The stampede of tiny legs will form part of this year's In The City Canberra Christmas celebrations in Civic.

It might seem a little early to be thinking about Christmas. But the weather outside is well and truly frightful, and the department stores have already set up their festive displays.

This week, construction also began on the Christmas tree in City Walk. Last year, it lit up with 518,838 LED lights, claiming the Guinness World Record for the most lights on an artificial Christmas tree.

This year the tree will light up, albeit with a few less lights, from Thursday November 17.

Guinness World Record attempts have been synonymous with Christmas in Canberra, with Forrest's David Richards having racked up a few over the years.

But there will be no world record attempt this year.

Instead there will be a free Christmas concert on December 16, and food and arts and craft markets from December 16-24. And of course, the dachshund races. There's even talk of a cake eating competition.

The food markets will have different themes on different nights, including burgers and beers, sweet treats, cocktails and canapes and street food. In The City Canberra is looking for local businesses keen to be part of the event – applications are open at inthecitycanberra.com.au/events/christmas-in-the-city.

And the event will once again raise funds for SIDS and Kids, with entry to the markets by donation.