19 December 2019

Nine things to do around Canberra this weekend (20-22 December)

| Dominic Giannini
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Christmas treats at the Old Bus Depot Markets

The Old Bus Depot Markets can help you can find the perfect Christmas gifts. Photo: File.

The big event this weekend is the stream of Christmas movies on show at the National Film and Sound Archive, bound to bring cheer and reignite nostalgia in even the grinchiest among us. There will be a heap of (Christmas) cheers when the UC Capitals take to the court and it’s the last chance to visit the Minature Railway’s Christmas in Canberra event. The Old Bus Depot Markets are open all weekend so you can find specialised gifts in a last-minute Christmas shopping blitz.

A Very NFSA Christmas – movie season and special gifts

Where: National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
When: It’s a Wonderful Life (with secret Santa) – Friday, 10:30 am
Die Hard (and bring a friend for free) – Friday, 6.00 pm
Home Alone (and a free gift for the kids) – Saturday, 2.00 pm

The last weekend before Christmas is the perfect time to catch up on all the season’s favourite flicks and, of course, to engage in the week’s most important question: is Die Hard actually a Christmas movie*? Bookings here.

Christmas in Canberra

Where: Canberra Miniature Railway
When: Friday-Monday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

It is the last weekend to catch Christmas in Canberra at the Miniature Railway in Jerrabomberra.

Delight the family with unlimited miniature train rides, a giant inflatable slide and jumping castle, Santa’s grotto and live entertainment until December 23. The event will take place under a fantastic ‘Red Nose-saving little lives’ lights display to add an extra layer of Christmas bonhomie. More information can be found here.

Cirque Stratosphere

Where: Canberra Theatre
When: Thursday to Saturday at various times

It’s the last chance to catch Cirque Stratosphere at the Canberra Theatre this weekend, a spectacular circus show from the producers of last summer’s show The Illusionists: Direct from Broadway. Cirque Stratosphere is a futuristic space-age show featuring gravity-defying acts from a troupe of amazing acrobats and gymnasts that will disprove that the sky’s the limit! Tickets from $79 for adults and $45 for children, with special prices for families for the Sunday evening performance. Book here.

Game Masters: Pay What You Can Day

Where: National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
When: Saturday 21 December 2019.

The NFSA is certainly spreading goodwill this weekend: the blockbuster Game Masters exhibition is entry by donation.

Created and curated by ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image), Game Masters has been a global juggernaut. The exhibition has been refreshed at each leg of the tour and returns to Australia with new content.

The NFSA turns into Australia’s largest arcade with over 80 playable games on offer along with the world’s greatest designers and characters. It is set to bring out the child in everyone. The exhibition first opened in Melbourne in 2012 and has since toured to nine museums worldwide. Bookings here.

BBL Sydney Thunder V Adelaide Strikers

Where: Manuka Oval
When: Saturday at 6:00 pm

The Sydney Thunder are set to take on the Adelaide Strikers in an electric pre-Christmas Big Bash match at beautiful Manuka. The match is set to be a close one, coming down to the final few overs with the teams matching each other pretty evenly. Tickets here.

Paint and Sip Class – Christmas Cactus

Where: Teacher’s studio
When: Friday at 7:00 pm

Forget your stresses and worries, and create your very own unique artwork you get to take home as you let your creative side take over during this two-hour guided painting session.

Music will provide the perfect backdrop as you create your artistic masterpiece with step-by-step instructions from expert artists to help guide you towards your own interpretation of a selected painting. Bookings here. Guests must be over 18 as classes are held at licensed bars.

Sunset Cinema

Where: Australian National Botanic Gardens
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 pm
The Sunset Cinema continues at the Botanic Gardens. This weekend see The Lion King, Hustlers, Love Actually and Frozen II. Check the website for the full program.

There will be snacks and more substantial food on-site to purchase or bring your own picnic. There will also be bean lounges, beanbags and lawn chairs available to rent or bring your own picnic rug, pillows, beanbags or camping chairs. Tickets and the full timetable are available here.

Super Christmas Weekend

Where: 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am–4:00 pm

Head on down to the Old Bus Depot Markets for some last-minute Christmas shopping on this Super Christmas Weekend. There will be all kinds of specialty items and stalls with many holiday-themed, high-quality handcrafts to make for the perfect Christmas present. Indulge in a vibrant market atmosphere and enjoy the weekend with friends and family.

UC Capitals V Bendigo Spirit Basketball

Where: National Convention Centre Canberra
When: Saturday at 5 pm

The reigning champions, the University of Canberra Capitals take on the Bendigo Spirit in the Women’s Basketball League. An epic roster including Kelsey Griffin, Kia Nurse and Olivia Epoupa make this match a must-see. Tickets are available from $10 and can be purchased here.

*Yes.

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