Whats on in Canberra?: 16th - 22nd December

7 days ago

12 min read

Parents, take a deep breath... the summer holidays begin this week! With school ending in Canberra on Tuesday, we've got a lineup of school holiday programs running next week until just before Christmas. We've also got our usual lineup of what's on in Canberra this week, plus all of the Christmas events across Canberra to get the kids in the Chrissy spirit.

General Events

Canberra United vs. Melbourne Victory

Head along to this Canberra United home game at McKellar Park as they take on Melbourne Victory in the Ninja A-League 2024/25 season. See some of the best up-and-coming talent that both Canberra, Australia and the globe have to offer! Kids U12 are free for general admission. Youth tickets for ages 12-17 years. Grab your tickets here.

Canberra United vs. Melbourne Victory @ McKellar Park - 21st December - 5pm - $14+

Family Orienteering

It's officially the start of the school holidays, and that means that the Arboretum are bringing back their family-friendly events! Head out into the Arboretum's forests and gardens and help the kids burn off their energy in the Arboretum's family orienteering activity. This is a drop in activity for the duration of the School Holidays. No bookings are required. Find more info here.

Family Orienteering @ the Nation Arboretum - 9am - 4pm throughout school holidays - free

Creative Play

Q Gallery’s Creative Play sessions offer a fun and engaging environment for little ones who aren’t yet in school. While your little ones explore hands-on activities, experiment with colors, textures, and imaginative play, you can sit back and enjoy a moment of respite. We handle everything, so you can watch your child’s creativity blossom without worry. On every Tuesday & Thursday until the 19th of December. Find more details here.

Creative Play @ Q Gallery - 17th & 19th December - 9:30am - $12+

BBL: Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers

Big Bash is back in Canberra this Summer! Join Sydney Thunder at Manuka Oval as they take on the Adelaide Strikers to open the BBL season. Get ready for huge hits, classic catches and an electric atmosphere, with some of the best players in the world going head-to-head. Find tickets here.

BBL: Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers @ Manuka Oval - 17th December - 7:15pm - $5+

Sunset Cinema

Head outdoors to watch a movie with the fam this week at the Sunset Cinema. Screenings this week include ‘The Holiday’, ‘Love Actually’ and ‘Home Alone’. Find more info here.

Sunset Cinema @ The National Botanic Gardens - 21st November - 22nd Feb - various costs

Drop & Shop

Feeling a little behind on the Christmas shopping? Don't worry, Hoyts Woden has your back! Enjoy stress-free shopping or relax while the kids are entertained with a movie at Hoyts Woden under the supervision of professionals from Stay ’n' Play for just $10 per child. Exclusive to Westfield members. Find more info here.

Drop & Shop @ Hoyts Woden - 18th - 19th December - 11am - $10

20 Years of Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

For 20 years, the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition has provided a platform for emerging and established photographers to capture the most remarkable flora, fauna, and landscapes of Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea. This year, National Archives of Australia is showcasing 20 Years of Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year with winning entries from each year of the competition. Find more information here.

20 Years of Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year @ NAA - 28 November 2024 - 27 April 2025 - free

Garema Lounge Sessions

Things are heating up in the heart of the City Centre! Garema Place is turning up the vibe with live music, pop-up events, and family-friendly fun every Friday. Expect to be hit with all the feels—whether it's DJs spinning your fave tracks, singers, small bands, dance classes, and interactive games to kick off your weekend on a high note. Each week brings something new and exciting! Bring your family and enjoy a new experience every Friday while you're grabbing a bite, shopping, or preparing for a night out. Find more details here.

Garema Lounge Sessions @ Garema Place - 12pm - 8pm - free

School Holiday Programs (til the end of December)

Canberra Yacht Club

The Canberra Yacht Club provide sailing courses for boys and girls from 7 to 17 years of age. Their courses are designed for beginners through to the experienced junior wishing to improve and build on existing skills. Sign your kiddo up for their 5-day program, where each day will include a mix of sailing, theory and games. Find more info here.

