Ten things to do in Canberra this week (11 - 17 December)

It’s almost Christmas in an unbelievably unpredictable year. Celebrate the season, grab a good book for the holidays, and take the kids to see the Elves and Mrs Claus in the city. Whether it’s Beats, Bears and Yoga or the Haig Park Paw Party: Santa Paws edition, there’s lots to see and do in Canberra this week.

Have a great week Canberra!

All weekend

Lifeline Canberra Southside Bookfair

When: Thursday 10 December to Sunday 13 December, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Tuggeranong Southern Cross Stadium, 7 Pitman Street, Greenway
Cost: Gold coin donation.

The Lifeline Canberra Bookfairs raise a major portion of the funding needed to keep our local crisis support service running.

There is a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books for sale, including rare books and collectibles, children’s books, textbooks, and foreign language books. You’ll also find magazines and pamphlets, sheet music, comics, maps and atlases, talking books, records and CDs, DVDs, games and jigsaws.

Highlights from the ANU Art Collection at the Drill Hall Gallery

When: Wednesday 9 December to Sunday 20 December, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed Monday, Tuesday.
Where: Drill Hall Gallery, Kingsley Street, Canberra
Cost: Free.

The ANU Art collection comprises more than 3000 works. It includes recent philanthropic gifts and acquisitions, newly restored works, and major paintings by senior Indigenous women of law such as Angelina Pwerle Ngala and Emily Kame Kngwarreye. ANU Alumnae staff and students featured in this show include Dionisia Salas, Sheida Sabetraftar, Vivienne Binns, and Ruth Waller among others. This significant sampling will be on view for three weeks.

Canberra Potters Christmas Fair

When: Daily until Sunday 20 December, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: 1 Aspinall Street, Watson
Cost: Free

When you’re looking for Christmas gifts, where can you go for something truly unique? The answer to that is Canberra Potters, where local potters and ceramicists will have a wonderful selection of ceramic art and pottery at their annual Christmas Fair. Between the fair and the shop, you’re sure to find the perfect gift at the perfect price, and you’ll know that you’re buying from a local maker.

The Wharf Revue: Goodnight and Good Luck!

When: Until Saturday 19 December, various times
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre
Cost: From $40 – $65 per ticket, bookings online.

After 20 years the comedy institution The Wharf Revue bids farewell to the unforgettable trio of Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott. In 2020 they will reunite with their dazzling accomplice Mandy Bishop for one final victory lap.

It’s good night and good luck to the comedy juggernaut that’s been keeping the bastards honest since 2000.

Saturday

Haig Park Paw Party: Santa Paws Edition

When: Saturday 12 December, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Haig Park, adjacent to the Mandalay Bus at the end of Mort Street
Cost: Free, please register through Humantix.

You better watch out, You better not cry, You better not pout, I’m telling you why … Santa Paws is coming to town!

As the last Paw Party for the year, take your pup down to Haig Park for one last hurrah! Put your pooch through its paces in the dog agility course, listen to some canine carols and, of course, get a snap with Santa Paws himself!

Cookies with Mrs Claus

When: Saturday 12th December, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
Where: City Walk, Canberra City
Cost: $11.64 per child. Tickets available through Eventbrite.

Mrs Claus is making a stop in City Walk and needs some help with her baking this year! Decorate Santa’s favourite cookies and wash them down with a big glass of milk. Tickets are $10 per child with all proceeds going directly to GIVIT.

Sunday

Canberra Miniature Railway Open Day

When: Sunday 13 December, 10:00 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Jerrabomberra Avenue, Symonston
Cost: $3 per ride, or $15 for an unlimited day pass.

Got a Thomas the Tank Engine fan? Bring them along to the Canberra Miniature Railway’s public running days!

They are offering rides on the Yerrabi Line to the top of the hill with their 5-inch gauge line taking you through the tunnel. Still only $3 a ride or try the best value (non-transferable) ticket at $15.00 for all-day unlimited trips.

Hawker Primary School End of Year Book Sale

When: Sunday 13 December, 10.00 am to 2.00 pm
Where: Erldunda Circuit, Hawker
Cost: Free.

The Hawker Primary School End of Year Book Sale is the school’s major fundraiser for the year as the annual fete was cancelled due to COVID-19. The End of Year Book Sale will be held undercover, and all money raised will be donated to, and benefit, the school and its students.

Thousands of books in all genres will be on sale, so come along and grab yourself a good book to read during the holidays. EFTPOS facilities will be available, and the event will be conducted in a COVID-19 safe manner.

Lazy Summer Sunday beats, beers, and yoga

When: Sunday 13 December, 4:00 pm
Where: Haig Park, directly at the end of Lonsdale Street, Braddon
Cost: Free, registrations via Local Yoga Project.

Lazy Summer Sunday Beats Beers & Yoga is back for another chilled-out Sunday session in Haig Park, where homegrown electronic artists will curate a soundtrack of ambient beats to gently accompany local yogis through an energising, flowing, movement practice under the pines. As the energy and movement slowly stills, live music from local acts will continue to ease you into your afternoon.

Tuesday

Knits n Bits

When: Tuesday 15 December, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Mura Lanyon Youth and Community Centre (MLYCC), 22 Sidney Nolan St, Conder
Cost: Free.

Have you been stuck in the house, feeling alone during the various stages of COVID-19 restrictions?

Knits N Bits are attempting to alleviate loneliness and isolation with a very casual social gathering for people who would like to get out of the house for a few hours, get crafty and have a yarn or two. Join them as they create some sewing/knitting/crochet craft with other like-minded individuals. It’s sure to to be a pearl-er of an afternoon.