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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.

Monash Carols by Candlelight
"Attended by an average audience of more than 20,000 people, Monash Carols by Candlelight is the largest Carols event within the eastern region"
"Jells Park, Wheelers Hill", VIC


Palmwoods Carols by Candlelight
Carols by Candlelight held at Briggs Park on Christmas Eve
Palmwoods Sunshine Coast, QLD 4555


Quakers Hill Carols by Candlelight
Noah's Ark Preschool Carols by Candlelight Picture Album
Quakers Hill, NSW


Rockhampton Carols by Candlelight
Rockhampton Music Bowl. A cast of talented local performers will delight one and all in a show that is promising to be bigger and brighter than ever! There will be plenty of carol singing in an evening guaranteed to be a lot of fun for the whole family.
Rockhampton, QLD


Sunshine Coast Carols By Candlelight
Annual Christmas concert held at Kings Beach Park in Caloundra
Caloundra Sunshine Coast, QLD 4551


Tammin WA Carols By Candlelight
The Shire of Tammin is located 184kms east of Perth on the Great Eastern Highway. Find dates for their Carols By Candlelight here
Tammin, WA 6409


Thredbo Carols by Candlelight
"The Christmas spirit comes to Thredbo with candles, song books and a choir to lead the song.
"
Poolside Thredbo Alpine Hotel, NSW 2625


Townsville Carols by Candlelight
Venue: Thuringowa Soundshell
"Thuringowa, Townsville", QLD


Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight presented by Myer
You are invited to celebrate the magic of Christmas with song at the 2007 Vision Australia s Carols by Candlelight presented by Myer. This year the iconic event turns 70 and it is expected to be as vibrant and magical as ever. Held in the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne on Monday 24 December, the night will feature an array of contemporary and traditional performers that is sure to delight and entertain the whole family. All proceeds raised from Vision Australia s Carols by Candlelight go towards enabling children who are blind or have low vision to access and participate in every part of life they choose. Tickets go on sale on Saturday 10th November and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (1300 136 166 or ticketmaster.com.au) For more information about the event and Vision Australia, visit visionaustralia.org
Melbourne, VIC 3000


Whitehorse Carols by Candlelight
Whitehorse’s popular Carols by Candlelight concert held each December is the perfect event to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with family and friends
Nunawading, VIC


     
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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.