We love December, but let’s be honest: it’s a marathon of Christmas parties, festive drinks and social obligations. The trick? Carve out time for yourself. Indulge in a night at the theatre, get lost in a new book release, take yourself to the cinema to see one of the latest flicks or simply indulge in a guilt-free night in to binge the new season of Emily in Paris.
Emily in Paris
Your favourite American expat is back as Emily in Paris returns for Season 5. This time around, Emily is splitting her heart (and her wardrobe) between Paris and Rome while juggling new loves and rivalries.
Stream it on Netflix from December 18.
Lady Gaga Tour
Avant-garde costuming, powerhouse vocals and theatrical energy are expected for Lady Gaga’s highly anticipated The Mayhem Ball tour, her firs Australian shows in 11 years. The tour will kick off on December 5 in Melbourne, before heading to Brisbane.
Visit livenation.com.au
Oprah in Conversation
Oprah Winfrey returns to Australia for the first time in a decade, sitting down with journalist Melissa Doyle for an unmissable evening of candid conversations and inspiring life lessons. The tour kicks off on December 4 in Sydney, before heading to Adelaide, Brisbane and then Melbourne.
Visit Ticketek.com.au.
Ron Mueck: Encounter
Internationally celebrated artist Ron Mueck is bringing big ideas to the Art Gallery of NSW this summer, as he unveils the largest presentation of his hauntingly hyper-real sculptures ever seen in Australia. Encounter is open from December 6 until April 12, 2026.
Visit artgallery.nsw.gov.au
Mayor of Kingstown
Taylor Sheridan’s Mayor of Kingstown returns for its fourth season, starring Oscar nominee Jeremy Renner and Emmy winner Edie Falco in another explosive season.
Watch it on paramountplus.com
Much Ado About Nothing
For the first time in 30 years, the Melbourne Theatre Company presents a vibrantnew production of Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s timeless comedy of love, wit and deception. On now until December 19.
Visit mtc.com.au.
Best Offer Wins
Gone Girl meets Selling Sunset in this twisty domestic thriller by Marisa Kashino, which asks: how far would you go to secure your dream home?
(Penguin, $34.99.) Out December 2.
Landman, Season wo
Taylor Sheridan’s hit series, Landman, is back for Season 2. Starring Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore, Landman is a modern tale of fortune seeking amongst roughnecks and billionaires.
Watch it on Paramount+
The Housemaid
Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried team up for the thrilling adaptation of Freida McFadden’s bestselling novel The Housemaid. The story follows a struggling young woman (Sweeney) who accepts a live-in job with a seemingly perfect couple.
In cinemas December 26.
Diva Exhibition
What defines a diva? asks a glittering exhibition at Melbourne’s new Australian Museum of Performing Arts. Expect OTT fashion, music and soundscapes that chart the evolution of divadom, from opera’s grand heroines to modern pop royalty. The Australian exclusive, drawn from London’s V&A Museum collection, will see more than 250 objects on display, including costumes from Lady Gaga, Elton John and more.
From December 11 to April 26.
Gatsby at the Green Light
Enjoy a theatrical reimagining of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby with a 1920s-inspired table-side drinks service throughout the cabaret show. From December 13 until March 1, 2026, at the Sydney Opera House.
Visit sydneyoperahouse.com.
NCIS: Sydney Season 3
The NCIS: Sydney team are back for a bigger, bolder, and even more explosive third season as the they head back to the glistening harbour city after their croc-fuelled adventure.
Watch it on paramountplus.com
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