Sit under the stars and watch a Christmas movie classic this festive season. Photo: Supplied.
If you are struggling to think of ways to entertain the extended family this festive season, Region Media has got you covered with a comprehensive list of what’s happening in Canberra and the surrounding region. From watching movies on the lawns of the Botanical Gardens to cheering on your favourite Canberra sports team on their way to glory, to a non-traditional Christmas music concert to last minute Christmas shopping, here are 11 things to do around the nation’s capital this festive season.
Sunset Cinema Canberra at the Botanical Gardens
Where: Eucalypt Lawn, Australian National Botanic Garden
When: 21, 22, 23, 27, 29 and 30 December
How about spending an evening under the stars with beanbags, bubbly and buckets of popcorn? Sunset Cinema Canberra will keep the family entertained these holidays with an array of movies to be shown on the picturesque lawns of the Botanical Gardens. Watch Hugh Grant attempt to dance in Love Actually, get your foot stomping along to the tunes of Bohemian Rhapsody, witness arguably the greatest Christmas movie Die Hard (yes, it is a Christmas movie!) and watch arrows fly in the new remake of the classic tale of Robin Hood. With limited seats available, grab your tickets now.
Canberra Capitals
Where: National Convention Centre
When: 21 December and 28 December, 7 pm
The Canberra Capitals’ season continues to roll on with no break over Christmas for the WNBL championship hopefuls. Last week the Caps annihilated the ladder-leading Perth Lynx with a 32-point win, with Kelsey Griffin and Leilani Mitchell dominating the court. This Friday, they will come up against the Dandenong Rangers who are breathing down their necks in fourth place. Kristy Wallace will return to the Capitals side and will add yet another significant dynamic to the team’s ability and toughness while providing more depth to the guards. March with the fans to the NCCC from Bleachers Sports Bar. If this Friday doesn’t suit, the Capitals’ next home game will be on 28 December against the Townsville Fire so there is no excuse to miss the Canberra Capitals in action this festive season.
A Very Vaudeville Christmas at Smith’s Alternative
Where: Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga Street
When: 22 December, 7:30 pm – 10 pm
Jingle your bells and deck the halls as The Old Married Couple presents a Very Vaudeville Xmas Variety show.The vintage styled novelty jazz duo will fill your stocking with cheer as they share a night of distinctive 20’s inspired Dixieland toots and hoots with some extra special Christmas treats thrown in. These treats include devilishly delightful Christmas burlesque, live music, comedy and more yuletide silliness than you can shake your candy cane at for a night of toots, hoots and naughty gifts to boot.
Virtual Reality Antarctica Experience
Where: National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent
When: Starts 26 December
Travel to Antarctica using the latest 360-degree virtual reality technology and follow in the footsteps of the scientists researching this mysterious continent. Explore Antarctica from a helicopter cockpit and cruise through icy waters to meet a penguin colony. Visit Davis Station and learn about daily life in these harsh conditions, and marvel at the spectacular southern lights at the National Museum of Australia. Bookings essential.
Christmas High Tea at Piallago Estate
Where: Pialligo Estate, 18 Kallaroo Road
When: 23 December, 11 am – 3:30 pm
Showcasing a range of sweet and savoury treats by Pialligo Estate, alongside an impeccable range of teas by Canberra based Tea Garden Co, High Tea at Pialligo Estate is as refined as its setting. Tuck into delicate pastries and cakes, classic finger sandwiches, scones with Estate jam plus a glass of bubbles for extra indulgence. Get the family together or grab some friends and enjoy a polished, tranquil retreat!
Wine, Dinner and Mystery at Lake George
Where: Lerida Estate Winery, 87 The Vineyards, Collector, NSW
When: 22 December, 6:15 pm – 9:15 pm
Indulge in a three-course dinner complemented by award-winning wines at Lerida Estate, the Canberra region’s most spectacularly-positioned winery overlooking Lake George. Marvel at the mysteries, myths and legends of this enigmatic lake in a special audio-visual presentation by Tim the Yowie Man, cryptonaturalist and self-confessed Lake George aficionado.
Canberra United vs Brisbane Roar
Where: McKellar Park
When: 27 December, 7:30 pm
Canberra United will be in action these holidays and will light up McKellar Park next Thursday (27 December) against the talented squad of Brisbane Roar in Round nine of the W-league season. United currently sit outside the top four in sixth place, with Brisbane Roar in third place but only two points above Canberra. This match is turning out to be a crucial game for both sides, as the season starts to draw to a close. Undefeated at home so far this season, there’s no better time to jump on board and join the Canberra United family at McKellar Park!
Last Minute Christmas Wine Market
Where: Cellar Door, 2 Phillip Law Street, Canberra
When: 22 December, 3 pm – 6 pm
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… when you can buy all your Christmas gifts in one spot! A one-stop-shop to pick up that case of bubbly for Christmas lunch, or tick off all your presents in one go. Stallholders will include wines, spirits, chocolates, books, plants and fresh produce – all from the Canberra region – spread throughout the iconic Nishi Grand Stair and Makeshift. Purchase a souvenir stemless tasting glass for $12 to try before you buy.
Canberra Cavalry
Where: MIT Ballpark
When: 20-23 December and 27-30 December
Have you been down to the ballpark to watch the Canberra Cavalry this season? Well, use this holiday season to take the interstate family and kids to Narrabundah to enjoy hot dogs, waffle fries with a great game of baseball in the festival atmosphere that is at MIT Ballpark. The Canberra Cavalry are continuing their charge up the ladder and towards a Championship series with two home series against the Geelong Korea (20-23 December) and Aukland Tuatara (27-20 December). Over the eight games across the two weekends, there will be a great mix of entertainment and refreshments to keep you occupied so head down to the ballpark for great weekends of baseball.
Christmas at Canberra Miniature Railway
Where: Jerrabomberra Avenue, Symonston
When: 21, 22, 23 December, 5 pm – 10 pm
Experience Canberra’s very own Christmas extravaganza with an amazing lighting display and miniature railway rides, culminating in a spectacular light show. Entry includes unlimited train rides, live entertainment on stage, fantastic light displays and for the kids, use of a giant train-themed jumping castle/slide and the opportunity to meet Santa in his all-new grotto. There are only limited tickets, which includes full access to the Christmas in Canberra extravaganza, unlimited rides, a visit with Santa, live entertainment, and much, much more!
Christmas and Collectables weekend
Where: Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston
When: 22 – 23 December, 10 am – 4 pm
If ever there was a time to do any last minute shopping, this would be it. Stock up on everything you will need for Christmas. From the large array of unique and handcrafted gifts for loved ones to items to decorate your home for the festive season. Immerse yourself in everything Christmassy at the Old Bus Depot Markets this weekend!
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