If you are in Melbourne around Christmas time, don’t miss Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight, the most popular Christmas event.
This huge event is a massive Christmas celebration where families come together to sing along to Christmas carols.
Vision Australia’s Carols By Candlelight, 2024 Melbourne Dates & Tickets
This traditional event is held outdoors and involves live music and singing performances by popular Australian artists, famous TV personalities, and local choirs. It is telecast live on TV each year on Christmas Eve, so those who can’t attend can enjoy singing along to carols from the comfort of their homes.
In 2023, featured artists included Paul Kelly, BOWEN * YOUNG, and G Flip, with performances by the Australian Girls Choir, Bobby Fox, Bonnie Anderson, Calista Nelmes, Casey Donovan, David Hobson, Denis Walter, Emma Watkins, GREASE The Musical, Marina Prior, Melbourne Gospel Choir, National Boys Choir, Silvie Paladino, Simon Gleeson, Thndo, and many more.
The carols event in Melbourne usually includes a spectacular fireworks display. Thousands flock to the music bowl year after year, where they bring a picnic blanket and a few nibbles and settle in to listen to traditional Christmas music as the sun goes down.
The gates will open at 4 p.m. for the main event on Christmas Eve, with the broadcast starting promptly at 8 p.m. They ask all attendees to be seated by 7:45pm. Queuing for general admission tickets early is advised, as the lawn area is allocated on a first-in, best-dressed basis.
TV & Radio Broadcast
Channel 9 will broadcast the whole show live from 8pm on Christmas Eve and a replay on Christmas Day. Your local TV Guide will have more details before the event. You will also be able to stream the show online at 9NOW.
2UE 954 in Sydney, 4BH in Brisbane and Magic 1278 in Melbourne will have a simulcast of the event for your listening pleasure. Vision Australia Radio will also stream Carols by Candlelight with professional audio descriptions through local stations and online.
Hi there,
Just wondering if there will be access to the rehearsal night this year?
Thanks
Rebecca
Hi Rebecca,
According to the FAQs of the official website, it does state that “The rehearsal night will run with an audience this year on December 23, with tickets on sale in early December”.
For presale access, they recommend you sign up to what they call the Carols Club at https://carols.visionaustralia.org/carols-club.
Thanks
Michael
What time does the rehearsal night start and end?
Hi Rachel,
The Carols by Candlelight Rehearsal Night starts at 3.30pm and finishes at around 10.30pm.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi there,
Is there reserved seating for the rehearsal night? Or is it all general admission?
Thanks,
Georgia
Hi Georgia,
The seating for the Carols by Candlelight Rehearsal Night is general admission only.
Kind regards,
Jess
What time does the Rehearsal night run from?
Hi Christie,
The Carols by Candlelight Rehearsal night starts from 3.30pm.
Have a great time!
Regards,
Jess
I have booked tickets for the rehearsal but couldn’t find a section for tickets for children?
Hi Junko,
Children’s tickets for the Carols by Candelight Rehearsal night fall under the “Concession” category.
From Ticketmaster: “Concession applies to Pension Card holders, the legally blind and vision impaired, children under 16. Children under 3 are admitted free providing they don’t occupy a seat.”
Have a great time at the Carols!
Best Regards,
Jess
Just wondering when we can purchase tickets for the rehearsal night on the 23rd Dec 2016 as I can’t find where to purchase them please.
Hi Bev,
I have been advised by Vision Australia that tickets will be on sale in early December. The Christmas Eve Carols tickets are being sold through Ticketmaster, so I would assume the same for the rehearsal show.
All the best,
Jess
I can’t make it on 24th but have heard you can see the rehearsal. Do you know how to source rehearsal tickets?
Hi Emma,
I have been advised by Vision Australia that tickets will be on sale in early December. The Christmas Eve Carols tickets are being sold through Ticketmaster, so I would assume the same for the rehearsal show.
Kind Regards,
Jess
Hi there
I am interested in purchasing tickets for the rehearsal night on the 23rd December 2016 but i can’t seem to find tickets as yet. Do you know when they go on sale?
Many thanks.
Louise
Hi Louise,
There is no information from Vision Australia as yet about the rehearsal event.
However in previous years, tickets have gone on sale in early December through Ticketmaster.
Hope this helps!
Jess
Hi there,
Previous years there has been an act for the young children to enjoy, such as Hi 5. Will there be an act (or a couple of acts) for young children?
Thanks in advance,
Carly
Hi Carly,
Yes, there will be entertainment for kids as there is every year. We are still waiting for Vision Australia to announce the performers for 2016, however you will definitely get a visit from Santa as well as a number of children’s performers who open the show every year. The televised show starts at 8.30pm, howeve the children’s performers are usually entertaining kids from around 5.30pm.
I will update our page when the performers are announced and I note that tickets will go on sale on the 15th of September through Ticketmaster.
Best regards,
Jess
Roughly what time would this event finish please?
Hi Shellie,
The estimated finishing time is around 11pm.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi. Just wondering if there’s a family price for the A-Reserve seating. We are actually a family of five. With thanks.
Hi Melindy,
Child and family passes are not available for A-Reserve seats but note that children under three seated on an adult knee are admitted free.
Family tickets are available for lawn seating for $160 (2Ad + 2Ch) and an extra child will cost $40.
Regards,
Jess
Hi, How much is it to go to the rehearsals on the 23rd of December 2016, What time do rehearsals start and can you please tell me if Lauren Nicholson will be preforming again? Kindest Regards, Belinda
Hi Belinda,
I am unable to find any current information online as Vision Australia hasn’t updated their website for 2016.
However, in previous years, gates opened at around 3pm and ticket prices were around $20 for adults. Unfortunately, I don’t have a list of performers as they will be released later in 2016. Check back with us and I will update the page once further info is released.
Regards,
Jess
Hi there, Can you advise if there will be interpreting for deaf people on the stage on onto the big screens for my family member who is deaf? Or will it be on the TV? It would be so great! Thank you
Hi Melissa,
I cannot find any current information as yet for 2016, but I have been to many Carols by Candlelight shows in the past and there has not been any Auslan interpreter on the stage, nor do they have captions on the screen.
Captioning is available on all digital channels which may be the best way to enjoy this fabulous event with your family.
Best regards,
Jess
Just wondering if it’s fine to take babies under 2 into the A Reserve seating obviously the would be sharing a seat but we would like a seat not sitting on the lawn area preferably.
Hi Terry,
Reserve seating is perfectly fine for children of all ages. This is a family friendly event, and kids are welcome in all areas. Most kids will fall asleep after the children’s performers in any event, so hopefully you will be able to enjoy a peaceful Carols by Candlelight with your little one asleep on your lap!
Have a great time at the 2016 Carols!
Regards,
Jess
Hi Team,
Just wondering when tickets go on sale for 2016?
Hi Will,
In previous years, tickets have gone on sale in around the 2nd week of October. Check back with us and we will update our page once tickets are released.
Regards,
Jess
What is the lawn seating like? Can you see the stage?
Hi Melissa,
The simple answer is yes, you can see the stage from the lawn area. All of the lawn area is “general admission” so the earlier you get to the Myer Music Bowl, the closer you will get.
The lawn is graded gently from front to back, so gives a ‘stadium seating’ effect. High chairs are not permitted, so you wont have your view blocked by other concert-goers.
I have been to the Carols many times, have only ever purchased lawn seating and have always been able to see the stage. Like any concert, the performers may be small, but the sound is amazing!
I hope you enjoy Carols by Candlelight!
Regards
Jess