The festive season is upon us and December in the Canberra region is offering plenty to feel jolly about.
To avoid disappointment, it’s best to check if recurring events such as markets will still be running over the Christmas-New Year period before heading out.
A Stellar Line-up: A celebration of inclusion as Canberra’s most engaging and inclusive dance companies present dancers of all ages, background, identities and abilities on stage in alignment with International Day of People with Disability. Canberra College, 1-2 December; stickytickets.com.au
Classical Ballet Centre: The Canberra dancing company presents its production of The Greatest Show on Earth. Canberra Theatre Centre, 1-2 December; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Small Works: A showcase of over 100 small scale artworks in a variety of mediums from a collective of artists. Beaver Galleries, 1-22 December; beavergalleries.com.au
Belconnen Arts Centre: Hosts four new exhibitions: Visual Expression from The Bunker Studio Artists; Scenes from the Mall from Spiros Coutoubas; Hesitation from Eliza Adam; DISCRIMINATE from John Brookes. 1 December-11 February; belcoarts.com.au/exhibitions
Seniors Christmas Market: Find unique Christmas gifts, experience demonstrations and live performances, grab a tasty Christmas goodie or enjoy a buffet meal. Canberra Seniors Centre, Turner, Friday 1 December 4pm; eventbrite.com.au
Trove Christmas Party: Celebrate the silly season with drinks, nibbles and discounts from a collective of local artists and designers. Trove Canberra, Dickson, 1 December 5-7pm; trovecanberra.com.au
Book Launch: Karina May shares her new romance fiction novel Never Ever Forever, set in Mudgee, where marketing professional Rosie trades her career in for a spot on the local radio station. Bittersweet Café, Kingston, 1 December 6pm; humanitix.com
Elixir: The Aussie three-piece celebrates their fourth album A Small Shy Truth at The Street Theatre, City West, 1 December 8pm; thestreet.org.au
Dark Matter 2023: A showcase of the works created throughout the 2023 Dark Matter Residency. PhotoAccess, until 2 December; photoaccess.org.au
Canberra Rep: Present their final work for the season, a rollercoaster comedy of history and tragedy in The complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]. Canberra Rep Theatre, until 2 December; canberrarep.org.au
Christmas Gin Festival: Gin-gle all the way to Christmas cheer with this showcase of Australian craft distillers and their exceptional gin creations. Clink your glasses with festive merriment and take a drop home to share. University of Canberra, Bruce, 2-3 December; ginevents.com.au
Graduating Exhibition: The ANU School of Art & Design 2023 graduates showcase their works. ANU School of Art & Design, 2-10 December; soad.cass.anu.edu.au
Christmas Market: Kangara Waters crafters have been busy creating wonders in patchwork, porcelain, knit, jewellery and much more perfect for the festive season and gift-giving. Kangara Waters Retirement Village, Belconnen, Saturday 2 December 8.30am-12.30pm.
Christmas Fair: Grab a Christmas gift, plant, preloved books, craft items, clothing, jewellery or tasty baked goods, plus free tea, coffee and biscuits for all. Christ Church, Hawker, 2 December 9am-12.30pm.
National Danish Performance Team: Catch a glimpse of the amazing talent of the National Danish Performance Team when the Danish Embassy in collaboration with Canberra Theatre Centre and Woden Valley Gymnastics Club present a free performance by the team at the steps in front of Canberra Theatre Centre on Saturday 2 December 10.30am.
Korea Day Festival: The Korean Association of Canberra invites locals to the upcoming festival where you can experience the vibrant colours and sounds of Korea. Soak up Korean culture with live K-pop music and dance performances, K-fashion experiences, K-food tastings, and K-play in this family fun day. Glebe Park, 2 December 11am-3pm; facebook.com/TheKoreanAssociationOfCanberra
A Journey to Christmas: The Canberra Men’s Choir hosts an afternoon of joyous Christmas music to get you in the festive spirit. St John’s Anglican Church, Reid, 2 December 2.30pm; trybooking.com
Christmas Festival and Markets: Stalls for all your festive delights, pizza and gelato trucks, raffle prizes, face painting and a special visit from Santa. Tarago Hall, Tarago NSW, 2 December 4-8pm.
