Free merry-go-round rides, a pawsome celebration, and market magic: Your guide to celebrating Christmas in Canberra City
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There’s something magical about Christmas in the city, and this year Canberra’s heart has something for everyone.
Whether you’re ticking off your gift list, planning catch-ups with friends, or creating festive memories with the family, the City Centre has transformed into a Christmas wonderland that’s worth multiple visits.
Here’s everything happening this December to help you make the most of the season.
Free festive fun for everyone
Let’s start with the best news: some of the most delightful experiences won’t cost you a cent.
From 1-24 December, Civic’s iconic merry-go-round is offering unlimited free rides. Yes, you read that right – unlimited! Whether you’ve got little ones who want to ride a dozen times or you fancy a nostalgic spin yourself (we won’t judge), this is the kind of simple joy that makes Christmas special.
And if you’re free on Friday evenings, make your way to Garema Place for Christmas carols. On 5 December, Luminescence Chamber Singers will be in the spotlight, you can catch Brindabella Chorus on 12 December, and Serenade rounds out the program on 19 December. There’s something about singing carols with your community that just hits differently – bring your friends, bring your voice, and soak up that festive atmosphere.
Sunday market magic at Haig Park
The Haig Park Village Markets are going full Christmas mode every Sunday in December, and they’re not messing around, with over 100 stalls filled with unique gifts, artisan wreaths, Christmas-scented candles, sustainable gift wrapping, and homemade Christmas cakes.
But the markets are so much more than shopping! Free photos with Santa? Check. Live jazz and carols? Absolutely. Drumming performances that’ll get everyone moving? You bet. For those with kids (or borrowing nieces and nephews), there are letters to Santa, Christmas crafts, face painting, and bubble play to keep everyone entertained while you browse.
A Christmas party for your four-legged friend
Here’s something you don’t see every day: Haig Park is hosting a Paws Party that promises to be the most pawsome Christmas celebration of the year.
The event is packed with activities, including a Santa Paws dress-up competition (with prizes for the most festive, funniest, and fur-bulous costumes), photo opportunities with Santa, paw-print card making, treasure hunts, and games to determine which pooches are naughty or nice. There’s even live Christmas music to set the scene, plus the chance to browse the markets for treats and gifts.
Festive dining and holiday catch-ups
December is the month of “we must catch up before the year ends!” messages, and the City Centre is ready for you. The dining scene is offering everything from long, leisurely meals perfect for deep conversations with old friends, to quick coffee catch-ups between shopping stops.
Whether you’re after seasonal treats, a special venue for a work celebration, or somewhere cosy for a festive date night, there’s a spot with your name on it. This guide pulls together all the best options for end-of-year gatherings, so you can spend less time researching and more time actually enjoying those precious moments with loved ones.
Christmas done right
The beauty of having everything centralised in the City Centre means you can easily string together a full day – or several visits – without the hassle of driving all over Canberra. Park once, wander freely, and let the festive spirit guide you from one experience to the next. Need inspo? Check out this itinerary for a perfect morning, or create your own!
This year, make Christmas in the city about more than shopping – grab the chance to make it about memorable moments: your child’s face on the merry-go-round, meeting the people behind handmade gifts, singing carols with strangers, or watching your dog make new furry friends at the Paws Party. Is there a better way to celebrate?
Learn more about what’s happening in the city this Christmas at inthecity.com.au/christmasinthecity
