Over drinks or plates, here’s where to share a Christmas moment in the heart of the city.
The year’s winding down and Canberra is lighting up. Plans are being made, calendars are filling fast, and everyone’s looking for that perfect spot to raise a glass.
Whether it’s an end of year dinner, evening drinks or something that leans into a bit of both, the City Centre is full of picks to keep your celebrations effortless and merry.
Start with a toast
Every great night begins with that first clink of glasses. For turned-up casual energy with a touch of wild west, The Peacemaker Saloon on Mort Street pairs smoky barbecue with top-shelf bourbon. It’s the kind of place where the lighting’s low, the laughs come naturally and there’s always one more round to share. A short walk away, Rizla takes a lighter approach, matching Canberra District wines and Riesling-led pours with share plates from its open kitchen. Where every pick fits the moment, it’s the perfect prelude to a memorable festive night in the City Centre.
For those who prefer their toast with a twist, Hippo Co in Garema Place has cocktails and whiskies worth lingering over. It’s the kind of bar made for swapping stories, debriefing the year and letting the city’s after-work bustle set the pace for whatever happens next.
Gather around the table
Once the drinks are flowing, it’s time to eat. Big groups, quiet corners, or anything in between, the City Centre is where Christmas catch-ups easily turn into end of year moments to look back on.
Big tables and shared plates make for the best kind of Christmas feasts, and Verity Lane is made for both. With six vendors serving everything from Southern-style turkey to Japanese and Indonesian cuisines, everyone can order what they love and still sit together.
21 Nov 25
Eat & Drink