The Best Christmas Lights in Canberra & Exactly Where to Find Them

In the lead-up to Christmas, Is there anything more exciting than wandering the streets of your suburb and soaking up the magic of Christmas lights? It doesn't matter how old you are; the joy of Christmas means anyone can channel their inner child and embrace the holiday season.

There's something about seeing a whole street come together to bring happiness to their neighbours that reminds you there is so much good in the world. Even better is the fact that all of the streets that band together will raise money for a chosen charity, too. The feel-good factor just continues to soar! 

And if you're keen to unearth the best Christmas lights in Canberra this year, we have some good news for you! From the Canberra City displays to the suburbs and beyond, here's exactly where you'll find the best Christmas lights in Canberra in 2023. 

Canberra Christmas Market 

Explore the Canberra Christmas Market at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), where dazzling lights complement a bustling market. Discover unique gifts, festive treats, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights.

Quokka Building, EPIC

December 9-10

Canberra City Centre

Canberra's city centre transforms into a festive-themed hub with a Christmas tree, a two-metre-tall 'Canberra Winter Wonderland' snow globe showcasing a snowy Black Mountain, festive lighting, and decorations. 

December 1-23

8am–10pm daily

City Walk

Dainere’s Rainbow Christmas Lights & Stalls

Created by Dainere’s Rainbow Foundation, this stunning Christmas light display helps raise much-needed funds for children diagnosed with brain cancer in Canberra and across Australia. The light display starts at sunset and goes until 11pm from December 1st until the 24th, with incredible stalls to be explored as well. All proceeds will go to brain cancer research and respective charities. 

1 Dec, 2023 8:00pm — 24 Dec, 2023 11:00pm

Delma View, Gungahlin

More info can be found here

Ainslie

Foveaux Street in Ainslie has an incredible Christmas light display featuring inflatable gingerbread men, elves and the big man himself –  Santa. 

Conder

The residents of Eaglemont Retreat join forces to transform their street into a twinkling wonderland, showcasing creativity and community spirit by synchronising their lights to Christmas music. How cool!

Dunlop

The northside suburb of Dunlop always comes alight with a slew of epic displays, including Triton Street, Hobday Place, Scurry Street, and Elischer Street.

Fisher

Walk or drive through the streets of Fisher (namely Ballarat Street, Kambalda Crescent, and Ardlethan Street) and marvel at the creativity and community spirit that transforms this suburb into a twinkling wonderland.  

Gordon

Gordon is always packed with Christmas lights, especially Clem Hill Street, where you can get a festive photo in Santa's sleigh. 

Gowrie

Middleton Circuit in Gowrie is another must-visit for some of the best Christmas lights in Canberra. The street comes to life with thousands of twinkling lights, lasers and unforgettable scenes. But it's Kay's Christmas shop that really makes this so special, with the local resident selling her handmade gifts and famous rocky road from December 1-23, with all proceeds going to charity.  

Ruthven Street is also well worth a drive-by as it features a massive solar light display, music, inflatables, lasers and statues. 

Gungahlin 

For unforgettable Canberra Christmas lights, head to Gungahlin, stopping at Nariel Street and Mannheim Street for dazzling lights and beautiful festive music. 

Stirling

Crowder Circuit's enchanting display will not disappoint! With statues, music, lights and inflatables, add this one to your hit list. 

Tuggeranong Valley 

The close community of Tuggeranong Valley takes their Christmas lights very seriously. Burdetts Crescent and Sainsbury Street always go above and beyond to put on a magical display. 

For any holiday enthusiast (consider us guilty as charged), the best Christmas lights in Canberra are just the start of the fun. For more Christmas cheer, make sure you scope out our gift guide for the person who has everything, and then check out our guide to hosting friendmas.