![The Festival of Lights will make a dazzling comeback this week, and has been a hit since 2021 (pictured). Picture by Briannah Devlin The Festival of Lights will make a dazzling comeback this week, and has been a hit since 2021 (pictured). Picture by Briannah Devlin](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/123048163/f5fb6b4d-177f-4475-9b82-bb5d665fb261.jpg/r0_0_4032_3024_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The countdown is on for the end of the year, which means there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate and get festive in the region.
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The beloved Festival of Lights returns this week along with the Angels in Our Town parade, and there are plenty of opportunities to do some Christmas shopping too.
Here's a list of 11 things to look forward to this week.
Australian Highlands Wine Show
Celebrate Australia's best
Mingle with fellow wine enthusiasts and winemakers, and taste Australia's best at the Australian Highlands Wine Show. It champions cool climate wines that use grapes that are grown 500 metres or more above sea level. Celebrate the wines on Friday, December 1 at the Centennial Vineyards at 6.30pm. Tickets are $68.15 each with a booking fee and can be purchased through evnt.au. Attendees will be welcomed with a glass of bubbles on arrival, and have the chance to munch on sweet and savoury nibbles, that have been paired with the wines. There is a smart casual dress code.
![The Festival of Lights is a chance to smile and come together with the community. Picture by Briannah Devlin in 2021 The Festival of Lights is a chance to smile and come together with the community. Picture by Briannah Devlin in 2021](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/123048163/35dfa080-046a-4b02-b044-f0b1b0b798af.jpg/r0_0_4032_3024_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Festival of Lights
'Tis the season
The Highlands will be full of festive cheer and dazzling lights. Back for a third year, the Corbett Gardens will be full of lights, live entertainment and activities for everyone to enjoy. See it all from Friday, November 1 at 6.30pm when the switch is officially flicked. The festival will be on until New Year's Eve. Learn more at festivaloflights.org.au/.
The Hive twilight opening
People can discover everything at The Hive with a twilight opening. The after-hours event gives people the chance to meet the business owners and start their Christmas shopping early with unique items. See it all next to the Big Potato on Friday, December 1 from 4pm to 8pm.
Colo Vale Monthly Market
Lots to discover
The first Saturday of the month means this village market is back! See a variety of stalls at the Colo Vale Community Hall on Saturday, December 2 from 8.30am to 1.30pm.
Exeter Village Market
A relaxing start to the weekend
Discover more than 60 stalls that showcase tasty treats, crafts, homewares, produce and more. Head over to Exeter Park on Saturday, December 2 from 9am to 1.30pm.
![The Angels in Our Town parade returns this week to tank those who make a big difference in the Highlands. Picture supplied The Angels in Our Town parade returns this week to tank those who make a big difference in the Highlands. Picture supplied](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/123048163/223e7c8f-51b4-4989-aab0-f59a3420d5e4.jpg/r0_0_1023_677_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Angels in Our Town
Thank our local heroes
Wingecarribee's first responders, volunteers and service personnel will once again be celebrated for all they do for the local community. Children will dress as angels and walk with our heroes. Cheer for everyone on Saturday, December 2 on Bong Bong Street at 7pm. There will be a free concert at the Corbett Gardens at 8pm featuring Amber Kenny, Ben Malone, Peter Campbell, Darren Percival, a Southern Highlands Super Choir, and Hugh Sheridan as the headline act. People can bring picnics, or grab a sausage sandwich from Can Assist on the night.
![Harpist Verna Lee will perform alongside the Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra this week. Picture supplied Harpist Verna Lee will perform alongside the Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra this week. Picture supplied](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/123048163/0767a2a7-1c8c-44bd-837a-35096e2bcf27.JPG/r0_0_3024_2016_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra Concert Series Four
Musical delights
The Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra is ready to entertain people with compositions by Beethoven, Bizet, Smetana and Elgar, along with some local offerings. There will be a composition by Highlands composer Ann Carr-Boyd with Verna Lee as a solo harpist, the debut performance of Inseguimento by Moss Vale High School graduate Oscar Dunn-Luck, and John Corley with something for Christmas. Watch them on Saturday, December 2 at 7.30pm and Sunday, December 3 at 2.30pm at the Bowral Memorial Hall. Tickets are $45 for adults, $38 for concession and seniors, $15 for students aged between 16 and 21 and free for children under 16. Buy them through Trybooking.
Bundanoon Makers Market
Lots to see
Discover fresh produce, arts, and more at this market. Head to Bundanoon Public School on Sunday, December 3 from 8.30am to 2pm. Entry is free.
Serendipity the Choir: A December to Remember
Christmas tunes
Serendipity the Choir will perform a Christmas concert this week. Get into the festive spirit on Sunday, December 3 at 4pm at the Bowral Uniting Church. Tickets are $20 for adults and free for children through Trybooking. Light refreshments are also included.
![Singer-songwriter Jo Caseley will launch her third album at The Venue this weekend. Picture suplied Singer-songwriter Jo Caseley will launch her third album at The Venue this weekend. Picture suplied](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/123048163/0b6758c9-9cc7-4b86-89df-dc832b54d683.jpg/r0_0_1017_678_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
High on Heartstrings album launch
This weekend
Highlands singer-songwriter Jo Caseley will launch her third album High on Heartstrings. Expect songs about motherhood and parenthood, minority groups and personal stories. She will be joined by Angus Murray and Ben Malone. Enjoy the show at The Venue on Sunday, December 3 at 4pm, with the doors opening at 3.30pm. Tickets are $25 and people can bring their own refreshments. Buy them through powerpointmusic.com.au/gigs.
Vivace Berrima: Summer Song Serenade
Music to one's ears
Mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Cooper and pianist John Martin come together to perform a variety of compositions such as Broadway numbers, songs by female composers, piano solos and more. Enjoy the show on Sunday, December 3 at 2.30pm at the Berrima Village Hall. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $20 for students, and can be secured by emailing lyndall1906@bigpond.com or calling 0408 839 687. There will be wine and refreshments afterwards.
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