Thursday 12th December

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Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: Midnight Fireworks + Music at The Carillon

⛅️ Weather: 31° and mostly sunny.

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News: 🧨 Midnight Fireworks Are Back

After last year’s trial of a 9pm-only fireworks display, the ACT Government is bringing back the midnight fireworks for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

This year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations will feature two fireworks displays: a family-friendly show at 9pm and one at midnight. Both will be accompanied by a live soundtrack broadcast on Mix 106.3. Fireworks will be launched from Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and the Central Basin and can be seen from four different “hubs” around the lake where you’ll also find food and drink vans, live music and amenities. Details here.

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News: 🎶 Music Returns to the Carillon

After a lengthy renovation, music will once again ring out from the National Carillon. The Summer Sunday Sessions Series will kick off this weekend with a selection of well-known songs on the themes of Christmas, peace and Australia, including Jingle Bells, Scarborough Fair and I am Australian. It’s happening between 11am and 12pm with the best listening spots at Queen Elizabeth II Island, Kings Park and the amphitheatre outside the National Gallery of Australia.

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🍾 More NYE Events

I have a few more New Year’s Eve events:

The Jetty: Book a table at the pop-up lakeside beer garden. There is food by Fricken Chicken and Hem&Co Pizza, live music, and you’ll be in a prime position for the fireworks. Tables can be booked for a minimum of 6 people. Details here.

Ballyhoo: One of Canberra’s newest restaurants, Ballyhoo is doing a set menu feast for NYE which includes a glass of Champagne on arrival. Details here.

Bar Beirut: Lebanese-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant, Bar Beirut is throwing two NYE parties. The first is an early family-friendly celebration with bubble tea mocktails and belly dance. The second 18+ party will feature a burlesque show, DJ and an option to add a 4-hour beverage package. Details here.

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📚 Canberra Reads:

Christmas Stories with R.A Spratt: Best-selling children’s author R.A Spratt will be performing her favourite Christmas tales at Belco Arts next Thursday. Details here.

The Book Cow Turns 4: Independent bookstore The Book Cow is celebrating their 4th birthday on the 15th of December. There will be face paint for kids and some cupcakes for the first shoppers. Members of The Book Cow’s loyalty program will also receive a 15% discount. Details here.

Christmas Window: Paperchain in Manuka has unveiled a delightful space-themed Christmas window display—be sure to take a look as you stroll past!

Libraries ACT School Holiday Program: ACT Libraries have a completely free line-up of events happening from January 4 to Thursday, January 23. Details here.

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Classifieds:

🚲 Kingston Shops Centenary Cultural Trail Kingston is one of the oldest shopping centres in Canberra, with the first business lease sold in December 1924 to storekeeper J B Young of Queanbeyan. Join this Canberra by Bike and Pedal Power cultural trail to learn about this heritage and beyond. Details here.

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Cause: ☕️ Cuppa for a Carer

Carers ACT has partnered with local cafe chain Two Before Ten to launch their Cuppa for a Carer campaign. Canberrans are invited to donate the cost of a cuppa to help support services such as respite breaks and wellbeing programs for carers. Donations can be made in-store (look out for the QR code) or online. Details here.