Whats on in Canberra?: 9th - 15th December

Dec 8, 2024

13 min read

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Ho-ho-holy moley, it's a BIG week for Christmas events in Canberra! From carolling to free Santa photos with your furry friends, there's so much on to keep the whole family happy. Read on to see what's on in Canberra this week.

Hughes Repair Cafe

Come join the Hughes Community Centre for a fun and hands-on event! Bring in your broken items and learn how to fix them with the help of their skilled volunteers. Whether it's a broken bike or a wonky toaster, it can be fixed at the cafe. Not only will money be saved by fixing things instead of replacing them, but waste will also be reduced. Find more information here.

Hughes Repair Cafe @ Hughes Community Centre - 14th December - 10am - 1pm - free

Pompeii

Pompeii is an extraordinary new immersive experience that combines captivating soundscapes and large-scale digital projections with over 90 objects from the ancient city at the National Museum of Australia. Discover life in this ancient city and meet its people as they were before the fateful eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. On show at the National Museum of Australia from 13 December 2024 to 4 May 2025. Buy tickets here.

Pompeii @ The National Museum of Australia - 13th December - 4th May - $12.50+ (under 5 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 - 10th & 12th December - 9:30am - $12+

Handmade Market

Handmade Canberra is Canberra’s favourite handmade food & design market. They are proud to be a retail supporter of the Australian Made Campaign, which means that when you shop at Handmade Canberra, you are buying Australian made! If you need some last minute Christmas gifts and you want to shop locally and ethically, head along to the Handmade Market @ EPIC this weekend. Find more info here.

Handmade Market @ EPIC - 13th - 15th December - free

Padding in Peru: Family Fun Day

Celebrate the return of everyone’s favourite bear with Limelight Cinema's Family Fun Day! Bring the whole family along for a special advanced screening of Paddington In Peru, where Paddington’s adventures take him to the colourful landscapes of Peru for the first time.

But that’s not all— their Family Fun Day offers a host of activities for kids, from games to crafts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable day with Paddington and friends. Grab your tickets now.

Padding in Peru: Family Fun Day @ Limelight Cinemas Tuggeranong - 15th December - 10am - $16.50+

Little Griffins

Little Griffins is back for December with the perfect theme for preschoolers, Go with Dough! Join them for another free Little Griffins as they have fun with dough making play cakes for all to share. Get messy and press, pat, roll and shape playdough into all things nice. Sing doughy songs and learn baker’s rhymes as you colour in cakes together. The nearby Marion café provides excellent options for coffee and snacks with friends before or after Little Griffins. Treat yourself and entertain your kids with Little Griffins. Book tickets here.

Little Griffins @ National Capital Exhibition - 13th December - 10-11am - free

Retro Silent Disco

If the busiest time of the year has you feeling a little stressed, grab your mates and head to the Silent Discos In Amazing Spaces @ National Museum of Australia. After a string of sell-out events in the US and UK, Silent Discos In Amazing Spaces brings its surreal dance party to the National Museum of Australia. Tear up the dance floor and sing your heart out to the retro silent disco tunes in the impressive Gandel Atrium overlooking Lake Burley Griffin! For one night only, the main exhibition space of this popular attraction will be converted into a giant dancefloor with a bar, nightclub-quality lights, visual effects, and, of course, three amazing DJs simultaneously playing three uniquely themed DJ sets. Already an international phenomenon, this will be a party night you don’t want to miss! Grab your tickets here.

Silent Discos In Amazing Spaces @ National Museum of Australia - 13th December - 7:30 - 11pm - $43.66

Sunset Cinema

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

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

Timezone Woden Opening

Timezone Woden opens Saturday 14 December at 10am, just in time for summer school holidays and the festive season! The first 100 people through the doors will receive a free Timezone plush toy! Head along for tons of fun! Find more details here.

Timezone Opening @ Westfield Woden - 14th December - 10am

Tiny Teach & Bambi and Bow Birthday Celebration

Head along to Bambi & Bow in Gold Creek on the 14th of December for a join party! It's Tiny Teach's 1st birthday party, and Bambi & Bow's 5th! They'll be celebrating in store with prizes, cupcakes, a lolly station, cookies, face painting, and in-store discounts. Plus, Tiny Teach will have a play set up onsite from 10-12pm. Don't miss out on this fun, free event, and support small business in the process. If you're interested in more info on Tiny Teach, find our post here.

