Music
School Holidays Events and Activities Guide
The school holidays are nearly here and Ticketmaster Blog has put together a list of fantastic activities that will keep the kids entertained – and out of your hair – over the summer months.
In Australia we are spoiled for choice when it comes to the huge number of engaging and fun children’s events and activities. We have listed events in many of Australia’s capital cities to ensure kids all over the nation are entertained during the school holidays.
Summer in Australia is a wonderful time to get out and about as a family and enjoy some of the incredible live events on offer. From theatre to comedy to sport and music, our school holidays event guide really does have something for everybody.
We hope you enjoy a few fun adventures with your loved ones during the summer school holidays!
Victoria
Alice and Peter Pan in Never Neverland
Geelong Botanic Gardens
January 2, 2016 – 10.30am and 5pm
Rippon Lea House & Garden
January 5-22, 2016 – various times
The Australian Shakespeare Company is bringing to life two of your favourite tales to life in one magical performance. Somehow Alice falls down the rabbit hole but lands in Never Neverland instead of Wonderland! There she encounters the boy who never grew up, Peter Pan. Join the pair on a remarkable adventure that mixes two classics and features fantastic characters such as Smee, the Mad Hatter and Captain Hook!
Click here to purchase tickets.
Santa’s Magical Kingdom
Caulfield Racecourse
November 21-December 24 – various times
Santa’s Magical Kingdom has become one of the most anticipated events of the Melbourne holiday season and now the fun is also heading to Sydney! The event, which is held at Caulfield Racecourse and Sydney Showground Olympic Park, is jam-packed with fun activities such as arts, crafts, rides, gingerbread decorating, a Christmas circus and the magical Snowland. Santa’s Magical Kingdom is such a memorable event, we are certain it will become your newest family tradition!
Santa’s Magical Kingdom will also take place at the Sydney Showground Olympic Park (NSW) from December 12-24.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight
Sidney Myer Music Bowl
December 24 – 8pm
I can’t think of any other Christmas traditions as significant or magical as this one. For as long as I can remember, Christmas Eve has always entailed sitting down to watch Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. But there is nothing quite as special as going along to the event to see some of Australia’s best performers belting out all our Christmas favourites and spreading the love and joy ahead of Santa’s arrival. Kids and adults alike will love the Christmas Carols and the event raises money for Vision Australia, a valuable charity providing assistance to kids who are blind or suffer from low vision.
Click here to purchase tickets.
The 3 Little Pigs
Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse
January 2-17, 2016
You all know the story… they huff and they puff and they make every child smile from ear-to-ear. Spoil the kids with tickets to see The 3 Little Pigs. The performances are suitable for children 3-plus years and are full of music, giggles and fun!
The 3 Little Pigs will also take the stage at the Sydney Opera House Playhouse from December 9 until 27.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Frank Woodley – Noodlenut: A Show for Kids
Arts Centre Melbourne – Fairfax Studio
January 19-24, 2016 – various times
One of Australia’s finest comedians has produced a show especially for children. Frank Woodley is performing his show, Noodlenut, just for the little ones and it is safe to say it will be full of fun and nonsense. Frank will sing songs, perform ridiculous magic tricks, do crazy impersonations and generally just have your kids laughing in the aisles. This is one comedy show you do not want to miss!
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Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
January 6-23, 2016 – various times
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne will be transformed into a magical fairyland when the Australian Shakespeare Company performs Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies over the school holidays. The performances are completely interactive and will provide exceptional fun for the whole family! Kids are encouraged to come dressed as little elves or fairies to help Tinkerbell and her friends on their magical quest!
Click here to purchase tickets.
Wind in the Willows
Royal Botanic Gardens
December 24-January 23, 2016 – various times
The Wind in the Willows has been a summertime tradition for generations. Children will love the interactive performances in the beautiful Sydney Botanical Gardens featuring all their favourite characters such as Mr Toad, Mole, Rat, Mr Badger and the weasels. Presented by the Australian Shakespeare Company, The Wind in the Willows will delight kids – and a few adults – at Christmas time.
