Come together, raise your voice and sing in Christmas Eve at Carols by Candlelight.

Join us from 9pm–10pm on 24 December in Victoria Square for this much-loved Christchurch tradition. Carols by Candlelight is a community singalong, with the Salvation Army Band and a combined Christchurch choir leading the music and helping fill the square with some of our favourite Christmas carols.

Since 1948, people have gathered for Carols by Candlelight to celebrate Christmas, family and community together.

This year there’ll be a few changes to what we’re singing. Every couple of years we refresh part of our carol repertoire and for 2026, four carols have changed. You’ll still find plenty of familiar favourites, alongside some fresh additions to sing along to.

We recommend coming early to find a good spot in Victoria Square. Bring something comfortable to sit on, settle in and enjoy the atmosphere before the singing starts at 9pm.

Candles and carol books will be available to purchase, with proceeds helping to make Carols by Candlelight possible. Food vendors and toilets will also be onsite.

Let us know you’re coming by registering on the Facebook event page.