What’s On in Canberra at Christmas 2026 (Reasons to Visit)
4th November 2026
Canberra in December is a pretty good place to be when the sun stays out late and the Christmas calendar kicks in! There are festive markets to browse, lights to see, carols and concerts to catch, plus plenty of festive events designed around long summer evenings. Here’s what’s happening around Canberra at Christmas 2026, and the events worth making a trip to the capital for.
Credit: ACT Chief Minister’s Department / An annual event held early in December. The tree is lit and family fun activities held to celebrate
Why Canberra Makes a Cracking Christmas Getaway
During the rest of the year, people flock to Canberra for the unique experiences it offers, including museums and all the big landmarks. But then, December comes around and Canberra shows off a completely different reason to visit, with the city’s cultural attractions joined by a proper line-up of festive events, markets, concerts and Christmas activities.
The city really comes alive around the festive season, and there are also plenty of opportunities to make a full weekend of it. Plus, when you feel like a break from the Christmas cheer, Canberra’s museums and galleries, restaurants, parks and summer activities give you plenty to dip into between the festive stuff.
The 2026 Christmas calendar is already taking shape, so let’s plan ahead and see what’s happening while you’re in town.
What’s On in Canberra during Christmas 2026
Thinking about doing something a little different this Christmas? Canberra has plenty happening to justify turning a festive event into a proper few days away.
Christmas fruit pies at the Old Bus Depot Markets
Hall Village Christmas Fair & Street Party
Just outside Canberra, the historic village of Hall turns into a wonderfully old-fashioned Christmas scene for its annual fair. More than 100 artisan stalls line the village alongside food vans, live music and carollers, while Santa arrives in a vintage car and a giant Christmas star lights up the churchyard as evening falls.
The atmosphere is a big part of the appeal of course, with the whole village getting involved.
Take a look at the event here!
Canberra Christmas Market
Exhibition Park becomes the place to go for Christmas shopping when the Canberra Christmas Market rolls into town in summer. Stalls are piled with handmade goods, specialty food, decorations, local products and gifts, so you can beat the usual December retail rush and pick up some unique finds. The market runs across two days, so don’t fret, there’s plenty of time to browse and get into the Christmas spirit, just ahead of December arriving.
A Very Canberra Comedy Festival Christmas
A night at Canberra Theatre Centre offers a rather funny and different take on the festive season, with A Very Canberra Comedy Festival Christmas bringing comedians together for a Christmas-themed show. If you book tickets, expect jokes rather than sentimental carols. And maybe leave the kids at home this time, because this is particularly suited to adults who fancy an evening out while they’re in town.
Carols in Town Park
One for all the family, Carols in Town Park is a Canberra classic at Christmas time. Tuggeranong Town Park gets into the festive spirit on December 13, with an evening of live entertainment and Christmas music. The event runs from 5pm to 8pm, so you can arrive with a picnic or grab something to eat before getting ready for the carols as the evening gets underway.
Handmade Market Canberra
Independent makers take over EPIC for Handmade Market Canberra, with stalls filled with jewellery, art, homewares, food and handmade gifts. The November dates are particularly handy for Christmas shoppers, and the market takes place on the same weekend as the Canberra Christmas Market, so it’s possible to visit both in one weekend and get a serious amount of present shopping done!
