Christmas Countdown
If like many of us here at City Hub you’ve left your Christmas gift shopping to the very last minute we’ve got you covered with our 2018 list of gift and celebration ideas.
With so many great local offerings available this year you will be able to find that truely special and heartfelt gift that makes your gift the best under the Christmas tree.
Phoenix Collective
In 2019 the Phoenix Collective of musicians will be performing a range of concerts throughout the year and throughout our fine city, so why not buy the music lover in your life a subscription package.
Phoenix Collective showcases classical music with a uniquely Australian edge. Bringing together some of Australia’s most accomplished and high-profile musicians in a riveting recital series, the Phoenix Collective concerts offer a range of exciting ensembles and genres set in intimate & iconic venues.
With a Phoenix Collective subscription the recipient of this gift will be able to attend four seperate concerts of their choosing. Whether that is at one of the stunning new venues for 2019, the Larry Sitsky Room (ANU School of Music, Canberra) or the stunning Christ Church of Lavender Bay, or in one of their regular haunts the majestic Hunter Baillie Presbyterian Church, Annandale and the beautiful surrounding gardens of Greenway Chapel in Green Point, Central Coast.
Prices range from $90-$275 and are available from www.phoenixcollective.com.au
Albert Tse Metalsmith – Eon Series
Do you have a man in your life who is hard to buy gifts for? If so then metalsmith and jewellery maker Albert Tse may have just the solution for you with his signature Eon Collection of rings, pendants and cufflinks
The Eon Collection is hand crafted using the ancient art of sand casting, which gives each piece its own unique flair combining beauty with a timeless ruggedness. Each piece within the Eon Collection is made using sterling silver so they can pair with any fashion style, whether as an accent piece or as a simple daily accessory.
Created at his studio in the heart of Sydney Tse’s jewellery is something truely special and unique, no two pieces are identical so a gift from the Eon series will be an incredibly heartfelt gift that as the name suggests will last an eon.
Prices range from $125-$495 and are available from www.alberttsemetalsmith.com
Handel’s Messiah
To help you get into the spirit of the holidays a combination of church choirs from around the city will com together in the Sydney Town Hall for the 78th rendition of Handel’s iconic work Messiah.
Messiah is one of the most magnificent and popular choral works, even though it’s incredible difficult to perform in churches due to the sheer size of the choir required for a truely stirring performance.
For this special charity event a cast of hundreds of choristers from the Sydney Philharmonia Choir, Sydney University Musical Society, Coro Innominata, and the Macquarie University Singers will be joined by a superb selection of soloists and a fantastic orchestra.
Dec 15-16. Sydney Town Hall, 483 George St, Sydney. $38-$43+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.handelsmessiah.org.au
Love Luggage
Christmas is often a busy travel period for many of us, so why not refresh a loved ones luggage with a gift from local store Love Luggage.
Established in 2008 Love Luggage is an Australian based luggage reseller offering a variety of top luggage brands at affordable, competitive, wholesale discounted prices. Love Luggage offers an always expanding fresh range of unique luggage and luggage accessories that make travelling more than just getting from A to B, they make shopping for your luggage almost as fun and exciting as your holiday!
With over a decade in the luggage industry their team of experts will be able to provide great advice and ensure you get the perfect luggage gift for any type of traveller.
325 King St, Newtown. Various Prices. More Info: www.loveluggage.com.au
Paddy’s Markets
A favourite of many a discerning shopper Paddy’s Markets have a wide range of independent retailers, making them the perfect one-stop shopping destination this festive season. Whether you’re looking for gifts, decorations, flowers or local produce Paddy’s Markets will have it all.
Beginning this weekend they’ll be kicking the festive spirit into high gear with a wide array of activities to keep you entertained and stress free during your shopping adventures. From choirs to balloon giveaways, Santa photos, and even Christmas tattoos there is something here to help break up the shopping.
While at Paddy’s Markets City Hub also recommends checking out their Neon Picture Zones to capture a special treasured memory to adorn your social media feeds.
Paddy’s Haymarket, 9-13 Hay St, Sydney. Open Wed-Sun 10am-6pm.
The Cannery Christmas Markets
If you want to jumpstart your Christmas celebrations then head to The Cannery Rosebery next week for a day filled with festive cheer. With market stalls, food trucks, a roaming Santa, live music and plenty of children’s activities there is festive fun for everyone at The Cannery Christmas Markets.
Running alongside the regular monthly markets The Cannery has added some special festive cheer this month with 42 unique indoor and outdoor market stalls, kids activities, gingerbread house making workshops (bookings essential – please see website) and a wide range of food offerings.
