We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Canberra for 2026. The season starts on 13 November with Victorian State Ballet: The Nutcracker and runs until 20 December (The Haig Park Christmas Markets). 8 of them are 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
- 12 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Canberra, Braddon, Greenway, Hall and Kingston
- First: Victorian State Ballet: The Nutcracker, Canberra, 13 November
- Free events: Christmas at Home 2026, Hall Village Christmas Fair & Street Party, Christmas Singalong, The Canberra Times 82nd Carols by Candlelight, The Little Burley Christmas Market and Old Bus Depot Christmas Markets
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).
Canberra Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 12 confirmed for 2026
- Suburbs
- Canberra, Braddon, Greenway, Hall, Kingston, Queanbeyan and Tharwa
- Season
- 13 November to 20 December
- Free events
- 8
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Canberra
6 confirmed events in Canberra, soonest first.
Victorian State Ballet: The Nutcracker
Christmas showCanberra Theatre Centre · Canberra
- Host
- Canberra Theatre Centre (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Canberra Theatre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra 2601
- When
- Fri, Nov 13, 7 pm; Sat, Nov 14, 1.30 pm and 7 pm
- Cost
- Child (15 and under) $65, adults $109 (AUD); transaction fee applies
- Ages
- Suitable for all ages
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Victorian State Ballet brings its production of The Nutcracker to the Canberra Theatre for three performances. Clara's enchanted Nutcracker comes to life at her Christmas party and whisks her away to a magical land, with the Sugar Plum Fairy pas de deux, snow scenes and a magnificent Christmas tree, all set to Tchaikovsky's famous score.
Performances are Friday 13 November 2026 at 7pm and Saturday 14 November at 1.30pm and 7pm. The ballet runs about 2 hours including an interval and is listed as suitable for all ages, though it may use strobe lighting and haze. Child tickets for ages 15 and under are $65 and standard adult tickets $109, with concession and group rates. Tickets are released 72 hours before the performance.
Parent tip: The Saturday 1.30pm matinee is the easiest choice for younger dancers. Tickets only arrive 72 hours before the show.
See dates and details from Canberra Theatre Centre (opens in a new tab)The Canberra Times 82nd Carols by Candlelight
Christmas carolsFreeMusic for Canberra · Canberra
- Host
- Music for Canberra (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, Regatta Place, Canberra 2600
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 6:30 to 9 pm (carols from 7 pm)
- Cost
- Gold coin donation, registration required
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Canberra has sung carols by candlelight since 1945, and this is the city's 82nd edition, held at Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park. The Woden Valley Youth Choir, Canberra Youth Orchestra, Canberra City Band and Kingsland Brass lead the singing, joined by guest artists from the local arts community and a visit from Santa.
The pre show starts at 6:30 pm, carols begin at 7 pm and the night wraps up at 9 pm, a manageable length for children. Entry is by gold coin donation, with registration through Humanitix. Families are encouraged to bring picnic rugs and candles, and food trucks will be on site.
Parent tip: Register in advance on Humanitix and bring a gold coin, a picnic rug and candles.
See dates and details from Music for Canberra (opens in a new tab)The Little Burley Christmas Market
Meet SantaFreeThe Little Burley Market · Canberra
- Host
- The Little Burley Market (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Little Burley Market, Lake Burley Griffin foreshore, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, Canberra 2600
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to 2 pm
- Cost
- Free entry; free Santa photo
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Little Burley Market holds its biggest market of the year on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin on Saturday 5 December 2026, from 9am to 2pm. More than 80 local makers and artisans sell food, sweets, jewellery, artwork, candles and even dog accessories, so it is a handy place to finish Christmas shopping.
For families there is a full program of kids' activities, Christmas themed choirs, bands and dancers, and a free photo with Santa. Entry is free. The site has a café, car parking and public toilets, and caters for people who use a wheelchair. The market is outdoors on the lakeside foreshore at Queen Elizabeth Terrace in Parkes, close to the National Library and Questacon.
