Advent calendar countdown celebrates festive season in the city

There are a few special traditions of Christmas that are guaranteed to spark joy, and a little rush of the excitement we felt as kids.

For many, the annual advent calendar is high on the list, firing up that magical feeling and childhood memories with its daily ritual of opening the doors delivering fun and anticipation, and of course a little present.

Delightfully these days, the advent calendar is not just for kids. And this year, thanks to Canberra's City Renewal Authority, it is also being brought to you online.

To celebrate the festive season in the city centre, the City Renewal Authority and some of our most-loved businesses have joined together to offer some daily surprises via a digital advent calendar counting down the days until Christmas.

Hospitality veteran Tony Lo Terzo from The Italian Place in Braddon - just one of the businesses you'll find behind one of the calendar's doors - said he's very happy the restaurant is able to once again host guests with its legendary style of service.

"We can't wait to welcome you all here again, and to offer the best of Italian produce, the best Italian and local wines," he said. "Come and join us for an aperitivo and a nice spritz."

The advent calendar is part of the City Renewal Authority's campaign to provide some extra support to city businesses impacted by the COVID restrictions, and to encourage more Canberrans to head to the city to celebrate the Christmas holiday season in style.

"It seems like this year people are really trying to get back into the traditional style of Christmas," said a City Renewal Authority spokesperson. "So we thought, 'What is better than an advent calendar?'.

"This is about trying to support our city businesses in retail, hospitality and experiences post lockdown, and spread some Christmas cheer."

The city businesses involved in the advent calendar include everything from award-winning restaurants and bars, and beauty salons, to homeware and food stores, and a ten pin bowling alley and karaoke experience.

Since launching on December 1, some of the gifts already revealed include complimentary drinks at city restaurant hot spot Monster Kitchen and Bar, a 10 per cent discount at Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, 20 per cent off Phyt's Organic Spa Treatments at Sycamore Medi Spa, a $40 dinner voucher at Sage Dining Rooms at Gorman House Arts Centre, and a 20 per cent discount at Capitol Bar and Grill.

All you have to do is head to the City Renewal Authority's website and click on the doors to reveal a retail or hospitality experience you can share with family and friends to make this a Christmas to remember.

Take a look at City Renewal Authority's advent calendar here.

READ MORE: Time to get festive in the city

This is sponsored content for the City Renewal Authority.