24 January 2024
21 mins Read
With so many exciting things going on around the country in December, it can sometimes get a little overwhelming to map out your calendar. To help you out, we’ve collated a guide of the best goings-on for the month to help you out.
From festive Christmas markets and art exhibits to summer festivals and New Year’s celebrations, you’re truly spoilt for choice. Have your calendar at the ready and let’s get planning.
NSW | VIC | QLD | TAS | WA | SA | NT | ACT
Ringing in the New Year for 2024, Lost Paradise returns with an all-star lineup. Taking over Glenworth Valley, the mammoth line-up of international superstars and fierce local talent includes Flume, Dom Dolla, The Jungle Giants, PNAU, Jayda G, and loads more.
This year, Lost Paradise will offer so much more than its musical line-up. Need a break from the music or keen to try something new? Head to Shambhala Fields for yoga, talks, workshops, healing arts and Indigenous experiences. Or wander a diverse range of markets in the Lost Village. Also, just to add the icing on top, glamping tents are available to book.
Christmas markets will be the place to shop for all your festive needs this season, and Cambridge Markets has set up in beautiful locations all across Sydney. Shoppers will find handcrafted wares ranging from ceramics, artwork, textiles and jewellery to Christmas puddings, fresh produce, skincare and even dog accessories.
The markets include the Ultimate Christmas Market EQ in Moore Park (3 December), the Pittwater Christmas Market in Mona Vale (9 December) and the Ryde Christmas Market in Meadowbank (10 December). Find the perfect gift for your loved one at some of the best Christmas markets in Australia, and maybe pick up a little something for yourself too.
Nothing screams Christmas more than getting your own gingerbread house.
In partnership with AIX, Centennial Homestead in Sydney’s lovely Centennial Park is set to transform for Rosé and Croquet, the ultimate summer garden party. An abundance of rosé will be yours for the sipping, as well as complimentary mini croquet kits to play in the sun.
Put your favourite summer fit on and sprawl across outdoor seating under umbrellas or on picnic blankets on the grass. To top it all off, order a picnic board curated by Centennial Homestead’s executive chef, Jeffrey Forrest, or browse the casual dining menu for fresh and contemporary dishes.
How about some croquet with your rosé?
The beautiful surf town on the South Coast of NSW is set to come alive this December with the aptly named Thirroul Music Festival. The line-up radiates rock n roll vibes, with folk, Americana and classic country music playing across five seaside venues: Anita’s Theatre, Railway Hall, The Bowlo, Frank’s Wild Years and Buster’s Tavern.
This year’s stellar set features local and international acts, including Amends, Birdsville, Deadnecks, Hayley Marsten and Minor Gold, among other talents. Thirroul is also blossoming with cute cafes, cool restaurants and cosy accommodation options, so why not make a weekend out of it?
Witness a stellar line-up over five epic stages. (Image: Thirroul Music Festival supplied)
Now in its 73rd year, the National Cherry Festival is held in the cherry capital of Australia, a small town nestled in the Hilltops Region of NSW. The streets of Young turn red and green with the celebrations, from live entertainment to crazy competitions, as the cherry orchards reach their peak.
This year’s program is packed with fun events, like the cherry pit spit competition and a cherry pie eating contest. Visitors can also wander market stalls, check out the Lego exhibition, watch dog shows and pick their own cherries at orchards across town.
Go cherry-picking to collect your own batch to take home. (Image: Destination NSW)
Calling all art lovers – the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (commonly known as BRAGS) is hosting its 2023 Art Fair this December, and you’re invited. The free exhibition is all about showcasing artworks from both established and emerging artists. The amazing artworks are up for sale too, with all funds going back into the gallery’s artistic programming and collection.
Artwork from talents all across the region, including Bathurst itself along with the Blue Mountains, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange and Mudgee will be on display. At the end of it all, join the local art community for music, drinks, canapes and a whole lot of art talk.
The Art Fair will be held at the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery. (Image: Destination NSW)
Kiama‘s biggest music festival should be your early Christmas present to yourself. And it might just end up being your favourite. Since 2016, Changing Tides has been keeping South Coasters sated with good music and delicious food.
