Free Christmas on the Green @ Hyde Park

Pack a picnic and make a night of it

Christmas on the Green, a great night for kids at Christmas

Christmas on the Green is traditionally one of the high points of the Christmas calendar for those with young children in Sydney, and 2012 is set to be no different - in fact, it's going to be a cracker. As in past years, Hyde Park will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland - the perfect space for families with younger children to settle down with a picnic and get the festive season off to a fantastic start.

Kids' favourite Jimmy Giggle will be host the night, but there will be entertainment from all sorts of familiar faces, such as Peppa Pig, Mumble and Gloria from Happy Feet Two, and Jay Laga'aia from Playschool. Musical entertainment will be provided by children's entertainment act Electric Lunchbox, the Australian Girl's Choir and Jay Laga'aia will also doing a few songs too.

Jimmy Giggle (sans Hoot) will host Christmas on the Green in Hyde Park. image: ABC

The whole event will be interactive, with songs and actions that the kids can join in with, as well as craft activities that they can take part in. For those who aren't keen on packing a picnic, there will also be a sausage sizzle and delicious gelato on sale. If you want a memento of the night (and to start the Christmas gift giving early), a limited number of showbags will available for a $2 donation - the proceeds go to the Australian Children's Music Foundation charity.

Of course, no Christmas kids event would be complete without Santa, so as if all the other activities are not enough, Santa will also be making an appearance, along with the Lord Mayor, having just lit the lights at Martin Place. He'll be wishing everyone a happy Christmas, and making sure that the boys and girls are going to be good before the big day.

The night's activity will end with a spectacular fireworks display, especially designed for kids.

This event gets pretty busy, so it's wise to get there a little early to get a good spot. Spread out your rug, unpack your snacks, and settle in for the duration, it's going to be a jolly good time.

Chitty Chitty Goes Off With a Bang Bang

THERE are live dogs, lots of children and a strong cast but the star of the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the amazing car of the title. 
 
It really is a fantasmagorical machine that draws gasps of delight when it flies, in a genuinely magical moment.

Based on the 1968 film, the stage adaptation makes some judicious changes bringing in the Vulgarians, who are intent on stealing the car, right from the start - and adding jokes for the adults.
As the crackpot inventor Caractacus Potts, David Hobson reins in the eccentricity, giving a gently endearing performance.

Rachael Beck is lovely as Truly Scrumptious, Alan Brough and Jennifer Vuletic are thoroughly entertaining as the tantrum-throwing, toy-loving Baron Bomburst and his Baroness, while George Kapiniaris and Todd Goddard are a hoot as the bumbling Vulgarian spies.

Roger Hodgman directs, using Anthony Ward's clever, eye-catching design, with its set inspired by the idea of invention and machinery.

Energy-wise, the production could go up a gear at times and Dana Jolly's choreography lacks a little oomph but it's a fun show that clearly charmed the children around me and had the audience clapping along with the title song.

Free Sydney Attractions - The Best Things in Sydney for Free

Sydney, the best things in life can be for free. It does not take much in order to enjoy yourself in this dynamic city. Sometimes it all depends on the timing. There is beauty and joy in these activities. These free activities are designed to also make you feel good.

1. Pitt Street Mall

Free kids entertainment at Pitt Street Mall

The free hugs parade is alive, and if you love street music the very best is available here. A large gathering usually comes around in the middle of a sunny day, otherwise on a Thursday night right outside Westfield Sydney under the bridge connecting both ends. Some of the funky bands come all the way from America to perform. When you see a large circle around some musical performances next time round, you need to check it out. Pitt Street Mall is also home to some dress ups for the kids occasionally as well. Think Sunday afternoons for the latter.

2. Darling Harbour/Darling Quarter

Darling Harbour at night

With the newest addition, Darling Quarter, this area has never been a cooler place to hang out. Great for family picnics with an abundance of swings for the kids. The table tennis play area is also a hit. Otherwise, Darling Harbour is home to many free events including fireworks, sporting and other musical events. Free salsa lessons are occasionally available on Sunday nights at Hard Rock Cafe.

