The Hunger Games: The Exhibition

Katniss' bow and arrow is one of more than 1000 props and costumes from The Hunger Games films that have been brought to Sydney. Visitors have the chance to experience the fictional world of Panem depicted in the films – exploring the Capitol, hopping aboard the Tribute Train and creating a propaganda film in District 13.

Until February 5, International Convention Centre, 14 Darling Drive, Darling Harbour, free-$110.05, 9215 7100, premier.ticketek.com.au.

The Hunger Games: The Exhibition. Photo: Marion Curtis.

Sydney Sixers v Perth Scorchers cricket

The Sixers are back for the Big Bash League, and are taking on the Perth Scorchers. Moises Henriques, Doug Bollinger and Ellyse Perry are among the Sixers' big names expected to play. Spectators are invited to wear their best Hawaiian shirt to celebrate the beach party theme at the game.

7.10pm (gates open 5.30pm), Sydney Cricket Ground, Moore Park Road, Moore Park, $5.10-$71.40, 132 849, ticketek.com.au.

The Big Bash League returns as the Sixers face the Perth Scorchers. Photo: Getty Images

Mandy Martin: Homeground

Mandy Martin's paintings and videos reflect her concern about water security and open cut mines in the landscape, arising from two decades living at Mandurama in the central west of NSW. A touring exhibition from the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, it features 20 artworks and is curated by Sarah Gurich.

Until February 26, 9am-5pm, Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest, 86 River Road, Emu Plains, free, 4753 1100, penrithregionalgallery.org.

Mandy Martin: Homeground Exhibition.

Festive High Tea at the Shangri-La

To wrap up the festive season, executive pastry chef Anna Polyviou has concocted a range of sweet treats including cherry pie, White Ozzy berry christmas and merry scones. These will be accompanied by a wide selection of teas or champagne.

Until December 31, noon-2.30pm and 3pm-5.30pm, Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel, 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, $27.50-$55 (alcohol extra), 9250 6151, shangri-la.com.

Shangri-La Festive High Tea.

FOR THE KIDS

Storytime Ballet

Watch an interactive and narrated production of The Nutcracker performed by the Australian Ballet. This 50-minute production of the world's most famous ballet has been created for children aged three and up who are encouraged to dress up in a dance-inspired outfit.

Until December 29, Sydney Opera House, $43-$54, 9250 7777, australianballet.com.au

'The Dinosaur Show' plus 'Cinderella' Puppet Show

Deena the baby dinosaur crashes Cinderella's crib in this puppet performance created for kids aged 3-9. Cinder's and her evil stepsisters will be joined by a cast of new and familiar faces in a modern take on a timeless tale.

Until 24 January, 1.30pm, Jeral Puppets, 12H Denawen Avenue, Castle Cove, $12-$14, 9371 7328, puppeteria.com.

DON'T MISS

Club Swizzle

With a bar centre stage and a cast of handsome acrobatic waiters and seductive songstresses, the Sydney Opera House's latest cabaret show delivers an entertaining two-fingered salute to the wowsers on Macquarie Street. Presided over by the charismatic Murray Hill, Club Swizzle is sexy, salacious, joyous night on the town.

Until January 29, various times, The Studio, Sydney Opera House, $69.90-$110 + booking fee, sydneyoperahouse.com.

Thrills but hopefully no alcohol spills at Club Swizzle.

OUT OF TOWN

Christmas @ Towac

Finish the year with a day at the races at Towac Park. This race meet in Orange in the central west of NSW offers face painting, jumping castles, lawn games, food stalls as well as the gee-gees galloping around the track.

12pm, Towac Park Racecourse, Canobolas Road, Orange, free, 0448 149 282, racingorange.com.au.

Maclean Twilight Rodeo, Maclean

Saddle up! Bull riding and steer wrestling are among the thrills and spills featured at the Maclean Twilight Rodeo. The annual rodeo will raise money for charities including Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter, Rural Fire Service and the Maclean Sports Council.

6pm, Maclean Showground, Cameron Street, Maclean, Free-$55, 6647 7341, lawrencerodeo.org.au.

Dress Code: Empire

This exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy tells the story of Australia's relationship with Britain through a gold-embroidered wool uniform worn by Sir Edmund Barton, Australia's first prime minister, to the coronation of King Edward VII in London in 1902.

Open daily, 9am-5pm, Museum of Australian Democracy, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes, Canberra, $1-$5, 6270 8222, moadoph.gov.au.

Artists of the Great War: Exhibition 

Australia's first official war artist Will Dyson is featured in this exhibition of paintings, drawings and prints by war artists at the National Gallery of Australia. Artistic depictions of the Great War range from propaganda posters to paintings of the wounded soldiers and the mud and muck of the trenches.

Until June, 10am–5pm, National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes, Canberra, free, 6240 6411, nga.gov.au.