What’s Christmas without some carols? Carols by Candlelight is an Australian Christmas tradition and there are plenty of great places to enjoy this festive experience with your kids.

To help you find the best spots for Christmas carols near you, we’ve decided to compile a list of all the best places in Melbourne where you can have this delightful and heart-warming experience.

Christmas Carols Melbourne – CBD/Docklands

1. Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight, Melbourne

One of the most famous Carols by Candlelight in Melbourne is the annual televised Sidney Myer Music Bowl Christmas Eve event. If you can’t make it to this ultimate Christmas carols Melbourne experience, you can also book tickets to see the rehearsal on 23 December if you’re busy on Christmas Eve.

Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight will take place from 4pm on 23 December and 24 December 2024.

Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Kings Domain Gardens, Linlithgow Ave, Melbourne

2. Hello Music Carols by Daylight, Fed Square

The annual Hello Music Carols by Daylight is a singalong Christmas variety show that’s fun for all ages, featuring the Hello Music Children’s Orchestra and Choir and friends including guest performers and, of course, Santa Claus.

Held at Fed Square’s indoor theatre The Edge, this family event promises fun, interactive entertainment that you won’t want to miss.

Hello Music Carols by Daylight, The Edge Federation Square Swanston St & Flinders St, 0414 776 613, hello@hellomusic.com.au

Sun 1 Dec, 3pm – 4.30pm

Christmas Carols Melbourne – North

3. Banyule Carols by Candlelight, Greensborough

Get into the Christmas spirit as you listen to Banyule’s annual Carols by Candlelight which is set to take place on Saturday 14 December 2024 from 5.00pm – 9.30pm at the Greensborough War Memorial Park. This popular family-friendly event includes activities, entertainment and a wonderful selection of food on offer.

This year’s carols will be hosted by Wilbur Wilde with performances by:

• The Troublemakers
• Wendy Stapleton
• Joe Camilleri
• Sean Millis
• Zoe Sunday
• Diamond Valley Brass Band
• The Australian Children’s Choir
• Celia and Friends
• Team Dream
• Chao Feng Chinese Orchestra
• with special guests Elf, Santa and Frosty!

Banyule Carols by Candlelight will take place from 5.00pm to 9.30pm on Saturday 14 December 2024.

Banyule Carols by Candlelight, Henry Street, Greensborough War Memorial Park, Greensborough, +61 3 9490 4222, enquiries@banyule.vic.gov.au

4. Hume Carols by Candlelight, Craigieburn

Carols by Candlelight at Hume are back, and they’re excited to let you know that this year’s carols are going to be merrier than ever.

This year’s event will begin at 5.00pm for the pre-event activities and entertainment, which will include festive, fun activities for the whole family to enjoy including kids’ crafts, food trucks, stalls, and so much more!

From 7.00pm – 9:30pm head on over to the main stage to see and hear the main event.

To top it off, a fireworks show is set to go off as the finale for this unforgettable night that everyone will enjoy.

Hume’s Carols by Candlelight will be on Saturday 7 December, and is a free, non-ticketed community event. However, it would be best to ‘save the date’ and register your interest in attending here.

Hume Carols by Candlelight will take place from 5.00pm until 9.30pm on Saturday 7 December 2024.

Hume Carols by Candlelight, Anzac Park, Central Park Avenue, Craigieburn, 9205 2200, events@hume.vic.gov.au

5. Christmas Carols in the Park, Diamond Creek

Everyone is welcome at the Christmas Carols in the Park. Come and enjoy this family focused event, full of Christmas themed entertainment and sing-a-longs.

Experience the festive spirit at “Carols in the Park” on December 24, 2024, at R A Wadeson Reserve, Diamond Creek. Starting at 8 PM, enjoy carolling under the stars with a live orchestra. Bring your picnic essentials and instruments for kids to join in the fun!