This year, head down to this beachside town and witness Spacey Jane, Dune Rats, Royal Blood, The Jungle Giants and other massive names take to the stage. There will also be epic food trucks for hungry bellies.
Iconic Aussie band Dune Rats will be performing at Changing Tides this year.
Ring in the new year in style by claiming a piece of prime real estate at House of Splendour in the Yallamundi Rooms of the Sydney Opera House. This is one of the best ways to celebrate the New Year, including a roving feast of canapés, free-flowing French Champagne, premium wines and food stations.
A ticket to the party will also secure front-row seats to Sydney’s world-famous fireworks as the clock strikes 12. Expect some bangers on the ‘mixtape’ curated by some of the city’s superstar DJs.
Watch the NYE fireworks from the Sydney Opera House.
Wishing for a white Christmas? Look no further Jolly Market at Customs House Forecourt in Sydney. Be whisked away to somewhere North, where snow is falling and authentic wood-hut chalets line the streets, full of glorious gifts and wares. It truly is a magical time.
Jolly Market is bringing you all this magic and more. Jazz music will fill the air as you peruse locally sourced artisan products, jewellery, toys, spirits, clothes, organic tea and more. There will also be food and drinks to enjoy as you stroll.
The holidays are getting closer, which means it’s time for some Christmas shopping!
Hosted by the Linden New Art Gallery in the Melbourne suburb of St. Kilda, the Linden Postcard Show is all about celebrating creativity and showcasing local art. Although entries have closed, artists are still encouraged to come along and admire postcards by a diverse range of artists and support the thriving local art community. In a special first, there will be a dedicated exhibition showcasing two series of postcards made by students from Yirrkala School in North East Arnhem Land.
To coincide with Postcards and in partnership with The Gospel Whiskey, the gallery is also hosting Gospel Sundays, a four-week summer pop-up bar each Sunday until 5 February. So after you’ve checked out the exhibit, you can sip on a whiskey-based cocktail and enjoy the tunes of alternating DJs in the Sunday sun.
Admire walls adorned with personal, handcrafted postcards.
Gather your friends and family and head down to South Yarra for Carols at Como Park the weekend before Christmas. The free event is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit, with roving performers, food and drink stalls, a firework display and, of course, two hours of carols.
Hosted by musical theatre icon Rhonda Burchmore, attendees can expect guest appearances from Thndo, Ash Flanders and Margot Morales with musical director Casey Bennetto. The festivities kick off at 6 pm, with carols from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. All proceeds made on the night will go to the mayor’s selected charity, SES.
In an all-time first, Tokar Estate Winery will host an outdoor movie program every Friday and Saturday night throughout the month of December. Alongside the cinema, the Yarra Valley-based winery will host gourmet food trucks, estate-grown wines, watermelon frosé, cocktails, local beers and a candy bar for classic choc tops and cinema snacks.
The program is jam-packed with family-favourite blockbusters, but the best part is the pre-screening fun. There will be plenty of space for kids to roam, lawn games, magical views of the vines and an epic sunset each night. Tickets are on sale now.
Tokar Estate Winery will host an epic outdoor cinema.
If you’re looking to gift a loved one something locally and lovingly made this year, CRFT* WRK is the place to go. The monthly contemporary art fair is held at Melbourne’s iconic Queen Victoria Market, dedicated to giving local makers a platform to showcase and sell all things handcrafted.
Browse stalls touting art, ceramics, jewellery, embroidery, ethical textiles, homewares, artisan perfume and even dog accessories for your furry friend. Head to the C and D shed between 9am – 4pm.
CRFT* WRK celebrates contemporary, locally made crafts.
This year, Ballarat Markets is holding a special Twilight Christmas Market, running from 4pm – 8pm on Zoo Drive in the Botanical Gardens. Last year, the event saw over 150 vendors in attendance and expect even more this year, so have your wrapping paper at the ready!
Once you’ve wandered the stalls, explore the rest of Ballarat’s stunning Botanical Gardens. Sit by Lake Wendouree, visit the Tramway Museum and let the kids run wild at the adventure playground.
