Monash Carols by Candlelight 2025

New to carols, wander through over 30 artisan stalls selling handmade crafts, gourmet treats, art and design pieces, and unique Christmas gifts.

It’s the perfect place to find something special before the show begins.

Grab something to eat from a range of delicious food options (including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free).

Our Gold Sponsor, Optus will host kids’ activities including a DIY Christmas card-making station, letters to Santa workshop and a DIY gift-wrapping station.

Check out the Monash Public Library Service reading corner and craft activities located next to the Information Tent.

Don’t forget to be on site early to grab a photo with Santa between 5.30pm – 6.30pm.

Preshow stage performances will include local favourites, Oakleigh Primary School Choir.

Beloved Australian entertainers Lucy Durack and Mark Wilson will host this year’s event, supported by the Monash Carols by Candlelight Band – a collaboration between the Monash Concert Band and Oakleigh Brass and the All Star Carols Band – and led by renowned musical director, John Turcio.

A fireworks finale is scheduled to commence at 9pm, for approximately 8 minutes, weather permitting.

Please note in the interest of public safety, the pathway that leads to the back of the stage area to Jells Park, Ferntree Gull Road Car Park will be closed to the public approximately 10 minutes prior to the fireworks display and 10 minutes after. Once this area has been deemed safe this pathway will be reopened for pedestrian access.

In the case of high winds and extreme weather, including a declared day of ‘total fire ban’, fireworks will not proceed.

Please leave pets at home, as fireworks will cause distress to animals.

Fold up chairs can be used, however, there is a designated ‘rugs only’ zone for optimal visibility. Please ensure prams and chairs are positioned behind this marked area.

This is a smoke and vape free event encourages everyone to bring a torch, picnic rug, warm clothing, and comfortable shoes.

It's important to be aware that Jells Park is home to various wildlife, including snakes. For your safety, we strongly recommend wearing closed shoes and carry a flashlight when walking back to the car park after the show.

For accessibility the event will have large screens, Auslan interpreters and is a live captioned event.  

Our Carols Songbook will be available on the night via QR code or at www.monash.vic.gov.au/carols with limited large format printed copies at our Information Tent. 

The event will feature several accessible toilets as well as a permanent changing places onsite behind tea house (accessible via MLAK key). 

Accessible parking will be made available at Jells Central Car Park. 

Parks Victoria has partnered with Guide Dogs Victoria (GDV) to facilitate the installation of BlindSquare at Jells Park, the world’s most widely used accessible GPS-app for people who are blind or with low vision.

For more information visit Parks Victorias Jells Park website.

Parking is limited, so plan your journey in advance. There is free limited parking available at the following locations:

• Accessible parking and drop-off zone is in the Jells Central Car Park - please speak to a car park attendant if required.
• Jells Park, Central Car Park - accessible via the main entrance on Waverly Road.
• Jells Park, Ferntree Gully Rd Car Park - accessible via Ferntree Gull Rd (east bound)
• Waverley Women’s Sports Centre Car Park - accessible via Waverley Road.
• Glen Waverley Sports Hub Car Park – enter via Waverley Road.

Our Information Tent will be located at the top of the site, along with the food stalls. General event information and lost children are available here.

Visit this site for a free wristband, write your details on the wristband and secure around your child’s wrist in case you get separated.

This is a good location to advise your family to meet, should you become separated.

First aid will be located near the Information Tent and at the front of the main stage (close to the path).

Thank you to our sponsors. Eastlink, Optus, Holicare and Aunty Jenny.

Monash Carols by Candlelight would like to thank Victoria Police, St John Ambulance, Parks Victoria, Kiwanis, Freemasons, Monash SES for their ongoing support.