Parent tip: The market lists itself as pet friendly on enquiry, so check with the organisers before bringing a dog.
See dates and details from The Little Burley Market (opens in a new tab)The Greatest Christmas Show
Meet SantaCanberra Theatre Centre · Canberra
- Host
- Canberra Theatre Centre (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Canberra Theatre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra 2601
- When
- Mon, Dec 7, 6.30 pm
- Cost
- Children (15 and under) $49.90 to $69.90 (AUD), adults $59.90 to $79.90; transaction fee applies
- Ages
- Suitable for all ages
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Greatest Christmas Show returns to the Canberra Theatre for one evening on Monday 7 December 2026. A cast of dancers, aerialists, singers and an illusionist present beloved carols and newer festive favourites, with glittering costumes, aerial acts and illusions, and a grand appearance from Santa Claus that the producers say fills the whole theatre.
The show runs about 1 hour 50 minutes including an interval and is billed as suitable for all ages. It contains strobe lighting and haze effects. Child tickets for ages 15 and under are $49.90 to $69.90 depending on seating, and adult tickets are $59.90 to $79.90, with concession and group rates. A transaction fee applies. Latecomers are usually held until a break in the show, so allow plenty of time for parking.
Parent tip: It is a 6.30pm start on a school night and runs close to two hours, so plan for a late finish with little ones.
See dates and details from Canberra Theatre Centre (opens in a new tab)The Christmas Spectacular
Meet SantaCanberra Theatre Centre · Canberra
- Host
- Canberra Theatre Centre (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Canberra Theatre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra 2601
- When
- Sat, Dec 12, 2 pm and 6.30 pm
- Cost
- $59.90 to $79.90 (AUD) for adults, with concession, group and family of 4 rates; transaction fee applies
- Ages
- Suitable for all ages
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Christmas Spectacular, A Magical Wonderland, comes to the Canberra Theatre for two shows on Saturday 12 December 2026. The production mixes Christmas music, circus acts, high energy dance and illusions, led by The Voice finalist and musical theatre performer Prinnie Stevens, with classic carols and modern festive hits. Santa and his merry friends appear to spread laughter and surprises.
The show runs about 1 hour 50 minutes including an interval and is billed as suitable for all ages. It may use strobe lighting and haze. Adult tickets range from $59.90 to $79.90, with concession, group and family of four prices per person also available, plus a transaction fee. Latecomers usually wait until a break before being seated, so allow time for traffic and parking in Civic.
Parent tip: The 2pm matinee suits younger children best. Family of four pricing (2 adults, 2 children) is cheaper per person than single adult tickets.
See dates and details from Canberra Theatre Centre (opens in a new tab)XMAS WORKSHOP: Create Your Own Canberra Wrapping Paper with Ali Clinch
Christmas craftsCanberra Museum and Gallery · Canberra
- Host
- Canberra Museum and Gallery (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Canberra Museum and Gallery, Cnr London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra 2601
- When
- Sat, Dec 12, 12 to 2 pm
- Cost
- $25 per person (AUD) plus booking fees; adults and children each need a ticket
- Ages
- All ages; younger children need adult support
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Canberra Museum and Gallery offers a break from the Christmas rush with an intergenerational workshop led by local artist Ali Clinch. Families design and paint their own gift wrap using recycled materials and acrylic paints, swapping snowflakes for eucalyptus leaves and the usual festive colours for the blues, greens and yellows of the Canberra region. It draws on the exhibition Greetings from Canberra: Wish You Were Here.
The session is on Saturday 12 December 2026 from 12pm to 2pm, with an hour of guided instruction and an hour of making time, and everyone takes home their hand painted paper. All materials are supplied and no experience is needed. Tickets are $25 plus booking fees, and both adults and children need one.
Parent tip: This is not a drop off program, so an adult must stay and take part. Wear clothes that can get paint on them.
See dates and details from Canberra Museum and Gallery (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Braddon
1 confirmed event in Braddon, soonest first.
