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The festive season is well and truly here – and with it comes plenty of things to do.
From Christmas festivities to Indigenous art markets, music and exhibitions, this week Canberra is overflowing with events.
Here are some of the best things to do. Read on, and thank us later…
Special Events and Festivals
TEDxCanberra Women 2023: Two steps forward
TEDxCanberra Women 2023 champions women forging ahead fearlessly into the future, turning ambitious visions into reality. The event showcases talks from the global TED Women event in Atlanta, USA, and features local Canberra leaders discussing the transformative potential of girls and women as creators and change catalysts. Dr. Nina Terrey, a social innovator, moderates a panel discussion. Speakers, whether crafting innovative equity models or breaking new ground, illuminate fresh, inspiring ideas that captivate and uplift the audience, fostering inspiration for all attendees.
Tuesday 5 December | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA), McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
Free Festive Plant Giveaway
It’s the most magical time of the year – especially when you can get your hands on free plants. The City Renewal Authority is spreading some festive cheer by giving away 650 stunning, free plants. So, what’s on offer? A variety of beautiful plants to brighten up your home this Christmas season.
Wednesday 6 December | City Walk next to the Christmas tree, City Walk, City | More information here.
Friends of Ireland Irish Cultural Christmas Event
Experience an Irish Christmas at the Canberra Irish Club. With a two-course traditional meal, a complimentary drink on arrival, traditional music and dancers and more, it’s sure to get you into the festive spirit. For any enquiries contact janiceflaherty@bigpond.com or go to www.friendsofireland.org
Wednesday 6 December | 6 Parkinson Street, Weston | Book here.
AIATSIS Indigenous Art Market
Support the ethical purchase of authentic Australian Indigenous art. This is the largest Indigenous art market in the Canberra region and it has also become a popular online event, showcasing a diverse range of paintings, textiles, sculptures and much more. But more importantly, 100 per cent of sales from the art market goes back to Indigenous art centres, artists and their communities.
Friday 8 until Sunday 10 December | AIATSIS, 51 Lawson Crescent, Acton | More information here.
Handmade Christmas Market
Canberra’s award-winning Handmade Market is back again and this time it’s bringing the Christmas spirit! Head along to support small businesses, meet the maker and find unique and Australian made items. You’ll discover everything from limited edition fashion, ceramics, handcrafted furniture, children’s toys and clothing, original artworks, jewellery, and accessories along with the indoor gourmet food and wine pavilion. Present shopping has never been so easy.
Friday 8 until Sunday 10 December | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Budawang and Coorong Pavilions, Lyneham | More information here.
The Green Shed’s Giant Charity LEGO Sale
Calling all LEGO lovers – you don’t want to miss this. The perfect excuse for you to spend your hard-earned cash (and use the excuse that it’s all for a good cause) The Green Shed is bringing back their Giant Charity Lego sale. This year, there will be over 400 new and used Lego sets will be available for purchase on the event day, including array of minifigures, and – in very exciting news for collectors – a substantial collection of rare and vintage sets. Be there or be sqaure!
Saturday 9 December | Albert Hall, 100 Commonwealth Avenue
Ginninderry Christmas in the Park
Perfect for the whole family, head along to this festive market to enjoy live music, a Santa photo booth, delicious food stalls, a Underground Spirits bar, kids activities and more!
Saturday 9 December | Paddys Park, Strathnairn | More information here.
Canberra Stamp Market
Calling all collectors! At this event you can browse special treasures, attend presentations, expand your collection and meet up with other members of the collecting community.
Saturday 9 December | Kingston Baptist Hall, 11 Currie Crescent, Kingston | More information here.
Human Rights Day Walk
Organised by the ACT Tibetan Community, this bridge to bridge walk to commemorates the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Human Rights Declaration. The walk aims to symbolise unity, diversity, and the collective strength of communities coming together in promoting and protecting human rights. Taking place from 10:30 am, head along to show your support and enjoy a sausage sizzle at the end of your bridge to bridge walk.
Sunday 10 December | Near Captain James Cook Memorial, Regatta Point
Summer German Market
Homemade German food, beer, fresh sausages, schnapps, stalls and a free jumping castle for the kids! Visit the Summer German Market to escape Canberra for a day and be transported to Europe.
Sunday 10 December | Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | More information here.
Zonta Says No to Violence against Women
Zonta Club of Canberra Breakfast invite the Canberra community to attend the ringing of the Peace Bell to commemorate women, children and men who have died in Australia in 2023. In remembrance, they will ring the Peace Bell once those who have died through domestic violence over the last 12 months. The event is free however booking through Humanitix is required.
Sunday 10 December | Lennox Gardens, Flynn Drive, Yarralumla | Book here.
