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.
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 thanks to our Presenting Partner, The Canberra Times; our Strategic Partner, National Capital Authority; 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.