Tiny Teach & Bambi and Bow Birthday Celebration @ shop 8, Federation Square, Gold Creek - 14th December - 10am - 4pm - free

Science Time: Light

Early Learners can experiment and discover the science of light and shadows. Science Time involves little scientists in a fun and interactive learning experience. Children will solve problems and explore their exciting world. Each session starts with a question. Children and their caregivers work together to investigate, discover, and then share their findings. Hands-on experiments, activities and crafts help children explore the topic further. The session finishes with a demonstration and an activity sheet so you can continue your STEM journey at home. Science Time is suitable for little scientists aged 3 to 5 years (and their caregivers). Everyone wanting to attend a session will need to book a Science Time ticket, which includes entry to Questacon for the same day. Find more info here.

Science Time: Light @ Questacon - 2nd - 14th December - $18.90+

Paddington in Peru - Family Fun @ Dendy Canberra

Get lost in the jungle with the Brown family as Paddington heads back to his homeland and finds himself embroiled in a treasure hunt along the way. Based on the best-selling and internationally adored series of children's stories, join everyone’s favourite marmalade-loving bear in a blue duffle-coat on another heartwarming adventure, with kids’ activities before the screening. Find more info and book tickets here.

Paddington in Peru - Family Fun @ Dendy Canberra - 15th December - 10am - $16+

Christmas Activities

Christmas Workshops

Join in on the fun at Majura Park for two Christmas workshops this week, including Christmas Tote Bag Decorating on the 13th @ 10:30am, 11.15am & 12pm, or DIY Snow Globes on the 9th @ 10:30am, 11.15am & 12pm. Both are free, but registrations are required. Register here.

Christmas Workshops @ Majura Park - various dates - free

Santa’s Breakfast

Join Santa Claus and friends for a spectacular morning at Westfield Woden. Children will delight in a delicious menu of tasty treats, whilst enjoying a stunning Christmas show performance! This event is exclusive to Westfield members. Book tickets here.

Santa’s Breakfast and Westfield Woden - 14th December - 8:30-9:30am, 11:30am-12:30pm - $10

The Christmas Spectacular

The Christmas Spectacular is an extravaganza of music, circus, dance and magic that celebrates the joy and excitement of Christmas. Let your senses ignite with a kaleidoscope of Christmas Songs, dances and world class variety performers as they light up the stage in a show that pays tribute to the Radio City Rocketts, The Nutcracker and much more. Find more info and book tickets here.

The Christmas Spectacular @ Canberra Theatre Centre - 9th - 10th December - $57.25+

A Luminous Christmas

Join the Luminescence Chamber Singers for a variety of Christmas performances this silly season. Find all the details here.

A Luminous Christmas - 13th-15th December - various costs

Santa’s Workshop - Gunning Twilight Markets

You can expect market stalls, Santa photos, live music, a BBQ, kids entertainment, Mr Whippy ice cream, face painting, Christmas present wrapping, and a great Christmas atmosphere! Find more information here.

Santa’s Workshop - Twilight Markets @ Gunning Community Care - 13th December - free

The Nutcracker

Be enchanted by the incredible talent of international ballet stars as they take you on a journey through a winter wonderland. Feel the crisp air and hear the sleigh bells chime as the world’s best ballet dancers bring this timeless tale to life. From the breathtaking snowflakes to the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy, every moment will captivate your imagination and fill your heart. Don’t miss out on tickets!

The Nutcracker @ Canberra Theatre Centre - 13th-14th December - $81+

Canberra Christmas Market

The annual Canberra Christmas Market is your one-stop shop for all things festive - gifts, decorations, stocking fillers, gourmet and handmade food and treats and a wide range of unique presents. Many items are handmade with love and you don't have to pay a fortune. Bring family and friends and have a great day out shopping early. Find all the deets here.

Canberra Christmas Market @ EPIC - 14th-15th December - free

Amaroo Village Shopping Centre

Want to snap a selfie with Santa and his Elf? On Saturday 14 December from 10.00am to 1.00pm, the pair will be visiting Amaroo Village Shopping Centre to hand out sweet treats and take a pic or two! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled on the day as they will be roving around the Centre. Find all of the details here.

Plus, bring the kids along to for a free fun-filled session to decorate their very own Christmas Bauble to take home and pop on your tree! Happening on Saturday 14 December (various session times). All materials will be provided. Bookings are essential. Workshop is suitable for ages 4 and upwards. Book your free tickets here.

Santa Meet & Greet and Christmas Bauble Activity @ Amaroo Village - 14th December - 10am - 1pm - 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

Queanbeyan Carols and Christmas Party

Join us at the Queanbeyan Showground for Queanbeyan’s 2024 Community Carols and Christmas Party. There will be entertainment from homegrown stars, delicious food and drinks and free family activities. All ages, free entry! Find more deets here.

