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 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, National Triangle.
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, 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 offering delicious dinner, snack and sweet treat options.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, 5 December 2026
Venue: Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, National Triangle
Pre-show: 6:30 PM
Carols: 7:00 PM - 9:00pm
Admission: Gold coin donation — registration required
Our Partners
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
Strategic Partner: National Capital Authority
Community Sponsor: Soward Management
Charity Partner: Hands Across Canberra
Partners: With thanks to our event supporters Kennards Hire, Green by Nature, Icon Water, Waste Away, ReCollect, Crowne Plaza Canberra and the ACT Rural Fire Service, and to Sheree, Julia and the team from Auslan Services.
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.
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.
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. Kingsland 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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