Warm up those vocal cords, Canberra’s Carols by Candlelight is on this weekend

Posted on 3 December, 2024

Tis’ the season for a Christmassy jingle so you better start warming up your vocal cords –Canberra’s biggest community carols are on this weekend.

Inspiring locals to sing a little song (or 10), on Saturday 7 December, the Canberra Carols By Candlelight will be celebrating their 80th year of making Christmas extra magical.

Kicking off at 6.30 pm at Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park, the free community event has long been known as a time-honoured tradition that brings warmth and joy to thousands each Christmas season.

Taking the stage once again, the Woden Valley Youth Choir and Canberra City Band will be playing all of the Christmas classics you know and love long into the night, giving you the perfect excuse to brush up on the lyrics of Silent Night, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and more.

Make sure to plan ahead, bring a blanket or chairs, make sure you’re slathered in sunscreen and don your best Christmas hat for a seasonal and sun-safe day out.

Adding to the Christmas cheer, there will also be a variety of food trucks onsite, or you can pack a picnic to make the most of the summer weather. And don’t forget to buy a candle!

We also hear a rumour that Santa will be making a special appearance to check on who’s been naughty or nice, so keep an eye out.

Make sure to suss out your spot early – this highly popular event is always packed. I think I hear sleigh bells….?

OTHER WAYS TO GET YOUR CHRISTMAS CAROL FIX

Christmas at Haig Park Village Markets

The ultimate Christmas experience awaits this December, and you can find it in Haig Park.

Taking place across four fun-filled Sundays, the Haig Park Village Markets will be helping you sleigh the gift game with their festive extravaganza. Expect gift shopping, culinary delights (hello Christmas puddings), free photos with Santa, gingerbread making, carols, and more!

Every Sunday until Sunday 22 December, 8 am – 2 pm | Haig Park, 14 Girrahween Street, Braddon | More information here.

Christmas Celebration

Celebrate this Christmas at Fusion’s annual Christmas Celebration! Offering two carol services, families are invited to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit with joyful carols, exciting games, and inflatable fun for kids (and adults).

Enjoy delicious food and participate in delightful giveaways, creating memorable moments for everyone. Registration is essential, and tickets are free. Mark your calendars and share in the joy of Christmas!

Saturday 7 December, 6 pm and Sunday 8 December, 10 am | Fusion City Church, The HUB, 1/87 Hoskins Street, Mitchell | Register here.

Carols in the Park

Running for over 20 years, this festive event aims to help the local community celebrate Christmas joy.

Including a family carnival with a jumping castle, face painting, balloon animals, and more, head along to explore market stalls, food trucks, and, of course, enjoy the live Christmas carols!

Sunday 8 December, 5 pm – 9 pm | Dickson Playing Fields, Antill Street, Dickson | More information here.

Community Carols at Pearce Shops

Join The Resonants, the Canberra Chordsmen and Sacred Heart’s Heartsong Children’s Choir sing you a little song this December!

Free to attend, this event has been held annual at the Pearce Shops. There will be coffee, tea and curries available for purchase and plenty of festive fun to be had.

Monday 9 December, 7 pm | Pearce Shops 

Christmas Classics

Get ready for an evening of uplifting Christmas music from around the world.

From Medieval carols to classic Yuletide songs and traditional Nativity hymns, this concert will get you into the festive spirit. Featuring the sublime sounds of Luminescence Chamber Singers with internationally acclaimed organ virtuoso Thomas Heywood, and the angelic strains of Luminescence Children’s Choir, it will be one heavenly hour.

Friday 13 and Sunday 15 December, 7 pm – 8 pm | Wesley Uniting Church, 20-22 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.

Canberra Christmas Market

This market promises to be a one-stop shop for all your Christmas needs.

Taking place over two days, the Canberra Christmas Market will be helping you uncover gifts, specialty items, and more that you can’t find in regular retail outlets. And plenty is happening to get you into the Christmas spirit. Head along to listen to carols, meet Santa and even decorate your own gingerbread houses!

Did we mention it’s free to attend?

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December, 10 am – 3 pm | Exhibition Park, Corner Flemington Road and Northbourne Avenue, Mitchell | More information here.

Carols in Town Park

Since the early 2000’s the Tuggeranong Salvation Army has organised a community Christmas event in Tuggeranong, and this year is no different!

Head along to celebrate Christmas and the community with some low-key children’s activities, a sausage sizzle and carols. The carols will be led by the Salvation Army Brass Band accompanied by local vocalist Amber Nicolls, so make sure your singing voice is ready!

Sunday 15 December, 5 pm – 8 pm | Tuggeranong Town Park, Tuggeranong Town Park, Anketell Street, Greenway, Greenway | More information here.

Christmas Stories with R.A. Spratt

Best-selling children’s author R.A. Spratt is coming to the stage to perform her favourite Christmas tales.

The bestselling author of Friday Barnes and Nanny Piggins will be bringing high energy, action-packed, side-splittingly, hilarious storytelling at its festive best, and featuring Christmas carols written by Nanny Piggins herself. Take the whole family along for a holiday season giggle!

Thursday 19 December, 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm | The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.

A Candlelight Christmas: The Sounds We Know and Love

Watch as the National Gallery of Australia is transformed with thousands of candles this Christmas, bringing special holiday-themed shows to Canberra.

The unique musical programming will feature everything from classic Christmas carols to Christmas movie soundtracks, it promises to be an unforgettable evening for all to enjoy with their loved ones.

Friday 20 December, 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm | James Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia, Parkes | Book here.