Sat 5 Dec · 7pm
Stage 88 · Parkes
picnic rugs, candles and carols under the stars at Stage 88
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Gather your picnic rugs, candles and community spirit for The Canberra Times 82nd Carols by Candlelight presented by Music for Canberra, on Saturday 5 December at Stage 88, Commonwealth Park.
Canberra has sung in Christmas by candlelight since 1945, when carols were first held outside Old Parliament House. It is now Australia's second-longest-running community carols, after Melbourne, and around 5,000 people joined us in 2025.
Woden Valley Youth Choir, the Canberra Youth Orchestra, Canberra City Band and Kingsland Brass lead the singing, with guest artists from across Canberra's arts community and a visit from Santa.
The pre-show starts at 6.30pm, carols begin at 7pm and the evening finishes at 9pm. Entry is by gold coin donation, helping Music for Canberra keep this tradition going for every family. Food trucks will be on site. Registration is through Humanitix.
The Canberra Times Carols by Candlelight is made possible by our Presenting Partner, The Canberra Times; our Community Sponsor, Soward Management; our Charity Partner, Hands Across Canberra; and our partners Canberra Southern Cross Club, ECG Electrical and Capital Radio Network. Thank you also to Kennards Hire, Crowne Plaza Canberra and the ACT Rural Fire Service.
Quick answers
When is The Canberra Times 82nd Carols by Candlelight presented by Music for Canberra?
Sat 5 Dec 2026, 7pm.
Where is it?
Stage 88, Parkes, ACT.
How much is it?
It is free.
Where do I find out more?
On visitcanberra.com.au. The button at the top of this page goes straight there.
How do I find out which of my mates are keen?
Tap "Ask your mates if they're keen" on this page. You get one link for the group chat, and your mates answer keen, maybe or can't in their browser, with no app and no sign-up. It is free.
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