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Carols by Candlelight - An Australian Christmas Tradition

Carols by Candlelight hold a special place in the hearts of most Australians as these unique events brings families together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas

The inspiration for Carols by Candlelight came in Melbourne in Christmas 1937. Radio veteran Norman Banks MBE while walking home, noticed an elderly lady sitting by her window, her face lit up by a candle as she listened and sang along to Christmas carols on the radio. He was inspired to organise the first gathering of people to sing Carols by Candlelight.

In 1938, 10,000 people gathered at Alexandra Gardens to sing carols with a choir, and the Fire Brigade Band. A new Australian Christmas tradition was born. The event started a tradition to an entire nation.

Carols by Candlelight is now held every year in the week before Christmas, when thousands of people gather in the parks of most of Australia's larger towns and cities to sing their favorite Christmas carols.

In Melbourne the RVIB Carols by Candlelight now attracts a crowd of over 30,000 people and in Sydney over 100,000 people attend Carols in the Domain which has helped raise millions of dollars for the Salvation Army Oasis Appeal for Homeless Youth. These two major events are telecast nationally on TV and the local state capital events statewide in other states, with Sydney's Carols in the Domain attracting around 2 million TV viewers.

Food and drink stalls are often organised at these events by local Rotary or Lions Clubs. Most people bring a rug to sit on or a portable chair for seating as well. Some bring a picnic meal and of course everyone needs a favorite candle. There are a wide range of candles in the market palace including unique Christmas candles at specialised Christmas Shops.

Most Carols by Candlelight events feature a band or an orchestra, and well known entertainers who sing and lead the audience in carols. Father Christmas usually appears, and most events have a Nativity scene on display, and at bigger events the evening ends with a fireworks display. Carols by Candlelight, truly a great Australian Christmas Tradition.

For Christmas Carol lyrics see our Christmas Carols Index.

Local Carols by Candlelight

If your local Carols by Candlelight web site is not listed below, we invite you to submit it so that people can find out dates and venues in advance.

"Carols by Candlelight, Lyrics and Music"
"Carol by Candlelight venues, Lyric sheets and Music from Jaybees Entertainment"
Sanctuary Point, NSW 2540


Lake Macquarie Carols by Candlelight
"A major City festival, held annually, this year the event will be held on Sunday 14th December, at Speers Point Park, Lake Macquarie. The free entry event draws a crowd in excess of 25,000 with approximately 100 participating vessels moored on the lake. A jumbo screen is used for the live broadcast, which allows vision at most vantage points both in the park and from the lake."
Speers Point, Lake Macquare, NSW


Advertiser Carols By Candlelight
"Don't miss the Carols by Candlelight, a night of music and nostalgia, to be held on the banks of the River Torrens at Elder Park"
, SA


Brisbane Police Commissioners Carols by Candlelight
The Carols by Candlelight gives members of the Queensland Police Service and the community a chance to celebrate the festive season in an enjoyable family atmosphere
Suncorp Piazza, QLD


Canberra Carols by Candlelight
"Photos Carols by candlelight at Stage '88, Commonwealth Park, Canberra "
Canberra, ACT


Carols By Candlelight South Australia
Specialised website for South Australian Carols by Candlelight events
, SA


Carols By candlelight at Vaucluse House
"Admission FREE. Candles, song sheets, sausage sizzle, ice creams and light refreshments will be on sale"
Vaucluse, NSW


Carols In The Domain
"Australias Most Popular Christmas Celebration with over 100,000 people gathering by candlelight in Sydney's Royal Botanical Gardens."
"The Domain, Sydney", NSW 2000


Carols by Candlelight at Alma Bay
Photos from Carols by Candlelight at Alma Bay taken by the Magnetic Times
"Alma Bay, Magnetic Island",


Carols by the Bay Hobart
Presented by Hobart City Council, Sandown Park – Sandy Bay
, TAS


  
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Santa's Christmas Links Directory: Carols By Candlelight
Search Directory for: Australian Christmas traditions held every year in the week before Christmas, when thousands of people gather in the parks of the larger towns and cities to sing their favourite Christmas carols by the light of a candle. Find your nearest local event here.