What's on in Canberra This Week?: 25th November - 1st December

Nov 24, 2024

8 min read

It's hard to believe, but December is already here! That means there's a whole bunch of Christmas-y fun happening around town, including the Denman Prospect Christmas Picnic in the Park, the Geek Markets: Xmas Edition, and free merry-go-round rides at Petrie Plaza in the City. Read on to find out what's on in Canberra for families this week.

Woden Library Re-Opening Activities

To celebrate the re-opening of the Woden Library, there are a range of fun events happening this week. Throughout the week, you can join in on:

Balloon storytime with Dr. Chloe Lim
Drag Storytime with Faux nee Phish
Movie Marathon (showing Clueless and Ten Things I Hate About You)
Blackout Poetry
Scavenger Hunt
Colouring In
Making Chatterboxes
Singing and Dancing with Wiradjuri Artist Johnny Huckle
Mural Workshop with Howard Mathew

Events are happening at various times throughout the week - find more info and the full schedule here.

Re-Opening Activities @ Woden Library - 25th November - 1st December - free

20 Years of Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

This week sees the opening of the ‘20 Years of Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year’ exhibition at the National Archives of Australia. 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

NICA Try-It-Out Day

NICA will be holding Try-It-Out events in Australia this summer! These events are designed to provide a structured and welcoming environment for youth to try mountain biking and learn more about what NICA has to offer. Their try-it-out events are perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike, offering a chance to explore the sport in a fun and inclusive setting. Find out more info about these free sessions, and about NICA, at their website.

NICA Try-It-Out Day @ Mt Stromlo - 30 November - free

Sunset Cinema

Head outdoors to watch a movie with the fam this week at the Sunset Cinema. Screenings this week include ‘It Ends With Us’, ‘Gladiator 2’, ‘Memoir of a Snail’, and ‘Saturday Night’. Find more info here.

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

National Arboretum’s Nature Playgroup

The National Arboretum’s Nature Playgroup is a weekly nature-based playgroup facilitated by the National Arboretum's outdoor educators. Nature playgroups offer a unique and holistic approach to childhood development, fostering a deep connection between children and the natural world. Suitable for children aged between 18 months - 5 years, and their carers. Find more info here.

Nature Playgroup @ The National Arboretum - 25th & 29th November - $15

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

Summer Garden Vase- A Floral Workshop with Miss Moss

In need of a girls day out? We hear you! In this class, learn how to transform the best locally grown Spring blooms into arrangements for home or for an event. There will be an introduction to floristry basics; care and preparation of flowers, techniques to extend vase life and essential tools of the trade. Class size is limited to eight people to ensure a quality learning experience. Grazing Platters, tea, coffee and Champagne, will also be provided. These Workshops take place in a relaxed, inclusive and supportive environment at the Miss Moss floral studio In Lyons. Find all the details here.

Floral Workshop @ Miss Moss Floral Studio, Lyons - 30th November - $195

Groundhog Day Screening

Head to the NFSA's Arc Cinema to see this family-friendly classic starring Bill Murray. Grab your tickets here.

Groundhog Day @ The NFSA - 29th November - $12+

ACT Holden & Ford Day

If you've got young ones who love cars, head along to this even for all Holden & Ford enthusiast young an old. After a meetup in Mitchell, let the wind whip through your hair and join a cruise to Murrumbateman. Find more info here.

ACT Holden & Ford Day @ Speeds Spares, Mitchell - 30th November - 11am - free

Harvest Stall

There is nothing like the taste of home made jam, freshly made chutney and the scent of herbs. Made with organic produce from the Arboretum's very own Kitchen Garden and with fruits from the forests, stock up on homemade goodies and seedlings and support the Friends of Arboretum, just in time for Christmas. All proceeds go towards funding Friends of the Arboretum projects at the National Arboretum Canberra. Find all the details here.

Harvest Stall @ The National Arboretum - 30th November - 10am - 2pm - free

Good Goodies Flea Market

Good Goodies is a community style flea market at Gang Gang where local creatives have the chance to have a stall at NO cost to share their goodies!!! Think stalls ranging from arty art, preloved & vintage clothes, pottery, magic, cake treats & much much more. Find more info here.

