Men’s Hot Towel Shave and Hair Cut with Beer and Gift
RedBalloon
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It's a day that's marked by the hottest shopping offers and it gives Australians everywhere the chance to get out and about. If you're in Canberra this year and you're looking for a way to make the most of it, look no further.
Discover where to book your Boxing Day itinerary, what's on and where to eat come 26 December.
Top things to do on Boxing Day in Canberra
1. Pamper yourself
Treat yourself. No really, it's the end of the year and you deserve a relaxing massage to start the new year fresh and rejuvenated (and name a better time than Boxing Day). Take your pick from a full body massage, facial, sauna session or the whole lot.
45-Minute Infrared Sauna Session
RedBalloon
24k Gold or Hydrating Facial
Groupon
2. Do something a little different
If doing something outside of the box is up your alley, this is for you. From exploring Canberra's top bar locations to learning how to take off with a replica 737-800, these ideas are perfect for those of you who want an experience you'll never forget.
Jet Flight Simulator Experience
Adrenaline
Scavenger Hunt
Groupon
Bar Crawl Challenge
Groupon
3. See the sights
There's nothing like being a tourist in your own city. Catch the main attractions in Canberra with visits to the National Zoo or be guided through the National Museum of Australia (perfect if the weather is a little grey).
National Museum of Australia Building and Architecture tour
RedBalloon
Hot Air Ballooning Over Canberra
RedBalloon
Canberra Scavenger Hunt
Viator
4. Binge watch your favourite shows
Because some days only need a good TV show and food delivered to your door. If leaving your house isn't on the agenda for 26 December, these streaming channels have you covered. From a classic romantic-comedy to action-packed blockbusters, there's sure to be a program that ticks all the boxes.
5. Have a picnic
Canberra may not be surrounded by shorelines but it does have the next best thing. Why not spend the day off relaxing by Lake Burley Griffin with your friends or family? Pack the picnic rug, sort out your favourite snacks and your Boxing Day plans are sorted.
Picnic Basket and Accessory Set in Choice of Size and Design
Groupon
Geometric Boho Rug
Groupon
Bamboo Screw-In Wine Table
Groupon
6. Head out for lunch or dinner
Chances are, you've been cooking up a storm this season so why not treat yourself with a meal out (and avoid the dishes). Indulge in an elegant high tea, savour a long lunch after a spot of wine tasting or, you can even make a day of it and head out for a full day of wining and dining.
Quintessential High Tea at Hotel Realm
RedBalloon
Full Day Private Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch
RedBalloon
Canberra Wine, Gin and Chocolate Tour with Lunch
RedBalloon
7. Learn something new
You've got a whole day off, you might as well make the most of it. Plus, before the year's out, you might find your next new obsession. Whether it's facing your fears and hitting the stage or conquering the skies with a helicopter lesson, Boxing Day could be the start of a new you.
Learn to Fly a Helicopter
Adrenaline
Hey Show Karaoke
Groupon
Private Craft Spirits Tasting Experience
Wotif
Check out the Boxing Day sales
If you feel up to heading out to snag a deal, Canberra has no shortage of physical stores and shopping centres that are open for business this Boxing Day.
Tired of dodging the crowds and hunting for car parks at the Boxing Day sales? Fortunately, many stores offer online sales as well so you can shop from the comfort of your couch.
Shop the sales like a pro this year by checking out our guide to all of the Boxing Day sales worth getting out of bed for.
Where can I book Boxing Day activities in Canberra?
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What's open on Boxing Day in Canberra?
If you're keen on checking out the sales in-store on the 26 December, check out our guide on the Boxing Day sales in Canberra.
