Sydney Christmas Markets & Fare

Photo by James Horan and courtesy of Sydney Living Museums

Christmas Fare at Hyde Park Barracks Museum

Christmas is a busy time for families in Sydney with loads of festive events to choose from. This December, the Hyde Park Barracks Museum will also join in the festive celebrations with their Christmas Fare. This event showcases seasonal, sustainable and locally made food which are hand-crafted by over 40 of Sydney's best artisans, producers, chefs and urban farmers. They will be serving up delicious baked, pickled, smoked, crafted and poured delights.

Some of the highlights include charcuterie from Steph's Gourmet Foods, cheese by Pecora Dairy, Pepe Saya's Australian cultured butter, traditionally crafted loaves from The Bread & Butter Project, authentic New York bagel from the Brooklyn Boy Bagels, Carlson's Handcrafted organic fruit cordials and conserves, classic crumbles by the Dessertmakers, Christmas pudding to rival grandma's from PUD Inc, tea blends from The Vegan Teahouse and many others.

Photo courtesy of Sydney Living Museums

In addition to the sampling and shopping, you can head over to the pop-up bar and food stalls. Gourmet food available include fragrant Vietnamese broth from Bar Pho, a reworked American classic by the boys from The Nighthawk Diner, and succulent glazed ham rolls from sustainable meat providores Feather and Bone. There's also the the Hyde Park Barracks Café for more choices.

For a gold coin donation, you can visit Christmas Fare and source unique festive food and gifts for your own Christmas celebrations. Your gold coin also grants you access into the World Heritage listed Hyde Park Barracks Museum.

When: 4pm - 8pm
Phone: 02 8239 2311
Where: Hyde Park Barracks Museum
Cost: Gold coin donation
Website: sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/events/christmas-fare-artisan-food-gifts-your-festive-table
Source: http://www.weekendnotes.com/christmas-fare-hyde-park-barracks-museum/



Twilight Christmas Markets

St John's Anglican Church Darlinghurst is holding its annual Twilight Christmas Markets on Thursday 11 December 2014, from 5pm to 10pm.

This festive market will transform St John's Darlinghurst to a Christmas wonderland, bringing the excitement and anticipation of Christmas to Darlinghurst with its collection of local market stalls offering a variety of unique Christmas gifts. Whilst browsing and shopping you can enjoy live music performances and rest and refuel with some festive food at the food stalls.

There will also be entertainers performing around the market and a range of interactive activities, including a petting zoo and the rare opportunity to ride a camel just as the Wise Men did so many years ago!

Don't miss out on this fun community event. It has something for everyone.
So come along and bring some friends along to enjoy live music, great food and market stalls where you can get your Christmas shopping done early.

When: Thursday 11 December 2014, 5pm to 10pm
Where: St. John's Darlinghurst
Cost: FREE
Website: www.stjohnsanglican.org.au
Source: http://www.weekendnotes.com/st-johns-darlinghurst-twilight-christmas-market/

Easter Holiday Family Package - at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Easter Holiday Family Package - at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

This Easter we have the best school holiday deal.  Our Easter Holiday Family Package is terrific value.

Package includes:

• Stay at Metro Hotel Sydney Central and take advantage of our family-friendly accommodation that includes two double beds (for two adults & two children 0-12 years)  
• Complimentary welcome Easter treats upon arrival 
• Complimentary WiFi
• Plus the family can enjoy a full buffet breakfast daily

Book now for Easter: http://www.metro-hotel-central-sydney.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/easter-holiday-family-package-hot-deal-accommodation

Terms and conditions may apply, please see booking page for further details.

Sydney’s New Year's Eve 2014 Fireworks Display

The annual Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks are about as good an advert for the city as it is possible to have.

Paid for by the local Sydney government, the spectacular display is one of the first New Year’s celebrations to be beamed around the globe every year.

The municipal authorities, not generally known for their modesty when it comes to Sydney’s charms, describe their city as “the New Year's Eve Capital of the World” – and they’re quite right in this instance. Each year brings a different (fairly broad) theme. Last year was “Shine”, the previous year was “Embrace”, and this year it is “Inspire”. 

It truly is one of the most memorable places you will find anywhere to welcome in the New Year, with the balmy Australian summer and the wonderful harbour setting making it ideal for spending the build-up outdoors in convivial company.

