Festive Fun

Festive fun in the North

Carols in Queens Park

Sat 7th Dec, Queens Park, Moonee Ponds.

The much-loved Carols in Queens Park is back for a free evening of carols and entertainment. Free children’s activities from 5pm.
Carols concert from 7pm.

Enjoy an outstanding musical line-up of local performers, schools and community groups. Get your family and friends together, pack some goodies, and get ready to sing along to your favourite festive songs.

Carols in All Nations

Sat 7th Dec, 6-9pm
All Nations Park, Separation Street, Northcote.

Bring a picnic, your best singing voice and celebrate Christmas with your community. This free event features performances from local choirs, music groups, plus kids entertainment and more!

Moreland Carols by the Lake
Sat 7 Dec, 6-9pm,
Coburg Lake Reserve, Coburg.

Bring a blanket, a picnic and grab your friends and family to enjoy this festive season extravaganza. Pre-show entertainment from 6pm feature pop-up performances. Get the whole family into the Christmas spirit and sing along to your favourite Christmas carols from 6.30pm with live on-stage entertainment.

Banyule Carols by Candlelight

Sat 14th Dec from 6.30-9.30pm,
Ivanhoe Park, The Boulevard, Ivanhoe East.

This popular family friendly event includes activities and entertainment. Santa makes an appearance, and well-known performers lead the crowd in singing carols. All proceeds raised go to the Banyule Children’s Gift Appeal, an annual initiative that provides quality new gifts, toys and vouchers to local families experiencing financial hardship. Over many years the community has supported thousands of families and their children.

Ivanhoe Boulevard Lights

The Boulevard Lights run 14 – 24 Dec between 8.30pm – 11pm each night and puts on one of Melbourne’s biggest and brightest Christmas lights displays.

Since the 1950s, residents have decorated their houses, gardens and windows with illuminating displays of lights, nativity scenes and everything Christmas. Food on the Boulevard this year includes: BBQs by local community groups, coffee and ice cream. Local community musical entertainment will also be spreading the joy throughout the night!

City of Whittlesea Carols By Candlelight

Fri 13th Dec, 7-9.30pm,
Terrace Lawns, Civic Centre,
25 Ferres Boulevard South Morang.

Along with Christmas songs there will be songs from many other cultures and traditions so expect the unexpected at this iconic Whittlesea holiday celebration.

They are trying to reduce the impact on the environment, so this event will be free from polystyrene packaging and plastic items including balloons, bags and straws, and they encourage you to bring along your own reusable coffee cup, bag and water bottle.

Hume Carols by Candlelight

Sat 7th Dec, 5-9.30pm (Carols start at 7pm)
Craigieburn ANZAC Park, Craigieburn.

Much loved singer and actor Johnny Ruffo will host a fantastic cast, featuring pop sensation Chantoozies and amazing local performers and school choirs, at Craigieburn ANZAC Park. Grab some dinner from one of the 17 food trucks and enjoy kids’ activities and roving performers from 5 to 7pm.

Christmas gnomes at Coburg Library

Wed 4th Dec 11am.

Come and meet some new people while creating your very own Scandinavian Christmas gnome. All materials supplied. Registrations essential.

Queen Vic Market

Sat 21st – Tue 24th Dec.

The market will be open on all four days leading up to Christmas Day, with 2 hours free parking. From unique, hand crafted gifts and decorations to the finest produce for Christmas feasting, the market is your number one Christmas shopping destination. While you’re shopping, the kids can enjoy meeting Santa on the two weekends leading up to Christmas and even post their letter to him in Santa’s mailbox, located in the market Food Court! Plus there’s free painting for kids on Queen Street.

Hamper World Christmas Fun Day

Sun 8 Dec, 10am – 4pm, 372 Moreland Road Brunswick West.

This year Hamper World is having a family fun day with Food, Coffee and Christmas Carols. Enjoy gourmet treats as well as fresh-made Italian Cannoli which you can buy. Santa will be coming and you can purchase your fresh-cut Christmas tree.

Festive fun in the East

Stonnington Carols at Como Park

Sun 17 Dec, 7.30-9.30pm. Como Park, 305 – 325 Williams Road, South Yarra.

