Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

We all know that Australia experiences summer in December, where as the Northern Hemisphere crew receives in snow, rain and sleet in abundance. With a pretty adorable twist on season’s greetings, Haymarket’s Market City is hosting the country’s largest snow globe this Christmas!

If you’re in town on business, vacation or a local until New Year’s day, you must get down to the Market because this is absolutely something not to be missed. Imagine stepping into a massive globe (specifically 8.5 meters in diameter, or nearly 28 feet) and kids to experience snow for the first time? It literally runs chills down your spine in excitement with the thought of having a few moments in a gigantic snow globe.

 

The globe will, naturally, feature a Christmas scene, built by professional set makers who have transformed the area into a winter wonderland with the help of some handy snow machines and snow blowers. Grab your mittens-on-a-string, ugly holiday sweaters and knitted hat for a unique experience.

If you want to go the extra mile and enter to win $1000 in shopping vouchers, then take a selfie in the globe and follow @marketcity on Instagram, while you tag your snow-selfie with #mcsnowglobe.

As a double bonus for students, check the Market City web page for discounts and deals. For all parents visiting Sydney to see their son or daughter at university, drag them down to the market and while you’re there, have a browse around at the stores. From food to gifts (last minute Christmas presents?), novelties to electronic, the market has all bases covered. Directly located above Paddy’s Markets in the center of Chinatown, this is the only shopping destination in the area with 30 factory outlets.

After a chilling thrill, take a balmy one hour stroll up George Street to Circular Quay, followed by a short ferry ride to Cremorne Point. The skyline views of the city are stupendous and Cremorne Point Manor boasts one of the best spots to view downtown Sydney at its best. If you need additional coaxing, check the hotel’s home page video and you’ll see why Tripadvisor gave the Manor a Certificate of Excellence, 4 years in a row. You may have just experienced an oversized bubble yet now you can enjoy one of the most famous landmarks in the globe!

We Are Sailing…We Are Sailing

For all water sport fans, if you’re in Sydney from 12 – 14 December, get ready to ride the wave…or watch it. For the first time, the Extreme Sailing Series hits Sydney Harbour in this grand finale for the 2014 season where the pro’s will compete for the coveted trophy. Some of the best sailing teams from around the globe (including the Australian flagged squad of GAC Pindar) will go head to head on identical extreme 40 catamarans. Their route will include maneuvering around tactical courses that are so close to the shore line, you’ll get the best seat in the house.

In its eighth year, over the past 11 months, tour locations have included the UK, France, Singapore and Russia, with the finale now reaching Sydney.  The end location choice is ideal based on the city’s miles of ocean coastline and sandy surf beaches, oh, and incredible weather since it’s now summer in Australia. 

The Series will be held by the Harbour between Garden Island and the Opera House. The organizers highly suggest you hop over to the Race Village at Mrs Macquire’s Point but for all Cremorne Point Manor guests, you have one of the best views in the house from the Point at Sydney’s North Shore. You’re guaranteed exceptional views!

If you do head to the official Race Village in the Royal Botanic Gardens, you can bring your own food & drinks or support local businesses from buying at their stands. There will be activities and entertainment, courtesy of sponsor Land Rover along with live commentary and replays & live coverage on the big screen. Not only a family friendly event, the Series is ideal for business travellers who are looking for unique events to entertain clients so keep that in mind.

On Friday the 12^th, the Race Village opens 10.30am and for all three days, stadium racing is from 2.00 – 5.00pm. On Sunday the 14^th at 5.30pm, the prize giving for Act 8 and Extreme Sailing Series is at 5.30pm so mark that in your calendars.

If you’re a major water buff fan, you can also volunteer and be officially classified as an ambassador of the Series. Working alongside a top tier team, this is the time to develop new sailing skills and meet some of the best sailors in the world. As an added bonus, you’ll also receive a certificate of participation which is fantastic for students who require such credentials for university submissions. Since the event’s nearly upon us, you’ll need to email volunteers@extremesailing.com.au quickly for potential volunteer spaces or fill the online form.

For anyone staying at Cremorne Point Manor during this fantastic weekend, let us know if you need advice or help in finding the best spots to watch the Series!