Holiday program @ Canberra Yacht Club - 16th - 22nd December- $620

Kids Biz Holidays & Sports

Qualified, experienced and enthusiastic coaches, school teachers and specialised instructors are on hand at Kids Biz holiday programs to ensure your child makes the most out of their holiday period. Whether you're trying a vacation program for the first time or your kids are bored with your current program, now is the time to come and try Kids Biz! With programs running in Pearce, Gungahlin & Deakin, there's sure to be a spot near you for your kiddos to enjoy these holidays. Find more info here.

Kids Biz Holidays & Sports @ Pearce, Gungahlin or Deakin - 18th December - 22nd December

Summer Family Space

Drop in to the family space at the National Portrait Gallery these school holidays for free creative activities to enjoy together. All activities are inspired by the vibrant and dynamic exhibition, Joan Ross: Those trees came back to me in my dreams. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Summer Family Space @ National Portrait Gallery - 18th December - 2nd February - free

YWCA Canberra School Holiday Programs

YWCA Canberra's school holiday programs offer children a variety of fun, exciting and enjoyable experiences and activities. The structure of the programs is similar each day and allows the flexibility to accommodate children’s needs and interests. The school holiday programs endeavour to develop children’s independence, self-help skills and self-esteem. These aims are achieved by allowing children to make choices and contribute to the activities offered at the program. Programs available this week are held at Charles Condor Primary School and Majura Primary School. Find more information here.

YWCA Canberra School Holiday Programs - 18th December - 24th December - $100+

Let's Play

Looking for ways to keep the kids busy in the week leading up to Christmas? Let's Play have got you covered with these exciting workshops for children of all ages. Most of the workshops are free with entry, however some attract a fee to cover the supplier costs. Please be aware that children still require supervision, though our staff are on hand to provide support.

16th December - Cupcake Decorating
18th December - Candle Making
19th December - Clay Workshop
20th December - Christmas Beads & Card Making
23rd December - Wooden Ornaments

Find more info and book here.

LFG School Holiday Program

Are your kids in grade 3 or above & living in the ACT? Looking for something to do over the school holidays? Bring your kids and their friends to play and learn 100s of board games, hosted by Looking For Gamers! Fully-supervised sessions that run from 9am to 4pm each day. Places are limited - sign up today here!

LFG School Holiday Program - 19th December - 9am - 4pm - $63.79+

Metaphysica Virtual Reality

Get ready for three hours of non-stop fun and adventure for your kids these holidays! Metaphysica are bringing out the best in entertainment to keep kids engaged and delighted. With board games, console corner, VR mini games, thrilling VR escape rooms, retro arcade games, and the unforgettable VR UFO ride, there’s something for everyone! Each session is fully supervised and includes snacks — so you can relax while they enjoy an unforgettable experience. Find more info here.

Holiday Program @ Metaphysica Virtual Reality - 18th & 24th December - $60+

Active Gamers Australia

Active Gamers Australia is an innovative and award-winning holiday program for children aged 6-13 years old. At Active Gamers, kids can play the video games they love while staying active with fun sports sessions and learning the importance of teamwork and cooperation through game-based team building exercises. The Active Gamers program offers a full and varied curriculum that may also include fun STEM activities and educational discussions about online safety, cyber-bullying and safe gaming behaviours. Active Gamers is designed to promote a healthy, balanced lifestyle while keeping the kids engaged and entertained for the entire day. Plus, they're fully Childcare Subsidy Approved - making it affordable for everyone! Find more details here.

Summer Holiday Program @ Active Gamers Australia - 19th, 20th & 23rd December - $95

Art Kids

ArtKids is an out of hours art and drawing program building children’s creative confidence in a fun, supportive environment. Kids explore and experiment with different art techniques and mediums, as they connect to Artists, Literature and STEAM themes. Their holiday program is for 5–14 year olds attending school. Book in for their program here.

