You know the festive season has begun when you can hear Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé’s voices ringing out around the shopping centres. And while listening to Christmas music on the radio is pleasant enough, there’s something truly special about going out and hearing Christmas carols live. Whether you’re looking for a community event, or a special night of carols in the city, here are some lovely places around Melbourne for you to listen to Christmas carols.
1. Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight
You can’t go wrong with a classic. For over 80 years, Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight has enchanted Melbourne audiences with their festive cheer. Head to Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Christmas Eve, sing along to the familiar tunes, and support children who are blind or have low vision along the way.
2. Fed Square
Fed Square will come to life with the heavenly voices of choristers from December 15 to 17, and December 22 to 23. There’s a whole range of local choirs to look forward to, including multicultural, LGBTQIA+ and youth choirs.
3. Carols at Crown
The Atrium at Crown will be bustling with Christmas cheer, complete with a special Live Christmas Show. Look forward to dancers, musicians, a special appearance from Santa, and of course, carollers. Either the Australian Girls or National Boys Choir will be there for sing-along carols, and you’re invited to sing along. Check it out at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm from December 16 to 24. See more here.
4. Carols by Candlelight in Greensborough
Visit Greensborough War Memorial Park for a free and festive Carols by Candlelight. Look forward to performances from Denis Walter, Carla Troiano, Ricky Muscat, Diamond Valley Brass Band and more. Santa will also arrive nice and early for photos, and there will be face painting and crafts for the kids. This event will take place on Saturday December 16, from 5pm to 9:30pm. Learn more here.
5. Whitehorse Carols
Head to Whitehorse Civic Centre Precinct in Nunawading for a night of fun with Whitehorse Carols. Alongside the carols, you can look forward to rides, face painting, roving entertainment and an appearance from Santa. Food will also be available for purchase. The night kicks off at 5pm, and the festivities will take place on Saturday December 16. Learn more here.
6. Carols in the Gardens
Yarraville Gardens will bring plenty of festive cheer with the 30th anniversary of Carols in the Gardens. Look forward to performances from the Footscray-Yarraville City Band as well as local guests artists. Santa will be there, and the carols will conclude with a fireworks display from 10pm. This event will take place on Saturday December 16 from 7pm. See more here.
7. Warrandyte Community Carols
Head to Stiggants Reserve for Warrandyte Community Carols on Saturday December 16. There will be local singers and musicians performing Christmas carols. Santa will visit with a lolly toss for children, and you’re welcome to bring a picnic, or buy food and drinks from food trucks on-site. This event will run from 7pm to 9pm. See more here.
8. Carols at Como Park
Visit South Yarra for the free concert, Carols at Como Park. Hosted by Rhonda Burchmore, and featuring performances from Thndo, Ash Flanders and Margot Morales, this event includes food trucks, roving entertainment, a visit from Santa and even a spectacular fireworks display set to classical music. This event will kick off from 6:30pm on Sunday December 17. Learn more here.
9. Wyndham Carols by Candlelight
For over 30 years, Werribee Mansion has lit up with the sound of choirs for Christmas. At Wyndham Carols by Candlelight, you can look forward to a live band, performances from local community groups and a depiction of the Christmas nativity. Camels usually make an appearance. There will be food trucks on-site. Check it out on Sunday December 17 from 5:30pm to 10pm. See more here.
10. A Very Naughty Christmas
Looking for something a little different? Spice things up this festive season with the adults-only cabaret show, A Very Naughty Christmas. Look forward to skits, dancing, a live band and your favourite carols with a ‘naughty’ twist on the lyrics. Find it at the Alex Theatre in St Kilda, from now until December 23. Get your tickets here.
11. A Christmas Carol
See the Tony Award winner, A Christmas Carol, at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne. This interpretation of Charles Dicken’s famous story features Owen Teale as Scrooge, and throughout the show, you’ll here twelve familiar Christmas carols. Check it out from now until January 7.
12. Christmas Festival of Lights at Adventure Park
Head to Adventure Park and admire over 1000 twinkling festive light installations. While you’re there, go on rides, meet Santa, try some craft activities, and listen to the South Barwon Salvation Army Band play Christmas carols. The band will play on Fridays and Saturdays, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm until December 23. Donations are welcome. Learn more here.