Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight
Audiences gather across the lawn and reserved stalls to enjoy live performances by soloists, choirs, television stars, comedians, and children's entertainers. Visitors can join in singing classic carols with commemorative candle kits while enjoying a picnic. The event grounds also offer on-site food and beverage stalls.
What to Expect
Annual Christmas Eve celebration supporting children who are blind or low vision.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
King's Domain Park
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Vision Australia
Food & Drink
Visitors may bring personal picnic food and non-alcoholic drinks; vendors sell food and drinks, including alcohol for patrons aged 18+ with a designated wristband and valid photo ID. Payments are contactless only.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and carol-loving groups
Vibe
Festive and communal
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Premium Stalls: Adult $279; Concession $150. A Reserve: Adult $245; Concession $131. B Reserve: Adult $202; Concession $111. General Admission: Adult $88; Children under 16 & concession $55; Family (2 adults & 2 children) $189; Group (6+) $77 per person. – Get tickets
- Hours: Christmas Eve: gates open at 4pm; event at 8pm.
- Parking: Limited parking is available near the venue; paid parking is available at the Arts Centre car park. Four accessible parking spaces are available on Linlithgow Avenue on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair spaces, rear-stall ramp platforms, and companion card admission are available, though access paths feature steep slopes.
- Pets: Pets are not permitted; registered assistance animals are welcome.
Tips & Advice
- Take a tram, train or bus, since street parking is extremely limited, parts of Linlithgow Avenue close on 23 and 24 December, and the car park fills fast.
- Bring a contactless card because the venue is cashless with no ATM, and carry valid photo ID if you want a wristband to buy alcohol.
- Pack sunscreen and a hat if you're arriving early, and bring something warm for when the sun goes down later in the evening.
- Book Stalls seats early, since they sell out quickly, and join the free Carols Club to get presale access before tickets go on public sale.
- Bring everything you need for the night, because pass-outs aren't allowed except in exceptional cases that the venue approves one by one.
Special Events & Promotions
- Rehearsal Night on Wednesday 23 December is a separately ticketed, more casual working rehearsal, without some accessibility options such as Auslan interpretation.
- Carols Club members, free to join, get first access to tickets in an October presale before the public sale.
- Lawn chairs can be hired in limited numbers when you buy your tickets.
- Candle kits and glow sticks are sold at the venue, with proceeds supporting Vision Australia.
- Companion Cardholders attending to assist a person with a disability get in free.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we bring a picnic?
Yes. Bring food and non-alcoholic drinks for yourself in a soft-sided bag or hamper. Eskies, hard coolers, glass, open drink containers, alcohol and metal cutlery aren't allowed. Food and drink, including alcohol, are sold on site, and alcohol is for over-18s with a wristband and photo ID.
Can I bring my own candle?
No. Vision Australia buys special candles for safety. Candle kits and glow sticks are sold at the venue, and the proceeds support Vision Australia.
What can we sit on in the lawn area?
General Admission ticketholders can bring picnic blankets, cushions and low fold-out chairs up to 20cm high. You can hire a limited number of chairs when you buy tickets. Umbrellas are allowed, but they must be closed before the show starts and during performances.
Can I bring a pram?
Collapsible prams are fine. On the lawn they must be folded and kept with you, and detachable bassinets are allowed. In the Stalls, prams go in a pram bay at the back.
How accessible is the venue?
The Bowl caters for wheelchair users, Companion Card holders, people with low vision and people who need hearing aid support. Two accessible platforms at the rear of the stalls must be booked through Ticketek or Arts Centre Melbourne. A slope leads steeply down to the reserved seating, so bring someone who can help.
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