It's nearly showtime!

We can’t wait to see you this Friday at our biggest annual event!  Featuring local and national performers, fun activities and some of Melbourne's best food trucks, this event is entertaining for the whole family.

Grab a picnic rug and head down to Ruffey Lake Park to celebrate the festive season with us. 

Download your songbook now! 

We recommend that you come prepared in the event of wet weather, eg. bring ponchos and waterproof picnic rugs.  Where possible please refrain from using umbrellas as they will block the view for other patrons. 

Event schedule 

⏰ 6.00pm - Pre-show entertainment

Enjoy free activities and entertainment for the kids, including face painting, bauble decorating, Santa photos, give-aways, raffles and more.  Get the kids up dancing to Team Dream, one of Australia’s premier children’s acts and the Melbournaires Harmony Chorus.

⏰ 7.30pm - Main concert

Hosted by Lucy Holmes from 89.9 The Light and Richard Thomas, we have a stellar line-up featuring Tahlia Eve (Australian Idol), Sean Millis (The Voice Australia), and a mix of fabulous local talent.

Performers will be accompanied by The All-Star Carols band and the Manningham Concert Band.

⏰ 9.30pm - Fireworks finale 

The evening will finish with a spectacular fireworks finale. This display will run for approximately eight minutes. If you live in nearby streets, please secure your family pets in a safe, comfortable location or bring them into your house during the display.

On the day...

Please remember this is a smoke-free, family friendly event. 

You can visit the information tent for a free child’s wristband to write your contact details on and secure around your child’s wrist in case you and your child get separated.

First aid will be located next to the information tent.

To help minimise waste this festive season bring your own re-usable drink bottles to fill up at the free water station, and take rubbish with you.

This event will have a large screen, wheelchair access and Auslan interpreters.

What to bring

Please bring a torch, comfortable shoes, a picnic rug, a reusable water bottle, warm clothes and plenty of festive cheer!

Do not bring tents, marquees, glassware, fireworks or pyrotechnics of any type, and leave your pets at home, as the fireworks can cause distress to animals.

Seating

The lawn area is set on a natural amphitheatre with great viewing on picnic rugs. Fold up chairs can be used however there is a designated “picnic rugs only” zone close to the stage. Please make sure prams and chairs are positioned behind this area.

Food and drinks

Bring a picnic with you and dine on the grass or purchase dinner from one of the food stalls and trucks offering meals, coffee and snacks. Gluten-free and vegan options will be available.

Parking

Parking is limited. If you can, please walk, cycle, or be dropped off at the event. There is a dedicated drop off zone on George Street near The Boulevarde (park side for east bound traffic only).

Free event parking is available on King Street, with a short walk to the event area.

Accessible parking will be available via The Boulevarde, off George Street – please show your accessible parking permit to park there. See map below. 

This event will have wheelchair access and Auslan interpreters.

Road closures

Parking restrictions will be in place on the streets surrounding Ruffey Lake Park to minimise disruption for local residents.
Road closures will affect the below streets from 4.00pm to 11.00pm on Friday 8 December.

• Anarth Street
• Astran Place
• Bloom Street
• Botanic Drive
• Cantala Drive (including Pagoda Court and Leyte Close)
• Church Road
• Clancys Lane
• Earl Street
• McCallum Road
• Miller Place
• Roseland Grove
• The Boulevarde

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