Boxing Day trading hours for attractions in Canberra
| Attraction | Boxing Day trading hours | Where to get tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Parliament House | 9am to 5pm | Wotif |
| Australian War Memorial | 10am to 5pm | Viator |
| National Museum of Australia | 9am to 5pm | RedBalloon |
| Old Parliament House | 9am to 5pm | Wotif |
| National Dinosaur Museum | 10am to 5pm | Viator |
| National Zoo and Aquarium | 9:30am to 5pm | RedBalloon |
| Australian National Botanical Gardens | 8:30am to 5pm | Australian National Botanical Gardens |
| National Library of Australia | 9am to 5pm | National Library of Australia |
| National Gallery of Australia | 10am to 5pm | National Gallery of Australia |
| Questacon - National Science | 9am to 5pm | Questacon - National Science |
| National Portrait Gallery | 10am to 5pm | National Portrait Gallery |
Boxing Day trading hours for restaurants, cafes and bars in Canberra
| Venue | Trading hours | Where to book |
|---|---|---|
| BentSpoke | 11am to 11pm | Groupon |
| Museum Cafe | 9am to 4:30pm | Viator |
| Abika | 11:30am to 9pm | Abika |
| Bicicletta | 5pm to 10pm | Bicicletta |
| Capitol Bar and Grill | 7am to 11am and 6pm to 9pm | Capitol Bar and Grill |
| Casey Jones | 11am to 11pm | Casey Jones |
| Coffee Lab | 8:30am to 4pm | Coffee Lab |
| The District | 8am to 10pm | The District |
| The Duxton | 12pm to 12am | The Duxton |
| Frugii | 12pm to 11pm | Frugii |
| Grease Monkey | 11am to 10pm | Grease Monkey |
| Highroad | 8am to 3pm | Highroad |
| Hopscotch | 11am to 12am | Hopscotch |
| Kokomo's | 12pm to 3pm and 4pm to 2am | Kokomo's |
| Marble and Grain | 7:30am to 9pm | Marble and Grain |
| Monster | 7am to 11am and 2pm to 11pm | Monster |
| The Pedlar | 6:30am to 10:30pm | The Pedlar |
| Teddy Pickers | 8am to 2pm | Teddy Pickers |
| 1 or 2 Cafe | 6am to 4pm | 1 or 2 Cafe |
| Conservatory Restaurant | 8am to 11pm and 12pm to 2pm | Conservatory Restaurant |
| Double Shot | 6am to 2pm | Double Shot |
| Muse | 7am to 2pm | Muse |
| Ostani | 7:30am to 11pm | Ostani |
| Portia's Place | 11:30am to 2:30pm and 5pm to 10pm | Portia's Place |
| Portrait Cafe | 9am to 4pm | Portrait Cafe |
| Urban Pantry | 6:30am to 3pm | Urban Pantry |
| Walt and Burley | 8am to 11pm | Walt and Burley |
See the latest Boxing Day activities deals for Canberra
Deal
Up to 15% off local activities
Available on select dates on activities including day tours, skydiving, hot air ballooning, attraction passes and cruises. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Cairns, Canberra, Brisbane, Hobart and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 50% off Australia experiences
Available on select dates, including Christmas and New Year's, for activities such as skydiving, hot air balloon flights, bridge climbing, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Melbourne and more.
Deal
Up to 42% off activities for kids
Available on select dates for activities like whale watching, go karting, sightseeing tours, attraction passes and more. Destinations include Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Canberra and more.
Deal
Up to 70% on local deals
Shop for dining experiences, attractions and more for up to 70% off. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide and more.
Code
Up to $10 off Canberra hot air balloon flight experiences
Available on select travel dates when you spend a minimum of $300. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Snow day trip trip to Perisher from $90
Available on select dates from 2 July – 27 August 2022 and includes return transfers from Canberra.
Deal
Up to 73% off things to do in Australia
Available on purchase including getaways, dining experiences, attraction passes, sightseeing cruise, cinema tickets, day tours and more. Destinations include Sydney, Perth, Canberra, Brisbane and more.
Code
Things to do in Canberra from $15 + an extra $5 off with code
Available on select dates when you buy 2 or more vouchers. Activities include tandem skydives, dinning experiences, getaways, spas, wine tastings and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Canberra workshops from $29
Available on select dates on activities such as drumming for wellness classes, local tours, arts and crafts workshops and more.
Deal
Canberra experiences and activities from $23
Available on select travel dates and on select activities including hot air balloon flights and attraction passes. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Australia activities from $8
Available on select dates for activities like sightseeing tours, attraction passes, river cruises, hop-on hop-off tours and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Launceston, Melbourne, Cairns, Hunter Valley, Perth, Canberra and more.
Deal
Things to do in Canberra from $109
Available on select activities including jet flight simulator experience, hot air balloon flights, animal interactions and more.
Deal
Canberra classes and workshops from $40
Available on select dates on activities including painting classes, soap making workshops, cooking classes, flower crown making and more. Sample rate is for a sewing class.
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