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.
Want to help out at Carol's By Candlelight this year?
Interested in becoming a stallholder at this year's Carols? We'd love to hear from you.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to our Partners!
The Canberra Times Carols by Candlelight would not be possible without the generous support of our partners and the Canberra community.
Presenting Partner:
The Canberra Times
Community Sponsor:
Soward Management
Charity Partner:
Hands Across Canberra
Partners: Canberra Southern Cross Club, ECG Electrical and Capital Radio Network
With thanks to our event supporters Kennards Hire, Crowne Plaza Canberra and the ACT Rural Fire Service, and to Sheree Murray from Auslan Services.
Event information
Location: Stage 88, Commonwealth Park
Date: Saturday 5 December 2026
Time: Preshow from 6.30pm, Carols begin at 7pm
Accessibility: There is limited accessible parking around Commonwealth Park and Regatta Point, on Constitution Avenue or Allara Street.
The event is held on the lawns in front of Stage 88 and it can get boggy and soft and may be unsuitable for wheelchair users.
The event will have Auslan interpreters.
Weather: Carols goes ahead in the event of light rain.
Keep an eye on our socials for updates relating to adverse weather.
Public Transport: Attendees can access Rapid bus services on Commonwealth Avenue, either at Regatta Point (southbound only) or near Albert Hall (in both directions). The Rapid bus network provides services throughout the Canberra region with many travelling via Commonwealth Avenue. Timetables and maps for these services can be found on the Transport Canberra website.
Parking: We recommend parking around Canberra Olympic Pool and walking across the footbridge into Commonwealth Park.
Help support Carols by Candlelight
It takes a village to put on an event such as our annual Carols by Candlelight. We need your ongoing support to help us continue this important tradition for Canberra.
Each year we rely on donations from individuals and businesses to cover the cost of this huge event attended by 5000 Canberrans each year.
If you would like to be a corporate sponsor for Carols, please reach out to us through our website contact form. We would love to acknowledge your contribution through our media partnerships and event marketing.
Drone Policy
To ensure the safety, security and privacy of all attendees, drone use is not permitted at Stage 88 or within Commonwealth Park without prior approval from the event organiser.
Unauthorised drone activity may be reported to authorities and could result in penalties under national aviation and safety regulations.
Report the incident using the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) online drone complaints form.