In Paradisum: The Canberra Community Chorale performs Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem and Last Verses by the Chorale’s musical director Dan Walker. Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, 2 December 5pm; trybooking.com
Dan Sultan: The beloved Aussie singer-songwriter brings his beautiful tunes to town with special guest Jack Biilmann. UC Hub, University of Canberra, 2 December 7pm; moshtix.com.au
Battle of the Big Bands Christmas Ball: Travel back to the Christmas of yesterday with this swinging big band jazz-off. Dress up in your vintage best and bring your favourite festive dish to share. Albert Hall, Yarralumla, 2 December 7.30pm; humanitix.com.au
Metaverse of Magic: This world-leading interactive magic spectacular takes audiences on a journey through theatre and magic with some of the world’s most renowned illusionists. Canberra Theatre Centre, until 3 December; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
King Lear: A deteriorating King misjudges the loyalty of their children leading to devastating consequences in this retelling of the Shakespeare staple. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, until 3 December; theq.net.au
Processed: Emeirely Nuciforna-Ryan presents an observation of daily practice, captured over seven months and displayed in the style of a Gregorian calendar. CCAS Manuka, until 3 December; ccas.com.au
Christmas at OBDM: The beloved Kingston markets turns festive with handcrafted gifts, Christmas trees and photos with Santa. Sunday 3, 10, 17 December; obdm.com.au
Canberra Potters: Presents the Canberra Potters 2023 Members’ Exhibition. Watson, until 3 December; canberrapotters.com.au
Terribly British Day: An event to showcase the finest in British-made vehicles, from the classics to the more recent. Queanbeyan Park, Sunday 3 December 9am-3pm.
Karise Eden: Covering blues, soul, pop, country and everything in between, this powerhouse musician performs originals and a collection of covers at Tallagandra Hill Winery, Gundaroo NSW, 3 December 6.30pm; tallagandrahill.com.au
Tim Minchin: A series of intimate shows where the set list is fluid, the chat unplanned and vibe informal. Llewellyn Hall, ANU, 4-6 December; livenation.com.au
Interplay: The Dance Development Centre presents a fusion of dance, music and visual settings in this showcase of student talents. Canberra Theatre Centre, Tuesday 5 December 5pm & 7.30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Canberra International Improv Festival: The improv comedy tournament returns with improvisers from around the world performing works before your eyes. The Street Theatre, City West, 6-10 December; thestreet.org.au
William Yang’s Mardi Gras: An exhibition celebrating the works of the photographer, artist and filmmaker with his works from the 1981- 2003 Mardi Gras events. National Library of Australia, 6 December- 3 November 2024; nla.gov.au
Music at Midday: The Royal Military College Band performs a concert with the gold coin entry donation going to War Widows ACT. Canberra Theatre Centre, Wednesday 6 December 12pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
The War on 2023: Some of the country’s top satirists come together to present a wrap of the headlines from around the world this year. Canberra Theatre Centre, 6 December 7.30pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
You Am I: The legendary Aussie rock and roll band bring The You’s Pull Up Their Troos Tour to The Basement, Belconnen, Thursday 7 December 7pm; tickets.oztix.com.au
Canberra Potters 2023 Christmas Fair: Looking for unique gifts? Local potters and ceramicists showcase a curated selection of ceramic art and pottery at Watson Arts Centre, 8-17 December 10am-4pm daily.
Handmade Markets: The beloved markets return just in time to finish your festive shopping of bespoke and handmade goods. Exhibition Park, 8-10 December.
Trip A Little Light Fantastic: The Kim Harvey School of Dance presents their end of year production at Canberra Theatre Centre, 8-9 December; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Tailings: Bridget Baskerville examines the social, ecological, economic and health impacts of extractive industries on regional communities through the lens of the artist’s hometown Kandos, NSW. CCAS Manuka, 8-17 December; ccas.com.au
RSPCA Shelter Christmas Markets: Support animals in need across our region with this festive fun day, with stalls, live performances, kids’ activities, dog photos, Christmas trees for sale, and the chance to adopt a new furry family member. RSPCA ACT, Weston, Friday 8 December 4-8pm; rspca-act.org.au
Allen Stone: The powerful Soul showman brings his Off The Beaten Path Tour to UC Hub, University of Canberra, 8 December 7pm; moshtix.com.au
A Very NFSA Christmas: The NFSA’s signature eclectic Christmas program continues with Tim Burton’s Gothic fairytale Edward Scissorhands. National Film and Sound Archive, Friday 8 December 6pm; nfsa.gov.au
Carabosse: GDANCE presents its end of year dance concert with a showcase of artistry and grace in this immersive production. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 9-10 December; theq.net.au
ANU Classics Museum: Voluntary guides conduct free tours on the second Friday of each month at 11am in the A D Hope Building, ANU; call 0438 883 373.
