A cosy log cabin, thousands of fairy lights and life-sized reindeer: why this Canberra Christmas experience is extra magical

Posted on 12 November, 2026

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Canberra, but this year promises some extra seasonal magic that will transport families straight into Santa’s own world.

It’s appeared in a very unexpected location.

Growing on the ground floor of the Canberra Centre, Santa’s magical woodland forest has arrived, filling the space with pine trees decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, magic mushrooms and woodland creatures – from friendly foxes and magic mice to a life-sized reindeer.

Complete with golden gates upon entry and a cosy log cabin hidden in the heart of the display – where a jolly man in red might just be waiting – it’s a truly enchanting experience for little believers and promises plenty of wonder.

“We’re so excited to bring something completely new to Canberra families this Christmas. We’ve really taken the magic up a notch this year, creating a space where children can feel like they’ve stepped straight into Santa’s world,” explains Canberra Centre Marketing Manager Amy Young.

“From the moment families walk through the golden gates, we want them to feel that sense of wonder and excitement that makes Christmas so special when you’re little.”

To add to that sense of wonder, the Canberra Centre has also unveiled a special Christmas Wishing Well, inviting children and families to share what would make their Christmas extra special. Thanks to the magic of Santa, up to 10 wishes will be granted throughout the festive season – whether it’s a gift for a loved one, a special family experience or something meaningful from a child’s Christmas list.

For those looking to create a merry Christmas memory, the new Santa set also offers a beautiful setting for those all-important family Christmas photos.

With bookings now open until Christmas Eve through Scene to Believe (via the Canberra Centre website), families who have their Santa photo taken during November can also enter the draw to win a $1,000 Christmas shopping spree as part of Canberra Centre’s Meet Santa to Win promotion.

That’s just the beginning of the experiences on offer. The Canberra Centre is also hosting Sensitive Santa sessions, Santa pet photos and even sessions designed specifically for celebrating a baby’s very first Christmas. With something to suit every family, bookings are essential, so you’d better lock in your time before the calendar fills.

“For so many Canberra families, visiting Santa at Canberra Centre is a tradition they look forward to every year. We can’t wait to see children’s faces when they experience the new set for the first time,” says Amy.

The new Santa experience is located on the Ground Floor of Canberra Centre at the Canberra Times Fountain entrance.

For bookings, competition details and more information, visit the Canberra Centre website.

Images supplied.