If you are living in or visiting the Canberra or Queanbeyan areas over Christmas, then you will find many local ways to celebrate this location. Canberra is the capital of Australia and there are many different cultural attractions in the area. There are different ways to celebrate the event of Christmas, entertain children during the school holidays, and also prepare for Christmas day through shopping for gifts and food.
You can also escape to the coast, in an easy drive out of Canberra, to Batemans Bay which is a popular destination over summer. It can be visited as a day drive, or chosen as a destination for a weekend or longer stay. There are beachside caravan parks in this area, places to dine out, fish and chip shops and ice cream shops. You can walk past the river and boats, and enjoy many water sports or bushwalks in the area.
Canberra and Queanbeyan over Christmas can get very hot over the summer months, so don’t forget to plan a trip to the beach. If you are planning on staying in accommodation here though, book ahead, even earlier in the year. Batemans Bay and surrounding coastal areas often get booked out in advance over the Christmas season as they are popular beachside locations.
Canberra Christmas Markets
The Canberra Christmas markets are a great place to stock up on gifts, foodstuffs and handicrafts. They have unusual items and this might be the best place to go if you are looking for a special gift, for the people that already have everything, or who are difficult to buy for.
The Canberra Christmas markets are held over a weekend in December at Exhibition Park in Canberra. The entry fee is minimal and you will find a diverse range of stalls that will excite and delight you. This is a great outing for the entire a family, a great way to start the Christmas season with good cheer, and also a fantastic way to prepare for the Christmas Day and holidays ahead.
Christmas Lights in Canberra
In 2011, the Richards Family in Canberra won a Guinness Book of Records entry as their house had the most Christmas lights. This event attracted many locals who visited the house to see the twinkling lights, and the well-decorated Christmas tree in the centre of it all.
The family explained that initially they decorated their house for their children, but then the effort became larger and larger and they started to collect donations for a charity of their choice.
There are many houses in all suburbs of Canberra and Queanbeyan that are decorating their houses and many of them compete with each other for the best display. There are Christmas trees and fairy lights and elaborate decorations that put all families and children in the true spirit of Christmas.
To explore the area of Canberra and Queanbeyan during Christmas time, to view all of the light displays, take a drive through the suburban areas in the outer suburbs. You can drive yourself, or join in the public tours which are held during December, to visit all of the hotspots that are popular that year.
Carols by Candlelight
Carols by candlelight are held in Canberra every year at Commonwealth Park. Local musicians perform the carols that are well-known, and everyone is encouraged to sing along. As the night falls, candles are light and torches brighten up the park. The nearby water glistens and the stars twinkle, and this is an event that is well worth traveling in from the suburbs for.
All members of the family will enjoy this festive event and it is a great opportunity to dance and sing, or just stretch out on the grass with your loved ones. Take a picnic and some food to share, and you will certainly be in the Christmas spirit and feel part of the community.
In Queanbeyan the Christmas carols are held at Queanbeyan Park on Lowe Street and there is always a visit from Santa. If you love the sound of music, and this family event, you can always attend both of the carols which are held on separate nights.