The Wind in the Willows is also performing at the Sydney Botanical Gardens January 6-23, 2016.
Click here to purchase tickets.
The Illusionists
Arts Centre Melbourne, State Theatre
January 2-10, 2016
The Illusionists will blow your mind with their unique blend of magic and entertainment. Acclaimed illusionists from all over the world will have you on the edge of your seat when they transport you back to the early 1900s and the golden age of magic. Get in quick, these tickets will disappear fast!
The Illusionists 1903 will also be performed at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall from December 19-28.
Click here to purchase tickets.
New South Wales
Matilda
Sydney Lyric Theatre
Now showing
One of the most loved Roald Dahl stories of all time is coming to life on stage at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. Matilda the Musical is receiving rave reviews and has been described as world-class entertainment for kids and adults alike. Matilda, the extraordinary and precocious hero of the musical, has a vivid imagination and uses her exceptional mind to change her destiny. If you are yet to see this marvellous musical, book your tickets now for the school holidays.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Circus Oz
WIN Entertainment Centre
December 23-January 2, 2016
Circus Oz is not like a regular circus! Performances under their big top come with a live band, a side of complete silliness and the most incredible tricks and manoeuvres. This is the perfect family event with entertainment for everyone from the kids to the grandparents.
Click here to purchase tickets.
The Sound of Music
Capitol Theatre
From December 13
One of the most-loved musicals of all time, The Sound of Music, is returning to the stage. Maria, Captain von Trapp and the seven von Trapp children will sing, dance and entertain the crowd with the real-life story of the family and some magical songs including My Favourite Things, Do Re Mi, Climb Ev’ry Mountain and Edelweiss.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Get Grubby: Dirtgirl’s Eco Musical
Sydney Opera House – Playhouse
January 19-26 – various times
Dirtgirl may have grubby hands, but she also has a fantastic message for kids about getting down and dirty in the garden. Dirtgirl will be joined by Scrapboy and Costa the Garden Gnome on a wonderful adventure that will have your kids mesmerised. The show is interactive and is great entertainment for the little seedlings!
Click here to purchase tickets.
The 3 Little Pigs
Sydney Opera House – Playhouse
December 9-27 – various times
You all know the story… they huff and they puff and they make every child smile from ear-to-ear. Spoil the kids with tickets to see The 3 Little Pigs. The performances are suitable for children 3-plus years and are full of music, giggles and fun!
The 3 Little Pigs will also take the stage at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse from January 2-17, 2016.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Santa’s Magical Kingdom
Sydney Showground Olympic Park (NSW)
December 12-24 – various times
Santa’s Magical Kingdom has become one of the most anticipated events of the Melbourne holiday season and now the fun is also heading to Sydney! The event, which is held at Caulfield Racecourse and Sydney Showground Olympic Park, is jam-packed with fun activities such as arts, crafts, rides, gingerbread decorating, a Christmas circus and the magical Snowland. Santa’s Magical Kingdom is such a memorable event, we are certain it will become your newest family tradition!
Santa’s Magical Kingdom will also take place at the Caulfield Racecourse from now until December 24.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Cirque Du Soleil – Quidam
WIN Entertainment Centre
December 23- January 2, 2016
Cirque Du Soleil is one of the most celebrated entertainment events on the planet and now it is Tassie’s turn to see what all the fuss is about! Tickets for the Canadian circus’ newest performance will delight the entire family; it is the perfect event for young and old!
Cirque Du Soleil will also appear at the Derwent Entertainment Centre from January 6-10, 2016.
Click here to purchase tickets.
