It’s time to ramp up the fun as the silly season approaches and Christmas begins to make its presence felt. Spectacular light displays and awe-inspiring trees will get you in the Christmas spirit, and if that doesn’t work there are musical performances galore in every capital city. From Motown-covering favourites, Human Nature, performing amongst the wildlife at Perth Zoo, to iconic events such as Carols in the Domain and the Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight, there are a plethora of not to be missed Christmas celebrations for 2013. For extra holly-jolly Yuletide fun, all you need is to find some mistletoe…
NSW
What: Queen Victoria Building Christmas
The iconic Swarovski QVB Christmas tree returns this year to awe and amaze with its sheer size and intricate detail. Spanning three floors, connecting the ground floor with the majestic dome of the historic building, the Christmas tree features 144,000 Swarovski crystal ornaments and 60,000 twinkling lights. Don’t forget to visit the magical Swarovski Crystal Garden while you’re checking out the tree; Santa will reside here in a North-Pole inspired wonderland glittering with over 12,000 crystal ornaments.
Where: The Queen Victoria Building, 455 George Street, Sydney.
When: 30th October-end of December.
More Info: qvb.com.au
What: Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens
1.5 million Christmas lights will take up residency in the immaculate Hunter Valley Gardens in the seventh annual Christmas Lights Spectacular. If you’re feeling more ‘bah humbug’ about the silly season than The Grinch, the largest Christmas lights display in the Southern Hemisphere should get you excited for holiday season. Satiate your hunger at one of the many food and beverage stalls as you watch your kids meeting Santa and enjoying the amusement park rides on offer. Throw in carols and other performances, and this is a Christmas celebration not to be missed!
Where: Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Polkolbin.
When: 15 Nov 2013- 26th Jan 2014 (not 15 Oct)
More Info: huntervalleygardens.com.au
What: Carols in the Domain
Now in its 31st year, the Carols in the Domain is Australia’s largest free Christmas concert. There are few things that inject a bit of Christmas spirit than this huge outdoor event surrounded by skyscrapers, other revellers and loads of candles. While the full program hasn’t yet been released, the event usually features a star-studded cast alongside the various choirs sending music to your ears all in the name of Christmas. Don’t fret if you don’t live in Sydney, the event will be broadcast live on Channel Seven for those who still want to join in the festivities!
Where: The Domain, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
When: 21st December
More Info: carolsinthedomain.com
VIC
What: Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight
More than 10,000 candles will light the sky on Christmas Eve for the annual Sidney Myer Music Bowl Carols by Candlelight. Now in its 76th year, the event promises to bring together some of Australia’s top talents to celebrate Christmas with contemporary and classic carols. Anthony Callea is an ambassador for the Vision Australia supported event, which aims to raise money for blind children.
Where: Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Linlithgow Avenue, Melbourne
When: 24th December
More Info: carols.visionaustralia.org
What: Myer Animated Christmas Windows
Myer Melbourne’s Animated Christmas Windows is now in its 58th year of delighting Melbourne locals and visitors alike. Each specially designed window brings to life a segment of a whole story spread across all of the animated displays. This year’s windows are based on the children’s book ‘Gingerbread Friends’ by Jan Brett. Santa Claus will also be available for a picture up on level six!
Where: Myer Melbourne, 314 Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne.
When: 8th November-5th January
More Info: myer.com.au/christmas
What: Melbourne Town Hall Christmas Projections
From dusk until 11pm every evening in the lead up to Christmas, Melbourne’s Town Hall will become a focal point as Christmas-themed projections light up the building’s facade. World-class projection designers, the Spinifex Group (think the Opera House during Sydney’s Vivid Festival), have created the lights to evoke the Christmas spirit and make the most of the Town Hall’s magnificent architecture.
Where: Melbourne Town Hall, 100 Swanston Street, Melbourne
When: 29th November-25th December
More Info: thatsmelbourne.com.au
QLD
What: Myer Christmas Parade and Pantomime
Over 200 performers will team up to perform the timeless Christmas classic, ‘The Nutcracker’ in a parade from QPAC stage to King George Square. Queensland Ballet will put on the majestic performance daily, and it will feature 3, 4 and 5 metre high 3D Christmas ornaments to infuse awe into the singing and dancing Pantomime that has become a much-anticipated Christmas staple for the city.
Where: Various locations, Brisbane CBD
When: 13th-22nd December
More Info: bnecity.com.au
SA
What: Adelaide Symphony Orchestra & James Morrison Play Christmas
Jazz extraordinaire James Morrison is joined by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra for his own special take on Christmas classics. Expect favourites like Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen to be hit with the jazz stick and spiced up in this festive extravaganza!
When: 13th December
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre
More Info: ticketek.com.au
WA
What: Human Nature
If any band knows how to do a killer cover, it’s Human Nature. Fresh from a residency at Venetia Las Vegas, the boys will perform a selection of Christmas classics backed by a sixteen-piece band. What’s more, they’ll be performing at Perth Zoo — here’s hoping the lions and cheetahs are fans of a jazzy Christmas carol!
When: 20th December
Where: Perth Zoo
More Info: ticketek.com.au
