Carols by candlelight concerts across Melbourne
Nights will be anything but silent across Melbourne this festive season. Here’s where you’ll find the best carolling events the city has to offer.
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Here we come a-carolling among the leaves so green!
To help you sing your way through the most wonderful time of the year we’ve made a list
— and checked it twice — of carol services and Christmas concerts coming up across
Melbourne.
WHERE TO SEE SANTA IN MELBOURNE 2018
WHERE TO FIND MELBOURNE’S BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 2018
And it’s not just your traditional carols by candlelight anymore — festive events are now
broadening their appeal with food trucks, fireworks, market stalls and even pony rides and petting zoos.
DECEMBER 1
HUME CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
When: Saturday, December 1, 5pm
Where: Craigieburn Anzac Park, corner Central Park Ave and Aitken Ave
This free event has been lighting up Hume for years and the 2018 concert includes
amazing carols performances, fireworks, free family fun activities, food trucks and market
stalls.
KNOX CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
When: Saturday, December 1 with family activities from 4pm, carols pre-show from
5.30pm and the main show from 8pm
Where: Wally Tew Reserve, Brenock Park Drive, Ferntree Gully
Grab some gifts from the market stalls or make your own at the Christmas craft
workshops. Check out the Knox X Factor Grand Final at the carols pre-show before the
main event kicks off at 8pm. Fireworks will light up the sky from 10pm.
MAROONDAH CAROLS
When: Saturday, December 1, 6.30pm
Where: Town Park, Croydon
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Maroondah, with Bethany Fisher leading the
‘Christmas Spectacular’ before the main show begins at 7.30pm. Performances include
Daniel Hearn and Caitlin Spears, supported by the Maroondah Carols Band made up of members from the Maroondah Brass Band, Croydon Wind Symphony, and the Vocal Vibes Choir. There will also be food trucks, face painting, an animal farm, roving performers and fireworks.
DECEMBER 6
LAKESIDE CAROLS
When: Thursday, December 6, gates open 6pm with main concert at 7pm
Where: Gasworks Arts Park, Albert Park
Get your Santa hats out and warm up your vocal cords for a night of singing, dancing and
Christmas frivolity, complete with a visit from the jolly old St Nick. Hungry? Check out
some of the fabulous food trucks on offer or grab a good old fashioned snag from the
sausage sizzle. Lakeside Carols is a free event, but on entry there is a suggested gold
coin donation for St Kilda Mums.
YARRA CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
When: Thursday, December 6, 6-9pm
Where: Citizens Park, corner Highett and Gleadell streets, Richmond
This free event will feature performances by local schools, community groups and the
Australian Girls’ Choir plus a special appearance from Santa. Bring a picnic (no glass) or
grab a bite from food and drink stalls on site. Candles and song books will be available
for purchase, with proceeds going to local charities. If it rains this event will be relocated
to Fitzroy Town Hall, check Yarra City Council for updates.
DECEMBER 8
CAROLS IN ALL NATIONS
When: Saturday, December 8, 6-9pm
Where: All Nations Park, Northcote
This free, secular event, heralds the start of the festive season, gathering friends, family and
neighbours together in Darebin’s diverse community. The stage program celebrates the carols
tradition with local choirs, musicians, and special guests. The event will be hosted by Mama Alto and will also include food, a family portrait photo booth and creative kids’ activities.
CAROLS IN QUEENS PARK
When: Saturday, December 8, 5-9pm
Where: Queens Park, Moonee Ponds
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with this festive event. There are free
children’s activities from 5pm with the carols concert starting at 7pm. Pack a picnic,
gather your family and friends to enjoy the magic of the Christmas season. Candles, food
and refreshments will be available to buy.
CAROLS BY THE LAKE
When: Saturday, December 8, 6pm
Where: Coburg Lake Reserve
Bring a blanket, a picnic and grab your friends and family to enjoy this festive
extravaganza. Hosted by Geraldine Quinn and Daniel Oldaker, the event features The
Ukalypts, VICSEG Lullaby Choir, Brunswick Secondary College Choir and the Moreland
City Band.
SALVATION ARMY MOOROOLBARK CAROLS BY THE LAKE
When: Saturday, December 8, 5.30-9pm
Where: Lilydale Lake, Swansea Rd, Lilydale
With lots of activities and entertainment planned, you are sure to have a good night out.
There will be a sausage sizzle and plenty to keep the kids entertained. This is also a pet
friendly event, so it really is something the whole family can enjoy.