Christmas Carols in the Park, R A Wadeson Reserve, Everleigh Drive, Diamond Creek, 3089
Sunday, 2 December 2024, 8pm – 9:30pm

6. Carols by Candlelight, South Morang

Dig out your Santa hat, ready your carolling voice and prepare yourself and your loved ones for a festive night of fun at the City of Whittlesea Carols by Candlelight!

The event will be held on Friday, 13 December and is set to have a lineup of fun and exciting activities like roving performances, art & craft activities, and more!

There’ll even be a special visit from Santa.

Carols by Candlelight is encouraging participants to bring along their own reusable coffee cup, bag, water bottle and picnic blanket during the night of the event. No need to bring candles as they’ll be taken care of.

Carols by Candlelight, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

Fri 13 Dec, 6 pm – 9 pm

7. Festive Celebration in Yarra – Christmas Carols in the Park

Looking for some festive fun for the whole family? Come to Yarra and celebrate the wonder and magic of the holidays during their Festive Celebration in Yarra Event!

Celebrate the season of giving by listening to their free outdoor Christmas concert! The event will also include artwork projections, treats on site, and even a very special visit from Santa himself.

Festive Celebration in Yarra – Christmas Carols in the Park, Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy North

Wed 11 Dec 2024, 6 pm to 8 pm

Christmas Carols Melbourne – South

8. Bayside Christmas Carols in the Park, Brighton

Bayside Christmas Carols in the Park returns to Dendy Park on Tuesday 10 December 2024 between 5:30pm and 9:30pm.

Bayside City Council brings you this family-friendly celebration of the holiday season, including spectacular fireworks.

Join us to celebrate with your friends and family. The pre-show fun including kids activities starts at 5:30pm.

Bayside Christmas Carols in the Park, Dendy Park, Brighton, +61 3 9599 4444

Tuesday 10 December 2024 from 5:30pm

9. Glen Eira Carols in the Gardens, Elsternwick

Looking forward to getting into the holiday spirit? Then mark your calendars for Saturday 14 December because from 4.00pm to 8.00pm, Glen Eira City Council will be celebrating the Christmas season with live carols within the beautiful and picturesque grounds of Rippon Lea Estate during their Carols in the Gardens event!

Carols in the Gardens will take place from 4.00pm until 8.00pm on Saturday 14 December 2024. No bookings required.

Carols in the Gardens, Bentleigh Hodgson Reserve, Higgins Road, Bentleigh, +61 3 9524 3333, mail@gleneira.vic.gov.au

Saturday 14 December 2024

10. Greater Dandenong Carols, Dandenong

The Greater Dandenong Carols is a great free and kid-friendly opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the Christmas season with their local community. This year, the Greater Dandenong Carols are set to be held on Friday 6 December from 6.00pm to 9.00pm in Harmony Square.

There’ll be plenty of festive fun for everyone, so make sure you bring along the whole gang and join in the festivities!

Greater Dandenong Carols will take place from 6.00pm until 9.30pm on Friday 6 December 2024.

Greater Dandenong Carols, Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, +61 3 8571 1000, council@cgd.vic.gov.au

Friday 6 December 2024

11. Carols by Kingston, Chelsea

To be held on Sunday 8 December 2024 at Bicentennial Park, Chelsea, this free community event is one not to be missed.

Your favourite carols, fabulous performers, amazing food and spectacular fireworks, that’s what you’ll get to see at Carols by Kingston. 

Carols by Kingston will take place on Sunday 8 December 2024, between 5:00pm and 9:30pm.

Carols by Kingston, Bicentennial Park, Chelsea

12. Monash Carols by Candlelight, Wheelers Hill

On Saturday 7 December, pack a picnic rug and head down to Jells Park to celebrate the festive season during the much-loved Monash Carols by Candlelight!

This event is back and the team has prepared a bunch of festivities, such as pre-show activities and entertainment, which will kick off at 5:30 pm with Oakleigh South Primary School Choir.

