Oh hello, December! You took us a little by surprise. Not that we weren’t looking forward to you, but you really did arrive with such startling speed. Still, we’re happy you’re here because we all know what December means, and we know that most of us could do with looking forward to something this year. So bring on Christmas, we say!   But if getting in the festive mindset is proving a bit elusive, and who can blame you given the ongoing uncertainty, then we have the perfect solution. Come and join us at our wonderful, welcoming Ultimate Christmas Market at the EQ this Sunday. It’s time to ramp up your seasonal spirits and spread the merrymaking liberally with some gift shopping in a lovely community atmosphere. Not only will you have a huge array of boutique and artisan products to choose from, you’ll know that every dollar you spend with us is going to support small businesses in your community – and that has to put you squarely in the Christmas spirit zone.

There’ll be fashion and finery, homewares and ham, pet presents and pastries, and plenty of beautiful handmade items so masterfully crafted they throw serious shade on the handiwork of Santa’s elves. So pop on your Christmas earrings, pull your inner child out of retirement, and come along and join in the simplest of joys – spreading Christmas cheer.

The more markets the merrier!

Unfortunately, our Shire Christmas Market did not go ahead as planned last weekend on account of some uncooperative weather. We’re so sorry that it wasn’t to be, but don’t let that dampen your yule time spirits. If you can’t join us on Sunday for our Ultimate Christmas Market, there’s always tomorrow for our regular market at the EQ, where you’ll find many a festive ornament, treat and stocking filler. Then let the festive feelings continue next weekend at the Pittwater Christmas Market at Winnererremy Bay, Mona Vale on Saturday 11 December from 10am–4pm.

Summer fun at EQ

 Christmas is just the start of a good summer vacay at the EQ. In case you were feeling trepidatious about the looming school holidays after so much hometime this year, then let us allay your fears around activity planning right now… there are three huge events at the EQ to enrapture all ages.  Sydney Christmas Fair

First up, spanning three huge weekends in December is the return of the Sydney Christmas Fair. Get along on the 4–5, 11–12, and 18–19 December to revel in some bona fide family fun. There’ll be rides, a giant waterslide, carousel, dodgem cars and an elves’ workshop where you can write to the big man himself. There’s even a gingerbread house party. You can also use your Dine and Discover vouchers at this Covid-safe event.

Pixar Putt

Combining two things most of us love: Pixar films and mini golf, this open-air course is inspired by the characters and stories of the Pixar universe, such as Toy Story, Luca, The Incredibles and Monsters Inc. Sure, it’s created for kids, but we defy any adult not to have a (golf) ball. Come along until 6 February to practice your mini swing.

Wonderdome

From 4 December to 30 January bring the kids along to a hugely immersive experience at the Wonderdome. This 360-degree pop-up cinema is the largest of its type in Australia and will be showing fascinating cultural and environmental films, such Flying Monsters narrated by David Attenborough.

Thank you and a very merry weekend to you!

The Ultimate Christmas market is on Sunday, with fun for all!