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
Listen to the heavenly voices of choristers ring out across Fed Square. Listen to a range of traditional of contemporary Christmas and holiday songs, sung in English and other languages. Choirs on the line-up include Pop Choir, Glee Club Choir and more. It will run on Fridays from November 29 to December 20. Find the full program here.
3. Carols in the Cathedral
Royal Melbourne Philharmonic will perform their spectacular Carols in the Cathedral this December. Head to St Paul’s Cathedral and listen to plenty of classic Christmas songs. Shows will take place on Friday December 20 and Saturday December 21. More info here.
4. 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 Erik Thomson as Scrooge, and throughout the show, you’ll hear twelve familiar Christmas carols.
5. 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 even depiction of the Christmas nativity, camels and all! There will be food trucks on-site. Check it out on Saturday December 7 from 5pm to 9:30pm. See more here.
6. Monash Carols by Candlelight
Jells Park will have plenty of festive cheer for the Monash Carols by Candlelight. The festivities will kick off at 5:30pm, with activities for the kids like a DIY Christmas card making station. The carols will feature a collaboration between the Monash Concert Band and Oakleigh Brass Band, as well as more incredible local performers. The event will also have fireworks and a visit from Santa. It’s all happening on Saturday December 7. See more here.
7. Carols by Kingston
Head to Bicentennial Park in Chelsea for Carols by Kingston. Expect plenty of live performances, as well as kids activities, food stalls, a community BBQ and a fireworks finale. Check it out from 5pm to 9:30pm on Sunday December 8. More details here.
8. 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 December 5 to 15. Get your tickets here.
9. Manningham Carols by Candlelight
Head to Ruffey Lake Park for the Manningham Carols by Candlelight on Friday December 13. There will be heaps of pre-show entertainment, including a Kids Zone, face painting and food trucks. Listen to carols from local artists, look out for Santa and gaze at the fireworks show. This event will run from 6pm to 10pm. See more here.
10. Carols by Candlelight in Greensborough
Visit Greensborough War Memorial Park for a free and festive Carols by Candlelight. Look forward to performances from Wilbur Wilde, Wendy Stapleton, Joe Camilleri, Diamond Valley Brass Band and more. Santa will also arrive nice and early for photos, and there will a selection of drinks and snacks available for purchase. This event will take place on Saturday December 14, from 5pm to 9:30pm. Learn more here.
11. 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 fun kicks off at 5pm, and the festivities will take place on Saturday December 14. Learn more here.
12. Carols in the Gardens
Yarraville Gardens will bring plenty of festive cheer with the 31st anniversary of Carols in the Gardens. Look forward to performances from the Footscray-Yarraville City Band as well as acclaimed vocalists. The carols will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display. This event will take place on Saturday December 14 from 7pm. See more here.
13. Knox Carols
Knox Carols will have plenty of fun for the whole family, including face painting, kids activities and roving Christmas performers. Beyond the carols, there will also be other fun entertainment like the Knox Factor Grand Final. Entry is free. It’s all happening from 4pm to 10pm on Saturday December 14 in Wally Tew Reserve. More info here.
14. Carols at Como Park
Visit South Yarra for the free concert, Carols at Como Park. Hosted by Lucy Durack, and featuring performances from Steven Gates, Silvie Paladino and the South of the River Choir, this event includes food trucks, a visit from Santa and a stunning fireworks display. This event will kick off from 7:30pm on Sunday December 15. Learn more here.
For more festive events in the area, including more carols, click here.
15. 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 21. Donations are welcome. Learn more here.