December is upon us, and we really can't fathom how quickly the end of 2024 has rolled around. But if you thought the final month of the year was a time to slow down, think again. From festivals to food markets, there's plenty of can't-miss festivities going on in every city across Australia. If your calendar is filling up as quickly as ours, take heed. Below, the RUSSH-approved guide to exactly what’s going on across the country this month.

NSW

From Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 1, Sydney's Wine Island will return, where you can sip drinks against the unparalleled views of the harbour.

Woollahra's Bistro Moncur is hosting its inaugural Champagne Fair with sister venue Moncur Cellars on Monday, December 2nd. From 6pm-8pm, stop by for unlimited tastings of 50 champagne selections from the world’s most prestigious houses, just in time to stock up for the festive season.

Newtown's Street Party will return on December 7. Stop by for an evening of live music (headlined by Catilin Harnett and the Pony Boys), cold drinks, and delicious food.

Every Wednesday from 6:30pm, Franca will transport diners back in time with Jazz Nights, inviting guests to unwind with an evening of smooth tunes, and exquisite cuisine, all set against a sultry and sophisticated backdrop.

Three Blue Ducks and Hotel Brunswick are excited to announce a new collaboration, unveiling ‘The Ducks at Hotel Brunswick' this December. Running from December and for the foreseeable future, the collaboration will see a twist on pub classics paired with cool, coastal Cali-inspired bites.

McMullin Summer market is around the corner, showcasing everything from fashion and homewares to art and food. Stop by McMullin's Showroom in Marrickville from 10am - 2pm on December 7 to shop brands like Studio Sutram, BESS Paddington, and Rainbow Studios.

To celebrate the launch of their ‘Billini Mini’ collection, Billini will be serving complimentary gelato in their Bondi Junction Store. Stop by on Saturday December 7 between 11:30am and 2pm for a free scoop.

Ovolo hotels has kicked off their Summer Concierge series, offering guests who book directly at ovolohotels.com 20% off their room, plus access to a range of benefits from December until February. In Sydney, guests can indulge in a house cocktail at Aria, $2 oysters and $15 margaritas at Shellhouse’s Sky Bar, and 20% off luxurious treatments at Bondi Junction’s Fayshell.

Blak Markets is making its way back to The Rocks on Sunday 22 December, from 10am - 4pm. Founded by First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation, the market offers a chance to celebrate First Nations culture and shop unique gifts, with the knowledge that 100% of the profits are going back to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

VIC

On December 14, catch iconic Christmas film The Holiday in concert, featuring the compelling musical score performed by a live orchestra.

Beyond The Valley returns for another year, taking place at Barunah Plains from December 28 - January 1. With performances from Fisher, Ice Spice, Tinashe, and more, this is one lineup you won't want to miss.

On December 4, The Matildas will return AAMI Park for the first time since their unforgettable FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage victory. Thsi time, the team will take on China.

Go on a Summer Truffle Hunt at Black Cat Truffles on December 14, 15, and 21. Not only will you discover your very own truffles in nature, but you'll also be treated to a truffle-influenced degustation meal.

Peruse the Geelong Ceramic Markets on December 7 and 8, with handcrafted goods on offer from 23 different stalls.

CherryHill Orchards will welcome visitors two their two orchards for the Cherry Picking Festival. Visit the Coldstream and Wandin East venues throughout December to pick the freshest cherries, and enjoy live music, food trucks, and special guests.

Quealy Winemakers will team up with Pizza Luna through the months of December and January for a pizza residency. Nestled in the heart of Mornington Peninsula’s wine country, this collab will run from 12pm - 6pm, every Saturday and Sunday.

Mode Mischief Studios will be activating their very first pop up store on December 7th until December 20th. Shop iconic styles and in-store exclusives at 537 Malvern Road, Toorak (Hawksburn Village).

Melbourne’s newest immersive art entertainment experience, the Museum of Desire, opens its doors to visitors aged 18 and over this December. Step into desire, love and the erotic imagination with over twenty-five spaces to explore.

QLD

The Queensland Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker will take over the Lyric Theatre at QPAC from December 13 - 21.

Roma Street Parklands will transform into The Enchanted Garden, with magical lights and audio special effects, from now until December 21.

The next chapter of QAGOMA's flagship exhibition series, the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art has arrived, and will be available to explore until 20 January, 2025.

Woodford Folk Festival is back in full swing this month, from 27 December until January 1, with performances from the likes of King Stingray, Beccy Cole and Dan Sultan.

Catch some of the world's best tennis players at the Brisbane International, kicking off at the Queensland Tennis Centre on December 29 until January 5.

WA

The Jungle Giants will make their long-awaited return to the Ice Cream Factory on December 20, with all the fun kicking off from 5pm.

The West Australian Ballet and the West Australian Philharmonic Orchestra’s adaptation of Sleeping Beauty continues this month, with performances scheduled until December 15.

Wine N' Dine is coming back to Perth on December 14, inviting you to explore a stellar line-up of local venues all in one afternoon.

ACT

The National Capital Orchestra’s 2024 season will conclude on December 1, with Symphonie Fantastique, an unforgettable afternoon of three distinct musical works.

SA

The Vegan Festival will hit Adelaide on December 7 and 8, bringing together stalls, workshops, demonstrations and more for the entire weekend.

For the ultimate festive celebration, visit Enchanted Christmas at Adelaide Convention Centre on 13 and 14 December, where you'll be treated to a three-course dinner and live performances, set in a sparkling woodland of twinkling lights.

NT

On December 7, The Darwin Symphony Orchestra will be joined by two guest artists for a performance of Voyage:  leading Australian pianist Stefan Cassomenos, and Special Guest Conductor Richard Mills. Tickets are available here.

The Nutcracker will land at Darwin Entertainment Centre on December 13 and 14, for two enchanting performances by the Victorian State Ballet. Tickets are available here.

Feature image courtesy of Franca, Courthouse Hotel, and Bistro Moncur.