The Tiger Who Came For Tea

Based on Judith Kerr's 1968 book, this performance brings to life the story of young Sophie and her unexpected feline visitor. When a tiger turns up for tea one day and promptly consumes all the food and water in the house, Sophie and her mother are bewildered. What will happen next? With plenty of laughs, on-stage magic and sing-a-long songs for the kids to join in with, The Tiger Who Came To Tea will keep audiences captivated. Previously showing on the west end, this hit show is family-friendly and sure to be loved by all. Recommended for children aged 3 and older. Various dates and times until December 28, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney, standard tickets $30-$55, children two and under free, 9250 7777, sydneyoperahouse.com. 

Carve it up at Monster Skatepark

Budding Tony Hawks can enjoy expert tutelage at Monster Skatepark this summer with the coolest young riders and coaches around. As part of the Sydney Olympic Park 'Kids in the Park' summer holiday program, regular skateboarding lessons are on offer for those who want to improve their skate park skills. The KICK program is also available for keen scooter-riders, teaching kids how to carve it up with their Razors and JD Bugs. It's perfect for kids who want to get their kicks in a major skate park, and great for cautious parents too: safety and supervision are a big part of the lessons. Different abilities are catered for and skating gear is included in the cost of the lesson for kids who don't have their own. Bookings essential. Catch a train to Sydney Olympic Park from the city, or catch a train to Lidcombe and jump on one of the regular Olympic Sprint trains. Until January 26, Mon 1.30pm, Wed 9am, Tues, Thurs and Fri 9am & 1.30pm, closed public holidays, Monster Skatepark, Grand Parade, Sydney Olympic Park, $30, 9714 7888, sydneyolympicpark.com.au.

Sand sculpting in the Sydney Hills

Bella Vista Farm will come alive with Disney Pixar characters in a sandsational exhibition this summer. More than 400 tonnes of sand will be sculpted into 17 different characters, including folk from Toy Story 3, Cars, A Bugs Life, Wall-E, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc, The Incredibles, Ratatouille and Brave. Ten sculptors hailing from Australia and overseas will spend more than 1500 hours carefully shaping the sand into these familiar friends, and those who visit from December 26-28 will be able to see the sculptors at work. Visitors from December 29 will just see the stunning sculptures on display. Several activities are also on offer and included in the ticket price: a sand workshop area, activity sheet and LEGO zone. December 26 - January 26, Mon-Thurs 9am-6pm, Fri-Sun and public holidays 9am-7pm, Bella Vista Farm, 2 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista, adult $14, concession, $11, children under twelve $6, children under three free, 5986 6684, sandstormevents.com.

SYDNEY

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Gather by the shore to celebrate 70 years of this iconic race on Boxing Day. The 2014 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race will get off to a flying start in Sydney Harbour at 1pm, with 117 yachts taking part in this year's race. About 600,000 spectators are expected to pack binoculars, sunscreen and a picnic and line the Sydney Harbour shore to catch a glimpse as the fleet heads out to the Tasman Sea and down the Australian south-east coast. Try Rushcutters Bay, Watsons Bay, South Head, Cremone Point and Bradleys Head for a good view, but get in early - the best areas will fill up fast. If you've got access to a boat, you can watch from the water, too, joining the spectator fleet with a truly varied mixture of water vessels. After the race has well and truly left Sydney, you can tune in to further developments on Channel 7. Wild Oats XI has dominated the field over the last decade - will it come out on top again? Watch and find out. December 26, 1pm, Various Sydney Harbour locations, free, rolexsydneyhobart.com.

Big Bash Sydney Derby

The Boxing Day Test might be out of reach for Sydney-siders, but cricket fans can compensate by enjoying the match-up between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder. With the Big Bash season in its infancy, there's plenty of energy for players and fans alike, and the pace of Twenty20 crickets means there's sure to be plenty of fours, sixes and wickets for cricketers to enjoy. Head to ANZ stadium for an exciting evening of Twenty20 cricket, and look out for future Sydney fixtures between the two local teams and their opponents from Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, Brisbane and Perth. Catch a train to Sydney Olympic Park from the city, or catch a train to Lidcombe and jump on one of the regular Olympic Sprint trains. December 27, 7.10pm, ANZ Stadium, Edwin Flack Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park, general admission adult $20.39, child $5.10, concession $12.23, family $43.33, 9653 9999, bigbash.com.au.

