Carols by Candlelight

Get into the Christmas spirit with Glenn Starr and band as they perform a joyous selection of festive favourites and timeless Christmas hits to close this year's Carols! With his smooth vocals, warmth and charm, Glenn delivers a heart-warming show full of joy, laughter and classic holiday tunes.

Led by the inspiring Flip Case, who has directed choirs across Melbourne for over 25 years, the Whittlesea Carols by Candlelight Community Choir unites 70+ voices spanning generations and cultures. As always, the choir invites you to join in too and share the joy of singing Christmas favourites together.

Performing with the Carols Community Choir, the Diamond Valley Brass Band brings over 30 years of musical excellence and community spirit. The band has entertained audiences across Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea, performing at major events like the Moomba Parade and sharing the stage with Australian entertainment icons.

Kicking off this year’s Carols, Team Dream brings unbeatable energy and fun. Australia’s award-winning kids’ band delivers an interactive, high-energy show that inspires and entertains young hearts. Think singalongs, dance moves, and smiles all around.

Dress appropriately for the outdoor event, considering the weather.  

Bring sun protection or wet weather gear, and feel free to bring your own picnic food and snacks if you have specific dietary needs.

You may also like to bring some money for the food vendors on site.

Remember to bring your water bottle as water stations are available. 

You are welcome to bring your own picnic rugs and cushions. Low beach chairs are also fine. If you do need a chair with legs, please ensure you are not obstructing anyone’s view. 

Yes, you can bring your dog if your dog is well behaved in a crowded environment, is on a leash and loves Christmas. Please remember to bring bags to dispose of droppings.

No, ATMs will not be available. Most vendors will have EFTPOS facilities; however we recommend bringing cash for food and drink purchases just in case.

The stage performance starts at 6pm but children’s activities and stalls will be in operation from 5:30pm. The children’s activities include face painting and art making activities. There will be roving performers. Please note there is no Christmas market this year.

A cancellation procedure will be in effect in the event of adverse weather conditions.

If the Carols event cannot go on outside, we will move inside to Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre (PRACC).

Announcements regarding any event cancellations will be made in advance of the event’s commencement on City of Whittlesea social media channels. 

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

First aid is available on site throughout the course of the event. A first aid tent is located next to the main stage on the Civic lawns.

Our City of Whittlesea info tent is the central point for anything you need to know about the event or other services at the City of Whittlesea. It’s also the place if you are lost or have lost someone or something. If you find a lost item, please bring it to the info tent.

Candles, candle holders and programs including song lyrics will be available at the info tent.

Toilets and accessible toilets will be located onsite at the event and in the foyer of the Plenty Ranges Arts and Conference Centre (PRACC).

Baby change facilities are located in the accessible toilets in the PRACC foyer.

The Marveloo, designed for high needs accessibility, is located near the Civic Centre. This facility requires a MLAK key to unlock the facility.

We want all our events to be safe, welcoming, and happy place for everyone to enjoy.  

The event will be held on Council’s Civic lawns and there are limited concrete paths surrounding the event. A wheelchair viewing area is available on site.

There are some concrete paths at the Civic lawn, however some areas will not be appropriate for wheelchair and mobility depending on the individual’s access requirements.  

Accessible parking, bathrooms and wheelchair access provisions will be available at the event.

The Marveloo, designed for high needs accessibility is located near the Civic Centre. This facility requires a MLAK key to unlock the facility.

Auslan interpreters will be signing for the duration of the concert.

If you have any questions about accessibility at the event, please email eventsartsandculture@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

This is a smokefree event. Smoking is not allowed on the Council lawns. Smoking and vaping must occur outside the event area in carparks or adjacent to streets.

We are committed to improving sustainability across all our events and festivals. This year, Carols by Candlelight will feature Green My Plate, reusing and rewashing crockery and cups to reduce waste going to landfill. Our food vendors will supply your purchase on Green My Plate crockery - once you’re done with your meal, please place your reusable plate in the bin provided.

While water will be available for purchase, we kindly ask you to be mindful of the environment and bring a water bottle to refill at our water stations.

The event site is well-serviced by trains and buses, including the South Morang train station on the Mernda line and buses 556, 383 and 577. 

Plan your journey at Public Transport Victoria’s website.

Parking is available at Civic Centre, however we encourage you to carpool, use public transport or ride to the event. 

Additional parking is adjacent to South Morang train station. 

If you have candles or battery-operated candles, please bring them.

Live-flame candles will also be available at the Information tent. Fire can be dangerous, so please be very careful. Keep candles away from loose clothing, hair, programs, and plants. Watch out for dripping wax, as it can burn.

Please return candle holders at the conclusion of the event so they can be reused next year.

Food will be available to purchase from a range of food trucks, however if you have specific dietary requirements you may wish to bring your own food.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food. Please note that picnic facilities are not available at the event site. If bringing your own food, ensure you pack a picnic basket and please take everything with you when you leave.

BYO alcohol is permitted. Alcohol will not be available for purchase at the event.