The ever-popular singer and actor Rob Mills is set to host and perform, supported by Isaiah Firebrace, (Winner of 2016 Australian X Factor), Alexis Van Mannen (GFO & Opera Australia’s 2017 Evita) and Jude Perl (multi-award winning singer, songwriter and comedian). Enjoy roving entertainment, a special visit by Santa, spectacular fireworks display and Auslan interpretation.

Stonnington Christmas at Central Park

Sun 8th Dec 7.30-9.30pm. Central Park, 83 – 141 Burke Road, Malvern East.

Hosted by award winning pop rock artist and Eurovision entrant Ella Hooper (Killing Heidi and re-formed Killing Heidi Version 2), this year’s event will feature incredible performances by Jason Herrah (2014 Australian X Factor), Fem Belling (South African born vocalist and violinist) and local Stonnington-based theatre performer Blake Bowden (The Book of Mormon, Fiddler on the Roof, South Pacific). Enjoy roving entertainment, a special visit by Santa, spectacular fireworks display and Auslan interpretation.

Whitehorse Carols

Sun 15 Dec, 5.30-9.30pm. Free rides and amusements: 4.30-9.20pm. Whitehorse Civic Centre precinct.

Enjoy performances from iconic carols entertainers Marina Prior, David Hobson and Michael Cormick, with David Cameron on piano. Beloved children’s act The Mik Maks will once again open the event, followed by performances from the Box Hill Chorale, the combined Churches of North Blackburn and the Box Hill City Band.

Santa and his elves will be there from 4.30pm for photos before leaving for his around-the-world sleigh ride.

Monash Carols by Candlelight

Sun 8th Dec, 4pm-10pm, Jells Park, Wheelers Hill.

Hosted by the ever-popular Pete Smith, the Monash Carols will feature an amazing line-up of soloists plus the Monash University Chorale and the Monash Carols by Candlelight Band (comprising members from Monash Concert Band and Oakleigh Band, under the musical direction of Bob Moody and Chris McGillen).

The event will kick off at 4pm with the Kids Tinsel Town which includes free rides and activities for children and an opportunity for a photo with Santa (so bring your camera along).

Pre-show entertainment featuring Bethany Fisher starts from 7.15pm, with the main concert starting at 8pm.

Maroondah Carols

Sat 7th Dec, 6.30- 10.30pm, Town Park, Croydon.

Pre-show entertainment for the little ones starts at 6pm then at 7.30pm, the main show begins with a range of amazing performers and of course, a special visit from the man in the big red suit! There will also be the Eastland Kids Zone, food vans, photo booth, Christmas craft, inflatables, face painting, an animal farm, roving performers and glow products! At approx. 9.45pm they will end the celebrations with a fireworks display.

Banyule Carols by Candlelight

Sat 14th Dec from 6.30-9.30pm, Ivanhoe Park, The Boulevard, Ivanhoe East

Kew Junction Twilight Christmas Gift Market and Family Fun Night

Fri 6th Dec, 6-9pm, Fenton Avenue, Carpark Kew.

Come and do your Chrissy gift shopping locally! Bring the family for a whole heap of good cheer and enjoy a wonderful community vibe. There will be so much Christmas fun, including: 28 Christmas gift stalls including Young Entrepreneur Alley, free rides for kids including super slide, jumping castle and chair o’plane, free face painting, a petting zoo, roaming Santa and elves – for fun and photos choir performances.

Camberwell’s Christmas Family Day

Sat 14th Dec, 11am-3pm, Market Place, Camberwell.

Santa is returning to the Camberwell shopping precinct for the much-loved annual Christmas Family Day – and you’re invited to celebrate with a great day full of free activities.

Take a ride in an antique fire truck with Santa. Get some festive snaps at the Christmas photo wall, enjoy live musicians and entertainers roaming the precinct, get your face painted as your favourite festive character, ask for a wonderful balloon creation made by a balloon modeller, discover Rudolph and Santa’s other reindeer throughout Camberwell, decorate Christmas cookies in Camberwell Place shopping centre, meet the gingerbread man in Camberwell Fresh Food Market or take a free Santa selfie with your pet at Camberwell Fresh Food Market (11am-1pm).

Christmas Kingdom

Mon-Sun, 10am–5pm, 168 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood

All the Christmas shopping fun you can want in the one store. Discover the magic of Christmas at Christmas Kingdom. A wonderland of inspiration, with all your festive decorating needs under the one roof.