When You Wish Upon A Star: The Lisa Clarke Dance Centre presents their end of year production at Canberra Theatre Centre, Saturday 9 December 10am & 2pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Carols by Candlelight: The annual event returns as the Woden Valley Youth Choir and Canberra City Band sing festive tunes for all. Bring a blanket and a picnic or choose from some of the region’s best food vendors. Stage 88, 9 December 6pm; facebook.com/CanberraCarols
A Very NFSA Christmas: Joe Dante’s lovable and chaotic Christmas classic Gremlins, a family-friendly film with a dark comedic edge that will entertain parents as much as children. National Film and Sound Archive, Saturday 9 December 6pm; nfsa.gov.au
Carols on the Lawn: An evening of community fun with kids’ activities, BBQ and festive carols. St Peter’s Anglican Church, 9 December 7pm; westonmolonglo.church
Genesis Owusu: The multi-ARIA award-winning artist celebrates the release of his sophomore album Struggler with a national tour, stopping in at UC Refectory, University of Canberra, 9 December 7pm; moshtix.com.au
Thundamentals: Back and ready to flex their live show skills, the beloved band brings the More This Life tour to The Basement, Belconnen, 9 December 7pm; tickets.oztix.com.au
Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody: Thomas Crane and band Bohemian Rhapsody return to town with a brand new tribute show. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 9 December 7.30pm; theq.net.au
Wood Spirits Unearthed: Myron Mykytiuch showcases a collection of carved wood works crafted in the spirit of nature in recycled and repurposed materials. Yarralumla Gallery, until 10 December; ygob.com.au
Illuminate 2023: The 10th annual exhibition of the Friends of the ANBG Photographic Group showcases photos of Australia’s unique flora and fauna taken within the Gardens. Australian National Botanic Gardens, until 10 December; parksaustralia.gov.au/botanic-gardens
Deliverance: The Capital Dance Studio presents a showcase of their students and choreographers across two shows. Canberra Theatre Centre, Sunday 10 December 11am & 4pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Canberra Choral Society: Presents a Christmas concert full of choral music and carols from the Middle Ages to the modern day in Hodie Christus Natus Est. Wesley Uniting Church, 10 December 6pm; trybooking.com
Threatened Species Open Photographic Exhibition: Photographers from around Australia share their works to shine a light on our at-risk native plants and animals and celebrate the conservation practices that are supporting their plight. Wild Bark at Mulligans Flat, until 13 December; belcoarts.com.au
Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland: OnBeat Dance Studios presents their end of year production with a reimagining of the classic Lewis Carroll tale. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 13-14 December; theq.net.au
Goldilocks and the Three Bears: The beloved children’s tale continues to delight audiences in this travelling musical rendition. Various locations, Queanbeyan, Braidwood and Bungendore, 14-17 December; theq.net.au
People You May Know: A passion project from the promising young mind of Canberra theatre makers, Lucis Theatre Co. presents its debut production. Canberra Theatre Centre, 14-16 December; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
The Australian Haydn Ensemble: The final shows of this year’s season feature the delightful and quirky Haydn’s Times of Day symphonies. Albert Hall, Thursday 14 December 5pm; australianhaydn.com.au
A Very NFSA Christmas: Die Hard 2, John McClane is back for the equally explosive sequel to the original Die Hard. National Film and Sound Archive, Thursday 14 December 6pm; nfsa.gov.au
Winging It: There’s nothing quite like the joy and exhilaration that swells in your chest when watching a stage full of actors dancing together and singing in glorious harmony. But what if we added the spark of spontaneity? Watch Lightbulb Improv create a brand-new musical before your very eyes, complete with memorable characters, captivating songs, spirited dance routines, and epic storylines, with the razzle-dazzle of a Broadway show. A single audience suggestion and they’ll create a fully improvised musical! Smith’s Alternative, 14 December 7pm; smithsalternative.com
Christmas Classics: The Luminescence Chamber Singers and friends, accompanied by the angelic strains of Luminescence Children’s Choir, present a program of classic Yuletide songs and traditional Nativity hymns. Wesley Uniting Church, 15 and 17 December; trybooking.com.au
Christmas Carols: Mt Rogers Community Christmas Carols Sing-along is proudly supported by St Paul’s Ginninderra and Mosaic Baptist Churches. Bring a picnic or choose from our BBQ options. Christmas songs old and new. Friday 15 December from 5pm. Plenty of parking off Curley Street, Spence.