Queanbeyan Carols and Christmas Party @ Queanbeyan Showground - 14th December - free

Carols in Town Park

Get ready for an unforgettable family evening at Carols in Town Park! Pack your picnic, grab your chairs and rugs, and join us for a night of festive fun. There’ll be fun kids activities like face painting, glitter tattoos, a colouring competition, henna, a photo booth, food & drinks from ShotClock Coffee, HappyTime Donuts, Mr & Mrs Whippy, Chip on A Stick, and a classic sausage sizzle with cold drinks, Christmas carols (with the Salvos Brass Band), and a special visit from Santa! Find more info here.

Carols in Town Park @ Tuggeranong Town Park - 15th December - free

Melting Snowman Cookies & Christmas Candy Wreaths

Head to Gungahlin Marketplace for a December full of delightful holiday activities your little ones will love in Centre! From the 9th - 10th of December, kids can join in making their own melting snowman cookies, and on the 11th - 13th December, they can make Christmas candy wreaths. Activities are free, but bookings are required. Find more info here.

Christmas Activities @ Gungahlin Marketplace - 9th - 13th December - 11am-2pm - free

Maggie Moo

Maggie Moo Music Tuggeranong have some special Christmas sessions running this week, including an Intergenerational Moo & Brew @ 10am on the 9th, and Mixed Moo @ 10am and a Baby session @ 11:15 on the 10th of December. Find more details here.

Maggie Moo Music Tuggeranong Christmas sessions - 9th & 10th December - $20+

Free Christmas Workshops for Kids

Get ready for fun-filled workshops for kids this Christmas at the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets. On the 7th of December, kids can build their own mini wooden sleigh. They’ll get creative with paints, sparkles, and festive craft supplies to make a unique sleigh that’s perfect for holding Christmas treats or displaying as a holiday decoration. A memorable, magical keepsake they’ll be proud to take home! On the 14th of December, kids can decorate their very own reindeer jar! They’ll use glitter, markers, and craft supplies to bring the reindeer to life, then fill it with yummy lollies and chocolates to create the perfect “reindeer snack.” A creative, sweet treat that’s all their own! Find more information here.

Free Christmas Workshops @ Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets - 7th & 14th December - free

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

Kids Christmas Party

The Canberra Southern Cross Club is throwing a jolly Christmas Party for the kids at Henry’s Woden, and it’s going to be so much fun! So what’s in store? A tasty kid’s meal, a drink, and a scoop of ice cream, glitter tattoos, games, crafts, and heaps of festive fun, a chance to meet Santa and share your Christmas wishes, plus dress to impress in your best Christmas outfit for a chance to win an awesome prize! Find more info here.

Kids Christmas Party @ Henry’s Woden - 13th December - 6-8pm - $35

Family craft at the Archives

Join the National Archives for an afternoon of nature crafts as they celebrate 2024 and the approach of the New Year. Families will enjoy getting crafty during this festive time by creating beautiful wreaths and hanging ornaments—perfect for decorating your home or giving as special gifts. This family event is suitable for all ages, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Family craft @ the National Archives of Australia - 14th December - 1:30-3pm - $5

Gingerbread House Making

Join us at the Bungendore Scout Hall in Bungendore (hosted by Bungendore Anglican Church each year) for Gingerbread House making. Get into the holiday spirit and indulge your senses in the sweet aroma of gingerbread by creating your very own gingerbread house. Bring your friends and family along for an afternoon of laughter, creativity, and delicious treats. Let's see who can build the most impressive gingerbread house! Don't miss out on this sweet event, we sell out every year! The event is suitable for all ages although it's best to have children helped by an adult. Book your ticket here.

Gingerbread House Making @ Bungendore Scout Hall - 14th December - 2-4pm - $33.08+

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

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

Canberra Potters Christmas Fair

Looking for unique Christmas gifts? Look no further than the Canberra Potters 2024 Christmas Fair where local potters and ceramicists showcase a curated selection of ceramic art and pottery. Find more info here.

Canberra Potters Christmas Fair @ Canberra Potters Society - 6th - 15th 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

North Pole Lane

North Pole Lane is a theatre lead, immersive walk-through Christmas story like no other. Walk through a forest theatre set and meet the North Pole animals and characters along the lane in this reimagined Christmas adventure. Not just for children - if you have a timeless love of Christmas, this adventure is for you. Come experience Canberra's own Christmas story! Find more info and book tix here.

North Pole Lane @ South.Point Tuggeranong - 30th November - 24th December - $27.06+

Pet friendly photo with Santa

Gather your friends and family (including the furry ones!) for a free photo with Santa and Mrs Claus. Capture and share the holiday spirit with loved ones or keep this memento for yourself. Get your free pet-friendly photos on Friday the 6th, 13th & 20th December from 4-6 pm, or on Saturday the 7th or 21st December from 10 am - 12 pm. Find all the details here.

Pet friendly photo with Santa @ Dickson Shops - various dates - free