That said, its popularity does create its own problems – with some areas around the harbour throbbing with crowds. With a little bit of planning and insider knowledge, you can make sure you find the ideal spot to see in the New Year 2015.

Do I need a ticket?

The short answer is no. If you don't want to pay, you don't have to - there are plenty of vantage points that do not require payment. However, there are many ticketed events, many of which will be booked up well in advance. See here for the full rundown of what’s going on.

Many places will already have sold out – some of them with astonishing price tags.

When are the displays?

It’s not such a stupid question. There are, in fact, two firework displays in the Sydney. The first is at 9pm, a “family fireworks” event before the main event at midnight. If for some reason you’d rather watch the main event from your hotel television with children tucked up in bed (good luck with that), the early showing will allow you to get back.

Where should I watch it?

The "front row seats" – the area around Circular Quay and the Botanical Gardens – inevitably are the most popular. Many old Sydney-siders think you get a better perspective from the North Shore, as well as marginally less competition for a patch of grass to watch the show.

Those who like to toast the coming year should note that many vantage points do not allow any fizz (including the Central Business District). Some include alcohol in their ticket price. Others do not allow Bring Your Own (BYO) alcohol. If this is a New Year prerequisite for you, be sure to check.

On the water

Alternatively you could take a Harbour Cruise(newyearsevecruise.com.au). Note that you’ll be on the boat for a long evening – typically, setting off at 6pm and you usually have to bring your own food but you’ll have a great, uncrowded, view of the fireworks.

When should I arrive?

Get there early, or miss out (picture: Getty Images)

The broad advice is simply to get there early or you will miss out. Competition for spaces can be fierce. People even start camping out the day before the event in some places. Even in areas where pressure to bag a spot is less intense, plan on spending most of the day there - by noon, many places will already be full. The vantage points information on the official website will have live updates on whether or not they have reached capacity.

Specific information on vantage points will be published on the main website in November: Sydney New Year vantage points

Transport

Don’t even think about driving. Sydney – never the best city for traffic – is simply nightmarish at this time of year due to road closures and crowds.

Extra public transport is in operation to get spectators home after the event. Again, it’s worth planning your journey in advance. Do so attransportnsw.info.

The official Sydney New Year's Eve website also allows you to sign up for updates about road closures and transport disruption.

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Walking With Dinosaurs | Sydney

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular

After a worldwide tour seen by over 8 million people in 243 cities, the stunning theatrical event WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular is coming to Australia for a strictly limited tour! 

Internationally renowned designers have worked with scientists to create 20 life-size dinosaurs, including the terror of the ancient terrain, Tyrannosaurus-rex! Be amazed and thrilled as the greatest creatures ever to walk the earth return before your eyes.  It’s a dazzling $20 million arena spectacle of unprecedented size and quality set to captivate young and old alike. 

Marvel at the story of their 200 million year domination of life on earth. Watch them walk. Hear the roar. Be there as they fight for survival and supremacy. From the ripple of their skin to the glint in their eye, you will know the dinosaurs have really returned! 

Don’t wait another 65 million years until they’re back! 
Book now before they’re extinct.


EVENT SCHEDULE:

Wed 18 Mar 7:00pm
Thu 19 Mar 11:00am & 7:00pm
Fri 20 Mar 7:00pm
Sat 21 Mar 11:00am, 3:00pm & 7:00pm
Sun 22 Mar 11:00am & 3:00pm

EVENT LOCATION: Allphones Arena

#dinosaurs #showsaustralia #sydney #walkingwithdinosaurs #dinosaurssydney

Sydney Mardi Gras Unveils Massive 2015 Program

Sydney's annual street-conquering celebration, the Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, has announced its full program of performance, events, exhibitions and activities for 2015, with the music side of things led by international heavyweights such as David Morales and JD Samson.

Amid the near-two-week duration of the festival, punters will be treated to a sensual smorgasbord of free and ticketed attractions in line with the year's theme of "Passion", kicking off with returning favourite Queer Thinking, billed as "a thought-provoking day of ideas, literature, academia and culture, exploring what it is to be LGBTQI in 2015". On the same day — Saturday 21 Feb — attendees will be able to celebrate and explore the lives of trans* pioneers in the Calpernia Addams-hosted Gender Trailblazers.

