Did you know that the Christmas tree in the Canberra CBD holds the Guinness World Record for the most lights illuminated on an artificial Christmas tree in world, ever? Well now you do. A sight to behold no doubt.
Whether you’re staying local or headed home, Christmas fills the streets of Canberra from December 1st. Here are a handful of ways you can enjoy Christmas in the Bush City this year.
Santa Pub Crawl 10/12
For just $10 to charity you can join a festive tour of the city’s best pubs, in costume of course. With all funds raised going to Red Nose Charity, you can sip away knowing you’ve invested a little in someone else. They’ve even teamed up with Uber to make your travels between venues that much easier. It’s not called the silly season for nothing.
Christmas Light Displays
We all know that a major part about the festive season is who has the best lights. A select few have taken the leap and represented their suburbs this year, offering to share their light displays: 17 Delma Street, Gungahlin;17 Middleton Circuit, Gowrie; 40 Clem Street, Gordon; and 41 Must Circuit, Calwell are all must stops. Park the car and roam about like you did as a kid, it’s bound to have you blasting Christmas carols the whole way home.
Carols by Candlelight 14/12
The traditional Christmas festivities come alive at Commonwealth Park, as carols fill the shoreside park. On this evening you’ll find a choir of Christmas tunes from 7pm, candles sold for charity and picnic tables to enjoy a meal. So packup a basket and bring the cask wine for a night filled with cheer.
Christmas in The City Concert 16/12
To kick-off the Christmas in the City festivities of the week leading up to Christmas Day, come join Aussie rock legend Shannon Noll and many others in a night full of tunes in the CBD. Santa will be there too but Nollsie is the real drawcard.
Christmas Markets in the City- 16/12- 24/12
In the week leading up to Christmas, the heart of Canberra will transform into a festive wonderland, with each day and night designated a themed market in celebration of the big day. You’ll find food, art and gifts lining the streets, perfect for last minute shoppers. Burgers and beer to kick off the offering on the 16th through to the 17th, street foods from 18th to 19th and a spectacular sweet tooth offering on the 20th until the 22nd. Is it really Christmas if you don’t stuff yourself with too much food then waddle home? I think not.
Pug and Daschund Races 18/12- 19/12
Not one but two pooch races will take to the city all in the name of Christmas. Bring your little best friend and enter them for a chance at festive glory, extra points if you have them all kitted out in Santa ware. Dogs wearing elven ware and Rudolph noses, guaranteed.
Christmas Handmade Markets at Exhibition Park, 10/12 – 11/12
This quarterly event is setting up shop just in time for festive shopping, you may even be able to knock it out in one hit. The event is free for you to browse and brings together a smorgasbord of local crafters. With 240 stalls craftsman, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Sip on a Christmas Cocktail at White Rabbit Cocktail Room
Santa definitely has a nip or two to make it through the silly season with sanity, so you should do. After a mammoth weekend of chrissy shopping or instead a weeknight spirited drink, head to the White Rabbit Cocktail Room for a themed sip. Santa’s Special is a cocktail bound to have you reciting Jingle Bells on cue. It’s a delightful mix of Hennessy Cognac, Disaronno Amaretto, Cherry Heering Liquor, Demerara Syrup, Crème De Cacao, egg white and a touch of nut meg. Christmas in a cup.
Christmas High Tea at Hotel Kurrajong 23/12
If you enjoy your treats in a more civilised fashion, then celebrate in style with a festive high tea. Perfect for visiting relos or out of towners, the whole offering is ripe with Christmas spirit. Sip on luxury teas and bite into festive delights, and a Chrissy cocktail to top it all of. Baked goods a plenty.
Image source: Illawarra Mercury, In the City, Her Canberra.
