'Twas Three Weeks Before Christmas ...

...and all through the (Sydney Opera) House.

The Sydney Opera House today confirmed that Santa Claus has completed a successful recce ahead of his impending Christmas Eve visit.

Mr Claus admitted that the Opera House was likely to be among the more challenging houses he visits this year. “Mr Utzon was a man of many great talents but in designing one of the masterpieces of modern architecture, he forgot one important thing – the chimney!” Mr Claus said.

As the sun rose over the billowing white shells yesterday – and guided by his trusty point man Blitzen – Santa set off in search of the Opera House's traditional Christmas entrance.

Understandably, his focus was the tip of the tallest of the Opera House sails, which sits 67 metres above sea level, the equivalent of a 22-storey building, and encases the Concert Hall in over 125,000 'snow' and 'ice' tiles.

After taking a few wrong turns backstage, bumping into ballerinas preparing to perform The Nutcracker – and enjoying what appeared to be an unscheduled break to hear Sydney Symphony Orchestra musicians rehearse in the grand Concert Hall – Santa emerged at the Opera House's highest point, exhausted but satisfied he could find his way in again, even in the dark.

Watch Santa's Opera House recce here:
http://bitly.com/SantaAtOurHouse

The Opera House is a special and magical place during Christmas. Explore what's on:

• Eddie Perfect, Emma Pask and Rachael Beck – along with a 48-piece orchestra – will entertain families with two festive concerts in Christmas at the House:Jingle Bell Rock and Christmas Carol Sing-along. 
• Santa will return to join families in the Concert Hall Northern Foyer before eachChristmas at the House show.
• The Balnaves Foundation Open House Program will make a practical and inspirational difference to people's lives, especially over Christmas, offering socially and financially disadvantaged families $5 tickets to the Christmas at the House shows.
• The Little Drummer Boy and other popular Christmas carols will entertain children aged 2 – 5 in a festive Babies Proms designed to introduce children to live music.

For everything you need to know about Christmas at the House, visit:www.sydneyoperahouse.com/christmas

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