Then at 7:30pm, prepare for the main concert featuring Monash Carols Band, All Star Carols Band and more.

Santa will also make a special appearance and the whole night will end with a spectacular fireworks finale at 9:00pm.

The Monash Carols by Candlelight is a live captioned event. Candles, glow novelties and a selection of drinks and snacks will be available for purchase throughout the evening.

Monash Carols by Candlelight will take place from 5.30pm until 9.15pm on Saturday 7 December 2024.

Monash Carols by Candlelight, Jells Park, Jells Road, Wheelers Hill, 9518 3555, rachel.drill@monash.vic.gov.au

13. Family Christmas at Central Park, Malvern East

Hosted by Casey Bennetto as Musical Director and featuring Alinta Chidzey, Kiran Rajasingam, Geraldine Quinn and more to be announced. The fun and free Family Christmas at Central Park will be held on Sunday 8 December 2024, 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm.

There will be pre-show children’s activities from 5:00pm. 

Family Christmas at Central Park will take place on Sunday 8 December 2024, 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm.

Family Christmas at Central Park, 83-141 Burke Road, Malvern East 

14. Carols at Como Park, South Yarra

Hosted by the delightful Lucy Durack and featuring Gatesy (Steven Gates), Silvie Paladino, South of the River Choir with Musical Director Casey Bennetto, plus more to be announced. The Carols at Como Park in South Yarra will be held on Sunday 15 December 2024, 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm with roving performers starting at 6.30pm.

There will be a fireworks display at the end set to classical music.

Carols at Como Park will take place on Sunday 15 December 2024, 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm.

Carols at Como Park, 305-325 Williams Road, South Yarra

15. The Pakenham Carols by Candlelight

Dates for the 2024 Cardinia Shire Council Pakenham Carols by Candlelight are still to be confirmed.

All Cardinia Shire residents are invited to pack a picnic rug and head down to Toomuc Recreation Reserve in Pakenham for this free event. 

To top the night off, there will also be a fireworks display at approximately 9pm.

Pakenham Carols by Candlelight will be an alcohol and smoke free event. Food and drinks will be available to purchase on-site. No pets allowed (assistance dogs are permitted).

The Pakenham Carols by Candlelight, Toomuc Recreation Reserve, Pakenham,

16. Hampton Park Carols by Candlelight

Dates for 2024 are still to be confirmed.

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at our free Carols by Candlelight event. Join Santa, indulge in festive food and end the night with a breathtaking fireworks display.

Hampton Park Carols by Candlelight, Cairns Road Reserve

17. The Australian Girls Choir Christmas Concert at South Wharf

Details for the 2024 carols are to be confirmed.

By popular demand, the fabulous Australian Girls Choir return to the outdoor stage in Dukes Walk for another rocking family Christmas concert. One hour of sheer delight – music from old and today, but all with a delightful festive twist.

The Australian Girls Choir Christmas Concert at South Wharf, Dukes Walk South Wharf

18. Black Rock House Community Christmas Carols

Bring a friend, bring the family and bring your pets. Enjoy a night of singing and dancing on the front lawns of historic Black Rock House.

Black Rock House 31st Community Christmas Carols, 30-36 Ebden Avenue, Black Rock, friendsofblackrockhouse@gmail.com
Wed 4 Dec 2024, 6:00pm – 8:30pm

19. Carols by Twilight, Narre Warren

Details for 2024 carols are still to be confirmed.

Thousands of families gather at Max Pawsey Reserve for a festive evening of joyful music, rides, food, and a strong sense of community.

Carols by Twilight, Max Pawsey Reserve, Narre Warren

20. Endeavour Hills Community Carols, Berwick

Details for 2024 carols are still to be confirmed.

A Christmas event for the whole family with market stalls, kids activities, food, and entertainment.

Endeavour Hills Community Carols, 45 Bridgewater BLVD, Berwick

21. Gethsemane Clyde Carols By Candlelight, Hillcrest

Details for 2024 carols are still to be confirmed.

