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Where to see Christmas carols in Melbourne and regional Victoria for 2022
Don’t expect many silent nights in Victoria this festive season. Santa Claus is coming to town, so here’s our list of the best carol events in Victoria – check it twice!
After two years of cancellations, communities are banding together to celebrate the festive season with a range of Christmas carol events on around Melbourne and Victoria.
With the art of carolling going back centuries, getting together for a singalong in your local area is a great way to support your community, enjoy the Christmas activities put on, assist those in need and have a merry old time.
Here’s the best places to see Christmas carols around Melbourne and regional Victoria.
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Christmas carols in Melbourne / CBD
A Red Hot Swinging Christmas
4 December, 2022, The Palms at Crown, CBD
Join Melbourne theatre legend Rhonda Burchmore and the 18-piece Jack Earle Big Band as they present a joyous jazzy rendition of Christmas hits and swing.
The event will also play at the Hawthorn Arts Centre on 11 December.
Tickets $69.90 - $79.90
Carols by Daylight
10 December, Federation Square, CBD
Need to be home in the evening? Head to Fed Square for a special daytime Christmas carols session featuring the Carols Children’s Orchestra and Choir and a range of special guests.
Tickets free for children under 5, then $16.91 - $48.56
Christmas Melodies – Morning Melodies
12 December, Hamer Hall, CBD
The annual singalong features a big band, choir, and featured vocalists for this daytime Christmas singalong that brings all the festive cheer.
Tickets $19 - $30
Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight
23rd (rehearsal) and 24 December 2022, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, CBD
The big finish! Arguably the biggest carol event on the Melbourne Christmas calendar, this live televised event has been running for over 85 years, featuring some of the country’s biggest stars performing Christmas carol favourites, all while raising money for Vision Australia.
Avid carollers can elect to attend the rehearsal on 23rd, or the big event on Christmas Eve.
Tickets $20.40 - $272.75
Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Image: Vision Australia
Christmas carols in Melbourne’s south and south-east
Greater Dandenong Carols
9 December, Dandenong Park, Dandenong
Dandenong’s premiere Christmas carols event features roving performers and The Greater Dandenong Band, as well as a Christmas market, food stalls, activities, and a visit from the big man in red himself.
Free
Family Christmas at Central Park
11 December, Central Park, Malvern East
Presented by The City of Stonnington, the Christmas Concert features Musical Director Casey Bennetto and performer Rob Mills, as well as the South of the River Choir, roving entertainment, food trucks, kid’s activities, and an appearance from St. Nick.
Free
Carols by Kingston
11 December, Bicentennial Park, Chelsea
As well as a concert put on by the City of Kingston, these Bayside carols will also be home to a Christmas market and special kids’ zone, finishing with a magnificently merry fireworks display.
Free - $20
Bayside Christmas Carols in the Park
13 December, Dendy Park, Brighton
A Bayside carols favourite, the event will feature activities and festive songs, local performers, and a thrilling fireworks display presented by Bayside City Council.
Free
Carols at Como Park
18 December, Como Park, South Yarra
Featuring a star-studded line-up of performers including Eddie Perfect, Lucy Durack, Aurora Kurth and Bert LaBonté, these Christmas carols will finish with a spectacular pyrotechnics display.
Free
Carols by Candlelight
16 December, Fruit Growers Reserve, Somerville
Looking for carols on the Mornington Peninsula? Presented by the Shire, the Somerville event will also host a Christmas Giving Tree to donate products and presents for those in need, a choir, markets, the Charlie Silly Pants Christmas Show, and a visit from Santa. Ugly Christmas jumpers and pjs are encouraged – you might just win a prize.
Free / Donations appreciated
Santa is a welcome guest at every Christmas carols event. Image: Vision Australia
Christmas carols in Melbourne’s east
Knox Carols by Candlelight
10 December, Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully
Featuring a festive evening of Christmas carols from performers including the Royal Australian Navy Band and the Knox Factor Grand Final, the event will also feature a jumping castle, crafts, face painting, food trucks, and big fireworks finish around 10 pm.
Free
Maroondah Carols
3 December, Croydon Park, Croydon
Presented by Maroondah City Council and Eastland, the region is the star, featuring the Maroondah Carols Band, a fun kids’ zone, food, local performers, and a Maroondah night sky full of fireworks around 9.45 pm.
Free
Manningham Carols by Candlelight
9 December, Ruffey Lake Park, Doncaster
Get ready for a night to sing your heart out to. The Manningham Carols feature a range of local entertainers, as well as The Voice alumni Chris Sebastian and Cassie McIvor. Santa will also swing by before the celebratory fireworks around 9.30 pm.
Free
Carols in the Chapel
10 December, Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford
With the angelic voices of the Melbourne Women’s Choir, carols will include those from Australia, New Zealand, Nigeria, France, Poland, China and Jamaica, in a celebration of new and traditional Christmas folk songs and hymns.
Tickets $15 - $30
Carols in the Park
10 December, MacLeay Park, Balwyn North
A fundraiser for Boroondara Community Outreach, the carols are a chance for the community to come together to celebrate the Christmas cheer from a range of local performers and entertainers, including The Salvation Army Band.
