Temporary Closures: Current advice
Carols by Candlelight 2026
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Carols by Candlelight
Date
5 December 2026
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5 December 2026
Time
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Place
Stage 88
More information
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, 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.
People attending Carols by Candlelight at Stage 88, are encouraged to rethink their routine and utilise public transport options. Parking will be available at Regatta Point car park, in addition to south of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, around the National Institutions, while a small amount of parking will be available at Acton Waterfront. Parking options are also available in the city before a short walk to Commonwealth Park.
Commonwealth Avenue will be closed to traffic in the northbound direction from 8pm Friday 6 December to 6am Monday 9 December, between State Circle and Parkes Way, with only local traffic allowed for access to the National Triangle, and fully closed between Parkes Way and Vernon Circle.
Commonwealth Avenue will remain open in the southbound direction during the works.
Traffic heading north will be detoured from Adelaide Avenue onto State Circle.
The ramp from State Circle onto Commonwealth Avenue northbound will also be closed to all traffic.
Motorists will be directed to use Kings Avenue Bridge to cross the lake in the northbound direction, using ANZAC Parade or Coranderrk Street to access the City and Northbourne Avenue. Arrangements will be in place to facilitate traffic coming onto Parkes Way from Kings Avenue Bridge.
Active travellers will need to use the shared path along Commonwealth Avenue southbound in both directions across Parkes Way and London Circuit. Only buses and local traffic for hotels, events and nearby buildings will have access to Commonwealth Avenue northbound during this time.
Traffic controllers will be in place to direct buses and motorists.
You can view the map of the closures below
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