The family-friendly Fair Day is also back in 2015, on Sunday 22 Feb, featuring culinary treats, children's rides, market stalls, comedy, dancing and live music, plus the renowned DoggyWood dog show, all of which gives way to the free-entry After The Fair party once the sun sets. Women Say Something: Cirque Du Femme showcases a selection of particularly inspiring women such as Magda Szubanski, Dr Kerryn Phelps and Dr Dorothy Mcrae-McMahon with discussion focusing on the achievements of women from all communities; that event goes down at Fairground Follies on Friday 27 Feb.

The following evening, on Saturday 28 Feb, the famed Harbour Party hits Sydney Harbour once more, headlined for 2015 by Canadian hit-maker Kiesza. This one is ticketed, so you'll want to move fast, but it's not the only event to take over Darling Harbour — Wow Me! It's Mardi Gras brings another family-friendly hub to proceedings with pop-up drag shows, kids' workshops, and the renowned Little Black Dress Run for charity on Sunday 1 Mar.

The Mardi Gras season is stuffed full of events the whole way through to its final day on Sunday 8 Mar, when the party winds down with The Laneway event, which boasts live music, diva drop-ins, pop-up drag shows and DJ performances. There is, of course, the annual Parade, on Saturday 7 Mar, and the natural follow-up, the official Mardi Gras Party at Playbill Venues and Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park — that's where you'll be able to catch Morales and Samson, alongside Paul Mac and Sammy Jo — plus opportunities throughout the calendar to catch alterna-queer party event Bar Bitch Chew Art (Sunday 1 Mar), ex-Ru Paul's Drag Race contestant Bianca Del Rio (Friday 27 Feb), the Nick Coyle-helmed Blue Wizard (Thursday 19 Feb to Sunday 15 Mar), Mike Bartlett's COCK (Tuesday 3 Feb to Friday 6 Mar) and Helpmann Award-winner Dean Bryant's Gaybies (Friday 6 Feb to Sunday 8 Mar).

In addition, Mardi Gras pays homage to the best in visual arts, will stage the always-popular Mardi Gras Film Festival (Thursday 19 Feb to Thursday 5 Mar), and offer alluring events such as the Mardi Gras Disco Climb (Wednesday 25 Feb to Sunday 8 Mar) and Stargayzing (Friday 20 Feb).

It's far too voluminous a program to fully detail here, but you can get across the full spread of activities, performances, events, sports, youth workshops and parties at Mardi Gras' official website: www.mardigras.org.au

Source: http://themusic.com.au/news/all/2014/12/12/sydney-mardi-gras-unveils-massive-2015-program/

Christmas Lights & Christmas Projections 2014

Courtesy of www.lightsofchristmas.com.au

Light of Christmas

A light of Christmas captures and celebrates the festive season of Christmas at St Marys Cathedral, Sydney's oldest and grandest Cathedral. The event is hosted by the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, and presented by the Australian Catholic University.

The Lights of Christmas begins each evening with the breathtaking sounds of a live choir performance, and just after dusk the Cathedral becomes a beautiful light show that is so mesmerising, it makes you not want to leave.

The live choir performance begins at 7:30pm and finishes at 8:30pm, do witness this as it is so magical and beautiful as well as the light show of course!

The light show continues on till midnight and is held at the forecourt of St Mary's Cathedral (opposite Hyde Park).

This spectacular free light and sound Christmas show consists of amazing 3D digital projections that illuminate the Cathedral's 75 metre high facade. It is a visual storytelling experience that is accompanied with a soundscape and narrative that resonates with the ideals of the Christmas season of peace, joy and goodwill.

This year's 12 days of Christmas theme as well as a collective Christmas presentation notion of 'service', offering an opportunity to value and honour those who serve the community.

This is truly one Christmas Light event you do not want to miss out on. So gather your family and friends and enjoy the festive spirit of Christmas.

When: 9-25 December: 7:30pm-12am
Phone: 02 8302 3800
Where: St Mary's Cathedral Courtyard, St Mary's Road, Sydney
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.weekendnotes.com/lights-of-christmas/

Town Hall Christmas Projections

Soak up the atmosphere as we illuminate the beautiful sandstone walls of Sydney Town Hall this Christmas. Watch in wonder, as every evening after sunset, the George Street facade of the building springs to life with spectacular light projections - while exciting new digital animation gets everyone into the spirit of the season in Sydney Square.