Free / Donations appreciated
Montrose Community’s Christmas Carols
11 December, Montrose Community Centre, Montrose
A community event, the Christmas carols will include a free sausage sizzle, performances, and even a visit from Santa with a little gift for all the kiddies.
Free
Whitehorse Carols
18 December, Tunstall Park, Nunawading
Whitehorse City Council will present a night of fun Christmas carols for the whole family, including food vendors, kids’ activities, entertainers including the Melbourne Gospel Choir, and a dedicated AUSLAN viewing area with interpreters on screen.
Free
A sea of candles light up as the community comes together to spread Christmas cheer. Image: Vision Australia
Christmas carols in Melbourne’s north and north-east
Carols by Candlelight
3 December, Anzac Park, Craigieburn
Hume City Council bring their merry event back to masses in this Christmas carols extravaganza hosted by Hugh Sheridan. Featuring food stalls, a Christmas market and a giant snow globe; there will also be the opportunity for a Meet and Greet with PAW Patrol and Santa, finishing with a festive fireworks display.
Free / Register interest online
Banyule’s Carols by Candlelight
17 December, Greensborough War Memorial Park, Greensborough
Get your Christmas cheer on at these family friendly carols with activities, food, and performances from artists including Denis Walter, The Australian Children’s Choir and the Diamon Valley Brass Band, with special appearances from an Elf, Frosty, and the big man Santa himself!
Free
Carols in the Park
24 December, Wadeson Reserve, Diamond Creek
Looking for some special Christmas Eve carols in Melbourne? Presented by the Nilumbik Council, proceeds from donations go to the Vinnie’s Christmas Appeal. Featuring a local orchestra and performers, booklets of lyrics will be handed out to singalong.
Free / Donations appreciated
Christmas carols in Melbourne’s west and north-west
Choirs for Christmas
24 November, Sunbury Library, Sunbury
A fun mix of choir cheer, this local Christmas carol event features classic carols sung by a primary school choir, as well as the HarmoniX Vocal Company’s mix of do-wap carol renditions.
Free / Register interest online
Melton Carols by Candlelight
3 December, Hannah Watts Park, Melton
Featuring a range of activities including crafts, face painting and food trucks, the Melton City Council will present live entertainment with Christmas carol singalongs led by jazz and classical singer Kane Alexander.
Free
Carols in Queens Park
10 December, Queens Park, Moonee Ponds
Featuring carols performed by the Moonee Valley Community Choir, Mooney Valley Brass Inc and local performers, there will also be refreshments and a range of kids’ activities - including a visit from Mr Kris Kringle.
Free
It's the most wonderful time of the year. Image: Getty
Christmas carols in regional Victoria
Mildura Carols by Candlelight
10 December, Mildura Recreational Reserve, Mildura
Running for over 70 years, the Christmas carol event in Mildura is presented by Love Our City. Featuring singalongs, food and drinks, and a visit from Santa just before 9pm.
Free / Donations appreciated
Tatura Carols by Candlelight
14 December, Mactier Gardens, Tatura
A local Lions Club event running for over 40 years, bring your Christmas cheer for a free sausage sizzle before local bands and choirs recite carol favourites. Refreshments available on site.
Free / Donations appreciated
Carols on the Green
16 December, Civic Green, Warrnambool
Come and get merry at the Civic Green, featuring live bands, choirs, and community groups with singalong carols for the whole family to enjoy.
Free
Torquay Carols by the Sea
17 December, Torquay Common, Torquay
For carols with a twist, enjoy some festive cheer during your quintessentially Aussie summer carols by the sea. There’ll be a range of activities including food trucks, local vendors, and Christmas carol singalongs with local schools, choirs, and the Carols by the Sea Band.
Free
Lions Club of Taralgon Carols by Candlelight
18 December, Victory Park, Taralgon
Running for over 40 years, get merry with a Christmas singalong with a visit from Santa Claus, with carols, entertainment, and a fabulous fireworks display for the whole family.
Free / Donations appreciated
Bendigo Rotary Carols by Candlelight
18 December, Rosalind Park, Bendigo
The Rotary Club of Bendigo will be running community carols featuring live entertainment, refreshments, and a very special surprise guest with a red suit and white beard. Candles provided.
Gold coin donation
Ballarat Candles by Candlelight
18 December, Mars Stadium, Ballarat
The large-scale event for the Ballarat region includes pre-show activities, a SpringFest Christmas Market, refreshments, and perhaps even a Christmas movie screening and visit from St Nick before the big Christmas carols performance.
Free, registration required
Wodonga Carols by Candlelight
18 December, Willow Park, Wodonga
The biggest community Christmas event in Wodonga is back for another year. Food trucks will be on site and dressing in your Christmas best is definitely encouraged. Features a performance from the Wodonga Carols Choir, Wodonga Brass, and AUSLAN interpretation, with proceeds going to Albury Wodonga Health.
Free / Donations appreciated
Carols by Candlelight Geelong
24 December, Johnstone Park, Geelong
Looking for Christmas Eve carols with a bang? A big evening on the Geelong community calendar for over 50 years, expect Christmas market stalls, food trucks, Santa, and of course, plenty of Christmas carols to bring on the Christmas cheer before the big day.
Free
