Christmas Events for Kids in Albury-Wodonga (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

3 min read

For 2026, we confirmed 3 Christmas events for kids in Albury-Wodonga. The season opens on 4 December with Christmas in the Square and runs until 20 December with Wodonga Carols by Candlelight. One of these is free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Australia.

The short version

  • Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Wodonga and Albury: 3
  • First: Christmas in the Square, Wodonga, 4 December
  • Free events: Albury Carols by Candlelight

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by suburb, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (booking, ages, what is included).

At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Albury-Wodonga

Kids’ Christmas events
3 confirmed for 2026
Suburbs
Wodonga and Albury
Season
4 December to 20 December
Free events
1
Last checked

Christmas events for kids in Wodonga

Listed soonest first: 2 confirmed events in Wodonga.

Family Christmas event

Christmas in the Square

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Christmas in the Square is listed on Visit Albury Wodonga's calendar of major events for Friday 4 December 2026 at Junction Square in Wodonga, with an expected attendance of 2,500.

Junction Square at 103 High Street also hosts the council's Fridays in the Square series. Its Christmas Edition in 2025 ran on Friday 19 December, with food and drinks sold separately. The 2026 program, times and price were not published when this was checked.

Parent tip: Check Wodonga Council's What's On page for the program and start time.

Host
Wodonga Council (opens in a new tab)
Where
Junction Square, 103 High Street, Wodonga (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Wodonga Council (opens in a new tab)

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Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 2 more Albury-Wodonga events researched for you.

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Coming up on this page

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Christmas carols

Wodonga Carols by Candlelight

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Wodonga Carols by Candlelight is held at Willow Park and is listed on Visit Albury Wodonga's calendar of major events for Sunday 20 December 2026, with about 7,000 people expected.

The 2025 night was the 50th. It started with pre-carols and food vans at 6pm, with the main program from 7.30 to 9.30pm. It had the Wodonga Brass Band, more than 25 local singers, the Wodonga Carols Choir and Santa, and families could bring their own picnic. Candle sales raised money for Albury Wodonga Health.

Parent tip: The 2026 start time and price were not published when this was checked, so confirm with the organisers before you go.

Host
Wodonga Carols by Candlelight (opens in a new tab)
Where
Willow Park, Wodonga (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Wodonga Carols by Candlelight (opens in a new tab)

New events in Albury-Wodonga every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Albury-Wodonga every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

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Christmas events for kids in Albury

Listed soonest first: 1 confirmed event in Albury.

Christmas carolsFree

Albury Carols by Candlelight

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Albury Carols by Candlelight is a free community celebration run by AlburyCity. It usually fills QEII Square, but redevelopment works at the Albury Entertainment Centre have cut the capacity of the square, so the 2026 night moves to Noreuil Park Oval near the Murray River.

The council says further program details will be released closer to the date. In 2025 the night ran from 6 to 10pm with carols, local dance schools, Santa and food stalls, and songbooks and candles were a gold coin donation to the Rotary Club of Albury.

Parent tip: Check AlburyCity's events page closer to the date for the start time and program. Bring a rug or low chairs.

Host
AlburyCity (opens in a new tab)
Where
Noreuil Park Oval, Albury (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with AlburyCity (opens in a new tab)

New events in Albury-Wodonga every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Albury-Wodonga every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

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More Christmas events for kids in Australia

A story for the trip home

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Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolour corgi peeking from a red train

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Christmas events for kids in Albury-Wodonga: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Albury-Wodonga?

For 2026, we confirmed 3 Christmas events for kids in Albury-Wodonga, each on its host’s own page: Albury Carols by Candlelight (Albury), Wodonga Carols by Candlelight (Wodonga) and Christmas in the Square (Wodonga). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Albury-Wodonga?

Yes. One of the 3 events here is free: Albury Carols by Candlelight (Albury). Check the listing in case you need to book or register.

Where can kids see Santa this year in Albury-Wodonga?

Where to see Santa: Albury Carols by Candlelight (Albury) and Wodonga Carols by Candlelight (Wodonga). Check the listings above for times and booking.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on 8 November 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Christmas events for 2026 are coming in late November

More Christmas events arrive in late November. We add them here as soon as we confirm them.

The story of Christmas in Albury-Wodonga

Albury and Wodonga each light their own carols night, one on each side of the Murray. Wodonga's reached its 50th edition in 2025, and in 2026 Albury's carols leave QEII Square for a riverside oval.

Two carols nights, two cities, one river

Albury and Wodonga face each other across the Murray, and each has its own big carols night. Albury's Carols by Candlelight is run by AlburyCity and usually fills QEII Square. Wodonga's runs at Willow Park, and in 2025 it reached its 50th edition. Albury's is a free community night, and both have Santa and food vans.

