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 2025.
Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, VIC
2. Carols in the Cathedral
Celebrate Christmas in style at “Carols in the Cathedral,” featuring the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic. Enjoy a splendid array of traditional carols and music, highlighted by special guest performers.
Set in the beautiful St Paul’s Cathedral, this concert features timeless carols like “O Come All Ye Faithful” and breathtaking performances by choirs and soloists.
Fri 19 Dec 2025, 8.30PM,Sat 20 Dec 2025, 2.00PM and 7.00PM
Tickets from $35, St Pauls Cathedral, 200 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. Carols at Crown
Enjoy joyful carols at Crown Atrium, alongside Santa photo opportunities and a beautiful carousel. Don’t miss the Christmas Crown River Show outside each evening up until Christmas day.
13 December – 14 December
3pm, 5pm, 7pm
20 December – 21 December
3pm, 5pm, 7pm
22 December – 23 December
5pm & 7pm
Atrium Carols, Located in Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006
Christmas Carols Melbourne – North
4. Banyule Carols by Candlelight, Greensborough
Carols by Candlelight returns in December 2025, inviting families to bring a picnic rug and enjoy an evening of festive music. This free community event welcomes everyone to come together and celebrate the Christmas season.
Children can look forward to free craft workshops, face painting and photos with Santa, who will be making a special appearance on the night.
Banyule Carols by Candlelight will take place from 5.00pm to 9.30pm on Saturday 13 December 2025.
Banyule Carols by Candlelight, Henry Street, Greensborough War Memorial Park, Greensborough 3088, +61 3 9490 4222, enquiries@banyule.vic.gov.au
5. 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 6:30pm – 8:30pm head on over to the main stage to see and hear the main event.
Hume’s Carols by Candlelight will be on Saturday 6 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 8.30pm on Saturday 6 December 2025.
Hume Carols by Candlelight, Anzac Park, Central Park Avenue, Craigieburn, 9205 2200, events@hume.vic.gov.au
6. 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, 2025, at Diamond Creek Regional Playspace – Tram Cafe. 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, Diamond Creek Regional Playspace – Tram Cafe, Main Hurstbridge Road, Diamond Creek, 3089
Wednesday, 24 December 2025, 8pm – 9:30pm
7. 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, 12 December 2025 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, Civic Centre Lawns, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang
Fri 12 Dec 2025, 6 pm – 9 pm
8. Warrandyte Community Carols
2025 dates and information will be confirmed soon.
Come and celebrate Christmas with the Warrandyte community by singing carols together and enjoying the positive atmosphere at Warrandyte Community Carols!
Listen to the performances of local singers and musicians who are spreadig some holiday cheer! Don’t forget to bring a picnic or buy some food and drinks from the food trucks on site.
Santa will also be making a special appearance, so don’t miss out!
Warrandyte Community Carols, Stiggants Reserve, 45-55 Yarra Street, Warrandyte
Sat 14 Dec 2024, 7:00pm – 9:00 pm, Free
9. Christmas Carols in the Park, Burnley
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.
Christmas Carols in the Park, Burnley, Victoria 3121,
Thu 11 Dec 2025, 6 pm to 9 pm
Christmas Carols Melbourne – South
10. Bayside Christmas Carols in the Park, Brighton
Bayside Christmas Carols in the Park returns to Dendy Park on Tuesday 9 December 2025 between 7:30pm 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 7:30pm.
Bayside Christmas Carols in the Park, Dendy Park, Brighton, +61 3 9599 4444
Tue 9 December 2025 from 7:30pm
11. Glen Eira Carols in the Gardens, Elsternwick
Looking forward to getting into the holiday spirit? Then mark your calendars for Saturday 13 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 13 December 2025. No bookings required.
Carols in the Gardens, Bentleigh Hodgson Reserve, Higgins Road, Bentleigh, +61 3 9524 3333, mail@gleneira.vic.gov.au
Sat 13 December 2025
12. 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.
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, Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, +61 3 8571 1000, council@cgd.vic.gov.au
Fri 5 December 2025
13. Carols by Kingston, Chelsea
To be held on Sunday 7 December 2025 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.