3. Circular Quay

Glimpses of Circular Quay

Home to free street theatre, and is the spotlight of the annual Vivid Sydney festival. The best vantage points along Sydney Harbour is at this spot. Think the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge with water views.

4. Royal Botanical Gardens

Royal Botanical Gardens

Fantastic gardens and an abundance of greenery. Great for picnics, running and walking. Excellent views of Sydney Harbour are enjoyed. A great walking trail from here to Woolloomooloo makes way for an enjoyable, lengthy walk.

5. Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge

For locals and visitors to Sydney alike, it is something that needs to be tried at least once.

6. Hyde Park

Sydney's Hyde Park at night

Plenty of action on this end of the city. The annual Art and About event is held here with some free paintings and other artistic displays to enjoy. You can also play chess and enjoy the waterfall area.

7. Art Gallery of New South Wales

The Art Gallery of New South Wales

For many people, looking at a combination of ancient and modern art paves the way for enjoyment and calm. A lot of history and charm is in this place. Many of the exhibits can be viewed for free.

A handful of the best free activities in Sydney. Feel free to leave any comments if you happen to come across any others for all of us to enjoy.

Sydney Christmas Carols

Santa's helper has given us the tips on Sydney's best Carols

Christmas Carols. They are the best of songs, they are the worst of songs. My apologies to Charles Dickens but I'm sure he wouldn't mind me paraphrasing his work. After all, he was somewhat of an expert on Christmas.

Christmas carols really are a pretty mixed bag. They range from the traditional to the modern and the sublime to the ridiculous. And every year from late November to Christmas Day the whole of Sydney rings with the sounds of "Joy to the World", "Jingle Bells", "O, Holy Night!" and, God forbid, "I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus" and "Santa Baby".

In shopping centres and on street corners you'll be greeted by carol-singing elves and angels, choir boys, and girls clad in that faux fur-trimmed, red mini-skirted outfit favoured by Santa's helpers everywhere. You know, the one that results in a rather incongruous cross between Mrs Claus and a sexy snow bunny.

Christmas Carols events sprout up like mushrooms all over Sydney from late November. These range from the homey charm of the local school concert-cum-carols night to the celebrity-laden, big-budget events complete with orchestras and choirs.

Some of the contenders for Sydney's Best Christmas Carols event in 2012 are:

Sydney Christmas Family Village Concerts.
Carols, Santa and fireworks are a hallmark of these much-loved, free, local community events. This year's concert schedule is:
Rushcutters Bay: Saturday 1 December at Reg Bartley Oval, Waratah Street from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm
Rosebery: Sunday 2 December at Turruwul Park, Rothschild Avenue from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
Alexandria: Saturday 8 December at Alexandria Park Oval, Power Avenue from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
Surry Hills: Sunday 9 December at Ward Park from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

Coogee Carols
Spaces fill up pretty quickly at this free community carols event presented by Randwick City Council. There's usually a line-up of popular TV and singing personalities. Set aside Sunday 16 December from 6.30 pm for this one, which will be held at Goldstein Reserve, Coogee

Strathfield Christmas Carols Concert
Strathfield Council presents not just carols, but fireworks and a screening of A Christmas Carol on the big screen too. The event runs from 5pm to 10.30 pm on Saturday 8 December at Strathfield Park, Homebush Road, Strathfield.

Carols by the Sea
This one is at Bondi Beach, South Park on Wednesday 5 December. There is children's entertainment from 6pm and Chrsitmas carols from 7pm. It's free but please bring a non-perishable food donation.

Martin Place Children's Concert and Tree Lighting
Also part of Sydney Christmas, this one has the added bonus of the lighting of the giant Christmas tree. It's on from 6pm to 8.30pm on Thursday 29 November.

Christmas Choral Concert
Manly Council presents this free event on Thursday 6 December from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the picturesque Manly Oval. They're even looking for singers to perform with the Northern Beaches Youth Orchestra so if you have what it takes contact (02) 9976 1752.

Carols in the Domain
Australia's largest free Christmas concert takes place this year on Saturday 22 December with pre-carols entertainment from 3pm and the main event from 8.30pm.

