It’s almost time to dig out your Santa hat, warm up your carolling voice and get ready for a festive night of fun at the City of Whittlesea Carols by Candlelight event on Friday 9 December.
The event is lined up with heaps of fun and exciting activities like face painting, roving performances, art & craft activities, twilight market and lots of singing.
There will also be a special visit from Santa!
You are encouraged to bring along your own reusable coffee cup, bag, water bottle and picnic blanket, we’ll supply the candles.
We’ll also have AUSLAN interpreters on site so everyone can join in the fun!
When: Friday 9 December, 6pm-9pm
Where: Terrace Lawns, Civic Centre 25 Ferres Boulevard South Morang
Residents are encouraged to leave the car at home and catch public transport or walk or ride to the event.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ's
Is the event free/do I need to book?
The event is free and no bookings are required, just come along and join us!
Is there a program or song book available?
Programs featuring song listings and lyrics will be available from the information tent.
Accessible large print programs are available upon request.
What should I bring?
This is an outdoor event please be aware of the weather and bring sun or wet weather protection.
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.
There will be food vendors on site, however you are also welcome to bring your own picnic food, snacks and drinks.
Please bringing reusable plates, cutlery and cups if you can, to help us make this event as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible.
What other activities will be happening on the night?
Alongside the Carols there will be a range of children’s activities including face painting, hair braiding, henna tatts and Christmas card making.
Christmas neon artworks by Carla O’Brien will also be on-site which are perfect for a photo or to show the kids between performers.
Twilight Market
The final South Morang Farmers and Makers Market will be happening alongside the Carols, and it is a great opportunity to buy local in the lead up to Christmas. The Market will start at 6pm.
Are candles available?
As the daylight disappears, we will be handing out candles to make the night a little more special.
Candles can be collected after 8.10pm from the information tent.
If you wish to bring your own candles or battery-operated candles please do so.
Adults should hold the candles and keep them away from loose clothing, hair, programs and vegetation in the area.
Hot wax can also be dangerous if it drips on skin, so be alert and aware of children when holding the burning candles.
Will there be ATMs?
There are no ATMs available on site.
The majority of vendors will have methods of cashless payments available, however we recommend bringing cash for food and drink purchases just in case.
Are there toilets available for the public?
Toilets and accessible toilets will be located onsite at the event with signage to show their location.
Can I smoke at the event?
No smoking is permitted at the event and on the Council lawns.
A designated smoking area will be established and available nearby.
Getting there
By Public Transport
The event site is well serviced by public transport including trains and buses. It is close to the South Morang train station on the Mernda line and buses 556, 383 and 577 also service the immediate area. You can plan your journey here.
Can I drive there?
Yes, however as parking will be at a premium so we encourage attendees to car share, catch public or use active modes of transport if possible.
Other information
Information tent
Our information tent is the central point for anything you need to know about the Carols event or other services at City of Whittlesea.
Medical help and lost children
First aid tents will be located around the site.
The information tent will be staffed all night and any lost and found property can be handed in or claimed here.
If you are lost or in search of a lost person or should you find a child or other person that seems lost please ask them if they are OK and either bring them to the information tent or find a staff member (in a high-vis vest).
How is Council making this even accessible to all?
We aim to make all festival events fun and accessible for everyone. Councils civic have concrete paths surrounding the event making navigating the event easy and a wheelchair viewing area is available on-site.
Accessible bathrooms will be available at the event.
Auslan Interpreters will also be signing the concert throughout the night.
If you require any extra assistance in order to attend and enjoy the Carol please visit the information tent and contact Council ahead of time on 9217 2170
What if there are adverse weather conditions?
A cancellation procedure will be in effect in the event of adverse weather conditions.
The weather is predicted to be cool so rug up and bring a rug for the ground
If the Carols event cannot go on outside, we will move inside to PRACC.
Announcements regarding any event cancellations will be made in advance of the event’s commencement on arts.whittlesea.vic.gov.au and Council’s after hours and social media channels.