Head to the City after sunset and watch in wonder as the Town Hall facade springs to life with vivid light projections every evening. New in 2014, digital projections will also feature on buildings at the King Street entrance to Pitt Street Mall, transforming the area into a magical landscape.

When: Thu 27 Nov - Thu 25 Dec 2014
Time: 8:30pm - 1:00am
Where: Sydney Town Hall, Sydney
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.sydneychristmas.com.au/whatson/christmas-projections/

Darling Harbour Christmas

As Christmas fever starts to sprinkle the city with festive magic, so Darling Harbour transforms into a sea of red and white jolly men. Never before will you have seen so many Santas together and so many Santas having a whale of a time on the water, as you will during the free Santa Fest Water Spectacular in late November. But that's not all, because this spectacular event is just the start of 30 days of free Christmas fun in the lead up to the big day.

When: 1 December to 25 December  2014
Where: Darling Harbour, Sydney
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.darlingharbour.com/whats-on/christmas-in-darling-harbour.aspx

Towers of Tomorrow with Lego Bricks

Certified LEGO builder Ryan McNaught shows off his skills in this exhibition, recreating skyscraping buildings from Australia and Asia

Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks is a world premiere exhibition of astonishing LEGO skyscrapers at the Museum of Sydney.

Constructed by Ryan McNaught, one of only 12 LEGO® certified professionals worldwide, this exhibition celebrates tall and extraordinary buildings from Australia and Asia. Some are engineering head-turners while others are technical marvels. 

Some of these eye-popping giants, like the Shanghai Tower, pioneer new ways of living, while others like Singapore's Marina Bay Sands are instant global landmarks. Some are green, others lean. Some are strange and other-worldly, others are breathtakingly beautiful.

With several models standing over 3 metres high, with stunning architectural detail and playful use of colours and textures, each of these LEGO® structures is guaranteed to amaze. They'll also inspire the young and the young-at-heart to create their own ‘towers of tomorrow’

With over 200,000 loose LEGO® bricks on hand, you’ll have more than enough to build your own towering creation and add it to the colourful futuristic metropolis rising steadily in the heart of the exhibition.

“Like the real things, super-tall LEGO® buildings are truly inspirational,” says Mark Goggin, director of Sydney Living Museums, “Not only do Ryan's models prove what's possible with everyday LEGO®bricks, but experiencing so many of them together in a world first line-up, perched together side by side, is nothing short of mind-blowing, even at 1:200 scale.”

Ryan McNaught agrees, “it's by far the biggest building job I've ever faced and certainly the most fun. My head's still spinning.”


SNAP & SHARE TO WIN

Get creative in the exhibition for your chance to win a workshop with Ryan McNaught, a LEGO®Certified Professional. Simply snap a pic of you and you LEGO® bricks masterpeice while you're at the exhibition and share via your favourite social network with the tag #SLMtowers for a chance to win this hands-on workshop for you and five friends.

Terms & Conditions apply.

BECOME A MEMBER AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS

As a Sydney Living Museums Member you'll enjoy exclusive membership benefits, including priority access, behind-the-scene events, discounts, advanced ticket sales to select events and much more.

Special Member benefits for 'Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® bricks' are:
Special Members price of only $5 - save $10
Access to pre-sale tickets on 19 November – book the session you want
Special Members ONLY preview day 12 December – be the first to see the exhibition

View Source to Book this Event Now

5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) Australia Show Tour

Hot on the heels of selling out two shows at London's iconic Wembley Arena, the chart-topping Sydney boys are heading out on the road to play their first-ever headline Australian arena shows, touring in support of their recently released self-titled #1 smash hit debut album - not bad for four teenagers from the Western suburbs of Sydney. 

5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) – Luke, Calum, Michael and Ashton, started the month with an incredible five songs in the top 50 of the ARIA single chart: double platinum debut and worldwide iTunes #1 She Looks So Perfect, UK #2 Don't Stop, Amnesia, Kiss Me Kiss Me and Everything I Didn't Say. The lyric video for their upcoming single, Amnesia, has already had more than 5.7 million views.