Beyond The Valley is back for its eighth year and promising a line-up like never before. Witness RÜFÜS DU SOL, Central Cee, DMA’s, G Flip, Kelis and so many more light up the stage and bring in the New Year.
There will also be a live podcast stage where you can see Love Island fan favourites, Anna and Matt with their podcast Where’s your head at? Other popular pods to look out for include In Bed With Georgia Grace, Flopstars and Yarning Up.
Beyond The Valley is back for its eighth year. (Image: Duncographic)
In partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria, the National Gallery of Australia and private lenders, the Emerging From Darkness: Emotion and The Body in the Baroque exhibit will feature at Hamilton Gallery from 8 December to 14 April 2024. Visitors will have access to world-renowned masterpieces and never-before-seen works by the likes of Artemisia Gentileschi, Sofonisba Anguissola, Valentin de Boulogne and Bartolomeo Manfredi.
In addition to this rare exhibition, there will also be a symposium, a series of talks, tourism packages involving accommodation and food/wine experiences and bespoke products up for grabs. Tickets are on sale now, priced at $20 per person.
Lavinia Fontana, Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine, 1574-77, oil on copper, National Gallery of Victoria Melbourne, Felton Bequest, 2021.
More than 2000 artists will descend on the makeshift village of Woodfordia for Queensland’s frivolously folky Woodford Folk Festival.
And it’s not just the roster of experimental folk musicians that inspires campers to get their groove on at the annual gathering. This year, the buzz is about everything from inspired conversations to live folk music and opportunities for reflection.
Meet groovy characters at Woodford Folk Festival. (Image: Lachlan Brown)
BrisStyle Twilight Market is a recurring event in Brisbane’s King George Square, with locally handmade goods that are as delightful as they are sustainable. This December, the much-loved market will turn into a Christmas extravaganza under the twinkling lights of the Brisbane City Christmas Tree.
Peruse the incredible work of over 60 local artisans, selling everything from ceramics to embroidery and all-natural skincare. There will also be plenty of food trucks and live music.
BrisStyle Twilight Market is set to take over King George Square. (Image: Rachel Kimberley)
Brisbane’s Wildlands Festival will return over this New Year’s Eve period, expanding to Perth and Adelaide for the second year in a row. With Luude, The Jungle Giants, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Central Cee, Boo Seeka and more taking to the stage, Wildlands is going to be off the charts.
Featuring world-class production, iconic stage design, decor and arts, Wildlands offers festivalgoers a day of immersive music and arts escapism unlike any other. The will also be food trucks and fully stocked bars, so what are you waiting for?
Grab your mates and head to Wildlands. (Image: @zennieshia)
Adapted from Charles Dickens’s classic novel, the theatre production of A Christmas Carol will take over the Concert Hall at Queensland Performing Arts Centre in Brisbane this December. The production is a magical, grand-in-scale showcase brimming with song, humour, love and lashings of festive joy, perfect for the whole family.
Complete with live music, yule-tide carolling, innovative video design and even snow, this isn’t one to miss. Tickets are on sale now.
Head to HOTA on the Gold Coast this December for its iconic Christmas Twilight Market. Browse and buy artisanal handmade gifts, devour gourmet eats and treats, spot roving performers, snap a selfie with an elfie and enjoy joyous live music.
There will also be plenty of kids’ activities, Chrissie decorations and a visit from Santa himself, all under festive festoon lights. The market will run from 4pm – 9pm; entry is free.
Make sure you make your list and check it twice! (Image: Goodwill Projects)
Over 300 stalls make up the Salamanca Market in Hobart. And what better way to spend Christmas Eve than trawling through them with family and friends, finding quirky gifts for loved ones? Think books, candles, spirits, tools, art, jewellery, plants, fashion and flowers.
Alongside countless unique wares, attendees can also enjoy buskers and food stalls showcasing some of Tasmania’s best locally grown food. The market spans the full length of Hobart’s historic Salamanca Place, running from 8.30am to 3pm.