School Holiday Program @ Art Kids, Turner - 18th - 20th December - $75+

Lavender Art Studios Holiday Art Workshops

The Lavender Art Studios holiday art workshops present a distinctive and concentrated opportunity for skill development and exploration for children aged 5-17 years. With over 25 years of hands-on experience, their professional art teachers provide individualized attention, tailoring guidance to each child's skill level, interests, and learning style. Students can hone specific techniques and explore many varied mediums, unrestricted by the time constraints of regular school schedules. Students are supported by a professionally fitted-out art studio equipped with the finest art supplies. All materials are provided, and the cost includes delightful morning and afternoon tea, making this the ultimate creative escape for your little artists. Find all of the details here.

Holiday Art Workshops @ Lavender Art Studios - 16th - 20th December - $85+

Summer Skill Boost @ One Futbol

The One Futbol state-of-the-art indoor facility is designed to foster growth, challenge abilities, and elevate football skills. Maximise school breaks with focused football training at their 2-day HP Holiday Clinics. Designed to develop both tactical understanding and technical prowess, these sessions prepare you for higher levels of competition. All weather suitable. Ages 7-15 years. Maximum 30 students. Find more info here.

Summer Skill Boost @ One Futbol, Fyshwick - 16th/17th, 18th/19th December - $249

RSPCA School Holiday Programs

Spend the day with the RSPCA learning about animals, positive pet care, and the ways RSPCA ACT helps animals and supports the community. The day includes a guided tour to meet shelter animals as well as visiting behind-the-scenes to see the inner workings of the shelter. You will also get crafty and make enrichment goodies for your own pet or one of the lucky shelter animals. RSPCA ACT offer a range of programs to young people aged 6 to 17 years, held at their Weston Creek Shelter.

School Holiday Programs @ RSPCA ACT - 18th - 23rd December - $35+

Mountain Strong

During School Holidays, Mountain Strong run very popular full day holiday programs. These programs are a drop off and pick up full day program incorporating climbing with other fun games and activities to keep your kids active and engaged throughout the day – the perfect answer to how to keep your climbing obsessed children happy through the long weeks of the school holidays! Find more info here.

School Holiday Programs @ Mountain Strong, Fyshwick - 19th & 20th December - $95

Christmas Activities

Santa Run

The Santa Run is back! Join Running For Resilience for the 2nd annual Santa Run on Thursday, 19th December, at 6 pm, starting from The Jetty in Kingston. This year, they're raising funds for Running for Resilience and Rise Above — come dressed in your best festive gear and bring your friends and family for a fun evening supporting a great cause! Find more details here.

The Santa Run @ The Jetty in Kingston - 19th December - 6pm

Santa's Safari Extravaganza

Get ready for an extraordinary evening of festive fun and unforgettable experiences at the National Zoo and Aquarium! The Central Viewing Area will come alive with a range of exciting activities, including photo ops with Santa and his elves, a jumping castle, inflatable Christmas decorations, a stroll through the snow, roasting marshmallows, live music, food vendors, a captivating reptile show, a dazzling magician, exciting giveaways, and a heartwarming Santa and Elves Parade. Don’t miss out—book your spot here!

Santa's Safari Extravaganza @ The National Zoo & Aquarium - 19th December - 5:30 - 8:30pm - $65+

Candlelight Holiday Special: Christmas Movie Soundtracks

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Canberra. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Christmas Movie Soundtracks at James Fairfax Theatre at National Gallery of Australia under the gentle glow of candlelight. Read more here.

Candlelight Holiday Special: Christmas Movie Soundtracks @ the National Gallery of Australia - 20th December

Christmas Stories with R.A. Spratt

Best-selling children’s author R.A. Spratt performs her favourite Christmas tales. In this whirlwind of storytelling, R.A. Spratt (bestselling author of Friday Barnes and Nanny Piggins), will be performing her favourite Christmas tales. This will be high energy, action-packed, side-splittingly, hilarious storytelling at its festive best, and featuring Christmas carols written by Nanny Piggins herself. Find more details here.

Christmas Stories with R.A. Spratt @ Belconnen Arts Centre - 19th December - $28

Santa Photos at Fletcher's Ark Farmyard

Come and get your Santa photos with Canberra’s favourite Hephner the alpaca and the crew at Fletcher's Ark Farmyard! Find all the details here.