5SOS are a worldwide success with more than 92 million views on YouTube, more than five million fans on Facebook, a combined 15-million-plus Twitter followers and more than 1.75 million followers on Instagram.

Australia Tour Dates:

Allphones Arena, Sydney NSW  Sat 20 Jun
Brisbane Entertainment Centre, QLD  Tue 23 Jun
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne VIC  Thu 25 Jun
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, SA  Sat 27 Jun
Perth Arena, WA   Mon 29 Jun

Ideal Show Accommodation | Metro Hotels

About 5SOS (5 Seconds of Summer)

Formed in Sydney in 2011, the band consists of Luke Hemmings (lead vocals, guitar), Michael Clifford (guitar, vocals), Calum Hood (bass guitar, vocals) and Ashton Irwin (drums, vocals). The group were originally YouTube celebrities, posting videos of themselves covering songs from various artists in 2011. 

From there, they gained a small following in 2012 after posting a series of cover versions of popular songs ontoYouTube, then rose to international fame when One Direction invited them on their Take Me Home Tour.

Jessica Mauboy Celebrates Launch of free Australia Day Concerts at Sydney Opera House

The iconic Opera House will serve as the picturesque location for Australia Day celebrations in 2015.

To amp up the atmosphere, two free concerts will be held on January 26 with approximately 7,000 free tickets available to the public via ballot.

Popular children's group The Wiggles will be one of the main acts on the festive day, with another concert consisting of favourite Aussie performers, including Jessica, Justice Crew and Geronimo hit makers, Sheppard.

Actress Jessica has already performed at the Opera House and has fond memories of the venue.

'It was of course where the Australian Idol Grand Final took place in November 2006 and it was on the steps of the Sydney Opera House that I performed my first Number One single Burn,' the former reality TV star recalled.

'To be invited back to this amazing Australian landmark to perform is a wonderful opportunity.' 

Justice Crew also have an interesting link with the location, having previously busked outside the famed structure.

'One of our first career highlights was to actually be invited to perform at the Sydney Opera House as Janet Jackson’s opening act,' the group revealed.

'To be at the Sydney Opera House on Australia Day is a real magic moment and we will rise to the occasion with our performance!

Jessica is no stranger to public performances, having recently put on an energetic show at the ARIA music awards last month.

Putting her powerful voice to good use, the musician took to the stage in a strapless blue jumpsuit covered in sequins.

She performed her latest hit Can I Get a Moment, which has achieved gold sales in just over a month.

Despite her star status, Ms Mauboy failed to take out any awards after being nominated for Album of the Year, Best Female Artist and Best Video. 

Although she didn't walk away with a trophy this year, Jessica took out Best Female Artist last year and Highest Selling Single for Running Back in 2009.

Baila Brazil 2015 - Sydney Opera House

EXPERIENCE THE HEAT OF BRAZIL THIS SUMMER!

From the creators of the sell-out, smash hit 2010 sensation Balé de Rua, the bigger and brighter Baila Brazil will burst onto the Sydney Opera House stage this summer.

With a pulsating mix of African dance, hip-hop, samba and capoeira, temperatures are set to soar for this dance and live music spectacular.

As colourful as the streets from where they hail, the cast of eighteen dancers and musicians deliver a high-energy celebration of life, love and the Brazilian way.

Combining live music, breathtaking body movements, dance, dynamic percussion and songs from the soul of Afro Brazil, Baila Brazil has a contagious, exhilarating energy and rhythm that will have people dancing in the aisles.



Balé de Rua was a sell-out in Paris, a triumph in Edinburgh and a hit in London, and now will make its highly anticipated return to Sydney.

Travel to the heart of Brazil with a perfect night ‘away’ at the Sydney Opera House.

The Balnaves Foundation Open House Program provides $5 tickets for low income and disadvantaged communities. More information and bookings here.