Wander through over 300 stalls at Salamanca Market. (Image: City of Hobart and Alastair Bett)
The Taste is back again at Hobart’s stunning Princes Wharf! This year, Taste of Summer is bringing together a collection of incredible Tasmanian food and drink stalls, plus loads of local entertainment and a dedicated space for kids. Plus, there’ll be an incredible line-up of Tassie’s best-performing artists for you to enjoy.
Don’t have any plans for New Year’s yet? Taste of Summer has got you sorted too, with some awesome events lined up. So come and fill a plate, raise your glass and celebrate the summer. Tickets are on sale now.
Cheers to Taste of Summer.
There are few events in Australia that garner as much media attention as the Sydney to Hobart Sydney Yacht Race. Well-deserved attention, we think, because what could be more epic than gathering to watch yachts race along the Australian coast?
The start of the race is icing on Boxing Day’s cake and prompts massive festivities before the yachts even begin to sail up to the starting line. The Hobart Race Village will be bustling with food and drink stalls, live music and activities, plus it offers great viewing for the start of this iconic sail.
Make sure to witness the finale in Hobart on New Year’s Eve.
Wander the rooms of the beautifully historic Balfour House in Cygnet for The Artisan’s Hand Christmas Market this December. Meet the creatives behind each handmade gift you purchase, from ceramics and woodwork to textiles and art prints.
You can even purchase a delicious, home-baked Christmas pudding that will have the whole family asking for seconds. Running from 3pm – 8pm, this isn’t one to miss.
Broome loves Christmas so much, that they host a party just for its arrival, featuring Christmas markets and Carols by Candlelight too. This free event is the best way to get the whole family excited for the festive season.
Soak up the lovely community atmosphere as you wander stalls making your lists and checking them twice. Say hello to Santa before settling down as the sun sets for carols by candlelight. And enjoy delicious food and live music, all in the name of Christmas.
Say g’day to one of WA’s newest country music festivals, Country Sounds! Time to saddle up and head down south for WA’s ultimate hoedown as Country Sounds Music & Art Festival is coming to Brunswick in the Harvey Region to rock your socks off.
A jamboree for the whole family, Country Sounds is set to showcase the cream of the crop in Australia’s country music scene. The line-up just boasts some huge names, including Lee Kernaghan, Kasey Chambers, Brad Cox and Fanny Lumsden. Get your tickets before it’s too late!
Country Sounds is WA’s ultimate festival experience.
Step aboard the famous Mandurah Christmas Lights Cruise and be immersed in kaleidoscopes of colour streaming across winding waterways. Mandurah turns it on like you wouldn’t believe, and it’s breathtaking!
The marine city is filled with more than 200 ornately decorated homes, shimmering with millions of Christmas lights. The elaborate installations cast brilliant bursts of colour and reflections across the channels. Choose the right cruise option for you and grab your tickets now.
Cruise your way through Christmas lights during this festive season.
The Ice Cream Factory Summer Festival is returning this year, with Perth’s most iconic summer series back to inject life into the city. Ice Cream Factory Summer Festival captures the spirit of an Australian summer: warm nights and open-air live music alongside innovative activations and creative experiences.
Over one month, the festival is a melting pot of musical talent, including A-Trak, Genesis Owusu, Mallrat, Hermitude and San Cisco. There will also be hyper-designed branded activities and pop-up bars from Australia’s leading operators – all overlooking Perth’s iconic skyline.
Ice Cream Factory Summer Festival will return with another stacked lineup.
Don’t cry over Spilt Milk… Unless you miss out on tickets to this fan-fav festival. Spilt Milk is back for another year of music, art and food, all for your entertainment. After downing a hectic feed from Chicken Treat, check out three epic art installations before ending the night dancing to an all-star ensemble.
This year, Spilt Milk is bringing along a giant line-up of international and local heavy hitters. Think Post Malone, Dom Dolla, Aitch, Cub Sport, Lime Cordiale and Peach PRC, among a long list of other talents. Nab tickets now!
Spilt Milk is one of Australia’s best music festivals. (Image: Jordan Munns)
A beacon of light to the local community and South Australians of all ages, The Lights of Lobethal is community-driven and volunteer-run and, throughout its 60-year history, no other calendar event has built more morale, created more happy memories and spread more joy, hope and resilience like it.
