Darwin is getting ready to deck the halls, with City of Darwin's much-loved Christmas celebrations returning this November.
As part of the Christmas celebrations, City of Darwin is proud to announce the return of the much-loved Darwin Christmas Pageant on Saturday 14 November 2026, kicking off a packed program of free, family-friendly celebrations across the city.
The festivities will begin with the Christmas Makers Market from 4pm to 7pm in The Mall, before the Darwin Christmas Pageant takes over the city streets from 6pm to 6.45pm.
The community can follow the festivities to the Lord Mayor's Lighting of the Christmas Tree from 7pm, before settling into Civic Park for the Christmas Concert from 7.30pm to 9pm, featuring local performers, schools and community groups.
Lord Mayor Peter Styles said the Pageant was a chance to celebrate the people, cultures and community spirit that make Darwin unique.
"There's something really special about seeing Darwin come together at Christmas, and the Pageant is one of those events that truly belongs to our community," Mr Styes said.
"Last year we saw our city streets come alive with colourful floats representing local schools, businesses, sporting clubs, cultural organisations and community groups, and we want to see even more of Darwin represented this year.
"Whether you're building a float, cheering from the sidelines, picking up a Christmas gift at the Makers Market or joining us to light the Christmas tree, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
"I encourage our schools, businesses and community organisations to get creative, get involved and help us kick off Christmas in Darwin in true Top End style," he said.
City of Darwin is calling for community groups, schools, organisations and businesses to register a float for this year's Pageant. Eligible participants can apply for up to $500 in funding to assist with the construction and presentation of their float, with terms and conditions applying. Float registrations close Friday 30 October 2026.
The Pageant will start on The Esplanade, at the corner of Knuckey Street, travel through the Darwin City Centre and finish on Smith Street at Civic Park. The main stage will be located near the corner of Bennett Street and Smith Street, with pre-pageant entertainment and activities encouraging families to arrive early.
Following its introduction in 2025, the Christmas Makers Market will return to The Mall from 4pm, showcasing gifts, art and products from local artists and businesses. The market is delivered by the Darwin City Retailers Association (DCRA) and sponsored by City of Darwin.
The City of Darwin Christmas Window Competition will also launch on Pageant Day, encouraging CBD businesses to transform their windows and shopfronts with festive displays.
Delivered by DCRA with support from City of Darwin, judging will run from 14 November to 16 December 2026, with winners announced on Friday 18 December 2026.
The celebrations will continue beyond Pageant Day, with Santa's Village returning to the Darwin Galleria from Saturday 21 November 2026, giving families the chance to visit Santa, take photos and enjoy children's activities on selected dates through to 23 December 2026.
The program will also head to the suburbs with the much-loved Casuarina Christmas Pool Party at Casuarina Pool on Saturday 28 November 2026 from 8.30am to 12pm, featuring free family-friendly activities and entertainment.
The Darwin Christmas Pageant and Christmas Concert are proudly sponsored by the Northern Territory Government and delivered by City of Darwin, with the Christmas Makers Market and Lord Mayor's Christmas Window Competition delivered by DCRA and supported by City of Darwin.
The full Christmas program, Pageant information and float registration details will be available at darwin.nt.gov.au/christmas
Quotes attributable to NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby:
"The Finocchiaro CLP Government is proud to back the 2026 Darwin Christmas Pageant as we deliver a jam-packed pipeline of events that bring people together, support local businesses, and restore our unique Territory lifestyle.
"The Christmas Pageant and Makers Market showcase the Territory's Christmas spirit, with all of the traditions, tastes, families, and faith which make the NT one-of-a-kind."