PAKENHAM CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
When: Saturday, December 8, 6pm
Where: Toomuc Reserve, Princes Highway, Pakenham
Gates open at 6pm for pre-carols entertainment provided by local artists and primary schools. The main event starts at 8.30pm, led by Cardinia Civic Concert Band. There will also be a visit from the man of the moment, Santa Claus, and a fireworks display after dark.
DECEMBER 9
MONASH CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
When: Sunday, December 9, 4-10pm
Where: Jells Park, Wheelers Hill
Monash Carols celebrates 30 years of bringing Christmas cheer to the suburbs. With
crowds of more than 25,000, this event is the largest community carols in Melbourne. It
kicks off with Kids Tinsel Town, complete with free rides, activities for kids and photo ops with Santa. The main event features performers such as soprano Mirusia Louwerse, musical
theatre star Josh Piterman, The Voice 2018 runner up Aydan Calafiore and The X Factor
singer-songwriter Natalie Ong.
CAROLS BY KINGSTON
When: Sunday, December 9, 6.30pm
Where: Bicentennial Park, Chelsea
Carols queen and musical theatre doyen Marina Prior will lend her famous voice to
proceedings at this special celebration. An artisan market will give punters the chance to
shop for last-minute gifts and the Kids Zone will offer a range of activities to keep the
children entertained. There will also be food vendors, a community barbecue and
spectacular fireworks display. Book your reserved seat at the Kingston Council website.
CAROLS IN THE PARK TYABB
When: Sunday, December 9, 7.30-9.40pm
Where: Central Reserve, Tyabb
Enjoy an evening of singing and festivities before the Christmas rush sets in. There will
be performances from Tyabb Railway Station Primary School, local musicians and the
Western Port Christian Family Church.
DECEMBER 11
CAROLS IN THE PARK BRIGHTON
When: Tuesday, December 11, 7.30pm
Where: Dendy Park, Brighton
Pack a picnic rug and head down to Dendy Park for a night of Christmas magic, featuring performances from local school students and choirs. There will be a spectacular fireworks display from 9.30pm. This year’s event is raising money for Very Special Kids, which supports families caring for children with life-threatening conditions.
DECEMBER 14
CAROLS IN HARMONY SQUARE
When: Friday, December 14, 6.30pm
Where: Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale St, Dandenong
Melbourne carols veteran Denis Walter will lead proceedings at this community event, which features performances from Dandenong and Silverton primary school choirs, With One Voice Choir, Tongan Christian Group and One Living Church. There will also be face painting, arts and crafts, giveaways, food stalls and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus.
HAMPTON PARK CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
When: Friday, December 14, 7.30pm
Where: Cairns Road Reserve
Join in the fun for a family concert featuring a variety of performers, a special kids’ segment with Santa Claus, traditional and contemporary carols, a free sausage sizzle, refreshments and merchandise stalls.
MANNINGHAM CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
When: Friday, December 14, 6pm
Where: Ruffey Lake Park
It won’t be a silent night in Manningham with musical theatre star Josh Piterman leading a line-up featuring Dan Hamill and The Voice 2018 runner-up Bella Paige. Now in its 37th year, the event begins with a Kids Zone — with face painting, jumping castles, entertainment and photos with Santa. The main concert starts at 8pm and there will be a fireworks display at 10pm. The event will be raising money for the Manningham Community Fund.
WHITTLESEA CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
When: Friday, December 14, 7-10pm
Where: Terrace Lawns, Civic Centre, South Morang
Dig out your sleigh bells and warm up your vocals for a night of festive fun in South Morang, with music from the Community Carols Choir and Diamond Valley Brass Band. There will also be face painting, a live nativity scene, animal farm, art workshops and a visit from Santa. Residents are encouraged to leave the car at home and walk, ride or catch public transport to the event.
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DECEMBER 15
CAROLS IN THE PARK
When: Saturday, December 15, 5.30-8.15pm
Where: Bentleigh Hodgson Reserve, Higgins Rd, Bentleigh
Musical theatre queen Silvie Paladino will lend her velvety vocals to this year’s Bentleigh event. There will also be performances by the Glen Eira Band, Bella Paige, The Decibelles, the Grinch Christmas Show and The Snow Queens. Make Christmas tree decorations and reindeer antlers and check out all the delicious street food on offer from Vietnam, Greece and Turkey.