The Haig Park Christmas Markets (Braddon)
Meet SantaFreeHaig Park Village Markets · Braddon
- Host
- Haig Park Village Markets (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Haig Park, Haig Park, Braddon 2612 (near Canberra)
- When
- Sundays, Dec 6, 13 and 20, 8 am to 2 pm
- Cost
- Free entry; free Santa photos
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Haig Park Village Markets go festive for three Sundays in December, with more than 100 small business stalls selling handmade gifts, wreaths, baubles and Christmas treats. Brass band carols and live jazz play through the morning, and a Christmas Picnic Zone has food and drink vendors.
For children there are free photos with Santa, plus Christmas themed activities: writing letters to Santa, Christmas crafts, lawn games, face painting and a bubble area. It is an easy, free morning out that lets parents tick off some shopping while the kids stay busy. Even the family dog is catered for, with gifts for furry friends among the stalls.
Parent tip: Go early for a shorter Santa queue. The market runs 8 am to 2 pm each Sunday.
See dates and details from Haig Park Village Markets (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Greenway
1 confirmed event in Greenway, soonest first.
Carols in Town Park (Greenway)
Christmas carolsFreeTuggeranong Salvation Army · Greenway
- Host
- Tuggeranong Salvation Army (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Tuggeranong Town Park, Anketell Street, Greenway 2900 (near Canberra)
- When
- Sun, Dec 13, 5 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Family friendly
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Tuggeranong Salvation Army has run a community Christmas event in the area since the early 2000s, moving to Tuggeranong Town Park in 2007. The evening centres on community carols led by the Salvation Army Brass Band with local vocalist Amber Nicolls.
The listing describes low key children's activities and a sausage sizzle, making it a gentle, unhurried option for families with young children rather than a big festival. It is free, family friendly, has public toilets nearby, and welcomes people with access needs.
Parent tip: Bring a picnic rug or chairs and some cash for the sausage sizzle.
See dates and details from Tuggeranong Salvation Army (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Hall
1 confirmed event in Hall, soonest first.
Hall Village Christmas Fair & Street Party (Hall)
Meet SantaFreeHall Village Christmas Street Party (community not for profit event) · Hall
- Host
- Hall Village Christmas Street Party (community not for profit event) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Hall Village, Victoria Street, Hall 2618 (near Canberra)
- When
- Fri, Nov 20, 4:30 to 8:30 pm
- Cost
- Gold coin donation
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Heritage Hall Village holds its annual Christmas Fair and Street Party on a Friday evening, with an artisan Christmas market of more than 100 vendors, food vans, and local shops staying open late. Entertainment includes the Canberra Brass Band, carollers, a DJ and samba dancers.
For children, the highlights are Santa arriving in style in a vintage classic car, the Hall Rural Fire Service tanker and bushfire education display, classic cars dating back to the 1920s, and the village Christmas Star in the churchyard, which lights up at dusk. Entry is a gold coin donation supporting local charities.
Parent tip: It is an outdoor event that depends on the weather, so check the organisers' social media on the day. Bring gold coins for entry.
See dates and details from Hall Village Christmas Street Party (community not for profit event) (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Kingston
1 confirmed event in Kingston, soonest first.
Old Bus Depot Christmas Markets (Kingston)
Meet SantaFreeOld Bus Depot Markets · Kingston
- Host
- Old Bus Depot Markets (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston 2604 (near Canberra)
- When
- Sundays, Dec 6, 13 and 20, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
- Cost
- Free entry
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston run their Christmas markets on Sundays in December, bringing makers and artisans from across the East Coast together with favourite local stallholders, all under one roof. Families can browse handcrafted gifts and decorations, seasonal produce and gourmet treats.
The main draw for children is photos with Santa, available from 9:30 am to 2 pm, and pets are welcome in the photos too. There is also gold coin gift wrapping, subject to availability, supporting the Canberra Street Cat Alliance. Being indoors, it is a handy option on a very hot or wet day.
Parent tip: Santa photos finish at 2 pm, half an hour before the market closes. Bring gold coins for gift wrapping.
