The Canberra Times 82nd Carols by Candlelight presented by Music for Canberra
Description
The Canberra Times 82nd Carols by Candlelight Presented by Music for Canberra
About the Event
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 Choirs, 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.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, 5 December 2026
Venue: Stage 88, Commonwealth Park
Pre-show: 6:30 PM
Carols: 7:00 PM - 9:00pm
Admission: Gold coin donation — registration required
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.
Music for Canberra
Music for Canberra is a not-for-profit built on a simple belief: music belongs to everyone. Home to the Canberra Youth Orchestra and Woden Valley Youth Choir, it runs youth orchestras, string ensembles, children's choirs, a youth concert band and mixed-abilities programs for people of all ages across the ACT and region, from its base at the Ainslie Arts Centre.
Meet the Performers
Woden Valley Youth Choir
Founded in 1969, Woden Valley Youth Choir has provided youth singing programs in Canberra for over 55 years. Our choirs are structured to support choristers as they grow, advance and change, with the development of extension programs and support for changing voices. Our choirs are wonderfully supported by a team of dedicated staff.
Canberra Youth Orchestra
Canberra’s premier youth symphony orchestra. Musicians in the CYO perform regularly in an annual program of innovative public concerts and have the opportunity to be conducted and mentored by some of the regions most accomplished professionals.
Canberra City Band
Canberra City Band was established in 1925 and has a long standing history as the band of Canberra. Canberra City Band is an A-grade wind ensemble that plays in eisteddfods, regional and national band championships, and events around Canberra and the region.
Kingsland Brass
A performance enrichment program for enthusiastic brass players aged 12-19. Kingland Brass is an exciting opportunity for young brass players to rehearse and perform alongside CSO Brass musicians Greg Stenning (trumpet) and Bjorn Pfeiffer (tuba). All participants receive specialized training and mentorship in solo and ensemble playing. Kingsland Brass welcomes musicians looking to gain confidence and ensemble experience.
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