One of the great Australian Christmas traditions, “Carols by Candlelight” originated in Melbourne in the 19th century. Since then the tradition has spread all around the world, but the largest event of this kind still takes place in Melbourne on the evening of December 24th.
“Carols by Candlelight” involves a large group of people gathering together in a candlelit park to sing Christmas carols together, accompanied by a band. The Melbourne event is held at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in the King’s Domain Gardens near the banks of the Yarra River.
A sell-out event year-after-year, the Christmas Eve tradition attracts over 10,000 carolers to the Gardens, with hundreds more heading to Federation Square to watch the broadcast on the big screen. At home, many millions of people across the country tune in on their televisions and radios to listen to the concert.
Many of Australia’s top entertainers have performed at the event over the years, including Marina Prior, Kate Ceberano, James Morrison, John Farnham and Guy Sebastian, as well as kids’ favourites Hi-5.
The proceeds from Melbourne’s Carols by Candlelight go to Vision Australia to support children who are blind or have little vision. The event has had a number of big name sponsors over the years, including Myer, Channel 9, Herald Sun, Crown and the City of Melbourne.
To experience all the excitement of the centerpiece of a Melbourne Christmas from the best seat in the house, stay at Clarion Suites Gateway. Clarion Suites is a world-class hotel, located only a short stroll away from the Carols by Candlelight concert and right in the heart of the CBD.