Emily Kam Kngwarray
Emily Kam Kngwarray celebrates the timeless art of a pre-eminent Australian artist, one of the world’s most significant contemporary painters to emerge in the 20th century. A senior Anmatyerre woman, Kngwarray’s devoted her final years to painting, creating works that encapsulate the experience and authority she gained throughout an extraordinary life. Showcasing an extensive range, this exhbition brings together her most important works.
Until April 2024 | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here.
Food and Wine
Festive Afternoon Tea At The Park
Hungry for a fun afternoon? This is a delightful Christmas themed afternoon tea filled with festive treats, freshly baked scones and a selection of fine teas that capture the essence of the holiday season. It’s the perfect way to send out the silly season in style.
Until Monday 25 December | The Tea Lounge, Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | Book here.
Christmas High Tea at Australian Parliament House
Festive high tea anyone? Celebrate Christmas at Queen’s Terrace Café with a selection of sweet and savoury treats inspired by Christmas classics – think trifle made with Parliament House honey vodka, and sticky Scottsdale ham. And with vegan and gluten free high tea options available, there’s something delicious for everyone.
Until Sunday 31 December | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive | Book here.
Sport
UC Capitals v Sydney Flames
Sparks will fly as these two teams battle it out at the National Convention Centre. Head to the NCCC and cheer on the Caps!
Wednesday 8 December | National Convention Centre Canberra, 31 Constitution Avenue, Canberra | Book here.
UC Capitals v Townsville Fire
The Caps are taking on 2022 Champions, the Townsville Fire, so this game is sure to be spectacle! Go and cheer on Jade Melbourne, Gemma Potter, Alex Bunton and more!
Sunday 10 December | National Convention Centre Canberra, 31 Constitution Avenue, Canberra | Book here.
Canberra United v Brisbane Roar FC
Clashes with the Brisbane Roar are always worth a watch, so why not see these two titans go toe-to-toe once more? Canberra United aims to bring another trophy home this season so this promises to be a action packed game.
Sunday 10 December | Mckellar Park, Walkley Place, Mckellar | Book here.
Stage and Screen
Canberra International Improv Festival
Returning to Canberra for the first time since the pandemic, this is Australia’s original and largest festival of spontaneous unscripted theatre. Featuring artists from five continents in performances that range from classic hilarious shortform to bold performance art, this years theme is ‘back to the present’. Expect a massive and diverse program!
Wednesday 6 until Saturday 9 December | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City West | Book here.
The War On 2023: Annual Comedy Gala
Mark Humphries, Charles Firth, James Schloeffel, and musical comedy genius Gabbi Bolt will be coming together to present a satirical wrap of the year’s headlines. Dissecting the best and worst bits of 2023 live on stage, this is one of the must see shows of the year.
Wednesday 6 December | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Chat 10 Looks 3
This is Brian Schmidt’s final Chat 10 Looks 3 show as ANU Vice-Chancellor. Over the years, Australia’s favourite physicist / viticulturalist / french horn nerd has gone the extra mile on stage with Leigh Sales and Annabel Crabb. He’s dug up Fairy Wren experts, presented robotic crabs, lit a fire in a pizza oven on stage and surprised us all with his bundts. Also, been humiliated for wearing his Order of Australia pin by recent inductee Leigh Sales. Who knows what this final appearance might entail? Chat 10 will cough up all the usual festive favourites – the two bunglers will name their books / movies / TV of the year, while Crabb will rattle off her usual Twelve Days Of Christmas recap of Australian politics.
Saturday 9 December | Llewellyn Hall, Building 100, William Herbert Place | Book here.
Movie Night at the National Archives of Australia
Popcorn, a private tour and a special screening of the 1991 award-winning Australian film Proof starring Hugo Weaving and Russell Crowe – what more do you need? Enjoy a night out at National Archives to learn about the stories behind the photos captured by Australian government photographers. Following the tour, there will be complimentary chips, chocolate, popcorn and soft drink available to enjoy while you watch the movie.
Saturday 9 December | National Archives of Australia National Office, Kings Avenue, Parkes | Book here.
Music
Christmas Choirs at Australian Parliament House
The festive season is in full swing at Australian Parliament House! Throughout December, Christmas Groups and Choirs will be popping up to perform some classic carols to help get you into the spirit of the season. Here’s what’s on:
- ANU Choral Society (SCUNA) – Saturday 2 December
- Belconnen High School – Monday 4 December
- St Thomas Aquinas – Wednesday 6 December
- QWIRE ACT Saturday – 16 December
- Spence Community Choir – Friday 22 December
Various dates and times | Parliament Drive, Canberra | More information here.
