The Canberra Christmas Tree is back up and the lights are on, with the help of Red Nose! This year the events are bigger and better, helping you get ready for the silly season ahead.
The local charity held a special event earlier this month in the city to extend its appreciation to the business community for its contribution to the installation of the huge 22-metre Christmas tree, which features its own integrated sound and light show, reminding us of how quickly Christmas sneaks up on us!
The Christmas Tree will light up the nation’s capital throughout the festive season and is the major focal point at this year’s Christmas concert, featuring none other than Aussie rock legend Shannon Noll, along with a number of other exciting acts including Lah-Lah and the Brindabella Chorus.
The concert officially kicks off the festivities on 16 December, and to keep that Christmas spirit fever going around there will be five food, gifts and arts-themed markets held from 16-24 December. The markets will be held under a canopy of fairy lights in Ainslie Place and Civic Square, replacing the tunnel of lights that ran along City Walk in 2015.
The Burgers, BBQ & Beers Markets on 16-17 December will turn Civic into a delicious dream – including a number of foodie favourites such as Grease Monkey, American style BBQ from Soul Cartel and a special edition Christmas beer from BentSpoke Brewing Co. You can vote on the name of BentSpoke’s Christmas beer via the Burgers, BBQ & Beers Markets official Facebook event.
Those behind the winning name will be the first people to get to try the beer in all its glory! Currently leading the pack is Beer McBeer Face with Hoptimus Prime not too far behind, so head over to Facebook and vote for your favourite!
The Christmas Food Markets will include over 80 different local providers, while the Street Food Markets and the Cocktails & Canapes Markets are perfect to enjoy a festive feast or cocktail. Then there’s Canberra’s inaugural Sweet Tooth Dessert Markets, featuring the jaw-dropping creations of local dessert designers such as Ricardo’s and Pip & Lou.
With so much amazing food, handcrafted goodies and activities on offer, there is something for the whole family and all your friends at Christmas in the City this year, whether it be live entertainment, Dachshund races, a petting farm and, of course, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a photo with Santa!
Visitors are welcome both day and night, and the event encourages us Canberrans to stress less in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day.
Christmas in the City 2016 events:
• Christmas in the City Concert: Friday 16th December
• Burgers, BBQ and Beer Markets: Friday 16th December – Saturday 17th December
• Street Food markets: Sunday 18th December – Monday 19th December
• Sweet Tooth Dessert Markets: Tuesday 20th December – Thursday 22nd December
• Cocktails and Canapes Markets: Friday 23rd December – Saturday 24th December
• Christmas Handcrafted Gifts and Arts Markets: Friday 16th – Saturday 24th December