Where: Sydney Opera House - Concert Hall
When: Performances from 9 Jan 2015 - 18 Jan 2015
Tickets: Opera House online tickets - http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/baila_brazil.aspx?utm_source=SydneyOperaHouse&utm_medium=facebook&utm_content=fb2&utm_campaign=baila

PERFORMANCE DATES

JANUARY

1. Fri 09 Jan 15 7:00pm
2. Sat 10 Jan 15 2:00pm
3. Sat 10 Jan 15 7:00pm
4. Sun 11 Jan 15 7:00pm
5. Mon 12 Jan 15 7:00pm
6. Wed 14 Jan 15 7:00pm
7. Thu 15 Jan 15 7:00pm
8. Fri 16 Jan 15 7:00pm
9. Sat 17 Jan 15 2:00pm
10. Sat 17 Jan 15 7:00pm
11. Sun 18 Jan 15 7:00pm

REVIEWS

Balé de Rua Reviews

“…stunning ... If only I’d had a sixth star at my disposal” The Scotsman, UK

“Bursting with energy and carnival spirit” Time Out

“…festive, colourful, vigorous, moving and authentic.” Figaroscope, France

“...a freewheeling mix of rhythm, high spirits and serious intent…a joy to behold.” The Guardian, UK

Say ‘Konichiwa’ to the Japanese Festival!

Say ‘Konichiwa’ to the Japanese Festival!

We’ve been to Nepal, Malaysia, Brazil and Myanmar, we’ve even celebrated Christmas in Poland, and now our Culture Beats festival program is heading to the Land of the Rising Sun, with the Japanese Festival (or ‘Matsuri’) on 13 December!

Celebrating an ancient culture and a modern society, the Japanese Festival will bring the nation’s best food, drink and entertainment right to the heart of Sydney in Tumbalong Park.
Eat, Drink

Indulge in delicious, fresh Japanese delicacies with food stalls from some of Sydney’s finest. Colotakoinvite you to enjoy their trademark takoyaki (fried octopus served with tempura, pickled ginger and green onions), ebiyaki (prawn), or kaniyaki (crab, with the claw attached!). Momiji is serving up the noodle dish yakisoba straight off the teppan, and skewered fishcakes. 

Sushi Samurai will have crispy karaage (fried chicken), gyoza and okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) plus icy cold kakigori (shaved ice with syrup and condensed milk), perfect for a sunny summer Saturday! At Big Crunch Sushi you’ll have the choice of sushi rolls, uramaki and ‘sushi munch’ boxes in a variety of flavour options like teriyaki chicken, tuna, spicy tuna, salmon or vegetarian. Bao Dao Taiwainese Kitchen are dishing up Asian-style pancakes, and Kiyamachi Tei have okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and karaage.

At Thanks Foods you’ll find okonomiyaki, yakisoba, Japanese curry rice and karaage, while Thanks Martwill be selling Ramune (Japanese lemonade), Japanese ice popsicles, rice crackers, sticky rice with soy flour and brown sugar syrup, and rice balls. Sydney Okinawan Club is offering up Okinawa soba (an authentic noodle dish specific to the Okinawa prefecture), udon, Okinawa curry, rice ball, and ramune. As a special treat, every customer at their stall will go home with a small but very precious gift – Okinawa star sand. 

Tall Grass Cane Juice return to Tumablong Park to sweeten and refresh, and Maryu will be serving up Ebisen (a crunchy, shrimp-flavoured snack food) and onions rings, as well as selling drinks like ocha (green tea) and ramune, plus souvenirs like slippers, handheld fans (tradition manual fans and modern electric fans) and beauty products like hand cream and face cream!
Be Merry

Onstage, we’ve got some incredible performances in store, from traditional music and dance to modern performance; from sushi-making demonstrations to karaoke and sumo wrestling! The Anime Sydneyband, a collective of university anime clubs from across Sydney, will be doing covers of well known anime songs for local fans. 

Yo-yo wizard Wayne X will show why he is the best in the business, Shiho Sparkle Hooper will show off her special hula-hoop dance routines, and Master Sushi Chef Hideo Dekura will show how it’s done in a demonstration presented by Kikkoman. Singer Makoto Tanaka will perform a blend of Japanese folk songs and western classics, calligraphy artist Renclub will give a unique performance, and local cosplayers will give an insight into the subculture with a cosplay show. 

The Australian Sumo Federation will delight with displays from a sport that is both athletic and performative, dance group Team ACE will amaze, and the Live DAM Karaoke system from Japan is back for another year to thrill the audience and pit competitors (will you be one?) against each other.

And that’s just the start of it! All this and so much more will be on offer this weekend at the Japanese Festival. Don’t miss out!