Kath & Kim Xmas Drag Bingo: Celebrate the Christmas season with two Aussie icons, hosted by foxy morons Prada Clutch and Conchita Grande. Dress up as your favourite character for your chance to win. Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah, 15 December 7pm; eventbrite.com.au
A Very Canberra Comedy Festival Christmas: Join the best Canberra Comedy Festival comedians as they deliver a Santa sack full of laughs to having you ho-ho-hoing until Christmas Day. Canberra Theatre Centre, 15 December 8pm; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Harry Connick Jr.: Returning to Australian shores for the first time in a decade, the musician brings a catalogue of hits both original and covers to The Royal Theatre, 15 December 8pm; premier.ticketek.com.au
Send It!: The Eden Dance Academy presents a performance that throws caution to the wind as they embrace fun with a heart of passion. The Q- Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 16-17 December; theq.net.au
Ready Set Rainbow: Eden Dance Academy present a colourful dance extravaganza exploring the theme Life is full of colour. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 16-17 December; theq.net.au
Creative Distractions: Artists Di Dibley, Roz Dibley, Anne Kennedy and Marion Schumacher present an exhibition in different mediums as a response to the natural world. Rusten House Art Centre, until 16 December; qprc.nsw.gov.au
Broadway Brunch: A theatrical extravaganza, step inside and be transported to a world where all your favourite shows coexist accompanied by a delicious meal. Saturday 16 December from 11am; tickettailor.com
Celebrate Christmas with Llewellyn Choir: The Llewellyn Choir presents their end-of-year celebration concert, featuring traditional carols and music from Holst, Vaughan Williams, Bach and more, with soloist Rohan Thatcher and accompanist Anthony Smith. Griffith Neighbourhood Centre, Saturday 16 December 6pm;llewellynchoir.org.au
Christmas Ball: The chance to jingle and mingle amongst the festive cheer, dazzling decorations and joyful dancing in a stunning festive wonderland. Crystal Ballroom Canberra, 16 December 6pm; eventbrite.com.au
Prom Night at the NFSA Carrie Special Screening: For one night only, the NFSA will be transformed into a quintessential American prom night, complete with balloons, refreshments and music. Frock up and enjoy canapes in the 1970s-styled courtyard, with a drink on arrival, before the screening. National Film and Sound Archive, Saturday 16 December 6pm; nfsa.gov.au
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience: Be part of the action as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up a 3-course meal with a side of mayhem and non-stop laughter. Mercure Canberra, 16 December 7pm; eventfinda.com.au
Christmas at The B: The Queanbeyan Players host their third annual charity event with Christmas carols, trivia and raffle to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease NSW. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 16 December 7pm; theq.net.au
Pacific Navigators: John Gould shares works informed by a fascination with how objects and artefacts reveal culture and history of place and people. Strathnairn Arts, until 17 December; strathnairn.com.au
Ben Drysdale: The local indie folk launches his debut single, If I Don’t Lie Down, with a free performance. The Canberra Irish Club, Sunday 17 December 4pm.
