Move over, Sidney Myer Music Bowl! There is another enchanting event that truly embodies the spirit of Christmas hidden inside a sandstone landmark on Flinders Street. Led by the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic with special appearance by the National Boys Choir of Australia, the much-anticipated Carols in the Cathedral brings festive melodies and readings to the striking St Paul’s Cathedral.
World-class musicians are coming together to perform Christmas carols and more iconic holiday classics for three shows, accompanied by the cathedral’s 134-year-old organ that recently survived a critical operation. Tickets have already sold out but there is still hope—you can still join the waitlist and be the first to know if someone can’t make it.
Christmas concerts at St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne
The distinguished Royal Philharmonic is booked solid this holiday season, having played Handel’s Messiah at Melbourne Town Hall on 7 December and now, offering three incredible shows of fanfares and carols. Guests can expect to hear “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, alongside works by composers like Morton Lauridsen, Kim Andre Arnesen and Ola Gjeilo.
Andrew Wailes is taking the baton, featuring the angelic voices of The National Boys Choir of Australia and special guests like celebrated Australian soprano Helena Dix and organist Andrew Bainbridge. See all upcoming Christmas concerts at St Paul’s:
- Christmas Celebration with Victoria Chorale: Sat 13 Dec 5:00pm
- Carols in the Cathedral 2025: Fri 19 Dec 08:30 pm
- Carols in the Cathedral 2025: Sat 20 Dec 02:00 pm
- Carols in the Cathedral: Sat 20 Dec 07:00 pm
🦼 Ramped entry via the West Doors (Flinders Street) into the nave
📍 200 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
The organ: The Grand Old Dame
Built by the famed English firm T. C. Lewis & Co., the organ is one of the two most important surviving examples of their work (comparable with the instrument at Southwark Cathedral, London). It boasts four manuals and pedals, and over 50 speaking stops, giving it a powerful and varied voice. It was carefully restored in 1990 by Harrison & Harrison, a project that cost $726,000, but more recently in 2021, the organ gained a brand-new blower (lungs), giving new life to its historic pipes.
When it sounds, the organ gives every piece a sense of gravitas, creating a resonant sound that is both moving and imposing. Additionally, it blends seamlessly with choir and orchestra, making it the perfect companion for the cathedral’s upcoming concerts.
More Christmas concerts in Melbourne
If you can’t get enough of Christmas music—’tis the season after all—Candlelight has two more events in store on 20 December, held at Collingwood Town Hall and The Athenaeum Theatre. With two back-to-back performances scheduled for 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm, you can relive your favourite festive memories, as you hear carols, Christmas movie classics and pop hits like “Last Christmas”.