The 52-Storey Treehouse
Sydney Opera House – Playhouse
January 3-25, 2016
Andy and Terry are returning to the stage at the Sydney Opera House and their treehouse is growing right before our eyes… it is up to 52 storeys! The 52-Storey Treehouse is a fantastic stage show for children and is full of imagination, creativity and exciting adventures. Reserve your spot in the treehouse now.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Stick Man – Live on Stage
Sydney Opera House – Playhouse
January 6-17, 2016
One of your favourite children’s books, Stick Man, is set to come to life on stage! Three top actors will take your kids on a journey through live music, fun dancing and amazing puppetry. The outside world is a daunting place for a Stick Man so he needs the help of all the kids in the audience to get him home safely. The original tale is full of fun and imagination.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Wind in the Willows
Sydney Botanical Gardens
January 6-23, 2016
The Wind in the Willows has been a summertime tradition for generations. Children will love the interactive performances in the beautiful Sydney Botanical Gardens featuring all their favourite characters such as Mr Toad, Mole, Rat, Mr Badger and the weasels. Presented by the Australian Shakespeare Company, The Wind in the Willows will delight kids – and a few adults – at Christmas time.
The Wind in the Willows is also performing at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne from December 24 until January 23.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Queensland
Brisbane Heat
The Gabba
December 19 & 29, January 3 & 8
It is hotting up in Queensland and the Gabba will be the hottest place to be these school holidays when the local Big Bash team, Brisbane Heat, takes on some of the league’s best sides. The Gabba will host four Twenty20 Big Bash League matches over the 2015/16 season and the big-hitting, fast-paced fun is a great family outing for kids.
Click here to purchase tickets.
The Big Bash League will also be played at Etihad Stadium (VIC), Spotless Stadium (NSW) and the WACA (WA) throughout December and January.
Western Australia
Happy Zoo Year
Perth Zoo
December 31
If your child is a lover of animals, they will be in seventh heaven at Happy Zoo Year at the Perth Zoo. The whole family can see in the New Year (at the family-friendly time of 9pm) in wild style with a kids dance party and picnic. The event will feature entertainment from dancers, illusionists and a cover band that will have everyone on their feet. This is the perfect way to welcome 2016 amongst the exotic and beautiful animals at the Perth Zoo.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Peter Pan and Wendy
Kings Park
January 8-10, 17 & 20
Two of the best-loved children’s characters, Peter Pan and Wendy, are putting on a show at Kings Park. The duo will be joined by the many characters of the classic novel and there will even be opportunities for kids who long to be lost boys, pirates and Indians to participate in the performances. The productions, which will take place at Prompt Corner, are fun for the whole family so grab a picnic rug and enjoy the entertainment!
Click here to purchase tickets.
The Lion King
Crown Theatre Perth
Now showing
For the first time in this musical’s history, The Lion King is roaring into Perth! Seen by more than 80 million people worldwide, The Lion King is one of the most popular, successful and loved musicals in history. The show is suitable for all ages and will be loved by kids and adults alike. If you are yet to enjoy a viewing of The Lion King – or even if you have seen it previously – this is one show you do not want to miss. Tickets for this masterpiece will make for a memorable Christmas!
Click here to purchase tickets.
Tasmania
Cirque Du Soleil – Quidam
Derwent Entertainment Centre
January 6-10, 2016
Cirque Du Soleil is one of the most celebrated entertainment events on the planet and now it is Tassie’s turn to see what all the fuss is about! Tickets for the Canadian circus’ newest performance will delight the entire family; it is the perfect event for young and old!
Cirque Du Soleil will also appear at the WIN Entertainment Centre from December 23 until January 2, 2016.
Click here to purchase tickets.
South Australia
The Fairies ‘Christmas Magic’ Concert
Brenton Langbein Theatre (SA)
December 23 – 11am
The Fairies are set to entertain the little ones with a one-off Christmas Magic concert at the Brenton Langbein Theatre just before the big day! Join Harmony, Rhapsody, Barnaby and the rest of the gang as they sing all your favourite Christmas favourites such as Jingle Bells, Away in a Manger, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Silent Night. The group will also be singing classic Fairies favourites and original Christmas Carols such as Have A Fairy Merry Christmas. If your kids love The Fairies they will be in seventh heaven at their Christmas Magic concert!
Click here to purchase tickets.