Festive Cheer. Carnival Atmosphere. Prizes Galore. Gifts & Giveaways. Live Performances. Television Appearances. Food Vendors. Santa. Hydration Station. Children’s Rides. Amusements.

Gethsemane Clyde Carols By Candlelight, Hillcrest College, 0404 875 647, kerriganlabrooy@bigpond.com

22. Christmas Carols Service at Cruden Farm

Enjoy a family-friendly community carol service in the paddock at Cruden Farm, with traditional Christmas carols and a pageant of the Christmas story.

Christmas Carols Service at Cruden Farm, 185 North Road, Langwarrin

Sun 15 December 2024, 7pm – 8pm

23. Carols by Kingston

Carols by Kingston is just around the corner and is the perfect excuse to bring your family together and enjoy a night out in Kingston.

Carols by Kingston, Bicentennial Park, Thames Promenade, Chelsea.
Sunday, 8 December 2024, 5 PM – 09:30 PM

 Christmas Carols Melbourne – East

24. Carols at Grace Park, Hawthorn

Details for 2024 carols are still to be confirmed.

Carols at Grace Park is a free, non-denominational Christmas Carols event for families and residents of the Hawthorn area.

Bring a picnic or enjoy a sausage from the BBQ while you enjoy festive tunes from local band Boroondara Brass along with spectacular singers, as well as choirs from Glenferrie and Hawthorn West Primary Schools.

Rumour has it there might even be a special appearance by a special guest in a red suit! 

Carols at Grace Park, 2 Hilda Crescent Hawthorn, graceparkcarols@gmail.com

25. Knox Carols by Candlelight, Ferntree Gully

Be part of Knox Carols by Candlelight, a warm and inclusive free event celebrating the Christmas spirit. No tickets needed, just bring your festive cheer. Please note it’s a drug, alcohol, and smoke-free event, and they kindly request that you leave your pets at home (assistance dogs are welcome).

Knox Carols by Candlelight will take place on Saturday 14 December 2024 from 4:00pm to 10:00pm with the main concert starting at 8:00pm.

Knox Carols by Candlelight, Wally Tew Reserve, Brenock Park Drive, Ferntree Gully , +61 3 9298 8000, knoxcc@knox.vic.gov.au

26. Manningham Carols by Candlelight, Doncaster

This year, Manningham’s biggest annual event, the Manningham Carols by Candlelight will feature both local and national performers, entertaining activities and some of Melbourne’s most amazing food trucks! 

The event will take place on Friday 13 December 2024 at Ruffey Lake Park and will kick off at 6.00pm with pre-show entertainment from the Veneto Club Choir, Doncaster Youth Rock Band and Aquarena Zumba, followed by the main concert at 7.30pm.

There will also be a special appearance by Santa and a spectacular fireworks finale! 

Manningham Carols by Candlelight will take place from 6.00pm on Friday 13 December 2024.

Manningham Carols by Candlelight Ruffey Lake Park, George Street, Doncaster, +61 3 9840 9333, events@manningham.vic.gov.au

27. Maroondah Carols, Croydon Park

On Saturday 7 December 2024, come together as a community and celebrate the festive season during this year’s Maroondah Carols. Enjoy pre-show entertainment, listen to the Maroondah Carols Band, snack on some delicious food vendors, let the kids play around in the free kid’s zone and at the end, see the Maroondah night sky light up with a spectacular firework show!

Maroondah Carols will take place from 6pm to 10pm on Saturday 7 December 2024.

Maroondah Carols, Croydon Park, Hewish Road Croydon, 1300 88 22 33 or 9298 4598, maroondah@maroondah.vic.gov.au

28. Montrose Community Christmas Carols, Montrose

For a fun yet relaxed outdoor Christmas carol event, head on over to Montrose Community’s Christmas Carols – a festive carolling event by the Montrose Church of Christ that will feature a free sausage sizzle, performances by local schools, a visit from Santa, gifts for all the children and of course Christmas carols. All you’ll have to do is bring your picnic gear and have a great time.