Good Goodies Flea Market @ Gang Gang Cafe - 30th November - 3-6pm - free

Little Faces @ the NPG

The National Portrait Gallery has a treat for the smaller humans in your life! Little Faces is for babies and toddlers (with their grown up) to play, sing and have fun discovering a portrait together. This Spring, join them as they look at portraits in the series Some Lads by Tracey Moffatt to explore how we move our bodies through dancing, singing and crafty play. For children from 6 months to 3 years. Find more deets here.

Little Faces @ the NPG - 29th November - various times - $12

Australia Red Cross' Teddy Bear's Picnic

Join in for a teddy bears picnic to celebrate the Trauma Teddy’s Birthday! Bring your family along for a sausage sizzle and cake! RSVP by the 25th November. Find all the details here.

Teddy Bear's Picnic @ Weston Park, Yarralumla Play Station - 30th November - 11am - free

Christmas Events

Hall Village Christmas Street Party

Come and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon and eve in Heritage Hall Village for the annual Christmas Street Party. Running the length of the village on Victoria Street between Gladstone and Hoskins streets, wander through the artisan Christmas street market with over 100 vendors and grab a bite from one of the tasty food vans or local cafes. Local retailers will also be staying open late for the event. Enjoy live music and entertainment, including. Canberra Brass Band and The Whiskey Sippers Celtic Folk Band. Find all the details here.

Christmas Street Party @ Hall - Victoria Street, Hall - 29th November - free

Majura Park Christmas Activities

Majura Park is the place to be this Christmas, featuring a festive lineup of activities for everyone! This week’s activities include Santa Photos, and Brunch with Santa. Find more details here.

Majura Park Christmas Activities - 30th November & 1st December - free

Maggie Moo

Maggie Moo Music Tuggeranong have some special Christmas sessions running this week, including a Mixed Music & Messy Moo session @ 10:15 on the 29th, and Mixed Moo & Play @ 9:30 & a Messy Moo session @ 10:30 on the 1st of December. Find more details here.

Maggie Moo Music Tuggeranong Christmas sessions - 29th November & 1st December - $20+

Advent Wreath Workshop

Use your creativity to make an advent wreath with candles which can adorn your table throughout the Christmas season! Volunteers from the Molonglo Valley Gospel Community will walk you through creating your own custom wreath – a great activity for individuals or family groups to get creative together. Each ticket is suitable for a family group (making one wreath), individual tickets are not required. Book your ticket here.

Advent Wreath Workshop @ Denman Village Community Centre - 30th November - $5+

Cooking with Spices Christmas Edition

Ever cooked something and wondered what spice to put in your food, why, at what stage in the process and how to best prepare them for quality nutrition and flavour? Keen to make some handmade goodies you can gift to others (or yourself!) for Christmas? Then this workshop is for you! Find more information here.

Cooking with Spices Christmas Edition @ Mandala Studio - 30th November - $45

Geek Markets: Xmas Edition

Geek the halls and get ready for some season geekings! It’s time for Geek Markets Xmas Edition! Join us once again at this fantastic festive geeky event and experience a pop culture extravaganza that's perfect for the whole family! The Geek Markets: Xmas Edition is with a festive celebration of everything geeky! Find more info here.

Geek Markets: Xmas Edition @ EPIC - 30th November - free

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 all the details here.

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

Denman Prospect Christmas Picnic in the Park

Join us for a festive celebration at the Denman Prospect Christmas Picnic in the Park! Bring your own picnic and enjoy an evening of entertainment and celebrations with friends, family, and neighbours. You can expect live music, a photobooth, gelato, a pop-up bar, an appearance from Santa and his elves, a sausage sizzle, and more. Find all the details here.

Christmas Picnic in the Park @ Denman Prospect - 29th November - 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

Christmas Markets

Get your Christmas shopping done while you indulge in delicious treats at the Brindabella Business Park Christmas Markets! Find more details, including all of the stall vendors, here.

Christmas Markets @ Brindabella Business Park - 28th November - 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

Belconnen Pony Club Santa Photos

Join the Belconnen Pony Club this festive season for rustic Christmas photos with a professional photographer for your family and pets. Find more information here.

Santa Photos @ Belconnen Pony Club (McGregor) - 30th November - 9:30am - 3:30pm