Santa Photos @ Fletcher's Ark Farmyard - 17th, 23rd & 24th December - $45

Christmas Workshops

Join in on the fun at Majura Park for two Christmas workshops this week, including DIY Christmas Baubles on the 16th @ 10:30am, 11.15am & 12pm, or DIY Snow Globes on the 19th @ 10:30am, 11.15am & 12pm. Both are free, but registrations are required. Register here.

Christmas Workshops @ Majura Park - various dates - free

Christmas Treat Jars & Lolly Sushi

Head to Gungahlin Marketplace for a December full of delightful holiday activities your little ones will love in Centre! From the 16th - 18th of December, kids can join in making their own Christmas treat jars, and on the 19th - 20th December, they can make lolly sushi. Activities are free, but bookings are required. Find more info here.

Christmas Activities @ Gungahlin Marketplace - 16th - 20th December - 11am-2pm - free

Tiny Teach

Tiny Teach Canberra is running a Christmas celebration in week 10 this term. Find out more details here.

Herbal Magick Christmas Workshop

Join us in-store for a festive workshop where you'll craft beautiful herbal baubles for your tree. Fun for all ages, this hands-on experience is perfect for making lasting holiday memories. Let’s get creative and bring some magic to your Christmas decor! Find more details here.

Herbal Magick Christmas Workshop @ The Hierophant - 21st December - $11.90+

Bauble Decorating Workshop

Add a touch of merry magic to the season with Little Amigos Bauble Decorating Workshop (included with entry ticket)! Watch your little ones create their own festive masterpiece for your Christmas trees. Plus, receive a free gift with any kids meal purchase. Find all the details and book tickets here.

Bauble Decorating Workshops @ Little Amigos Canberra Outlet Centre - 3rd, 5th, 10th, 12th, 17th & 19th December - $25

Super Christmas Sundays @ the Old Bus Depot Markets

‘Tis the season to do some last-minute shopping. And the Old Bus Depot Markets is the right place at the right time. Especially on Super Christmas Sunday. You’ll find stalls with all kinds of specialty items. See the 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. Including fresh Christmas trees, family photos with Santa (9:30am to 2:30pm), handcrafted decorations, unique gifts, and donation gift wrapping supporting the Canberra Street Cat Alliance. Find more info here.

Super Christmas Sundays @ the Old Bus Depot Markets - 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd of December - free

Little Burley Month of Merry

The Little Burley Market is delighted to announce that we will be celebrating Christmas lakeside with our ‘Month of Merry’ throughout December. This year’s market will as always feature an incredible lineup of local creators and artisans, so you can purchase the perfect gift for your loved ones, all whilst supporting small businesses this holiday season! Featuring all your favourite artisan delights, from culinary creations to handcrafted jewellery, artwork, candles, and even puppy couture. The fun doesn’t stop once you’ve completed your shopping list! Grab a free photo with Santa, enjoy the lakeside view whilst you sample some authentic Italian Pizza and be entertained by Christmas themed choirs, bands and dancers. Find more info here.

Month of Merry @ the Little Burley Markets - 7th, 14th & 21st December - free

Christmas at Haig Park Village Markets

Want to show some love to your local businesses this Christmas? For four incredible Sundays in December it's time to jingle all the way to the Haig Park Village Markets and get ready to sleigh the gift game! Come on down to Haig Park to experience the ultimate festive extravaganza that'll put even Santa's workshop to shame. From 8:00am until 2:00pm on the 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd of December, this free, family friendly event will feature all your festive favourites. Gift shopping, culinary delights, free photos with Santa, gingerbread making, carols and more! Find all the deets here.

Christmas at Haig Park Village Markets - 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd December - free

Free Merry-Go-Round Rides

Get ready to experience the enchanting joy of the merry-go-round every day this December! City Walk's whimsical carousel is not just for children but a delightful treat for friends, family, and even co-workers. Catch a free ride on the merry-go-round throughout December. Fridays and Saturdays: 10.00 am - 7.00 pm,

Sundays - Thursdays: 10.00 am - 4.00 pm. Find more details here.

Free Merry-Go-Round Rides @ Petrie Plaza - 1st-24th December - free