolls around!
Monday 1 until Wednesday 24 December | Canberra Centre, City | More information here
A Very Canberra Comedy Festival Christmas
There’s nothing like a good laugh to get you feeling jolly, and what better way to laugh in the spirit of the holiday than to join the Canberra Comedy Festival’s best comedians? They’ll be ringing in the season with a hilarious gala of festive comedy that is sure to jingle your bells.
Saturday 6 December, 7:30 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, City | More information here
Ramusbananus All Women’s Christmas Comedy Night
Hold onto your Santa hats, because Rasmusbananus is bringing the yuletide laughs with its first all-women’s lineup for what promises to be an incredible night of festive comedy! Head to the Hellenic Club on the evening of Saturday 6 December for a night of Christmas cackles that will get you right into the holiday mood.
Saturday 6 December, 8 pm | Canberra Hellenic Club | More information here
A Very Tipsy Christmas! Life Drawing at Verity Lane Market
Whether you’re an experienced artist or just creative and curious, Life Drawing at Verity Lane Market with the Tipsy Sketching Club is the perfect night out for some festive fun. You can expect food, drinks, and plenty of laughs, plus not one, not two, but three life models! A Very Tipsy Christmas is bound to make your holidays jolly, so brush up on your drawing skills and don’t miss out!
Thursday 11 December, 6:30 pm – 9 pm | Verity Lane Market (Level 1), 50 Northbourne Avenue | More information here
Carols in Town Park
Lounging on the lawn of Town Park with family and friends and watching a beautiful performance of all your favourite Christmas carols sounds like the absolute ideal evening in the lead up to Christmas, doesn’t it? The Salvation Army’s Carols in Town Park is holiday fun for the whole family, with plenty of jolly activities like face painting, a colouring in competition, and glitter tattoos to keep kids entertained and will give you a chance to sit back and enjoy during the busy Christmas season.
Sunday 14 December, 5 pm | Town Park, Tuggernonng | More information here
Xmas Party Mix at the NFSA
Nothing gets you into the spirit of Christmas like a classic holiday film, and it’s safe to say that the National Film and Sound Archive knows that better than anyone. Head along this December and join the party – a DJ will be playing festive favourites in the courtyard, and local wines, summer cocktails and charcuterie will be available at the bar. Once you’ve danced and nibbled, catch your favourite Christmas film on the big screen!
Thursday 18, Friday 19, and Saturday 20 December, 6 pm – 10 pm | National Film and Sound Archive, Acton | More information here
The Christmas Spectacular
This spectacular showcase of Christmas cheer will light up the Canberra Theatre stage on Monday, 22 December with your favourite Christmas music and breathtaking circus performances. Plus, there will be world-class dance performances that pay tribute to the Radio City Rockettes, and The Voice finalist Prinnie Stevens will be singing a huge range of classic Christmas hits. This incredible show is the perfect way to conclude your countdown to the big day and will leave you with stars in your eyes to match all the Christmas decorations!
Monday 22 December, 6:30 pm – 8:20 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, City | More information here
Canberra Christmas Markets
The feeling of wandering a Christmas market with gift bags on your arms, festive flavours on your tongue and music in the air is a feeling like no other. And this year, Canberra is playing host to so many beautiful Christmas markets that will really get you feeling the seasonal merriment, from Super Christmas Sunday at the Old Bus Depot Markets, to the Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar,the Haig Park Christmas Market, the Hall Village Christmas Fair, Christmas at the South Canberra Community Markets and the Handmade Market! Here’s a list of 10+ unmissable Canberra Christmas markets to make this holiday season merry and bright .