Montrose Community’s Christmas Carols will be held from 5.15pm to 8.00pm on Sunday 8 December 2024.

Montrose Community’s Christmas Carols, Montrose Community Centre, Montrose, +61 3 9761 8897, cofcmontrose@gmail.com

29. Carols in Canterbury

Children’s activities and face painting will be held from 4:30pm. Music starts at 5:30pm. Bring a picnic rug to enjoy live local music, food vans and a sausage sizzle. Free entry but donations welcome.

Carols in Canterbury, Canterbury Gardens, Canterbury
Sun 8 Dec 2024

30. Carols in the Park, North Balwyn

An evening of carols for all the family to enjoy.

Carols in the Park, North Balwyn, Macleay Park
Sat 14 December 2024

31. Carols on the Lawn, Ashburton

A fun and relaxing outdoor event with kids activities, sausage sizzle, finger foods, and drinks. Gold coin donation for food to support bushfire victims.

Carols on the Lawn, Ashburton Presbyterian Church, 1 High Street Road, Ashburton

Sun 15 Dec 2024, 5:00pm start

Christmas Carols Melbourne – West

32. Melton Carols by Candlelight, Melton

On Saturday 14 December, join in at Hannah Watts Park from 5.00pm – 9:30pm for Melton’s 2024 Carols by Candlelight – a free event that’s sure to fill your heart with some festive cheer!

Melton Carols by Candlelight 2024 will be held from 5.00pm to 9.30pm on Saturday 14 December 2024.

Melton Carols by Candlelight, Hannah Watts Park, High Street, Melton, 03 9747 7200, csu@melton.vic.gov.au

33. Carols in Queens Park, Moonee Ponds

Carols in Queens Park will be held on  Saturday 7 December 2024, so mark the date in your calendar as this is always a fun and festive event in a beautiful park. Expect free children’s activities and all your favourite carols.

Carols in Queens Park will be held on Saturday 7 December 2024 from 4:30pm with carols starting at 6:30pm.

Carols in Queens Park, Queens Park, Cnr Mt Alexander Rd and Kellaway Ave, Moonee Ponds  

34. Christmas in Brimbank, Keilor Downs

Details for the 2024 carols are still to be confirmed.

Come and enjoy a day of festive fun at Green Gully Reserve, Keilor Downs.

Bring a picnic blanket and come with your loved ones.

There will be live musical performances, giant candy cane stilt walkers, kids activities such as face painting, storytime and a meet and greet with the big guy Santa himself.

Christmas in Brimbank , 151C Green Gully Road, Keilor Downs

35. Yarraville Carols in the Garden

This 2024, The Footscray-Yarraville City Band is proud to once again present Carols in the Gardens!

Hosted by the acclaimed Footscray Yarraville City Band, this event is a Melbourne favourite and 100% free. Bring a picnic blanket, some festive treats, and enjoy the show.

Keep your eyes open, in previous years there has been a special visit from Santa Clause and a spectacular fireworks display!

Carols in the Garden, 139-147 Hyde Street, Yarraville, 3013
Sat 14 Dec 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

36. Wyndham Carols by Candlelight, Werribee South

The Wyndham Carols by Candlelight is traditionally held on the second weekend of December, featuring songs and carols with a live band, and has often included various performances from community groups and a depiction of the Christmas nativity.

Wyndham Carols by Candlelight, Gate 2, K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030

Sat 7 Dec 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

37. Kingsville Carols

Grab your picnic rugs and blankets, and pack a picnic for an evening with family and friends at the Kingsville Carols.

Sing along to your favourite local choir and musicians and get yourself filled with the Christmas spirit.

Kingsville Carols, Beavers Reserve, 28 – 36 Wales Street, Kingsville,
Thursday, 5 December 2024 5PM to 08:30 PM

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