It’s the final weekend before Christmas, but there is still plenty to do aside from wrapping presents. Our picks this week are Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam, which wraps up on Sunday, the final sessions of the Sunset Cinema at the Botanic Gardens, Taste Canberra at Christmas in the City and the 2015 Canberra Santa Pub Crawl starting at Debacle in Braddon on Saturday night.
ALL WEEKEND
The Last Temptation: The art of Ken + Julia Yonetani
Where: NGA Contemporary, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes; When: Wednesday to Sunday 10am-5pm, until 27 March
The latest exhibition at NGA Contemporary opened this week — Chandeliers made from uranium glass representing nuclear-powered nations and a nine-metre banquet table made entirely of salt feature in the first large survey show of internationally acclaimed Japanese and Australian artist collaborators Ken + Julia Yonetani at NGA Contemporary. Entry is free.
Christmas Markets at Old Bus Depot
Where: Old Bus Depot, 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston; When: Saturdays and Sundays 10am-4pm
Final extended weekend! The markets are a Canberra institution, and this December they are opening on both Saturday and Sunday so you can get your shopping done when it suits you. With many local creatives selling their wares, including some who we will be interviewing over the next couple of weeks, consider buying locally and supporting local business. If you’ve done your Christmas shopping, then go take the family along for a coffee and a snack and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Christmas in the City – Canberra Celebrates
Where: City Walk, Canberra City; When: 6pm-11pm (daily until 31 Dec)
Christmas in the City – Canberra Celebrates is a month-long joint initiative between SIDS & Kids ACT and In the City Canberra that lights up the city with markets, concerts, kids’ activities, camel rides and visits from Santa. We recommend visiting the Guinness World Record-breaking Christmas tree and picking up dinner at one of the food stalls at Taste Canberra.
Cirque du Soleil – Quidam
Where: AIS Arena, Leverrier Street, Bruce; When: various shows across the weekend
For the very first and only first time in Canberra, see Quidam from Cirque du Soleil. This weekend is your last chance. Quidam had its world premiere in 1996. Since that time, the production has toured on five continents and been experienced by millions of people. The international cast features 52 world-class acrobats, musicians, singers and characters. Tickets are available through Ticketek now.
SATURDAY
IMB Sunset Cinema
Where: Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross St., Acton; When: 6.30pm
It’s the final weekend that you can get see Sunset Cinema at the Australian Botanic Gardens. The last film of the season is Spectre, James Bond’s latest adventure. Tickets are on sale now through the website.
2015 Canberra Santa Pub Crawl
Where: starting at Debacle, Lonsdale St, Braddon; When: from 6pm, Saturday
The Canberra Santa Pub Crawl returns for its third year. With online tickets already sold out, there will be limited tickets available at the door, with funds going towards the Cancer Support Group. Dress up in your favourite Christmas costume, bring friends and family, join the party as it crawls. Grab an Uber and support ACT Eden Monaro Cancer Support Group with your ride (enter code SANTACBR). Get in early, as the wristbands do not guarantee entry to a venue. Venues: 6pm Debacle, 7pm Civic Pub, 8pm Digress Lounge & Bar, 9.30pm Treehouse, 11pm Mooseheads Pub & Nightclub.
Confluence
Where: Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera St, Braddon; When: 8pm-9.30pm
Featuring Sydney-based singer Matilda Abraham performing with Carl Morgan (named best guitarist at Wangaratta Jazz Festival in 2015) and drummer James Waples, the trio explore a range of dynamic shifts, encompassing layers of both electronic and acoustic parts, interwoven with lush vocal harmonies. Visit the renovated Ainslie Arts Centre to see one of the final performances from its 2015 program.
December Mt Stromlo Observatory Site Tour
Where: Mt Stromlo Observatory, Mt Stromlo Rd, Weston Creek; When: 10am-11.30am
Take a walking tour of the Mount Stromlo Observatory and learn about one of Canberra’s oldest sites. The observatory has been carrying out astronomical observations for over 100 years and, prior to the 2003 firestorm, had grown from a small outpost of pioneering astronomers to one of the great observatories of the world. Bookings are essential.
SUNDAY
Queanbeyan Nativity Trail 2015
Where: various churches in Queanbeyan; When: 4pm, Sunday.
Starting at the Salvation Army building in Queanbeyan, walk from church to church as you follow the nativity story to its conclusion at Christ Church Anglican.
Carols in Town Park 2015
Where: Tuggeranong Town Park, Bartlet Pl, Greenway; When: 5pm, Sunday
Pack a picnic blanket and be there early to claim your spot for a night celebrating Christmas with the Salvation Army and the Tuggeranong community. This year will feature Amber Nichols (from “The Voice”), Katie de Veau, Dallas Atkins, The Salvation Army’s National Capital Band, the Tuggeranong Salvation Army Timbrels and Canberra Community Voices. And all the kids’ favourites will be there – Jumping Castles, pony rides, farm animals and more.
Are you going to something that we haven’t mentioned? Make sure you let us know about it in the comments.
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