It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Here's our pick of what to do in Canberra (and beyond) this weekend.
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1. CHRISTMAS IS COMING TO TOWN
The first of the Christmas celebrations in Civic starts this weekend with Christmas Carnival In The City. City Walk, Petrie Plaza and Garema Place will be filled with food markets, carnival rides, sideshow alley and Santa on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There will be food from A-Dough Me, Krofne Donuts, Via Dolce, Cannoli brothers, Le Petit Breton, Capital Woodfire Pizza, Tikka Stand, Harmonie German Club, Bentspoke and more. Open Fri noon-10pm, Sat noon-10pm and Sun noon-6pm. Free entry - rides are ticketed. See inthecitycanberra.com.au.
2. GET YOUR GIFTS
The Old Bus Depot Markets will offer up all things Christmassy from this weekend, and double their opening hours to both Saturdays and Sundays every weekend leading up until Christmas, 10am-4pm. Stock up on cakes, gingerbread houses, mince tarts, puddings, shortbread, live Christmas trees, wreaths, handmade stockings and advent calendars. Free entry.
3. THE COMMONS
Street food festival The Commons returns to Canberra for its second year, taking over Commonwealth Park with 20 food trucks from around the country, drinks, entertainment and activities for the kids. It's on for 11 days from November 30-December 10, open Mon to Wed 5-9pm, Thurs 5-10pm, Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat noon-11pm, Sun noon-9pm. All ages, free entry. See thecommonsstreetfeast.com.au.
4. CHERRY FESTIVAL
Christmas time also means cherry season. Head to Young for the National Cherry Festival all weekend where you can pick cherries, buy fresh produce, watch the parade, or try your luck in the pip spitting or cherry pie eating contest. There will also be live entertainment and art displays. Boorowa Street, Young. For a full program see nationalcherryfestival.com.au.
5. DON'T FORGET THE DOGS
Take the dogs to the wineries. Murrumbateman Winery's wine dogs, Mollie and Tannin are getting into the Christmas spirit by hosting a Christmas Dog Day on Saturday, 10am-5pm. Anyone can head along for a day out, and get a photo with Santa. Take along a dog toy to put under the wishing tree. See murrumbatemanwinery.com.au.
6. CHRISTMAS COMEDY
As a teaser for the Canberra Comedy Festival in March, A Very Canberra Comedy Festival is on Saturday night at Llewellyn Hall with a Santa-sack full of laughs over a two-hour showcase. Hosted by Dilruk Jayasinha, the lineup includes Joel Creasey, Fiona O'Loughlin, James Smith, Maddy Weeks and Anthony Tomic. Show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets from canberracomedyfestival.com.au.
7. TERRIBLY BRITISH DAY
A wide range of British cars and motorcycles will be on display at Queanbeyan Park on Sunday for the 42nd Terribly British Day. 10am-3pm. Food and coffee available. Entry by gold coin donation.