Taking It All Away

This striking exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art prompts viewers to question their relationships with time, their places in the universe and the process of erasure and abstraction. The exhibition, which combines works recently acquired by the MCA with those drawn from the MCA collection, includes work from seven Australian artists. Features include Christian Capurro's erased magazine, for which he asked 260 people to each erase a page and then write how long it took them and the amount they are usually paid for their time. Stuart Ringholt's enormous clock is another feature of the exhibition, drawing viewers to ponder their personal interactions with time. The exhibition also compels visitors to consider the importance of minimalism, conceptual art and the social impact of art. Catch a train or bus to Circular Quay and walk to the Museum of Contemporary Art. Until February 22 2015, Mon-Wed and Fri-Sun 10am-5pm, Thurs 10am-9pm, Level 1, The Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George Street, The Rocks, free, 9245 2400, mca.com.au.

Boxing Day Sales

Shopaholics will be hitting the malls with vigour on Boxing Day morning, eager to cash in on the yearly sales. Don't be shy about getting out your Christmas cash and gift vouchers - they'll stretch further on this day than most others. If you're a serious shopper, do some research and make a plan for the day for maximum efficiency. You can compare some sale prices online and in catalogues, arrive early to be first in the store, and don't forget to ask about the refund policy of the items you buy. Pro tips from past years include wearing leggings and singlets to avoid dressing room queues - just try things on right over the top! If you're not a fan of shopping, avoid malls like the plague. Stay home and eat Christmas leftovers instead. Various times and stores.

OUT OF TOWN

Boxing Day Classics

Head to the Manly Wharf Hotel for a post-Christmas party on Boxing Day. They're hosting the Boxing Day Classics party, hosted by Ministry of Sound, Mustard Music and Soapbox Artists. Popular Aussie DJs will be playing all day and all night long, with clubbing stars Kid Kenobi, GT, Ben Morris, Fear of Dawn and Shamus headlining the event and a special surprise guest to make an appearance on the evening. The music will be a delight to all keen clubbers, with tunes from the disco origins of dance music all the way up contemporary electronica, and '90s house in between. Soak up the Sydney Harbour sun, have an afternoon drink and dance the night away at what will be an epic wrap-up to the Christmas season. Catch a ferry direct to Manly from Circular Quay. December 26, 3pm-late, Manly Wharf Hotel, 21 E Esplanade, Manly, 9977 1266, manlywharfhotel.com.au.

Man from Snowy River Rodeo

If you've never seen a bucking bronco in the flesh, prepare yourself: it's time for the Man from Snowy River Rodeo in Jindabyne. Running annually since 1943, the rodeo is a great day out for the entire family.  Categories include the open and novice bull competitions, saddle broncos, bareback horses and barrel races. The event also features side shows, food stalls and bar facilities. Head to the Jindabyne Sports Ground to mingle with bull-riders and spectators alike, and enjoy this piece of country charm. No alcohol through the gates and no dogs allowed. December 28, gates open 11am, Jindabyne Sports Grounds, Jindabyne, adult $15, child $10, family $40, 1800 038 992. 

Heddon Greta Drive-in cinema

Enjoy a movie under the stars at the Heddon Greta Drive-in cinema in the Hunter Valley. From Boxing Day until December 30, they'll be hosting nightly screenings of big releases Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, which you can watch from the comfort of your vehicle. All you need is a working FM radio (either car or portable), some snacks and cash to pay at the entrance (no card facilities available upon entry). And remember, as the Heddon Greta Drive-in folk cheekily advise on their fabulous website: if you don't like the movie, slash the seats! Nightly during school holidays, various times, Heddon-Greta Drive-in, off Heddon Street, Heddon Greta, $30 per vehicle per movie, attend two consecutive sessions for $50 or three for $70, 4936 2800, drive-in.com.au.