Get ready for Christmas: Your City Centre guide to festive self‑care

Discover the best spots to unwind, refresh your look and make the lead-up feel a little more glamorous.

There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with getting things sorted ahead of Christmas. A haircut here. A fresh manicure there. A fun pit stop you didn’t plan for.  

The City Centre makes the lead-up feel enjoyable rather than overwhelming, with spots to unwind, glow-up and try something new between gift shopping and festive catch-ups. Here’s where to start. 

Beauty rituals made easy 

There’s no better feeling than walking into a holiday catch-up already looking (and feeling) put together. 

Nikki Cosmo delivers the polished, trend-led beauty hit you’ve been saving on Instagram. From Korean skincare to Japanese cosmetics, it’s the place to perfect your festive look. Stunningly dewy, glossy, glam or understated. Think of it as your pre-party fairy godmother, all in one stop. 

Tucked into Bailey’s Corner, My Nails & Beauty offers the kind of quiet retreat that resets your whole mood. Think sleek nails, polished finishes and a breather from the buzz outside. When you slip away here, it’s easy to forget about the Christmas rush for a moment.  

Over in the City’s West, Mooi Hair takes care of the rest. Warm, inviting and genuinely uplifting, it’s the type of salon that makes you feel lighter before you even sit down. Whether you’re in for a refresh, a colour or a full runway-ready blowout, Mooi turns getting ready into an experience worth savouring.  

If your festive prep is happening on the Braddon side, Hair Avenue brings expert styling with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. It’s perfect for a polished pre-event look or a fresh cut to get you through the festive months.  

For a full body reset, Canberra Day Spa is your escape plan. Scrubs, massages and peaceful treatment rooms let you step out of the season’s intensity and straight into serenity. Walk in wound-up, walk out wondering how you ever let December get to you in the first place. 

Make space for something fun 

Some days call for quiet beauty appointments. Others call for … throwing an axe. 

If the countdown to Christmas has you more wound up than merry, MANIAX Axe Throwing is the place to let it all go. With trained coaches, craft beers and plenty of energy, it’s a festive release valve disguised as an end of year get together.  

Prefer to work it out instead of throwing it out? 98 Gym brings the kind of high-energy session that clears your head as much as it challenges your body. Strength, conditioning or a quick burner between gift runs. It’s a pre-Christmas sweat that leaves you sharper, calmer and ready for whatever the season throws your way. 

And if belting out your favourite (and least favourite) Christmas songs feels more cathartic, Hey Show Karaoke has rooms ready. Gather your friends and sing your way through the season in a socially acceptable way. Wholesome, chaotic, or both. 

For something more reflective, CMAG offers a thought-provoking pause between the festivities. Wander through exhibitions, share a moment of curiosity and step back into the city with a refreshed perspective. Art has a way of settling the season. 

Crafty moments and weekend discoveries 

Made for a slow Sunday, Haig Park Markets brings the Christmas vibe outdoors. Pick up a few gifts, grab a treat, bring the kids, drag the dog along, wander with a coffee. It’s weekend-paced, simple and full of local charm that’ll help you tick off the wish list along the way.  

Feeling hands-on? Tap into your creative side at a ClassBento Candle-Making Class in Braddon. Make your own festive candle, choose your scent, pour your design, and leave with something beautifully personal. A little Christmas magic, made by you. Keeping in the spirit of giving, ClassBento donates one dollar from every booking to Dementia Australia. 

Not to mention, the giant Christmas tree is just a short stroll away in Petrie Plaza, and carols bring the night alive every Friday in December from 5:30pm to 7:30pm in Garema Place. With free merry-go-round rides for the little ones from 1 December until Christmas Eve, it all comes together as a festive day out without even trying. 

Make a day of it in the City Centre 

Beauty, creativity, food and a few peaceful pauses. It’s everything you need to feel ready for the season, right here in the City Centre. 

By Out in Canberra