26 Best Places to Hear Christmas Carols in Melbourne with Kids

Christmas is a time for family, friends and of course, food. But 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 heartwarming 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 2022.

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

Christmas carols melbourne – North

2. 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 17 December 2022 from 5.00pm – 9.00pm 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 Denis Walter, with performances by:

• Bobby Fox
• Kylie Auldist
• Diamond Valley Brass Band
• The Australian Children’s Choir
• with special guests Elf, Santa and Frosty!

Banyule Carols by Candlelight will take place from 5.00pm to 9.00pm on Saturday 17 December 2022.

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

3. Hume Carols by Candlelight, Craigieburn

After two years, 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 – 8.00pm for the pre-event activities and entertainment which will include festive, fun activities for the whole family to enjoy including face painting, 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 3 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 3 December 2022.

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

4. Christmas Carols in Eltham

Sing your on your way to Christmas at Eltham Central Park during their Christmas Carol event.

Enjoy roving entertainers, magicians, local musicians, and vocalists, meet Santa and his Elves, plus enjoy a Sausage sizzle from the Rotary Club of Eltham! Don’t forget to bring your own picnic and rug!

Entry fee is $5 per person and includes an LED candle and bottle of water. Children under 5 years old enter free.

Christmas Carols in Eltham, Eltham Town Square Rotunda, Main Road, Eltham
Wed 21 Dec, 11:30 AM, $5

5. Carols by Candlelight

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, 9 December and is set to have a lineup of fun and exciting activities like face painting, 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 9 Dec, 6 pm – 9 pm

6. 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, a sausage sizzle, a very special visit from Santa himself, as well as lots of raffle prizes from local businesses to be won as well.

Festive Celebration in Yarra – Christmas Carols in the Park, Darling Gardens, 237 Gold St, Clifton Hill
Thu 8 Dec, 6 pm to 8 pm

Christmas carols melbourne – South

7. Bayside Christmas Carols in the Park, Brighton

Bayside City Council is bringing back Christmas Carols in the Park this 2022 on Tuesday 13 December! Come together with the whole community along with family and friends to celebrate the holiday spirit. The event will be held at Dendy Park and pre-event activities begin at 5:30 pm.

Bayside Christmas Carols in the Park will take place from 5.30pm on Tuesday 13 December 2022.

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

8. Glen Eira Carols in the Gardens, Elsternwick

Looking forward to getting into the holiday spirit? Then mark your calendars for Friday 16 December because from 6.00pm to 9.00pm, 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 6.00pm until 9.00pm on Friday 16 December 2022.

Carols in the Gardens, Rippon Lea Estate, 192 Hotham St, Elsternwick, +61 3 9524 3333, mail@gleneira.vic.gov.au

9. 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 9 December from 6.00pm to 9.30pm in Dandenong Park and will include:

• Carols sung by wonderful performers
• Roving performers 
• A Christmas market
• Delicious food
• Free activities
• The Greater Dandenong Band
• A visit from everyone’s favourite, Santa Claus.

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 9 December 2022.

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

10. Carols by Kingston, Chelsea

To be held on Sunday 11 December 2022 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 11 December 2022, time TBC. 

Carols by Kingston, Bicentennial Park, Chelsea

11. Monash Carols by Candlelight, Wheelers Hill

*Update as of Nov 28 2022: Due to the extremely wet weather and the resulting condition of the ground at Jells Park, Monash Carols by Candlelight has sadly been forced to cancel the event for 2022.*

On Sunday 4 December, pack a picnic rug and head down to Jells Park to celebrate the festive season during the much-loved Monash Carols by Candlelight!

After a two-year hiatus, 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. Australia’s most entertaining children’s groups, Team Dream and Oakleigh South Primary School Choir are said to be joining in.

Then at 7:30pm, prepare for the main concert featuring Monash Carols Band, Monash University Chorale Society and more.

Santa will also make a special appearance and the whole night will end with a spectacular fireworks finale at 9:15pm.

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 9.30pm on Sunday 4 December 2022.