Government House Fundraiser
Love the Canberra Symphony Orchestra? Round out the year with the perfect early Christmas gift, hosted by Their Excellencies General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of Australia and Patron of the CSO, and Mrs Linda Hurley, as they present Kats-Chernin’s exquisite Calliope dreaming and Mendelssohn’s much-loved D minor piano trio in the elegant Government House Drawing Room. This intimate and unique event includes afternoon tea and refreshments, and the opportunity to meet fellow CSO supporters.
Saturday 9 December | Drawing Room, Government House, Dunrossil Drive, Yarralumla | Book here.
Hodie Christus Natus Est: Music for Christmas
Featuring beautiful choral music and carols from the Middle Ages to the modern-day, this Christmas concert covers everything from works by William Byrd, to an array of Christmas carols. Directed by Dan Walker, CCS Music Director, with accomplished Canberra musician Dr Anthony Smith on organ and piano, this is the Canberra Choral Society at its best.
Sunday 10 December | Wesley Uniting Church, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.
Exhibitions
Jordan Wolfson: Body Sculpture
This is the first solo presentation of Wolfson’s work in Australia and will feature the world premiere of Body Sculpture – so you don’t want to miss this exhbition. Using animatronic sculptures to reflect the socio-political currents of the United States today, Body Sculpture will be shown alongside a selection of earlier works, offering Australian audiences a full expression of Wolfson’s innovative vision.
Saturday 9 December until April 2024 | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | More information here.
Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize
The National Portrait Gallery is hosting the Art Gallery of NSW’s touring exhibition Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize. Celebrating 100 years of Australia’s oldest and most-loved portrait award and reflects upon the changing face of the nation, this exhbition delves into the controversies and the commonplace, the triumphant and the thwarted, and honours the artists who have made the Archibald Prize the most sought-after accolade in Australian art today.
Until early 2024 | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
Guns & Flowers: Ex de Medici
Ex de Medici grew up and lives in Canberra and is one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists. In this exhbition at the Canberra Museum and Gallery, audiences will have the opportunity to see Medici’s earliest works, made when she was part of the energetic first wave of independent artist-activists in Canberra in the early 1980s, to some of her most recent, travelling from her acclaimed retrospective at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.
Until early 2024 | Canberra Museum and Gallery, Corner London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra City | More information here.
Through their Lens
Explore the year in news through Australia’s top photographers. The prestigious Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Exhibition showcases the talent and dedication of Australian photographers by focusing on excellent visual storytelling. Get ready to be taken on a journey through the world of news, sports, portraiture, and visual essays, where fleeting moments are transformed into unforgettable images that defined the year.
Until Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Civic Library, London Circuit, Civic Square, City | More information here.
Visual Expression The Bunker Studio Artists
Visual Expression paintings, drawings and sculptures by The Bunker Studio Artists explores a range of themes and ideas through an individual visual expression strengthened by a supportive group’s diversity and inclusion. Head along to see it for yourself!
Until February 2024 | Pivot Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
Focus: Australian government photographers
Focus: Australian government photographers brings Australia’s government photographers out of the darkroom and into the spotlight.
Between 1939 and 1996, dozens of photographers were employed by government agencies to capture Australian life. This fascinating exhibition delves deep into the lives and work of these talented individuals who helped to preserve our rich visual heritage, including Harry Frauca, Max Dupain, Mervyn Bishop and many more. Focus invites visitors on a journey spanning six decades of Australian life.
Explore a diverse selection of work that includes intimate nature photography, striking architectural shots and images that capture everyday memories from Australia’s past. Step into our virtual darkroom and experience the magic of photography by watching pictures develop before your eyes. Experience the power of photography to shape perceptions, ignite conversation and preserve memories.
Showing until 10 June 2024 | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au
Behind The Lines 2023
Celebrating the best of the year’s political cartoons, Behind The Lines is back again to help us look back on 2023. This year, the exhibition theme is ‘All Fun and Games’, reflecting on a year when political party games were being played in parliament and featured in Australia’s daily news. Head along to see the witty, insightful and often poignant satirical drawings, paintings, GIFs and sculptures for yourself.
Running until late 2024 | Museum Of Australian Democracy, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
Workshops, webinars and more
Emiko Davies ‘Gohan’ Book Launch
Celebrate the launch of Gohan: Everyday Japanese Cooking, with best selling author Emiko Davies! An award winning Australian Japanese food writer, photographer and cookbook author, this event will be held at Dear Prudence, which might just be the perfect location to celebrate the joy of food (and to sample the snacks provided with each ticket). Meet Emiko in person and have her sign your book!
Sunday 10 December | Dear Prudence, 102 Alinga Street, Sydney Building, City | Book here.
