The 7 Best Things To Do In Sydney This December
We really need December to be about six to eight weeks in length to fit in everything there is to do, but alas, the Gregorian calendar only allows for 31 days and nights. So, it’s time to the most of each and every one of them.
Yes, it’s the silly season, but we’ve ensured that our round up of the best that Sydney has to offer is a well-balanced list of things that will expand your horizons, grow your gig count and transport you to other countries without leaving the city, all with a healthy serve of culture.
[listicle]Find purpose
Now in its second year, Purpose is returning to Sydney, this time taking over Paddington. Held in four unique venues – Paddington Town Hall, Chauvel Cinema, Paddington Reservoir and the privately-owned Juniper Hall – this two day event will bring together purpose-driven leaders from Australia and overseas. With a hand-picked lineup of speakers and workshops that will make you rethink the way you approach work and life, this promises to be a very special event. Speakers include Thankyou, Mindfulness Everywhere, Frank Green, and Intrepid Travel (and 50+ more!). Side events include Plant Planet (food and art, perfect), the Book Pharmacy (walk away with a book script that will cure what ails you), and of course, a fully catered afterparty with beats from DJ Levins and drinks thanks to Kooks, Good Beer Co and Young Henrys. Taking place on December 5 and 6, you can book tickets right here.
Image: Purpose
Get your art on
You can always trust an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art to bend the mind and transport you somewhere magical or mystical through art, and this December is no different. Tatsuo Miyajima is one of Japan’s most renowned contemporary artists, and will be presenting his first exhibition in Australia. Explore time and its passage through this show that displays Miyajima’s penchant for sculptures and room-scale installations that heavily feature lights and numbers.
Photo: Anna Kucera/MCA
Croquet, anyone?
Bondi could literally do nothing special and it would still be one of the greatest things about summer in Sydney. This year however, after launching in Adelaide in 2013, The Royal Croquet Club is coming to Sydney. Held in Bondi Park, prepare yourself for long sunny days that turn into warm festive sunsets and crank up once the light go down. Running until December 4, you’re invited to enjoy a combo of live music, food, drinks, culture, and as the name suggests…croquet! Turn up for the likes of Hayden James, Jimmy 2Sox, San Cisco, Bag Raiders and KLP to name just a few. Sydney’s famed food outlets will be there (think Mamak, Milky Lane, Bao Stop and Messina), and of course a cold beverage or two to relax and unwind with.
Visit Malaysia in Pyrmont
Enjoy a staycation in Sydney but with a touch of Malaysia for the weekend-long Malaysia Fest. Making the most of the gorgeous waterside Pyrmont Bay Park, this event will celebrate the sights, smells and sounds of Malaysia. Some of Australia’s finest Malaysian restaurants including Chinta Ria, Kampung Boy and Hawker will be present. Entertainment is a given, with dancing displays that will show off a fusion of Malay, Indian and Chinese influence. You can choose to join in, or hang on the side enjoying the surroundings. There will be cooking demonstrations (think flavoursome sauces and pastes), and plenty of unique snack and desserts to sample. It’s taking place on December 3 and 4 in Pyrmont Bay Park for free.
Image: Supplied
Boogie fever
Flume, aka that hugely successful young guy who makes me want to reconsider my life choices, aka Harley Streton, is finishing 2016 off with a bang. He has booked big stadium venues for this local leg of his mammoth world tour, and his home town certainly isn’t going to miss out. For two nights only, Flume will be joined by Long Beach, MC Vince Staples, and UK producer SOPHIE, both who toured with the always-on-point Laneway Festival earlier in the year. Flume will be playing Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park. Wear your dancing shoes, this is going to be a big one.
Find and/or keep
Christmas shopping doesn’t have to be the sweat-inducing experience that nightmares are made of. Finders Keepers markets are a testament to this. Now in its ninth year, Sydney’s favourite markets are back and bigger than ever. Once again taking over the Exhibition Hall at Australian Technology Park, some of this country’s most talented makers will be selling their goods together for three days only. There’ll be food trucks, bands, bars, food and beverage stalls to keep your energy levels up in order for you to peruse 200+ stalls. It’s taking place from December 9 to 11.Happy shopping!
Image: Finders Keepers
Happy new year!
What’s better than a New Year’s Eve house party? One that doesn’t involved any cleaning up. This year, The Bamboos will be ringing in 2017 and you’re invited. For the first time since 2016, they’re headlining The Basement for a night of funk, soul and boogie throwdown. Supported by three of Sydney’s best soulful DJs, Frenzie, Meem and Paris Pompor, The Bamboos will also be testing out new material ahead of an album release planned for 2017, The Bamboos will be playing a stone’s throw from Sydney’s spectacular fireworks display. Clear your schedule for the best live soul act in the country at The Bamboos New Year’s Eve House Party. [/listicle]
(Lead Image: Finders Keepers Market)
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