Create your holiday itinerary in Canberra! Our guide features all the top festive events and activities. For both Canberra locals and travelers, this guide reveals the city's festive delights.
Experience the magic of the season at Canberra's Christmas Market, where stalls brim with handcrafted gifts and delectable treats. Get swept away by the colorful displays and festive cheer at Lights of Christmas, with its spectacular illuminations. And Christmas in Glebe Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering family-friendly activities amidst a beautifully lit park setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Canberra
- Canberra's Christmas Market
- Lights of Christmas
- Christmas in Glebe Park
- Canberra Carols by Candlelight
- Gingerbread House Workshops
- National Zoo & Aquarium Christmas Events
- Christmas in the City
- Canberra Potters Christmas Fair
- Christmas Cruise on Lake Burley Griffin
Canberra Holiday Light Displays
Lights of Christmas
What to Expect:
Projection mapping on iconic buildings
Description:
The Lights of Christmas illuminates Canberra's skyline with a dazzling display of projection mapping. Historic buildings and modern landmarks become canvases for intricate light shows, telling stories of Australian holiday traditions. The event incorporates indigenous art elements, honoring the Ngunnawal people, the traditional custodians of the land. Visitors can embark on a self-guided walking tour to experience the full scope of the illuminations. This innovative approach to holiday lighting began in 2015, quickly becoming a beloved annual tradition in the nation's capital.
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Christmas in the City
What to Expect:
Integrates modern technology with traditional celebrations
Description:
Christmas in the City brings cutting-edge technology to Canberra's holiday festivities. Interactive light installations respond to movement and sound, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. The event showcases local tech startups alongside traditional holiday attractions. Visitors can use augmented reality to bring holiday scenes to life on their smartphones. This innovative approach reflects Canberra's status as a hub for technology and innovation, a reputation it has cultivated since the establishment of the Australian National University in 1946.
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Canberra Holiday Markets and Shopping
Canberra's Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Showcases local artisans and producers
Description:
Canberra's Christmas Market transforms the city center into a bustling hub of local creativity. Artisans and producers from the Australian Capital Territory gather to showcase their handcrafted wares and regional delicacies. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods and spiced treats. You can participate in craft workshops to create your own unique holiday gifts. This market continues a tradition dating back to the early days of Canberra, celebrating the region's rich cultural heritage and supporting local businesses.
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Canberra Potters Christmas Fair
What to Expect:
Celebrates local ceramic artistry
Description:
The Canberra Potters Christmas Fair spotlights the capital's thriving ceramic arts community. Local potters display and sell their unique creations, from functional tableware to sculptural pieces inspired by Australian landscapes. The fair takes place at the historic Watson Arts Centre, a former government school built in 1965 and now a hub for ceramic arts. Visitors can watch live pottery demonstrations and learn about different firing techniques. This event has been nurturing Canberra's ceramic tradition for over three decades.
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Canberra Potters Christmas Fair
Canberra Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Canberra Carols by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Combines traditional carols with Australian music
Description:
Canberra Carols by Candlelight harmonizes traditional holiday songs with contemporary Australian music. The event takes place on the lawns of Old Parliament House, a significant political landmark. As the sun sets, thousands of candles flicker to life, creating a warm glow across the grounds. Local choirs and renowned Australian artists perform side by side, showcasing the nation's diverse musical talent. This beloved tradition began in 1944, inspired by similar events in Melbourne, and has since become a cornerstone of Canberra's holiday celebrations.
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Canberra Carols by Candlelight
Canberra Other Holiday Activities
Christmas in Glebe Park
What to Expect:
Combines nature with holiday celebrations
Description:
Christmas in Glebe Park blends natural beauty with holiday cheer. Towering eucalyptus trees draped in twinkling lights create a uniquely Australian Christmas atmosphere. The event features a pop-up outdoor cinema screening classic holiday films beneath the stars. Glebe Park, established in 1873, holds significant historical importance as one of Canberra's oldest public spaces. Visitors can join guided nature walks to learn about the park's flora and fauna while enjoying the holiday decorations.
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Gingerbread House Workshops
What to Expect:
Incorporates Australian native ingredients
Description:
Gingerbread House Workshops in Canberra elevate the traditional holiday activity by incorporating native Australian ingredients. Expert bakers guide participants in creating unique gingerbread houses flavored with wattleseed, lemon myrtle, and other indigenous spices. The workshops take place in the historic Yarralumla Woolshed, built in 1904, adding a touch of Australian pastoral heritage to the experience. You'll learn about the cultural significance of these native ingredients while crafting your edible masterpiece.
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National Zoo & Aquarium Christmas Events
What to Expect:
Combines wildlife encounters with holiday themes
Description:
The National Zoo & Aquarium Christmas Events offer a wild twist on holiday celebrations. Visitors can watch animals unwrap specially prepared Christmas enrichment gifts, promoting natural behaviors. The zoo's pathways are adorned with environmentally-friendly decorations, creating a unique fusion of nature and holiday spirit. Participate in a holiday-themed scavenger hunt to learn about conservation efforts. Established in 1990, the National Zoo & Aquarium has been a leader in wildlife education and conservation in the Australian Capital Territory.
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National Zoo & Aquarium Christmas Events
Christmas Cruise on Lake Burley Griffin
What to Expect:
Offers a waterborne perspective of Canberra's holiday lights
Description:
The Christmas Cruise on Lake Burley Griffin provides a unique vantage point to admire Canberra's holiday illuminations. As the boat glides across the water, passengers are treated to panoramic views of the city's landmarks adorned with festive lights. The cruise includes commentary on the history of Lake Burley Griffin, an artificial lake created in 1963 as part of the city's planned design. You can enjoy local wines and seasonal canapés while taking in the reflections of twinkling lights on the water's surface.
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Christmas Cruise on Lake Burley Griffin