Festive fun in the South

Carols by Kingston

Sun 8th Dec, 6-9.45pm, Bicentennial Park, Thames Promenade, Chelsea

Come on down to Bicentennial Park in Chelsea to enjoy a festive program including live performances from Tim Campbell, Rhonda Burchmore and guests. There will also be a Christmas Gift Market, Kids Zone and as always, the spectacular fireworks finale.

Bayside Carols in the park

Tues 10th Dec, 7.30-9.30pm, Dendy Park, Brighton East.

Pre-show activities for children start at 5pm and the main concert kicks off at 7.30pm and is headlined by a variety of performers including the Southern Area Concert band, Vocally Wild and Mosaic Choirs. There is a variety of food stalls available to purchase from on the night.

There will be a special appearance by Santa and Channel 10’s Mike Larkan will once again host the celebrations. This fantastic event will end with a spectacular fireworks finale at 9.30pm.

Glen Eira Carols in the park

Sat 14th Dec, 5.30-8pm, Bentleigh Hodgson Reserve, Bentleigh

ARIA award-winner Anthony Callea will host Carols in the Park. Anthony is one of Australia’s finest vocalists and performers. His debut single The Prayer became the highest and fastest selling single of all time in Australia.

The evening’s festivities will feature Melbourne Gospel Choir, Glen Eira Band, Pevan & Sarah Christmas Show and a secret special guest in a red and white suit. A wide selection of food will also be available.

Mornington Carols in the park

Sat 21nd Dec, 5.30-8pm, Schnapper Point Drive, Mornington

Mornington Carols in the Park is a special night out for the whole family. It will be jingle bells all the way, with festivities for the whole family. Carols for 2019 will be hosted by none other than the Superband and other roving entertainment. There are children’s activities, food trucks and entertainment and of course, you better watch out because no Christmas celebration is complete without a visit from the big man himself, Santa Claus.

Spirit of Christmas

Friday 13th Dec 10.30am and 1.30pm, Frankston Arts Centre.

Undoubtedly one of the most popular shows for the year is Daytime Music + Theatre’s Christmas show. Star Australian and Victorian Opera baritone and Frankston resident, Roger Lemke will be joined on stage by the wonderful tones of star tenor Roy Best in a Christmas show not to be missed.

Packed with all the Christmas favourites ranging from classic Christmas carols to some contemporary Christmas songs combined with a whole lot of laughs and no doubt many surprises, this new Christmas production from Promac will again have audiences leaving in the true Christmas spirit.

Christmas Kingdom

Mon-Sun, 10am-5pm, Mentone and Dandenong

The Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm

Weekdays: 23rd Dec: 9am-8pm
Christmas Eve: 24nd Dec: 9am-4pm
Weekends: till 22nd Dec: 8am-6pm
336 Brown Road, Officer.

The Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm has been growing real Christmas trees for almost 50 years. They nurture the trees to various heights, expertly pruning them by hand twice a year.

Your picture-perfect Christmas tree is busy growing right now, waiting for you to come and choose it. Standing at just the right height and boasting a classic shape, this is the tree to create special yuletide memories for your family this Christmas.

Santa’s Magical Kingdom

On now until Dec 29th, Caulfield Racecourse.

The magic of Christmas will come alive at Santa’s Magical Kingdom with an
interactive walk-through adventure land including everything that you love about Christmas, plus the Bertocchi International Spectacular Christmas Show that will amaze everyone at Caulfield Racecourse. Lasting memories of fun, laughter and special ‘family time’ will be remembered by guests long after the event has come to a close. Santa’s Magical Kingdom is for every child and the ‘inner-child’ in all of us. www.santasmagicalkingdom.com.au

Festive fun in the West

Christmas in Maribyrnong

Various locations. See www.festivalcity.com.au

Christmas in Maribyrnong is going to be bigger and brighter than ever with stars, lights and colour setting the scene for this year’s festivities. In celebration of their new vibrant design, children under 10 can enter a colouring competition to win a special Christmas hamper (see page 27). They can also post letters to Santa at local libraries and get a response sent to their home.

The fun continues with Seddon Village welcoming their very own ArtVo 3D art installation, and there are several locations where residents can once again Elf -themselves in Footscray, West Footscray and Yarraville.

Carols in West Footscray

Sun 21st Dec, 2-10pm, Johnson Reserve, West Footscray.

Bring out your picnic rugs, picnic baskets to share and bring down the whole family and friends to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. You will get to see and hear, and sing along with the amazing hidden talents of the West! Talented Local Choir groups and bands will be leading the carols.

