The end of the year seems to have come up so fast! If you’re not feeling that festive just yet, read on for some fun and festive ideas to make the most of the holiday season and enjoy a memorable Christmas in Canberra. Choose from comedy, family events, market shopping and more.
1. Eco Elves Night Market
The annual Eco Elves Night Market is held by the Canberra Environment Centre and is perfect for shoppers looking for eco-friendly, handmade, fair trade, local and upcycled Christmas gifts. Enjoy live music and sunset views of Lake Burley Griffin while you browse the stalls set amongst the gumtrees. Food is available for purchase and a wine bar will offer local wines. The Eco Elves Night Market is a family friendly event with a kids play area and a craft section with DIY gift wrapping.
When: 5pm – 9pm, Friday 1 December 2017
Where:
2. A Very Canberra Comedy Festival Christmas 2017
If the busyness of the festive season is starting to feel a little stressful, laugh it off with some of the Canberra Comedy Festival’s great comedians for A Very Canberra Comedy Festival Christmas. This two hour event features a great line up of comedy stars including Joel Creasey, Fiona O’Loughlin, James Smith, Maddy Weeks, Anthony Tomic and more.
When: 7:30pm, Saturday 2 December 2017
Where: Llewellyn Hall, Building 100, William Herbert Place, Canberra (a 20 minute walk – 1.5km – or 7 minute drive from Crowne Plaza Canberra)
3. Christmas at the Old Bus Depot Markets
Canberra’s Old Bus Depot Markets started in 1994 and are still a hugely popular part of the city’s Sunday culture after 23 years in operation. During December the markets will be open on both Saturdays and Sundays, with special Christmas themed market days during the month.
On Saturday 2 December, the markets will hold a ‘Christmas Kids’ event with pony and donkey rides, face painting, a jumping castle and more. Santa will be at the markets for Christmas Kids from 10am to 4pm. Then again on 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 December from 12.00 – 3.00pm.
Browse through a diverse range of stalls to find everything you will need for Christmas including gifts, homewares and edible Christmas treats.
When: throughout December, check website for times and details
Where: 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston (approx 10 minute drive from Crowne Plaza Canberra)
Christmas fruit pies at the Old Bus Depot Markets. Image ©VisitCanberra
4. The 12 Barks of Christmas
Head along to Glebe Park on Sunday 3 December for RSPCA ACT’s 12 Barks of Christmas carols event. Kick off the festive season at a fun event where the whole family is welcome, even your four legged pooch!
There will be music, dog activities, market stalls and more, with all proceeds going to the RSPCA ACT shelter. Entry fee applies. See the website for details and tickets.
When: 4pm – 7pm, Sunday 3 December 2017
Where: Glebe Park, Canberra City
4. Christmas in Canberra City
This year, Canberra city is putting on a different kind of Christmas celebration. Instead of the giant Christmas tree that is usually installed in Garema Place, this year 65 real Christmas trees will transform Glebe Park (adjacent to Crowne Plaza Canberra) into a ‘festive forest’ complete with an overhead canopy of lights. There will also be entertainment, food for purchase and visits from Santa. Red Nose is the charity partner for the Christmas event in Glebe Park and is hosting a special Garden of Light, where families can place a candle in memory of a loved one.
When: from Friday 8 December until Saturday 23 December 2017
Lights: from 5pm nightly until Christmas Eve
Entertainment: from 5pm Thursday and Friday nights, and from noon-10pm on weekends
Where: Glebe Park, Canberra CBD
5. Handmade Christmas and Twilight Markets
On the weekend of Friday 8 to Sunday 10 December, Canberra’s Handmade Market brings a fantastic Christmas shopping opportunity with stalls from over 260 Australian designers and makers so you can shop to your heart’s content. In December, the markets will be Christmas themed. Find some delicious festive treats for your Christmas table in the gourmet food hall, tick off your Christmas gift list with some unique purchases or buy yourself a special something. All products on sale, including fashion, jewellery, homewares, toys, artwork and more, are Australian made and designed.
When: Friday 8 – Sunday 10 December 2017
Friday 5-9pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm
Where: Exhibition Park in Canberra, Flemington Road and Northbourne Avenue, Mitchell (approx 12-15 minute drive from Crowne Plaza Canberra)
6. 73rd Annual Canberra Carols by Candlelight
Christmas isn’t complete without carols by candlelight. Enjoy an evening of music presented by the Woden Valley Youth Choir and led by the Canberra City Band. Pre-order a picnic hamper and enjoy an al-fresco dinner in the picturesque surrounds of Commonwealth Park. Battery candles will be available for sale on the night with proceeds going to the Canberra Carols by Candlelight charity partner, Parkinson’s ACT.
When: 7pm, Wednesday 13 December
Where: Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, Canberra
7. Christmas Day Lunch
This year why not leave the Christmas lunch cooking to us and book a table at Redsalt Restaurant for the Christmas lunch buffet. There will be entertainment and a visit from Santa, plus a gourmet feast including fresh seafood, a wide variety of hot dishes, seasonal salads and cold platters, a carvery station, fresh bread and more. Be tempted by a selection of delicious desserts, including traditional fruit pudding. Bookings essential.
When: 12 noon – 3pm, Monday 25 December 2017
Where: Redsalt Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Canberra
8. Christmas Accommodation in Canberra
Whether you need to accommodate friends and family visiting from out of town, or you are booking a Christmas holiday in Canberra, Crowne Plaza Canberra’s city accommodation is a convenient choice, only a short walk from shops – perfect for the Boxing Day sales! If you book by 29 November 2017, you can save with our Advance Purchase offer with rooms from $125 per room per night. Click here to find out more.
