Enjoy free merry-go-round rides in December.
14 November 2025
In brief:
- Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the city by supporting local businesses.
- There's a range of events and attractions on in the city this festive season.
- Canberra city’s Christmas Tree is up for the festive season.
- There will be a New Year’s Eve event in the city this year.
There are lots of ways to celebrate the festive season this year in the city and Braddon.
Support local businesses by visiting the city and enjoying a range of events and attractions.
There will be entertainment, fireworks, markets, decorations, carols and family-friendly activities.
Christmas in the city
Christmas has officially kicked off in the city centre.
Canberra’s 16-metre-tall Christmas tree is the centrepiece.
Find it next to the merry-go-round, along with festive decorations spread throughout City Walk and Petrie Plaza.
Your furry-family members can celebrate the festive season too. The Christmas-themed Paws Party is back in Haig Park on 30 November.
The whole family can enjoy unlimited free rides on Civic’s merry-go-round from 1 – 24 December.
Sing along with carols in Garema Place on evenings of the 5,12 and 19 December.
Shop and celebrate at Haig Park Village Christmas Markets on Sundays in December. There will be with stalls, Santa photos, kids’ activities and live music.
Find a list of Christmas markets across Canberra on the Our Canberra website.
New Year’s Eve
Bring in the new year with two dazzling firework shows over Lake Burley Griffin.
The shows will be on at 9pm and midnight on Wednesday, 31 December.
The best viewing hubs around central basin include:
- Ferry Gate
- John Dunmore Lang Place
- Rond Terrace
- Wendouree Drive.
Each hub will have food vendors, entertainment, and public toilets.
Find more details on the Events ACT website.
Stay up to date with what’s on in the city
To make it easier for Canberrans to decide where to shop and explore in the city, the ACT Government has launched the new In the City website.
Support local by dining or shopping at one the many city businesses listed or attending an event.
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