EVENT DETAILS:
Japanese Festival
Tumbalong Park
10am – 7:30pm, 13 December
Full program and getting here

Spectacular Sydney Christmas Lights and Decorations 2014

by Ivana Katz

When: 3 November - 25 December
Website: www.sydneychristmas.com.au
Where: Sydney CBD
Cost: Mostly free

Don't Miss Out on The Fabulous Free Fun!

For the past few years my friends and I have packed up the kids and ventured into Sydney CBD to see the Christmas lights and decorations. And even though the venues we visit have remained the same, there is always something new and exciting to explore.

Seeing Christmas lights through children's eyes is magical – that is if you can drag them away from all the toy and game displays. This year Christmas is going to be no different. Here are some of our favourite spots to visit:


1. Queen Victoria Building

Christmas at the QVB is always spectacular. Not only do you get to see the beautiful sparkly tree which rises through several floors, but all the stores are cheerfully decorated and the atmosphere is warm and cosy. If you are lucky, you may even get to see street performers or appearances by fabulous guests, such as Jessica Mauboy who appeared a couple of years ago.

If you have young children, head to the Swarovski Crystal Garden for Christmas and have photos taken with Santa. With over 12,000 crystal ornaments, forestry and traditional Santa settings, this will be one photo session your kids won't quickly forget. As this is a very popular destination, it is recommended you get there early, particularly on the weekends.

Dates: 8 November – 24 December
Address: Queen Victoria Building, George Street, Sydney

2. Martin Place Christmas Tree

Each year the tree decorations are amazing and this year promises to add an extra dimension. Share the Christmas spirit by sending text messages to 0427 840 851 or #sydxmastree and your special wish will be displayed on the branches of the tree.

Dates: Thursday 27 November – Thursday 25 December 2014

Address: Martin Place, Sydney

To kick off the festivities, on Thursday 27 November from 6pm – 8.30pm you can also enjoy a family friendly Christmas Concert which features characters from Sesame Street, Lah Lah's Big Live Band and naturally the guy in the red suit is making an appearance.

3. David Jones Window Display

Always a remarkable treat, the David Jones Window Display offers new surprises each Christmas season. This year you can see the much loved displays from Tuesday 3 November – 25 December.

Have Santa photos taken in the new enchanted Magic Cave world. Transport yourself into one of many Christmas scenes using green screen and even have your Santa Photo experience on DVD. Bookings can be made online or instore.

If you have a feathered, fluffy or furry friend, bring them along for a happy Santa photo too.

David Jones Santa has joined the mobile trend and has created his own Santa app. Download the David Jones Magic Santa app and put yourself into the scene with an interactive Christmas experience with Santa and his Reindeer.

From 11 December to 24 December the David Jones Staff Choir perform each day for 30 minutes from 9am. Their special Christmas Eve performance begins at 8am.

Date: 3 November – 25 December 2014
Address: Elizabeth Street, Sydney


4. Hyde Park

Sydney's iconic Hyde Park is a wonderful place to walk through at night with its many fairy lights and Christmas tree decorations.

On Thursday 27 November from 6pm – 8.30pm enjoy a free family friendly Christmas concert. Your kids will love entertainment by Tom & Jerry, Hi-5 as well as craft activities, sausage sizzle, yummy ice cream and carols by Emma Pask and St Andrews Cathedral Choir.

Date: 27 November 2014 for Christmas concert, but decorations can be seen throughout the Christmas season

Address: Hyde Park, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

5. Town Hall

Watch the historic Town Hall come alive with unbelievable light projections every night from 8.30pm to 1am.

On Tuesday 16 December 2014 Town Hall puts on a Christmas concert from 8pm to 9.30pm. Cost is $15 for adults and $12 for children. Tickets sell out quickly, so make sure you book now at the City Recital Hall.


6. Strand Arcade and Pitt Street Mall

Stroll through Strand Arcade and admire lovely Christmas decorations. Take a break in one of Strand Arcade or Pitt Street Mall cafes and enjoy delicious Christmas treats or take in the many free shows put on by local street performers.

Address: The Strand Arcade between Pitt Street & George Street, Sydney


Source: http://www.weekendnotes.com/spectacular-sydney-christmas-lights-and-decorations/