Experience the magic of Christmas and ignite your sense of nostalgia by immersing yourself in impressive experiences, fantastical light installations as well as traditional and reimagined Christmas events. Whether it’s your first time, or you have been visiting for years… it’s time to see the light!
Come see the lights this Christmas in Lobethal. (Image: Dylan Sanders)
For a traditional German-style Christmas market, look no further than Hahndorf, one of our Top 50 Aussie Towns. It was settled by German refugees in 1838 and to this day holds its European heritage.
It’s no surprise then that Christkindlmarkt draws on its European traditions. Alongside the markets, attendees can enjoy mulled wine, carols by candlelight, roasted chestnuts, caramel apples and more. The free event will run from 3pm – 10pm each day.
Pick up gorgeous Christmas wares at Christkindlmarkt.
This month, wine and comedy event Grapes of Mirth is hitting Taylors Wines in the Clare Valley for the very first time. Expect a heavyweight roster of killer stand-up comedians to pair with refreshing South Australian wines.
This year’s line-up, which kicks off at 3 pm, is looking fresh, with Merrick Watts, Mel Buttle and Brett Blake among the six outstanding comedians taking to the stage. General admission tickets are on sale now, priced at $89 per adult.
Grapes of Mirth is set to take over Taylors Wines in the Clare Valley. (Image: Anson Smart)
Willunga in South Australia’s stunning McLaren Vale region is home to Dougstock Music and Camping Festival each year. The event is all about bringing generations of music to the stage, from iconic legends to emerging artists.
Forget the trek home – after boogieing through the night, head back to your campsite for a peaceful sleep under the stars. Then get up the next day and do it all over again. Set among the rolling hills and dramatic landscapes of the valley, Dougstock isn’t one to miss.
Admire stunning landscapes as you enjoy live music.
Gather your loved ones and head to The Gardens in Darwin for Carols by Candlelight. Sing along to all your favourite Christmas songs as the sun sets, followed by an epic fireworks display that will wow the whole family. This is a free event, however pre-booking is essential.
Say farewell to 2023 from 3 pm at Darwin Waterfront with The Corbs, Liv Heyer, Melanie Gray Duo, Bob Fleet Orchestra and more talented acts treating you to some good tunes.
This New Year’s Eve event in Darwin is free and no ticket is required, so bring a picnic and relax on the grass with your nearest and dearest. Fireworks start at 9 pm and at midnight. Happy New Year!
Start the new year in the right way at Darwin Waterfront.
This free, local community event in Alice Springs promises to fill you with the festive joy of Christmas. The Wonder: A Christmas Musical encapsulates the meaning of Christmas through the story of Grace, Joy, John and Lavender.
The four orphans must discover the Wonder of Christmas before their dream of the Christmas Hotel, personified favourite toys and Christmas libraries overtake their Christmas Day reality. Tickets are on sale now.
Canberra Sunset Cinema is returning this summer with its signature mix of hot new releases, all-time classics and family favourites to the stunning Australian National Botanic Gardens. Order hot food from the food truck, plus all your essential movie snacks like choc-tops and popcorn.
There’s a jam-packed season ahead so whether it’s date night, family night or catching up with mates, Sunset Cinema is this summer’s must-do experience.
Going to the outdoor cinema is always a good idea.
The Canberra Gin Festival is the place to be this December, with over 200 gin products up for sampling. What’s more, if you love it, you can take it home to enjoy yourself or gift it to a gin-loving loved one for Christmas.
More than 50 craft distillers from all across Australia will be present, making the variety unmatched. Tickets are up for grabs now, with all gin samples included in the price, plus a tote bag to carry your goodies. Food trucks will also be onsite.
Sample delicious gins from 50 Aussie craft distillers.
Fans of the British television sitcom Faulty Towers are gonna want to clear their calendars for this one. Taking place at Mercure Canberra, Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is here for you to enjoy, direct from London’s West End.
Over two hours, three of the show’s best characters, Basil, Sybil and Manuel, will deliver a three-course meal direct to your table with a large helping of non-stop laughter on the side. Tickets are on sale now; the experience will run from 7 pm to 9 pm.
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