See dates and details from Old Bus Depot Markets (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Queanbeyan
1 confirmed event in Queanbeyan, soonest first.
Christmas Singalong (Queanbeyan)
Family Christmas eventFreeQueanbeyan-Palerang Libraries · Queanbeyan
- Host
- Queanbeyan-Palerang Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Queanbeyan Library, Nellie Hamilton Centre, 257 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan 2620 (near Canberra)
- When
- Sat, Dec 5, 10 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free, booking required
- Ages
- All ages
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Queanbeyan Library celebrates the festive season with a free Christmas Singalong on Saturday 5 December 2026, from 10am to 11am. Members of the Ukulele Republic of Canberra will play favourite Christmas songs live on the ukulele, and the whole family is invited to join in with familiar tunes or simply sit back and listen.
The library pitches it as a chance for people of all ages to come together and share some Christmas cheer, so it works well for children who like to sing and dance as well as quieter listeners. It is free, but tickets need to be booked through the library's event page. The library is in the Nellie Hamilton Centre on Crawford Street in central Queanbeyan, about 15 minutes' drive from Canberra's city centre.
Parent tip: Book free tickets through the library's event page before the day, as numbers are managed.
See dates and details from Queanbeyan-Palerang Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Tharwa
1 confirmed event in Tharwa, soonest first.
Christmas at Home 2026 (Tharwa)
Family Christmas eventFreeACT Historic Places · Tharwa
- Host
- ACT Historic Places (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Lanyon Homestead (also Calthorpes House, 24 Mugga Way, Red Hill), Tharwa Drive, Tharwa 2620 (near Canberra)
- When
- Nov 14 to Dec 13; Lanyon Wed to Sun, Calthorpes House Saturdays
- Cost
- Free guided house tours, bookings essential
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
For a month before Christmas, Lanyon Homestead and Calthorpes House are decorated with handmade decorations, traditional table settings and objects from the ACT Historic Places collection. Lanyon is set for a Victorian era Australian Christmas with native greenery, bonbons and the scent of cloves, cinnamon and pine. At Calthorpes House you can see festive streamers, handmade cards and a Christmas tree decorated by the late Dawn Waterhouse as a child, with velvet Santa figures and glass baubles.
All guided tours are free during the exhibition, but bookings are essential. Families can take home a historic Christmas cake recipe to try.
Parent tip: Book a tour slot first. The Lanyon cafe offers a Christmas cake and hot drink special for $12.
See dates and details from ACT Historic Places (opens in a new tab)A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cosy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.com.au (opens in a new tab)Canberra Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Canberra in 2026?
We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Canberra for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Victorian State Ballet: The Nutcracker, Christmas at Home 2026 (Tharwa), Hall Village Christmas Fair & Street Party (Hall), Christmas Singalong (Queanbeyan), The Canberra Times 82nd Carols by Candlelight, The Little Burley Christmas Market, Old Bus Depot Christmas Markets (Kingston), The Haig Park Christmas Markets (Braddon), The Greatest Christmas Show, The Christmas Spectacular, XMAS WORKSHOP: Create Your Own Canberra Wrapping Paper with Ali Clinch and Carols in Town Park (Greenway). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Canberra?
Yes. 8 of the 12 events here are free, including Christmas at Home 2026 (Tharwa), Hall Village Christmas Fair & Street Party (Hall), Christmas Singalong (Queanbeyan), The Canberra Times 82nd Carols by Candlelight, The Little Burley Christmas Market, Old Bus Depot Christmas Markets (Kingston), The Haig Park Christmas Markets (Braddon) and Carols in Town Park (Greenway). Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Canberra this year?
Santa appears at Hall Village Christmas Fair & Street Party (Hall), The Canberra Times 82nd Carols by Candlelight, The Little Burley Christmas Market, Old Bus Depot Christmas Markets (Kingston), The Haig Park Christmas Markets (Braddon), The Greatest Christmas Show and The Christmas Spectacular. Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
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 2 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.
