Carols in the Park
Get ready Cairns! It’s time to deck the halls, sing loud, and celebrate the season together.
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Carols in the Park on Sunday 13 December 2026 at Munro Martin Parklands. This free community event brings the Cairns community together for an unforgettable evening of festive entertainment and Christmas cheer.
Gather your family and friends for an evening of festive entertainment featuring live performances, community carol singing, and a special visit from Santa. Enjoy delicious food, a vibrant atmosphere, and all your favourite Christmas classics as we come together to celebrate the season.
Bring a picnic rug, soak up the festive spirit, and join the Cairns community for one of the region’s most cherished Christmas traditions.
Event Details
Date: Sunday 13 December
Location: Munro Martin Parklands
Main show: 6.30pm – 8.30pm (gates open from 4.00pm)
Carols in the Park will go ahead rain or shine, so please come prepared with your raincoats and festive spirit! If the weather intensifies and becomes unsafe (lightning or storms), the event may be cancelled at short notice. For the latest event details, updates, and any status changes, please visit Council's Facebook page.
- Roaming elves & Christmas beetle decoration workshop 4.30pm - 6pm
- Preshow entertainment 5.30pm - 5.50pm - Whiskey Boat band
- Food vans galore! From doughnuts, pizza, Greek treats, fries and ice cream
The full event program and performance schedule will be released closer to the event date. Be sure to check back for updates as we countdown to Carols in the Park!
In the meantime, here’s everything you need to know before the big day.
4:00pm: Gates to Munro Martin Parklands will open
6:30pm - 8:30pm: Main show, watch from the stage or big screen
8:30pm: Event concludes
Carols in the Park is an inclusive community event, with wheelchair access available throughout Munro Martin Parklands. An Auslan interpreter will also be present during the event to support accessibility for members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Accessible Unisex Bathroom facilities and Ambulant male and female toilet are located on site underneath the terraces on the Sheridan Street side.
For more information about accessibility features and facilities at Munro Martin Parklands, please visit the venue website.
To accommodate food vendors for Carols in the Park, Florence Street between Sheridan Street and Grafton Street will be closed to traffic from 11:00am to 10:00pm on Sunday 13 December 2026.
Please be aware of changed traffic conditions in the area and follow all event signage and traffic management directions.
Parking is available free of charge on Sundays, with limited parking available at Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) and additional on-street parking surrounding the venue.
Due to the large number of attendees expected, Council recommends allowing extra time for parking and arrival on the day.
For more information about parking, please visit the Council website.
For the comfort and safety of all attendees, a designated rug-only viewing area will be located directly in front of the stage. Chairs, stools, and other raised seating are not permitted in this section to ensure clear sightlines for everyone enjoying the performances.
Patrons wishing to use chairs are welcome to set up in the general viewing areas outside the rug-only zone. Event staff may ask attendees with chairs in the rug-only area to relocate to help maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Carols at Cairns Performing Arts Centre
Prefer to stay cool and comfy? Experience the magic indoors at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC), where the Munro Martin Parklands show will be live-streamed to the main theatre - completely FREE, fully accessible, and air-conditioned.
- CPAC doors and bar open from 4.00pm - enjoy drinks and light refreshments before the show
- Main Show: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
2026 Carols in the Park songbook coming soon
Sing along with all your favourite Christmas carols! Download the official Carols in the Park Songbook before the event or save it to your phone so you're ready to join in on the night.
Make a difference this festive season
Every donation helps put food on the table for families and seniors doing it tough this Christmas, ensuring they can enjoy the festive season with dignity and hope.
Christmas eCard Challenge
Get creative this Christmas! Enter the Christmas eCard Challenge for your chance to showcase your artistic talent and spread festive cheer. Entries close 9 November 2026.
Last Updated: 6 October 2026
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