Carols by Candlelight is Manningham's 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.
Our Carols by Candlelight has been bringing our community together for 39 years. On Friday 9 December, pack a picnic rug and head down to Ruffey Lake Park to celebrate the festive season.
Friday 9 December 2022
Ruffey Lake Park, George Street, Doncaster
Free
You do not have to register to attend this event. Registrations have closed.
Download your 2022 Songbook now, so you're ready to sing along!
Schedule of events
6.00pm - Pre-show entertainment
We'll have plenty of pre-show fun with free craft activities and entertainment for the kids, including face painting and Santa photos. The pre-show stage entertainment will feature Team Dream, one of Australia’s premier children’s acts.
7.30pm - Main concert
Starting at 7.30pm, our main concert has a stellar line-up featuring one of Australia's finest vocalists, Chris Sebastian. The winner of The Voice Australia 2020, Chris has had multiple radio hits. He'll be releasing more music and touring the country across 2023.
Chris will be supported by a line-up of soloists, including Cassie McIvor, who grew up in Manningham! Cassie has graced stages across the globe with her powerhouse performances. Most recently, she was seen on Season 10 of The Voice Australia.
The event will also feature Richard Thomas, Aydan Calafiore, The Amore Duet, Jael Wena, Zoe Sunday and Alinta Burnell. Soloists will be accompanied by The All-Star Carols band, led by local award-winning music director John Turcio and the Manningham Concert Band.
And don't miss our highlight of the night - a very special appearance on stage by Santa and Mrs Claus!
9.30pm - Fireworks
The evening will finish with a spectacular fireworks finale. This display will run for approximately 8 minutes. If you live in nearby streets, secure your family pets in a safe, comfortable location or bring them into your house during the display.
Important information
Manningham Carols by Candlelight is a smoke-free, family friendly event.
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.
Help us minimise waste this festive season. Bring your own re-usable drink bottles to fill up at the free water station.
This event will have 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 Christmas spirit! Due to the recent weather conditions, the site may be very wet, so please bring a water-resistant ground covering, i.e., a tarp.
Please do not bring tents, marquees, glassware, fireworks or pyrotechnics of any type. Please also leave your pets at home, as the fireworks can cause distress to animals.
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 possible, please walk, cycle, or be dropped off at the event. Otherwise, free parking is available on King Street, with a shuttle bus operating to and from the event area throughout the evening. Accessible parking will be available via The Boulevarde, off George Street.
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 9 December.
- Clancys Lane
- Cantala Drive (including Pagoda Cour and Leyte Close)
- Miller Place
- Earl Street
- Botanic Drive
- Church Road
- McCallum Road
- Astran Place
- Roseland Grove
- The Boulevarde
- Anarth Street
- Crouch Court
The Boulevarde off George Street will be closed to through traffic.
If you live in this area, we'll tell you more about these road closures and permits before the event.
Shuttle Bus
We'll have a shuttle bus running between 5.30pm and 10.00pm on the night to get you from the carpark to the event site.
Event map
Thank you to our sponsors
The Manningham Carols is proudly sponsored by the following local businesses.