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Jingle all the way to Riverway for Carols by Candlelight

Date published: 5 December 2025

Council’s elves have been hard at work putting up the big top tent at Riverway ahead of this Sunday’s Carols by Candlelight.

Gates will open for the free family-friendly event at 4pm, with performances kicking off from 5pm with dance schools, local performers, the renowned 1 RAR Band and the Carols Community Choir.

Santa Claus will be swapping the North Pole’s freezing temperatures for Townsville’s balmy evening weather when he makes a special appearance from 7.30pm.

The event will also include food trucks, activations and a free creative Christmas cards activity with Townsville City Galleries.

Mayor Nick Dametto said the stellar event was likely to attract thousands of families from across the region.

“Carols by Candlelight is one of Council’s biggest events each year – I’m told there are normally about 15,000 attendees,” Cr Dametto said.

“The big top tent is up to keep the performers and attendees out of the weather, there will be more than 20 food and drink stalls available, and the other Saint Nick will be flying in to see all the boys and girls and hear their Christmas wishes.

“I’m really excited to see this year’s event, which will include our very own Carols Community Choir made up of Townsville’s brilliant local singers. The show will also be interpreted for our Deaf and Hard of Hearing community members to enjoy.

“Queensland Police will be operating the Kidz ID Alert tent, so I’d really recommend all parents head in and register their kids before the event kicks off to help reunite any lost little ones with their parents.

“We are also running a Mayor’s Christmas Appeal collection point at this year’s Carols, so if you have any physical items to contribute please bring them down and donate them at the event. This year’s appeal is supporting Northreach Community Care to help local families and individuals in need.”

Gates open at 4pm at Riverway. View the event listing on What's On Townsville for more information on getting to the event, parking and accessibility.