In Albury, songbooks and candles cost a gold coin donation at the Rotary Club of Albury stand, and in Wodonga candle sales raise money for Albury Wodonga Health. So the candle you hold on the border usually helps a local cause.

Fifty candles, a brass band and a Wednesday in Albury

Wodonga marked its 50th carols on Sunday 14 December 2025 at Willow Park. Pre-carols and food vans started at 6pm, and the main program ran from 7.30 to 9.30pm with the Wodonga Brass Band, more than 25 local singers, the Wodonga Carols Choir and Santa. More than 15 food vendors were on site, and families could bring a picnic.

Albury's night was Wednesday 17 December 2025, from 6 to 10pm, with carols, local dance schools, Santa and Eat Street food. Junction Square in Wodonga also held a Christmas edition of Fridays in the Square on 19 December.

A carols night that had to move house

For 2026 the Albury carols leave QEII Square. Redevelopment works at the Albury Entertainment Centre have cut the square's capacity, so the night moves to Noreuil Park Oval, near the Murray River, on Thursday 17 December. Wodonga's carols are listed for Sunday 20 December at Willow Park.

Visit Albury Wodonga's calendar expects about 10,000 people in Albury and 7,000 in Wodonga. Lavington Square ran Santa photos from 5 to 24 December in 2025, with pet photos on Sundays from 2pm, so shopping centre Santas are worth checking for 2026 too.

Traditions today

  • Albury Carols by Candlelight: AlburyCity's free carols night with local musicians, dance schools, Santa and Eat Street food.
  • Wodonga Carols by Candlelight: A free night at Willow Park with the Wodonga Brass Band, a carols choir, Santa and food vans.
  • Gold coin candles: Albury songbooks and candles are a gold coin donation at the Rotary stand; Wodonga candle sales help Albury Wodonga Health.
  • Fridays in the Square Christmas Edition: A Christmas night at Junction Square in Wodonga, held in 2025 on 19 December.
  • Santa photos at Lavington Square: Booked Santa sessions in December, with pet photos on Sunday afternoons.
  • Picnics on the grass: Families bring their own picnic, chairs and coolers to the Wodonga carols.

A fact for kids

At Wodonga's 50th carols in 2025, more than 25 local singers performed with a brass band, and Santa turned up too.

Questions about Christmas in Albury-Wodonga

When is Albury Carols by Candlelight in 2026?

Albury Carols by Candlelight is on Thursday 17 December 2026 at Noreuil Park Oval, near the Murray River. It is described as a free community celebration run by AlburyCity. The council has not yet released the start time or the full program, and says more details will come closer to the date.

Why are the Albury carols at Noreuil Park Oval in 2026?

The carols moved because redevelopment works at the Albury Entertainment Centre have reduced the capacity of QEII Square, where the night is usually held. Noreuil Park Oval, near the Murray River, has room for the crowd. The change applies to the Thursday 17 December 2026 night, and AlburyCity will release further program details closer to the date.

What time did Albury Carols by Candlelight run in 2025?

The 2025 Albury Carols by Candlelight ran on Wednesday 17 December from 6pm to 10pm. Visit Albury Wodonga described contemporary and traditional carols from Albury musicians, local dance school routines, a visit from Santa and food from Eat Street. The 2026 start time had not been published when this was checked.

What do kids get to see at Albury carols?

Kids at the 2025 Albury carols could see local dance school routines and a special visit from Santa, alongside contemporary and traditional carols played by Albury musicians. Eat Street supplied the food. Visit Albury Wodonga also noted a parents' room, a cafe and kiosk, a non-smoking area and public toilets at the venue.

How much are candles and songbooks at Albury carols?

Songbooks and candles at Albury Carols by Candlelight cost a gold coin donation, paid at the Rotary Club of Albury stand on the way in. AlburyCity's visitor guide gives that detail for the carols. Entry to the night itself is free, so it is only the candle and songbook you pay a donation for.

Where is the drop-off zone for Albury carols?

AlburyCity's visitor guide places the drop-off and pick-up zone on Swift Street, behind the Albury Entertainment Centre. Limited disabled parking is available at the Wilson Street car park, Volt Lane and along Swift Street. That guide was written for the usual QEII Square site, so check the council for 2026 arrangements at Noreuil Park Oval.

How do I book an accessible seat at the Albury carols?

AlburyCity asks families who need accessible seating to email events@alburycity.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 6023 8111, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. The request is made in advance through the council, not at the gate. Ask about the 2026 arrangements at Noreuil Park Oval when you get in touch.

When is Wodonga Carols by Candlelight in 2026?