Sun 7 Dec 2025, 5:00pm to 9:30pm.
Carols by Kingston, Bicentennial Park, Chelsea
14. Monash Carols by Candlelight, Wheelers Hill
On Saturday 6 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 6 December 2025.
Monash Carols by Candlelight, Jells Park, Jells Road, Wheelers Hill, 9518 3555, rachel.drill@monash.vic.gov.au
15. 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 7 December 2025.
There will be pre-show children’s activities from 4.30 pm.
Family Christmas at Central Park will take place on Sunday 7 December 2025 from 4.30 pm
Family Christmas at Central Park, 83-141 Burke Road, Malvern East
16. 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.
There will be a fireworks display at the end set to classical music.
Carols at Como Park will take place on Sunday 14 December 2025
Carols at Como Park, 305-325 Williams Road, South Yarra
17. 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 3 Dec 2025, 6:00pm
23. Christmas Carols Service at Cruden Farm
Joined by the critically acclaimed Melbourne Opera Orchestra & Chorus, under the baton of Maestro Raymond Lawrence, Silvie will perform more than two hours of beloved Christmas carols and festive favourites – all delivered with the warmth and brilliance that have made her one of Australia’s leading musical theatre stars. Tickets from $30-$60.
Christmas Carols Service at Cruden Farm, 185 North Road, Langwarrin
Sat 13 December 2025, 5pm
24. 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, 7 December 2025, 5 PM – 09:30 PM
Christmas Carols Melbourne – East
25. Carols at Grace Park, Hawthorn
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
Sunday 14 December 2025
26. Knox Carols, Ferntree Gully
Be part of Knox Carols, 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 will take place on Saturday 13 December 2025 from 4:00pm to 09:30pm with the main concert starting at 7:00pm.
Knox Carols, Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, +61 3 9298 8000, knoxcc@knox.vic.gov.au
27. 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 12 December 2025 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 7.15pm.
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 12 December 2025.
Manningham Carols by Candlelight Ruffey Lake Park, George Street, Doncaster, +61 3 9840 9333, events@manningham.vic.gov.au
28. Maroondah Carols, Croydon Park
On Saturday 6 December 2025, 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 6 December 2025.
Maroondah Carols, Town Park, 20 Civic Square, Croydon, 3136, maroondah@maroondah.vic.gov.au
29. 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 on Sunday 14 December 2025.
Montrose Community’s Christmas Carols, Montrose Community Centre, Montrose, +61 3 9761 8897, cofcmontrose@gmail.com
30. 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 7 Dec 2025
31. 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 13 December 2025, 6:00pm
32. Carols on the Lawn, Ashburton
2025 dates and information will be confirmed soon.
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
33. Melton Carols by Candlelight, Melton
On Saturday 13 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 2025 will be held from 5.00pm to 9.30pm on Saturday 13 December 2025.
Melton Carols by Candlelight, Hannah Watts Park, High Street, Melton, 03 9747 7200, csu@melton.vic.gov.au
34. Carols in Queens Park, Moonee Ponds
Carols in Queens Park will be held on Saturday 6 December 2025, 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 6 December 2025 from 4:30pm with carols starting at 6:30pm.
Carols in Queens Park, Queens Park, Cnr Mt Alexander Rd and Kellaway Ave, Moonee Ponds
35. Free Christmas Carols At Sunshine Plaza
Join the festive fun at Sunshine Plaza as local school choirs perform classic Christmas carols. The stage is set near the Hampshire Road entrance, beside Sunshine Plaza News and Lotto.
The music starts at 11am – a lovely way to enjoy the holiday spirit.
Free Christmas Carols At Sunshine Plaza, Sunshine Plaza, 324-328 Hampshire Rd, Sunshine, Victoria
Thu 4 Dec 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
36. Yarraville Carols in the Garden
This 2025, 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, Yarraville, Victoria 3013
Sat 14 Dec 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
37. 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 13 Dec 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
38. 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.
Thursday 4 Dec 2025
Kingsville Carols, Beavers Reserve, 28 – 36 Wales Street, Kingsville
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