Friday 22nd November

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Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: What's on this weekend + some low cost and free Santa photo options

☀️ Weather: 30° and mostly sunny.

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👉 What's On This Weekend in Canberra

The Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar, Community Toolbox Open Day, Squeak Out Laneway Festival, Sapling Yard Cellar Door Anniversary, and more is happening this weekend.

Get the full rundown of weekend events here.

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🎅 Santa Photos in Canberra

Canberra Centre, South Point, and Westfield all use the same company for Santa photos, with prices starting around $26. However, there are several free or low-cost alternatives around Canberra:

Haig Park Village Markets: Santa will be at the Haig Park Markets every Sunday in December for free Santa photos. There will also be a mailbox for letters to the North Pole. Details here.

Gungahlin Marketplace: Santa will be appearing at the Gungahlin Marketplace on the 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th December from 11am to 2pm near Big W. Photos will be taken on customers' devices in exchange for a donation to Sydney Children's Hospital. Details here.

Majura Park: For a fee of $5 you can secure a session with Santa where you will receive one high resolution digital file and a 6x8 print copy. Majura Park is also running sessions where you can take photos on your own phone for a gold coin donation. Details here.

Dickson Shops: The City Renewal Authority is running pet-friendly photo sessions at the Dickson Shops. Get a photo with Santa and Mrs Claus. Details here.

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Something to do: 🎥 IMAX Movies

Dendy has announced the brand new IMAX theatre will be opening in December. Mufasa: The Lion King will be the first film showing on the giant screen. Tickets are now on sale. Details here.

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Kids: 🎄 Christmas Workshops at Majura Park

Majura Park is holding several free workshops for kids this December, including tote bag decorating, DIY baubles and DIY snow globes. The sessions are free, but bookings are required. Details here.

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This Weekend: ⛲️ Open Garden

The last two open gardens of the year, run by Open Gardens Canberra are happening this weekend. The two stunning gardens, Dhulwa and Teachers’ Rest are open this Saturday and Sunday. Details here.

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Looking Ahead: 🤣 Rhys Darby

Kiwi icon Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords, Our Flag Means Death) is coming to Canberra for a brand new stand-up show. He'll be here in April. Tickets go on sale today. Details here.

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Sport:

Raiders 2025 Draw: The draw for the Raiders 2025 season has been released, with 11 matches being played at home. The Raiders will kick off their season in Las Vegas. Details here.

🏀 Capitals Win First Game: The Capitals have won their first game of the season with a thrilling 81-80 win over the Townsville Fire. They'll be back in action this Saturday in an away game against Geelong.

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Tidbits

ACT Economy: New data from the ABS has shown the ACT is the second fastest-growing economy in the country. The Northern Territory experienced the highest growth at 4.6%, while the ACT saw 4% growth.

ACT Senators: David Pocock introduced a private member's bill to the Senate on Wednesday, proposing to increase the ACT's Senators from two to six—half the number allocated to the states. The bill is unlikely to gain significant support in the chamber.

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Correction: I didn’t include the link to the Max Dupain book event at the NLA in yesterday’s issue. You can find it here.