Monash Carols by Candlelight, Jells Park, Jells Road, Wheelers Hill, +61 3 9518 3636, mail@monash.vic.gov.au

12. Somerville Community Christmas Carols, Somerville

To be held on Friday 16 December from 6.00pm until 9.30pm is the Somerville Community Christmas Carols event.

Expect an exciting evening with choirs, music, kid’s entertainment, food vans, a few markets and a visit from Santa! It will also feature the Charlie Silly Pants Christmas Show! You’ll be able to strut the stage in your matching Christmas pjs or wear your ugliest Christmas jumper to win a prize!

Picnic on the oval, support local takeaways, or sample some treats from their food vans!

You can also support their giving tree by donating toys and dry pantry products to families in need, which St Andrews Church will be collecting at the event.

Somerville Community Christmas Carols will take place from 6.00pm until 9.30pm on Friday 16 December 2022.

Somerville Community Christmas Carols, Fruit Growers Reserve, Edward Street, Somerville

13. Family Christmas at Central Park, Malvern East

Hosted by Michelle Brasier and featuring Rob Mills, Gillian Cosgriff, Shauntai Sherree and Mike McLeish with Musical Director Casey Bennetto, the Family Christmas at Central Park will be held on Sunday 11 December 2022 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. There will be pre-show children’s activities from 6.30pm and then the carols will run from 7.30pm. 

Family Christmas at Central Park will take place form 6.30pm to 9.30pm on Sunday 11 December 2022.

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

14. Carols at Como Park, South Yarra

Hosted by Eddie Perfect and featuring Lucy Durack, Aurora Kurth and Bert LaBonté with Musical Director Casey Bennetto, the Carols at Como Park in South Yarra will be held on Sunday 18 December from 7.30pm to 9.30pm 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 from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on Sunday 18 December 2022.

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

15. The Pakenham Carols by Candlelight

The Pakenham Carols by Candlelight is on this year at the Toomuc Recreation Reserve on Saturday, 3 December!

Gates open at 4:30 pm, with pre-carols activities commencing at 5 pm. The official program begins at 6:30 pm with the Cardinia Civic Concert Band and will end at approximately 9 pm with a  spectacular fireworks display to end the night's festivities.

The Pakenham Carols by Candlelight, Toomuc Recreation Reserve, Pakenham,
Sat 3 Dec, 4:30 pm – 9 pm

16. Hampton Park Carols by Candlelight

The Hampton Park Carols by Candlelight is always a much-anticipated event where families and members of different cultures can come together and enjoy some wonderful music and fireworks.

This year's event promises to be even more special, with musical performances from some of the community's most popular groups and the Aspire Church. So come on down and enjoy a great evening out with your friends and family!

Hampton Park Carols by Candlelight, Cairns Road Reserve
Fri 16 Dec, 6:30 pm – 10 pm

 Christmas carols melbourne – East

17. Whitehorse Carols, Nunawading

Jingle your bells and fasten your antlers! Whitehorse Carols are serving up a feast of festivities for the family this Christmas at Tunstall Park on Sunday, 18 December.

Headlining the Carols are the effervescent Melbourne Gospel Choir and supremely soulful Kylie Auldist, so come prepared for a dance on the grass!

Showing they know how to celebrate Christmas in spectacular style, Whitehorse Carols will feature local acts to internationally renowned artists to keep you entertained into the evening. The full line-up includes Kylie Auldist, Melbourne Gospel Choir, Stellar, Box Hill City Band, Whitehorse Churches Care, Little Notes and Celia & Friends Christmas Show.

Kids' entertainment act Celia & Friends will kick off the stage performances at 5:30 pm and keep a look out for Santa, rides, festivities and food trucks at the park from 4:30 pm.

The free event will take place on Sunday, 18 December 2022, from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm at Tunstall Park – rear of Nunawading Community Hub. Parking is available in the Nunawading Civic Centre or Silver Grove car parks, but note that parking is limited, so it would be best to travel in carpools.

The concert will also have accessible toilets available for use and be AUSLAN interpreted. There'll even be a dedicated viewing area and interpreters on the big screen throughout the show.

To find accessible parking and pathways to the event site, use the Springvale Road entrance to Nunawading Community Hub. You can also check out the website for a detailed map.