Carols in Town Park: The Tuggeranong Salvation Army invites you to an afternoon of community fun with entertainment, children’s activities, a sausage sizzle and community carols. Tuggeranong Town Park, 17 December 4pm; facebook.com/carolsintownpark
A Christmas Carol: The festive season classic by Charles Dickens sees Scrooge and the Christmas spirits take the stage at Canberra Theatre Centre, 19-24 December; canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Morning Melodies: Hosts a festive event in the Magical Christmas Special, a sparkling celebration of all things Christmas. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Thursday 21 December 11am & Braidwood National Theatre, Friday 22 December 11am; theq.net.au
Colours of the Forest: This solo exhibition from Josephine Townsend explores the unique characteristics of different clays alongside techniques to create the colours and textures of forests. All are welcome to the opening on Saturday 25 November 2pm, and Artist Talk on Saturday 2 December 12 noon. Humble House Gallery, Fyshwick, until 24 December; humblehouse.com.au
Monaro Folk Society: Host a New Year’s Eve bush dance with live music, dances taught for those who need it. Bring a plate to share with tea, coffee and cordial flowing. Yarralumla Woolshed, Sunday 31 December 8pm; monarofolk.org.au
Continuing
White Out: From sheets to shirts, this refreshing exhibition from CIT Fashion School features upcycled garments to challenge fashion industry norms. Canberra Museum and Gallery, until 14 January; cmag.com.au
BLAZE: The emerging artists showcase by the Canberra Contemporary Art Space with bold and challenging works as curated by Alexander Boynes. CCAS Parkes, until 27 January; ccas.com.au
Personal Mythology: A look into the past, current and future myths of the young artists in the Messengers non-clinical support program. Tuggeranong Arts Centre, until 27 January; tuggeranongarts.com
Capturing Canberra: A display of Canberra Museum and Gallery’s recently acquired Press Photography Collection with over 3,500 images telling the story of our region. Canberra Museum and Gallery until 28 January; cmag.com.au
The ballad of sexual dependency: Nan Goldin’s career-defining work captures the intimate lives of a community of friends in the 1970s-1980s in these raw and captivating shots. Viewer discretion advised. National Gallery of Australia, until 28 January; nga.gov.au
Grit & Gold: Tales from a Sporting Nation: Relive the highs and lows of Australia through our rich sporting history. National Library of Australia, until 28 January; nla.gov.au
Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize: Nearly 100 works share the rich history of the competition at National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, the final destination of its three-year tour. NPG, until 28 January 2024; portrait.gov.au
On the Move: This new child and family exhibition takes you on a journey through different modes of transport in an interactive space. Canberra Museum and Gallery, until 28 January; cmag.com.au
Madonna40: A Celebration: Experience this incredible homage to the Queen of Pop, as one Canberra fan shares their collection of Madonna memorabilia. Canberra Museum and Gallery, until 3 March 2024; cmag.com.au
Deep Inside My Heart: Bringing together sculptures, drawings and other works from the national collection by female artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. National Gallery of Australia, until 19 May 2024; nga.gov.au
Focus: Australian Government Photographers: Undertake a journey spanning six decades of Australian life with works from some of the government photographers working between 1939 and 1996. National Archives of Australia, until 10 June 2024; naa.gov.au
Canberra/Kamberri, Place & People: Discover the story of Canberra as the place where nationhood found a home – the people, places and history that make up this city and region. Canberra Museum and Gallery, ongoing; cmag.com.au
MoAD: Home to a host of exhibitions, such as Behind the Lines 2023, Blueprint and Statement: Jack Green’s Paintings at Old Parliament House, free entry; bookings encouraged.
Recurring
The Little Burley Market: Bringing gourmet food and artisan handicrafts lakeside each week. Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, Saturday 9am-1.30pm; thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Night Markets: The community-run event runs every Friday 4-8pm at Anketell Street, Tuggeranong.
Smith’s Alternative: Irish Jam each Friday from 4pm; Comedy Open Mic, first Sunday of the month 7pm; smithsalternative.com
Capital Region Farmers Market: Fresh seasonal produce and gourmet goods at EPIC, Saturdays 7-11.30am; capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
Mt Ainslie Music Club: The community ensemble meets for improvisation every first Thursday of the month 8-10pm, Ainslie Arts Centre; ainslieandgorman.com.au
Behind-the-Scenes History Tour: Go behind the scenes of Canberra’s oldest public building and see its evolution. Canberra Glassworks, Kingston, every Wednesday and Friday 10.30am-2pm; canberraglassworks.com
Lunchulele: Every Monday 12.30-1.30pm, ukulele players perform at Smith’s Alternative; smithsalternative.com
Kippax Marketplace: Indoor market at Kippax Uniting Church Community Centre on the 3rd Saturday of the month 8am-12pm; free entry.
Community Market: Monthly market at Calwell shopping centre on the 3rd Saturday of the month 9am-3pm and Queanbeyan Park on the 3rd Sunday 9am-2pm.
Old Bus Depot Markets: The much-loved markets continue at the Old Bus Depot in Kingston, Sundays 9.30 am-2.30pm; obdm.com.au
Bric-a-Brac Rummage: Hunt for second-hand treasure in front of South.Point, Tuggeranong, Sundays 9am-3pm.
Trash and Treasure: Hunt for second-hand goods, fresh produce and homewares every Sunday at the Jamison Centre, 7am-12.30pm; trashandtreasuremarketjamison.com.au
Sing Australia: Weekly sessions at: Belconnen, Thursday 9.30am; Duntroon, Monday 7.30pm; Greenway, Monday 1pm. Costs apply; singaustralia.com.au
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