A visit by Santa, his hard working elves and Frosty the Snowman are in the works, providing the summer does not dehydrate his reindeer from the North Pole and Mrs Claus will also be coming along for story telling to kiddies of all ages. Fireworks will be happening at 9.30pm.

Christmas at the Lakes

Sat 7th Dec, 3-10pm, Breezewater Reserve, Sanctuary Lakes.

This year’s event features live performances and Christmas carols by professional local talent and school children, children’s rides and an animal farm, face painting, food and craft stalls, a special visit from Santa and a fireworks finale. There is something for all the family.

Newport Christmas Fair

Sat 7th Dec, 9.30am-1pm, Paine Reserve, Newport.

Presented by Outlets Newport Community Education Centre and Newport Traders Association. Come down to Paine Reserve in Newport and enjoy children’s activities, jumping castle, animal farm, StringsWest performance, Frezzi the Magician – ‘Magic’ Show and meet Santa.
www.facebook.com/newportvic

Carols at the Castle

Sun 15th Dec, 5-9pm, Overnewton Castle, Keilor.

Come and celebrate the festive season at the 2019 Carols at the Castle Gates open at 5pm, with the concert commencing from 7pm.

Pre-Concert entertainment includes a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus in the magical grotto, crafts for the kids and some amazing roving acrobatic elves. Food and drink will be available to purchase on site or pack a picnic and bring a low chair or cushion.

Melton Carols by Candlelight

Sat 7th Dec, 6.30-9.30pm, Hannah Watts Park, Melton.

The 2019 Carols by Candlelight will return to the newly refurbished Hannah Watts Park.

There’s lots for the kids to do before the singing starts so make sure you come down from 6pm for free: Face painting, bauble decorating, Santa letter writing, say hello to the roving elves and gingerbread man decorating.

Bring your loved ones, pull up a patch of grass and get ready to sing.

Carols at the Substation

Sat 15th Dec, from 7pm, 1 Market Street, Newport.

Newport Fiddle & Folk Club presents its 11th annual community carols night. Celebrate the spirit of Christmas in the community by listening to and singing along with local musicians.

Christmas on Vernon Street

Thur 5th Dec, 5-9pm, Vernon Street, South Kingsville.

Enjoy late night shopping and family entertainment celebrating Christmas on Vernon Street. facebook.com/vernonstreet3015

Williamstown Community Christmas Event

Fri 6th Dec, 5-8.30pm,
Nelson Place, Ferguson Street and
Douglas Parade, Williamstown.

This community Christmas event will have plenty of entertainment, face painting, balloon twisting, local community musicians and of course Santa will be roving Douglas Parade and Ferguson Street in the local vintage fire truck.visitwilliamstown.com.au

Deck the Hall Street

Fri 6th Dec, 4pm, Hall Street, Newport.

Presented by Newport Traders Association. Celebrate Christmas in Newport! Head down to Hall Street and enjoy great specials, shopping, food, drink, live music, and more! facebook.com/newportvic

More Festive fun

Santa’s Post Box

On now until 14th Dec.

Australia Post is encouraging young Australians to write to Santa this Christmas. To ensure Santa can reply, please attach a 65 cent stamp on the front of the envelope and write your name and return address on the back and post it by Dec 14. Please note that Santa will only reply to Australian addresses. Letters to Santa can be placed in a dedicated Santa mailbox at most Post Offices or any red street post box.postcard from Santa.

Santa train at Bellarine railway

14th–15th Dec, 10am, 11am, 12pm,
1pm & 2pm, Queenscliff Station.

Make this Christmas extra special by joining Santa, Mrs Claus and the carolling elves on board the Santa Train. Enjoy a steam train ride from Queenscliff to Lakers Siding and return.

Gingerbread Village by Epicure

On now until 24th Dec, 9am-8.15pm daily, St. Collins Lane, 260 Collins St, Melbourne.

This festive season, the Gingerbread Village will be showcased at St. Collins Lane (only 2 minutes walk from the Melbourne Town Hall), with plenty of activities organised for the kids
to ensure a fun day out for young and old.

EPICURE’S pastry chefs will also be baking and selling delicious treats – the perfect Christmas gifts for friends and family!

Entry to the Gingerbread Village is by gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to the Royal Children’s Hospital.