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 on select dates from November 25 to December 16. There will also be a flash-mob style choir of Paul Kelly’s ‘How to Make Gravy’ on December 21.
3. Carols at Crown
The Atrium at Crown will be bustling with Christmas cheer, complete with a special Christmas show, roving entertainment, and of course, carollers. The Australian Girls’ Choir will take to the Grand Staircase to perform carols for 20 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays, from December 3 to 18.
See more here.4. Christmas Melodies
Head to Hamer Hall for the popular festive sing-a-long, Christmas Melodies. Join host Gorgi Coghlan and music theatre stars Thomas McGuane (Frozen), Sarah Krndija (9 to 5 Musical), the Pasefika Vitoria Choir and The Salvation Army Band. Expect classic and new favourites to usher in the start of the Christmas season.
Christmas Melodies will take place on Monday December 12. Allocation of tickets is currently exhausted, but do keep an eye on the website to see if more spots become available.
5. Maroondah Carols
Visit Croydon Park for the wonderful Maroondah Carols on Saturday December 3. There will be pre-show entertainment, the Maroondah Carols Band, a zone for the kids, delicious food to try, and a spectacular fireworks display for a grand finale. This event will run from 6pm to 10pm.
Learn more here.6. Monash Carols by Candlelight
The Monash Carols by Candlelight is returning after a two year hiatus. Expect plenty of pre-show activities and entertainment for the kids, including a visit from Santa and a dazzling fireworks finale. The pre-show events will kick off at 5:30pm, and the main concert will start at 7:30pm. This festive event is free to attend, and will take place in Jells Park on Sunday December 4.
More info here.7. Manningham Carols by Candlelight
For 39 years, the Manningham Carols by Candlelight has been delighting the local community with Christmas cheer. Pack a picnic rug and go to Ruffey Lake Park in Doncaster East for a magical night, starting with free craft activities and entertainment for kids at 6pm. The main concert will start at 7:30pm, with a huge line-up of vocalists, including Chris Sebastian. Both Santa and Mrs Claus will make an appearance on stage, and the night will end with an 8-minute fireworks display.
The carols will take place on Friday December 9, ending at 9:45pm. See more here.
8. Carols in Queens Park
Enjoy a free evening of carols, fun activities for the kids and plenty of festive cheer at Queens Park in Moonee Ponds. Pack a picnic and sing along to the joyful tunes, with appearances from Santa and Mrs Claus, Moonee Valley Community Choir, Moonee Valley Brass and more. Candles, food and refreshments will be available for purchase on the night.
This event will run from 5pm to 10:30pm on Saturday December 10. See more here.
9. Family Christmas at Central Park
Enjoy a delightful Family Christmas at Central Park in Malvern East. This free concert will have roving entertainment, activities for the kids, delicious food trucks, and of course, festive Christmas carols. This event will be hosted by Michelle Brasier, and feature guest performances from Rob Mills, Gillian Cosgriff, Shauntai Sherree and Mike McLeish.
This event will take place on Sunday December 11, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Learn more here.
10. Carols by Kingston
Round up the family and head to Bicentennial Park in Chelsea for this free celebration. Expect food vendors, a community barbecue, kids’ activities, live performances and fireworks. Check out Santa’s Workshop, and enjoy an appearance from Santa himself.
This will run from 6:30pm to 10pm on Sunday December 11. More info here.
11. Bayside Christmas Carols in the Park
Visit Dendy Park in Brighton for an unforgettable night of Christmas carols. Pre-show activities start at 5:30pm, and the show will run from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Hosted by Richard Thomas, the night will feature performances from Amalia Foy, Sienna Katelyn, Vocally Wild Choir, Mosaic Community Choir, Theatre De La Danse and more.
This event will take place on Tuesday December 13. More info here.
12. Carols by Candlelight in Greensborough
Visit Greensborough War Memorial Park for a free and festive night of carols. Hosted by Denis Walter, there will be performances from Bobbie Fox, Kylie Auldist, Australian Children’s Choir and Diamond Valley Brass Band. There will also be an appearance from Santa, Frosty the Snowman and an elf.
This event will take place on Saturday December 17, from 5pm to 9pm. Learn more here.
13. Carols at Como Park
Visit South Yarra for the free concert, Carols at Como Park. Hosted by Eddie Perfect, and featuring performances from Lucy Durack, Aurora Kurth and Bert LaBonté, this event includes food trucks, roving entertainment, a visit from Santa and joyful Christmas carols. The night will end with a marvellous pyrotechnics display, set to classical music that will light up the night sky.
Check it out on Sunday December 18, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Learn more here.
14. Whitehorse Carols
Head to Tunstall Park in Nunawading for a night of fun with Whitehorse Carols. Listen to the Melbourne Gospel Choir, Box Hill City Band, Kylie Auldist and more as they take you through the Christmas carols. There will also be kids’ entertainment, rides, food trucks, festivities, and an appearance from Santa Claus.
Whitehorse Carols will take place on Sunday December 18, from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. It’s free to attend. Learn more here.
15. Christmas Festival of Lights at Adventure Park
Head to Adventure Park and admire 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, December 2 to December 24. Donations are welcome.
More info here.16. Listen to an enchanting Candlelight Concert
These mesmerising Candlelight Concerts are keeping things magical with special shows for the holiday season. Listen to a mixture of Christmas classics and contemporary favourites, from Joy to the World to All I Want For Christmas Is You, at Meat Market on December 21. And finally, listen to a jazz ensemble perform hits like Jingle Bells and What A Wonderful World at Meat Market on December 23.
Various locations around Melbourne