Whilst enjoying the festive spirit perhaps pick-up some special one of a kind gifts or adornments for your Christmas table from the leading local providores, lifestyle brands and artisans.
Dec 16. The Cannery Rosebery, 61 Mentmore Ave, Rosebery. More Info: http://www.canneryrosebery.com.au
Sydney Dance Company
Give the gift of dance to loved ones young and old this Christmas with a voucher to Sydney Dance Company’s 2019 performances or to their dance classes!
Give a full year of dance with a 2019 Sydney Subscription Package starting from $111.50 and celebrate with their 50th anniversary program. Get family and friends onto the dance floor with a multi-pack to Sydney Dance Company’s daily drop-in classes and introductory short courses in styles including ballet, jazz, contemporary and more.
For the kids, unleash their creativity with Sydney Dance Company’s diverse Summer Holiday Workshops or Contemporary Youth Term Classes.
Sydney Dance Company – Studio, 385 Wattle Street, Ultimo. Various Prices. More Info: www.sydneydancecompany.com
Botanic Gardens
Perhaps a gift that will stand the test of time, and potentially span generations, is something you may want to consider this year. If so, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney has just the offering for you thanks to their Bench Dedication Program.
Under this program a tax-deductible donation can see your special someone commemorated with a plaque for ten years. Your gift will also support the Garden’s vital work in the areas of conservation, science, horticulture and education.
More Info: www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
Sydney Fish Market
Seafood has become a staple of many a Christmas feast in Sydney, and obviously there is no better place to secure the freshest and most delicious prawns, oysters, muscles and fish than the Sydney Fish Market.
From 5am December 23 right through until 5pm December 24 the market will open for its 36 hour seafood marathon. In what has become a yearly tradition over the past 24 years over 100,000 visitors will stream through the markets to secure their family’s servings of great seafood.
Shoppers can expect to find the largest range of fresh seafood sourced from all over Australia. But it doesn’t just stop at seafood; visitors will be able to collect a Christmas turkey from the butcher; find a smorgasbord of cold meats, olives and cheeses from the deli; and get a tip or two on pairing wine and beer, from the bottle shop. There is also a bakery and greengrocer on-site.
You never know, you might even run into Santa.
Sydney Fish Market, Bank St, Pyrmont. More Info: www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au
The Sydney Santa Spectacular
Australia’s biggest Christmas Festival is returning to Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, beginning tomorrow and running until December 27, bringing with it a three-week North Pole-inspired extravaganza for families and Christmas-lovers of all-ages.
If you’ve ever wanted to celebrate a ‘white Christmas’ but are unable to travel during the festive period then this is the place for you thanks to its ice skating rinks, Australia’s only double-decker carousel, toboggan slides, an enchanted Santa forest and much more.
Whilst attending the event and getting engulfed in the festive spirit visitors will also be able to spread the joy by leaving a gift under the 15 meter high charity Christmas tree fro sick and needy children.
Dec 7-27. Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, James Ruse Drive Rosehill Gardens, Rosehill. $40-$60+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.sydneysantaspectacular.com
Percy Marks
If you really want to blow someone away with a dazzling Christmas gift head on down to Australia’s most respected family jewellery business, Percy Marks on Castlereagh street.
Founded in 1899 Percy Marks has built their reputation on creating jewellery of outstanding beauty and quality which will be treasured for generations.
Whether it’s white diamonds, pink diamonds, gold, silver, mens or womens Percy Marks will either have the right gift already there in store or can create something bespoke just for you.
Level 3, 70 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. More Info: www.percymarks.com.au
Christmas Wonderland
Christmas Wonderland is bringing numerous magical worlds to life at Sydney Olympic this festive season.
Stroll along the festive streets of the Enchanted Christmas Village; feast your eyes on the colourful houses of Gingerbread Land, Toy Land and Candy Cane Lane; and wander through the tall pine trees of Santa’s Alpine Forest. Christmas Wonderland’s magical stage show will also have the kids singing and dancing along, while the Penguin Parade and the one and only Singing Tree will add extra Christmas joy.
This event is sure to leave you with the magic of Christmas flowing right through everyone, both young and old.
Dec 15-24. Paddington Pavillion, Cnr Olympic Boulevard and New England Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park. $40+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.christmaswonderlandsydneyshowground.com.au
Yoga Synergy
Christmas is a time of celebration, and often over indulgence. Luckily though local yoga studio Yoga Synergy have a fantastic offer for new students, which would make for a great gift to balance out the over indulgence.
New students can receive the first two weeks of classes and training videos for just $25, making it an ideal stocking stuffer or secret Santa gift.
Yoga Synergy have studios in both Bondi Junction and Newtown, so they’re exceptionally easy to access.
More Info: www.yogasynergy.com
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