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
When: Saturday, December 15, 6pm
Where: Sasella Park, Deer Park
O come all ye faithful to Brimbank’s Christmas Festival, with performances from Sunshine Community Brass Band and a heavenly host of local singer, Zouk Dance, games, face painting, balloons, a Lions sausage sizzle and, of course, Santa Claus.
CAROLS IN THE PARK
When: Saturday, December 15, 6-9.30pm
Where: Macleay Park, 101 Belmore Rd, Balwyn North
The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Boroondara with this event set to get you into the swing of things. There will be lots of family activities, a sausage sizzle, drink sales and an amazing fireworks display.
ROMSEY CHRISTMAS CAROLS
When: Saturday, December 15, 6.30-10pm
Where: Lions Reserve Skate Park, 50 Main St, Romsey
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Romsey with the annual carols. This free event is sure to get you into the festive spirit.
BANYULE CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
When: Saturday, December 15, 6.30pm
Where: Ivanhoe Park, The Boulevard, Ivanhoe East
Bring your own picnic or visit the food vendors onsite before joining in the sing-a-long with your Carols by Candlelight songbook and program. This year’s line-up includes Liz Cherry from the Australian Army Band, Colin Lille, Seth Henderson, the Diamond Valley Brass Band, the Australian Children’s Choir, The Kazoos and a visit from Santa.
CAROLS IN YARRAVILLE GARDENS
When: Saturday, December 15, 7.30-10.30pm
Pack a picnic and gather your family and friends to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Yarraville Carols. The event features performances from Opera Australia singers, choirs, Footscray-Yarravile City Band, Hyde Street Youth Band and Western Brass. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display at 10pm.
CAROLS AT FEATHERBROOK
When: Saturday, December 15, 6-10pm
Where: Featherbrook Oval, Windorah Drive, Point Cook
Bring your blankets and chairs to Featherbrook Oval for a night of holiday cheer. There will be an animal farm, pony rides, jumping castles, face painting, roving entertainment, gift bags for kids, food trucks and fireworks.
DECEMBER 16
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT IN WILLIAMSTOWN
When: Sunday, December 16, 7.30pm
Where: Commonwealth Reserve, Nelson Place, Williamstown
Come along for a free family night out with live music, children’s activities, special guest artists and community singers sure to get you feeling festive.
DIAMOND CREEK COMMUNITY CAROLS
When: Sunday, December 16, 6-9.30pm
Where: Coventry Oval, Diamond Creek
Bring your picnic rug and camping chairs to watch children’s choirs and then join in when the band leads a community sing-a-long. There will be fun activities for the kids, face painting and pony rides. Bring your own dinner or snag a sausage and fuel up at the coffee van. There will be a fireworks display after dark.
CAROLS AT COMO PARK
When: Sunday, December 16, 7.30-9.30pm
Where: Como Park, Williams Rd, South Yarra
Hosted by actor and presenter Shane Jacobson, this event is headlined by Australian Idol winner Casey Donovan plus musical theatre stars Genevieve Kingsford, Blake Appelqvist and Josh Piterman, supported by Stonnington City Brass and the South of the River Choir. Entry is $10 and the car park will open at 5pm. Carols at Como Park has limited accessible parking spaces, so if you need one book before December 14 by phoning 8290 1231 or email events@stonnington.vic.gov.au
WHITEHORSE CAROLS
When: Sunday, December 16, 5.30-9.30pm (free rides and amusements from 4.30pm)
Where: Whitehorse Civic Centre Precinct, Nunawading
Santa Claus is coming to town, and so are a heavenly host of performers including Rob ‘Millsy’ Mills, Verity Hunt-Ballard, Blackburn High School Senior Jazz Orchestra, Australian Girls’ Choir, The Mik Maks and Combined Churches of North Blackburn. Santa and his elves will be available from 4.30pm for photos.
DECEMBER 24
VISION AUSTRALIA’S CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
When: Monday, December 24, 8pm
Where: Sidney Myer Music Bowl
No Christmas in Melbourne would be complete without this — the city’s grand dame of festive cheer — Carols By Candlelight. Presented by David Campbell and Sonia Kruger, the event features all your favourites such as Marina Prior, Denis Walter, Silvie Paladino, David Hobson, Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and the event supports Vision Australia. If you can’t make it there on the day there are discounted tickets for the rehearsal or simply join the scores of viewers who tune in to Channel 9’s broadcast on Christmas Eve and for the Christmas Day replay.
https://www.visionaustralia.org/
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