Whitehorse Carols, Tunstall Park, Nunawading, +61 3 9262 6333, arts@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

18. Carols in the Park 2022, Balwyn North

Carols in the Park at Boroondara have become an annual Christmas highlight since they first began in 1987. This year this much-loved event will be taking place on Saturday 10 December 2022 from 6:00pm – 10:00pm at MacLeay Park and will be presented once again by the Churches of North Balwyn.

This year, you’ll get to hear the beautiful voices of Michael Lapina, Susannah Gidley, Isabella Porter and Jessica Hitchcock as they sing Christmas classics that everyone loves, with music provided by the Salvation Army Band. You can even join in the singing by following the lyrics on the LED screens placed around the park.

On top of this, the community will also be holding a BBQ during the event in an effort to bring together the citizens of Boroondara and once again strengthen the community spirit. 

Carols in the Park will take place from 6.00pm to 10.00pm on Saturday 10 December 2022.

Carols in the Park, 141 Belmore Rd, Balwyn North, ray.faye@bigpond.com

19. Knox Carols by Candlelight, Wantirna South

See local and national performers come together to celebrate the festive season and provide a fun-filled evening of family entertainment during Knox City Council's annual Carols by Candlelight event this Saturday 10 December 2022.

The fun starts at 4pm where you’ll get to enjoy loads of free family activities, then at 5:30pm be delighted with pre show entertainment, then finally at 8pm, get comfy with your family to enjoy the Main Carols show.

The event will feature face painting, roving Christmas performers, Christmas arts and crafts, delicious food and beverages and more!

Knox Carols by Candlelight will take place from 4pm on Saturday 10 December 2022.

Knox Carols by Candlelight, 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South, +61 3 9298 8000, knoxcc@knox.vic.gov.au

20. 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 9 December 2022 at Ruffey Lake Park and will kick off at 6.00pm with pre-show entertainment from Australia’s most entertaining children’s groups: Team Dream and the Veneto Club Choir, 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 9 December 2022.

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

21. Maroondah Carols, Croydon Park

On Saturday 3 December 2022, 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 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 3 December 2022.

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

22. 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 5.30pm to 8.00pm on Sunday 11 December 2022.

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

Christmas carols melbourne – West

23. Melton Carols by Candlelight 2022, Melton

On Saturday 3 December, join in at Hannah Watts Park from 6.00pm – 9:30pm for Melton’s 2022 Carols by Candlelight – a free event that’s sure to fill your heart with some festive cheer!

Melton Carols by Candlelight 2022 will be held from 6.00pm to 9.30pm on Saturday 3 December 2022.

Melton Carols by Candlelight 2022, Hannah Watts Park, High Street, Melton, 03 9747 7200, csu@melton.vic.gov.au

24. Carols in Queens Park, Moonee Ponds

Carols in Queens Park will be held on  Saturday 10 December 2022. We will provide more details when they are released but mark the date in your calendar as this is always a fun and festive event in a beautiful park.

Carols in Queens Park will be held on Saturday 10 December 2022. Time to be confirmed closer to the event.

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

25. Christmas in Brimbank – Christmas Carols 2022

Looking to get into the Christmas spirit?

St Alban's Square is hosting an event with live music, entertainment and yummy food! So come on down, relax and enjoy some festive tunes.

Christmas in Brimbank – Christmas Carols 2022, 331 Main Road East, St Albans
Sat 17 Dec 6 pm – 10 pm

26. Carols in the Garden

This 2022, The Footscray-Yarraville City Band is proud to present the 29th Carols in the Gardens!

The event will feature Multi-Award winning Matthew Hetherington, internationally acclaimed Soprano Margaret Haggart, along with Danielle Matthews, John Connors and Byron Crump. On top of this, you'll also get to hear the combined bands of Footscray Yarraville, Western Brass and Hyde Street Youth alongside a magnificent choir.

There will be a special visit from Santa Clause and a spectacular fireworks display!

Carols in the Garden, Cnr Somerville Road and Hyde Street Yarraville,
Sat 17 Dec 4 pm – 7 pm

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