Ordering prawns in advance, an evening storm rolling in right on cue, that one cricket chirping incessantly in the background. Christmas in Brisbane has its rituals, and the scramble for presents is certainly one of them. Still, there’s always one person who feels impossible to buy for (you know the one).
Luckily, Candlelight concerts in Brisbane have a solution. This Christmas concert series takes over a cathedral with the warm glow of flameless candles for about an hour of festive music performed by a local string quartet.
This year, Brisbane has two gorgeous venues to pick from. St Stephen’s Cathedral on Elizabeth Street is a stunning Gothic-Revival-style church, complete with stained glass windows imported from Munich and a tranquil interior that stays cool on a sticky December night. On Ann Street, St John’s Cathedral is a similar Neo-Gothic style, with an elegant interior of Australian sandstone.
Christmas Carols on Strings at St Stephen’s Cathedral
Got a traditionalist on on the list? This is the concert for them, especially if you’re on the lookout for carols in Brisbane this year. Simply put, it’s 20 carols presented by 4 strings. You can’t go wrong with a setlist that includes “Silent Night”, “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, and “Joy to the World”, among many others. Fun fact: the Christmas carol tradition we know today traces all the way back to the 19th century, with English collections of carols first being published over 200 years ago.
17 December 2026 18:30
Saint Stephen’s Cathedral
Christmas Classics at St John’s Cathedral
For the one who likes anything and everything, this concert brings together Christmas tunes across eras and genres. From pop hits such as “Last Christmas” and “All I Want For Christmas Is You” to familiar classical pieces such as “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from The Nutcracker, St John’s Cathedral has you covered. No tutus required here, though: sit back and enjoy while the strings do all the dancing.
18 December 2026 16:30 + more dates
St John's Cathedral
Christmas gift ideas for the person who has it all
Too hard to choose? You don’t have to. With the Candlelight gift card, let the recipient choose their concert and date. It’s valid for any Candlelight concert in Australia for one year after purchase. The gift card arrives as an email code with a printable version, so you’ll still have something to hand over when opening presents.
Or go together
It might be that the best way to gift a concert is with your name on a ticket too. Attend a Candlelight Christmas concert with family or friends to enjoy an hour of music, accompanied by stories about the music shared by the performers. Guests must be 8 or older, and under-16s need an adult with them. Doors open 30 minutes before the start and late entry isn’t permitted, so make sure to give yourself enough time.
Now, the FAQs
Where are the Candlelight Christmas concerts in Brisbane?
Christmas Carols on Strings is held at St Stephen’s Cathedral on Elizabeth Street, and Christmas Classics is at St John’s Cathedral on Ann Street.
How long is a Candlelight concert?
About 60 minutes. Doors open 30 minutes before the concert, and late entry is not permitted.
What should I wear?
There’s no dress code. Most people go smart casual.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Guests must be 8 or older, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
How does the Candlelight gift card work?
The buyer gets a code by email, plus a printable version. The recipient adds it in the Fever app (Profile → Vouchers → Add voucher code; it can’t be used on the web), then chooses any Candlelight concert and date in Australia. It’s valid for one year from purchase.
So, socks or a cathedral bathed in candlelight? We know which one we’d rather open up on Christmas day.
