With Christmas celebrations looming, “CityNews” speaks to some local experts with inspiration and ideas for making the most of the festive season.

With Christmas celebrations looming, it’s time to think about getting the festive season plans underway.

There are venues ready to help with Christmas parties for work or social functions, and businesses looking to help customers get started on their Christmas shopping.

“CityNews” speaks to some local experts with inspiration and ideas for making the most of the festive season.

Raise a merry glass to the year that was

‘TIS the season to indulge in festive delights and celebrate the spirit of togetherness with colleagues, family or friends, says Rydges Canberra area director of sales and marketing, Natalie Graham.

“Book your team in for a feast that promises not only delicious food, but your own covered private outdoor terrace to enjoy the best of Canberra’s summer weather,” she says.

“The Lounge Bar at Rydges opened in 2022, after an extensive refurbishment of the entire hotel.

“It was designed to present a sophisticated and relaxed bar for guests and external patrons alike with a large outdoor terrace to enjoy the afternoon sun.”

Natalie says Rydges’ carefully curated menu includes all of the traditional trimmings and is available with a beverage package or cash bar.

“Our love of hospitality, and seeing our guests have an exceptional experience drives our passion here at Rydges,” she says.

“So come share in the joy as we make merry, and raise a glass to the year that was and the year ahead.

“No venue hire fees apply to groups of 12 or more for lunchtime bookings.”

Rydges Canberra, 17 Canberra Avenue, Forrest. Call 6295 3144, or visit rydges.com

Mike says goodbye with a Christmas sale

MIKE Welch, CEO of The Christmas Emporium at Hang Ups, says he has always been passionate about Christmas, but it’s time for him to say goodbye.

“Not to the Christmas Emporium, but myself,” he says.

“After some 10 years of sourcing Christmas delights from all over the world, I am taking a step back, and handing the reins over to new blood – Adele.

“Adele shares my passion for Christmas, the decorations, festivities and most importantly, family.”

Mike says Adele will be taking over The Christmas Emporium from next year.

“She is seeking a new location to house The Christmas Emporium,” he says.

“But, we’ve gone into clearance to move The Christmas Emporium, everything is half the ticketed price.”

Mike says The Christmas Emporium is also making way for a new, down-to-earth, art gallery.

“Selling Aboriginal art and contemporary sculptures, mirrors and the like,” he says.

“But eh, sorry, with me still here, you’ll get the same irreverent service you’re used to!”

The Christmas Emporium at Hang Ups, 72 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 0312, or visit echristmas.com.au

Crown Christmas, with choices to suit everyone

CROWNE Plaza is a great destination venue for Christmas events with three main menu offerings, says meetings manager Emily D’Aquino.

“With a variety of spaces including garden terraces or private function rooms, Crowne is great for a staycation for those who wish to stay in the city,” she says.

“And, it’s walking distance to late-night venues for those who wish to kick on after the event.”

Emily says Crowne Plaza’s “Summer Festive BBQ” is perfect for up to 100 guests in a private shaded garden terrace with an outlook to Glebe Park, and access to the park, perfect as a family friendly event.

“Our pre-Christmas buffets – November 24 and 29, December 1 and 8 at 12pm to 2pm – are perfect for those who have smaller groups or offices to book a table (or two) with seating available up to 110 guests,” she says.

“It includes a buffet lunch of tiger prawns, salads, leg ham, chicken breast, gnocchi, Christmas pudding and so much more.

“Or immerse yourself in festive flavours of our two-course or three-course Festive Set Menu, specially crafted for groups of 25 guests or more.

“Delight in smoked salmon and truffle salad, sous-vide duck breast, mushroom risotto and turkey.”

Crowne Plaza has been operating for 20 years in Canberra, says Emily, offering eight event venues and staff who take pride in the seamless delivery of events, dinners and overnight accommodation.

Crowne Plaza, 1 Binara Street, Canberra City. Call 6274 5500, or visit canberra.crowneplaza.com.au

A ‘scandalously’ good Christmas party is the Policy

THE Statesman Hotel’s Nancy B cocktail lounge is almost fully booked every Friday and Saturday night leading to December, but general manager Kirsty Danks-Brown says there’s still a few nights available.

“This is the perfect space if people are looking for a midweek private area,” she says.

“Officially, the hotel is 55 years old, and underwent a full refurbishment in 2022 reopening at the end of last year.

“Featuring a revamped restaurant with a gorgeous open kitchen, Policy, and our quaint little cocktail lounge and private function space, Nancy B.”

Kirsty says additionally, Policy Restaurant is offering a Christmas menu for group bookings.

“The Policy Terrace is just perfect this time of year, to be enjoying dining and celebrations outdoors,” she says.

“We will, of course, be decorating with the usual Christmas cheer and will have a little theme fun with the team in their favourite festive fashions.

“We are fun, affordable and don’t mind a little scaled-down scandal to add to the mix.

“We love our guests, we don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we do take our intention seriously, to make each and every guest feel they are the most important person in the room.”

The Statesman Hotel, Corner of Strangways and Theodore Street, Curtin. Call 6281 1777, or visit statesmanhotel.com.au

A masterpiece of Christmas creativity

HAVING opened in Belconnen in September 2020, Pinot & Picasso studio manager Melissa Boarer says it offers a place for great experiences through creativity.

“Our BYO paint-and-sip functions are always popular for Christmas parties and work get-togethers,” she says.

“We offer both two and three-hour classes catering for groups of 10 to 30 people.

“We can also come out to you for pop-up sessions.

“For smaller groups, we offer joining one of our super fun public sessions, which we host during the Christmas period.”

Melissa says the amazing creative team has a collection of 20+ festive artworks to choose from, which range from beginner-friendly paintings, textured artworks, DIY baubles and gingerbread house plant pots.

“There’s something for everyone and every group,” she says.

“Our team has worked hard to become Australia’s number one Paint and Sip experience.

“Our team of artists are passionate about people and creativity. We love seeing people get out of their comfort zone and try a new skill. 

“We feel rewarded when people leave with a masterpiece and a smile on their face.”

Pinot & Picasso, Shop 6/54 Benjamin Way, Belconnen. Visit pinotandpicasso.com.au

Where everyone’s welcome to celebrate Christmas

HIGHLIGHTS of the Christmas season at All Saints Anglican Church in Ainslie include a Christmas Fayre on December 2, Festival of Lessons and Carols at 6pm, December 10, and Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at 11pm.

“At All Saints, our vision is to share the love of God and love of neighbour within a progressive, inclusive community,” says secretary to the Parish Council of All Saints Anglican Church Ainslie Betsy Dixon.

“We are committed to sacramental worship that engages our senses, to social justice and to learning and growing together in faith.

“All are welcome at All Saints Ainslie.”

Betsy says the church building has a fascinating history.

“It was originally built as a railway station for the Rookwood Cemetery in NSW,” she says.

“Its architect, James Barnett, was also responsible for the NSW General Post Office, Sydney University Medical School and many other significant buildings.

“The use of the Gothic Revival style for a railway station makes All Saints Ainslie an archetypal example of the bold Victorian architectural spirit. It unites the traditional arts of stone carving and gothic forms with the (at the time) ‘modern’ technology of rail transport.”

The church also features two stained glass windows from England, says Betsy.

“All Saints Anglican Church is not just a heritage-listed building but a thriving, active member of the Anglican Diocese of Canberra-Goulburn with Sunday services and many other activities where all are welcome, including the monthly ‘Saturday Saints’ program for young people.”

All Saints Anglican Church Ainslie, 9 Cowper Street, Ainslie. Call 6248 7420, or visit allsaintsainslie.org.au