We'd also like to know what Christmas Carols events have you most enjoyed in the past and are most looking forward to for Christmas 2012? Help us to find Sydney's best Christmas Carols by leaving a comment below.

Darling Harbour Santa Fest - Santa Will Water Ski and Walk on Stilts with Free Events

Thirty days of Christmas fun at Sydney's much loved Darling Harbour. The Darling Harbour Santa Fest starts on the 24th of November, and runs all the way to Christmas eve. A paradise for kids, yet there will be some entertaining moments lined up for the young at heart too. This is where Darling Harbour turns red, in a sea of red with Santas engaging in bizarre activities from water skiing to walking on stilts.

Musical performances will also be the order of the day, as well as the perfect backdrop of fireworks. The Christmas tree will also light up.

The Santa Fest Water Spectacular is on Saturday the 24 November 2012 at 6:30pm. Location: Cockle Bay Wharf. Musical performances by the Sydney Youth Orchestra will be held on the 30th of November, and on the 1st of December 2012 between 7pm-9pm outside the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre right near the Christmas tree. The Youth Orchestra will also be held on the 7th and 8th of December from 7pm to 9pm. Australia's first authentic tango orchestra, Tango Oz will perform Argentine tango music with a Christmas flavour. On the 1st of December, a creative fireworks display will be on at 9pm.

Image: Darling Harbour Santa Fest website. Musical performances getting us all into the festive spirit

A capella music also comprises of this annual Santa Fest. Some of Sydney's best a capella groups such as Sway, Blues Point and Heartbeat will also perform many Christmas classics to get people into the Christmas spirit. The carols a capella performances will be on the following days and times during this festival:

Sunday 2 December 2012 - 7pm to 9pm.
Thursday 6 December 2012 - 7pm to 9pm.
Sunday 9 December 2012 - 7pm to 9pm.
Thursday 13 December 2012 - 7pm to 9pm.
Sunday 16 December 2012 - 7pm to 9pm.
Thursday 20 December 2012 - 7pm to 9pm.
Sunday 20 December 2012 - 7pm to 9pm.

If you're someone who loves your Christmas carols, you would have gone to one of many Carols by candlelight events in Sydney in the past. What about a carols sing-a-long? Your chance to be a karaoke superstar in front of the Christmas tree either solo or with some family and/or friends. Your chance to sing to your hearts content into the festive spirit:

Friday 14 December 2012 - 7pm to 9pm
Saturday 15 December 2012 - 7pm to 9pm
Friday 21 December 2012 - 7pm to 9pm
Saturday 22 December 2012 - 7pm to 9pm

If there is rain, events will continue as planned. No alcohol is allowed. Alcohol can only be enjoyed at licensed bars at Darling Harbour. There will be additional food and drink facilities available for families.

The celebrations would not be complete if it wasn't for the Christmas Eve carols near the massive tree. This is one Santa Fest that is different, and one that will sparkle. Merry Christmas Sydney.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Platypuses Reunited

This video captures the moment two of our female platypuses - Nada and Zoe - were reunited, after having spent over 6 months apart.

We have 3 platypuses here at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium - all females - and visitors can see them as soon as they enter the aquarium in the newly refurbished Freshwater area.

Save up to 30% on tickets on the official SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium website: http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: Chirstmas Carols - Sydney CBD Choir Programme

On Thursday 22 November from noon-2pm and again from 7pm-9pm, carols will fill the air in Pitt Street Mall and Hyde Park.

This will continue every Thursday evening from 7-9pm, right up until 20 December, along Pitt Street Mall, Castlereagh Street and around the Queen Victoria Building.

The Cleftomaniacs, Alchemy a cappella, Soulfood a cappella, Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir, Circular Keys Chorus, Leichhardt Espresso Choir, The Bernoulli Effect and Tuxedo will be joined by roving entertainment.

So add an extra beat to your step this Christmas and head to the City Centre for the most Christmasy sounds around.

Date: Thursday 22nd of November 2012
Where: Hyde Park and Pitt Street Mall