Visit Albury Wodonga's calendar of major events lists Wodonga Carols by Candlelight for Sunday 20 December 2026 at Willow Park, with about 7,000 people expected. The start time and program for 2026 had not been published when this was checked, so confirm with the organisers before you go.

How old is Wodonga Carols by Candlelight?

The 2025 night was the 50th time Wodonga lit up under candlelight, as reported by The Border Mail. It was held at Willow Park on Sunday 14 December 2025. Some families interviewed said they hoped to make it a yearly tradition.

What was on at the 50th Wodonga carols in 2025?

The 50th Wodonga carols on Sunday 14 December 2025 began with pre-carols and food vans at 6pm. The main program ran from 7.30 to 9.30pm with the Wodonga Brass Band, more than 25 local singers, the Wodonga Carols Choir and an appearance by Santa. More than 15 food vendors were on site.

Can I bring a picnic to Wodonga carols?

Yes. At the 2025 Wodonga Carols by Candlelight families could bring their own picnic as well as buy from more than 15 food vendors. The Border Mail described the park filled with camp chairs, coolers, young children and grandparents. Check the organisers for any 2026 rules before you pack the hamper.

Where does the money from Wodonga candles go?

Proceeds from candle sales at Wodonga Carols by Candlelight go to Albury Wodonga Health, according to The Border Mail's 2025 report. The event itself is a free community night at Willow Park. Buying a candle is a way for families to support the local health service while they sing along.

Can I listen to the Wodonga carols if I cannot go?

In 2025 the Wodonga carols were broadcast live on 1494 2AY and on WodongaCarols.org. That suits families with babies or older relatives who prefer to stay home. The Border Mail reported the broadcast details for the 50th edition, so check the organisers for the 2026 broadcast arrangements.

How many people are expected at the 2026 border carols?

Visit Albury Wodonga's calendar of major events gives expected attendances for December 2026. It lists about 10,000 people for Albury Carols by Candlelight on Thursday 17 December and about 7,000 for Wodonga Carols by Candlelight on Sunday 20 December. Arrive early and bring a rug.

When is Christmas in the Square in Wodonga in 2026?

Visit Albury Wodonga's calendar of major events lists Christmas in the Square for Friday 4 December 2026 at Junction Square in Wodonga, with about 2,500 people expected. The program, times and price had not been published when this was checked, so look at Wodonga Council's What's On page nearer the date.

Where is Junction Square in Wodonga?

Junction Square is at 103 High Street, Wodonga, Victoria 3690, according to Visit NSW's page for the Fridays in the Square Christmas Edition. The council's Fridays in the Square series runs there, and Christmas in the Square is listed for the same venue on Friday 4 December 2026.

What was Fridays in the Square Christmas Edition?

Fridays in the Square Christmas Edition was held at Junction Square, 103 High Street, Wodonga, on Friday 19 December 2025. Food and drinks were sold separately. It is part of the council's Fridays in the Square series, and a separate Christmas in the Square is listed for Friday 4 December 2026.

Where can kids get Santa photos in Albury Wodonga?

Lavington Square ran Santa photos from 5 to 24 December 2025, 10am to 4pm daily, with Sundays starting at 11am, and booking was required. Pet photo sessions started at 2pm on Sundays. No 2026 Santa photo dates had been published when this was checked, so look at the centre's website closer to December.

Besides the carols, what can kids do at Christmas in Albury Wodonga?

Kids can see Santa at the Albury and Wodonga carols, book Santa photos at Lavington Square, and in 2026 head to Christmas in the Square at Wodonga's Junction Square on Friday 4 December. In 2025 Junction Square also held a Christmas edition of Fridays in the Square on 19 December.

Where can I see all the confirmed Albury Wodonga Christmas events for 2026?

Rally Takes the Train's Albury-Wodonga Christmas events guide lists the 2026 events that have a confirmed date. It currently covers Christmas in the Square in Wodonga on Friday 4 December, Albury Carols by Candlelight on Thursday 17 December and Wodonga Carols by Candlelight on Sunday 20 December, with start times to be added once they are published.

Sources

  1. Albury Carols by Candlelight, Wednesday 17 December 2025, Visit Albury Wodonga
  2. Plan your visit: Carols by Candlelight, AlburyCity
  3. Albury carols by candlelight new location confirmed for December, The Border Mail
  4. 7 September 2026, Region Riverina
  5. Calendar of Major Events, Visit Albury Wodonga
  6. Wodonga Carols by Candlelight celebrates 50th anniversary, The Border Mail
  7. All the colour from Wodonga Carols by Candlelight's 50th edition, The Border Mail
  8. Fridays in the Square, Christmas Edition, Visit NSW
  9. Santa Photos, Lavington Square
  10. Albury Carols by Candlelight, NSW Government
Kelsey Cecil
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