A Christmas concert with a twist awaits at the Wesley Music Centre. Photo: Wesley Music Centre.
Christmas is well and truly on the way and there are plenty of things to get excited for across the capital, with film showings, carols, live music, a double whammy of sport and special festive meals.
The Wesley Music Centre hosts a special afternoon of music, performing beloved classics as well as Ukrainian carols played on the bandura, a complex instrument with a unique sound sure to add a delightful element to this Christmas concert.
This week is going to be a big one for sport in Canberra, with a basketball game between the UC Capitals and Geelong Venom on Saturday and a cricket match between Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat on Monday.
If you haven’t sorted plans for Christmas Day lunch just yet, there are still some tickets available for a few feasts in Canberra, with plenty of great food on offer.
All this and much more in our weekly guide to Canberra.
Multiple Days
Catch alternative Christmas classic Die Hard at the NFSA this week. Image: NFSA.
This week at the NFSA
When: 19 December and 20 December
Where Arc Cinema, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: Tickets from $12 to $16 | Book online.
Two Christmas flicks come to the NFSA this week to kick off the holidays in the Xmas Party Mix series. A DJ will play festive tunes from 6 pm in the heritage courtyard and local wines, cocktails and charcuterie will be available from the NFSA’s deli and bar.
Friday’s showing is the 2003 rom-com classic Love Actually, telling an interwoven story of love, heart and humour, featuring a stellar cast of characters and set during the turbulent Christmas period.
Saturday’s showing is the iconic Bruce Willis film Die Hard, in which tough New York cop John McClane heads to LA to reconcile with his wife, only to find the party has been hijacked by terrorists.
Beloved Christmas musical classics come to the Canberra Theatre Centre. Photo: Canberra Theatre Centre.
The Christmas Spectacular
When: 22 December, 6:30 pm and 23 December, 2 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: Tickets from $59.90 to $79.90 | Buy tickets.
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.
Join The Voice finalist and Musical Theatre sensation Prinnie Stevens as she takes you on a musical journey of Christmas classics from traditional songs to Mariah Carey favourites, all performed with Prinnie’s unique style.
Saturday
Get into the Christmas spirit this week. Image: Humanitix.
Christmas Spirits with the women who make them
When: 20 December, 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Where: Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Parkes
Cost: Tickets $35 | Book online.
Head to the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre for an end-of-year celebration with local spirits and the women who create them.
Women distillers from across the Canberra region will come together to share their stories from the industry, all while sharing their newest and most exciting drinks with the public. It’s a great opportunity to get an insight into the artistry, challenges and enjoyment that come with working in a growing industry.
Spirit lovers, curious laymen or simply people who want a good time are welcome to come and listen to the panel discussion, take part in guided tastings and enjoy a cocktail on arrival.
Vocals, piano and the Ukrainian Bandura combine for a stunning Christmas concert. Image: Trybooking.
Christmas Carols with Anna and Larissa
When: 20 December, 5 pm to 6 pm
Where: Wesley Music Centre, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest
Cost: Tickets $40 | Book online.
Musicians Anna and Larissa are performing a special Christmas concert this week, blending vocal performance, piano skill and the unique sound of the Ukrainian bandura.
There will be plenty of beloved classics and timeless carols such as O Holy Night, Panis Angelicus and Silent Night, in addition to traditional carols from Ukraine.
Suitable for all ages, this is a Christmas concert with a twist, combining songs well known to Australian audiences as well as Ukrainian music.
UC Capitals v Geelong Venom at AIS Arena on 20 December. Image: UC Capitals.
Round 10: UC Capitals v Geelong Venom
When: 20 December, 7 pm
Where: AIS Arena, 26 Leverrier Street, Bruce
Cost: Tickets from $30 to $40 | Book online.
Our UC Capitals will be looking to wrap up a pre-Christmas win against the visiting Geelong Venom.
With the WNBL season reaching its halfway point, expect the Capitals to go all out to secure a crucial home win with a road-heavy January on the horizon.
Sunday
Enjoy delicious smoked meats every second Sunday at Old Canberra Inn. Photo: Old Canberra Inn.
Smoked Meats with Colonel Fatboy von Bootleg
When: 21 December, from midday
Where: Old Canberra Inn, 195 Mouat Street, Lyneham
Cost: $19 for tacos; $26 for brisket roll.
A collaboration between Colonel Fatboy von Bootleg and the Old Canberra Inn is live, so come down and enjoy the smoked goodness.
Mark your calendars for every second Sunday as the smoker will be fired up, delicious food will be prepared, cared for and watched to ensure perfect barbecue. Meticulously smoked meats will also be paired with carefully chosen rubs and spices, making for the perfect meal.
Monday
Cricket comes to Canberra this Monday. Photo: Events Canberra.
BBL: Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat
When: 22 December, 7:15 pm
Where: Corroboree Group Oval, Manuka, Manuka Circuit, Griffith
Cost: Tickets from $25 | Book online.
Big Bash is coming to Canberra and Manuka Oval is hosting a head-to-head contest between Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat.
Don’t miss out on evening summer cricket, with all the thrills and atmosphere that come with it.
Thursday
Midnight Hotel hosts a special Christmas meal. Photo: Midnight Hotel.
Christmas Day Lunch at Midnight Hotel
When: 25 December, noon
Where: Midnight Hotel, 1 Elouera Street, Braddon
Cost: Tickets $170 | Book online.
Take the effort out of Christmas Day and celebrate in style at Midnight Hotel with a festive lunch including share-style courses.
Enjoy a complimentary Christmas cocktail on arrival, bonbons for the table and a photobooth to capture your memories (available until 2 pm). Treat the little ones to a special kids’ menu and children aged 10–12 can enjoy the festive experience at a special rate.
Upcoming events
- New Year’s Eve Seafood Buffet at The Promenade Cafe – 31 December
- Workday Canberra International 2026 – 4 January.
- Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show – 7 January.
- Heat + The Burley Griffin | Hot Summer Nights at the NFSA – 9 January.
Submit your event here to be considered for our weekly events guide.
