Christmas-themed festivities coming up across Melbourne's eastern suburbs
Here’s our guide to all the yuletide cheer on offer locally this holiday season.
Matthew Sims
November 24, 2025
Get out and embrace the festive spirit at a range of community events on offer across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
Did we miss anything? Let us know by reaching out to [email protected]
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Our guide to carols across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs
Monash Carols by Candlelight
Hundreds of people fill out Jells Park every year as part of Monash Council’s Carols by Candlelight event.
While the official entertainment kicks off at 5.30pm, families can rock up from 3pm to enjoy the Christmas market, with more than 30 local artists and food and drink retailers setting up shop throughout the evening.
The big man himself will be available for photos with children from 5.30 to 6.30pm, with workshops open for kids to make Christmas cards, wrap presents or write their letters to Santa.
The main concert will begin from 7.30pm, with Lucy Durack and Mark Wilson leading the show alongside the Monash Carols by Candlelight Band – a collaboration between the Monash Concert Band and Oakleigh Brass and the All Star Carols Band.
If the young ones can keep their eyes open long enough and weather is suitable, the fireworks are scheduled to launch into the air from 9pm.
Attendees are encouraged to register online.
When: Saturday December 6, 5.30-9.15pm
Where: Jells Park, Jells Road, Wheelers Hill
Maroondah Carols
This free event will feature pre-show entertainment, food vendors, a kids activities zone and a firework show and a visit from Santa Claus, one of his elf helpers and Frosty the Snowman.
Performers will include Lucy Holmes as MC, the Maroondah Carols Band, Samantha Du Rennes (U’Ren), Jonathan Guthrie-Jones, Lauren Neivandt and Julian Dunham.
When: Saturday December 6, 6-10pm
Where: Town Park, 20 Civic Square, Croydon
Manningham Carols by Candlelight
Hosted by performer Lucy Durack and local Carols soloist Richard Thomas, the event will kick off at 6pm with pre-show entertainment from Code One – consisting of former Victoria Police members – and the Veneto Club Choir.
The main show will begin at 7.15pm, with artists including 12-year-old singer-songwriter Leyla Sabo, operatic tenor Stephen Coutts and Manningham local talents Katrina Couroyannis, Bianca Baykara and Catherine Bolzonello.
Weather permitting, an eight-minute fireworks show will be held from 9.30pm.
When: Friday December 12, 6pm to 10pm
Where: Ruffey Lake Park, 99 Victoria Street, Doncaster East
Cost: Free
Knox Carols
Australian actor Bernard Curry will be the MC on the night, with performances including Christmas classics played and sung by members of the Royal Australian Navy Band.
Kids activities will run from 4pm to 7pm, including rides and roving Christmas performers.
The main show will begin with Australian actor Bernard Curry as the evening’s MC and other performers including Shannen Wick, Briana Bishop, Harry Targett, Halo Vocal Ensemble, Jack Casslyn and Amelia Reynolds Billing and the Royal Australian Navy Band.
Two free shuttle buses will be running on a regular loop to and from the Ferntree Gully and Upper Ferntree Gully train stations, as parking on side streets will be limited.
When: Saturday December 13, 4-9.30pm
Where: Wally Tew Reserve, 6 Lyndale Court, Ferntree Gully
Whitehorse Carols
Grab a pic with Santa, complete your festive look at the face painting booth or jump on a ride or two from 5.30pm, with the main event getting underway from 6.30pm.
Highlights on the night will include Matt Hetherington as MC and carols from Rhonda Burchmore, Johanna Allen, David Hobson and Dale Burridge.
When: Saturday December 13, 6.30-9.30pm
Where: Whitehorse Civic Centre Precinct, 379-399 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading
Don’t fancy the carols? Here’s our guide to Christmas events in Melbourne’s east
Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged Weihnachtsmarkt
Temple Society Australia’s Bayswater hub will be transformed into a German Christmas market as part of the Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged Weihnachtsmarkt – or “Christmas Market”.
A range of food trucks will be serving German and goodies from other European cuisines, including Bavarian sausages and pretzels and Poffertjes – a traditional Dutch batter cake.
Usually attracting more than 4,000 visitors each year, the event will feature 65 stalls from local producers of a wide array of goods, including spices, seasonings, Christmas wreaths and jewellery.
Other attractions will include a petting zoo, face painting and a visit from Santa
When: Sunday November 30, 10am-2pm
Where: 51 Elizabeth Street, Bayswater
Tis the Season - A Very Jazzy Christmas Spectacular
If you’re sick of the same old carols sung in the same time signature and tempo every year, this show features classic carols jazzed up.
Performers Emma Russell and Jonathan Guthrie-Jones will be performing Christmas hits from stars including Bing Crosby, Michael Buble, Andy Williamsn and Mariah Carey.
When: Tuesday December 2, 11am-noon and 2-3.15pm
Where: Knox Community Arts Centre, 790 Mountain Highway, Bayswater
Cost: $24
Christmas at the Alcove Art Shop
Alcove Art Shop is an artist run cooperative which sells original works across a number of media, including textile art, basketry, ceramics, glassware, jewellery, handcrafted paper, painting, photography, scarves, sculptures and woodwork.
When: Opening on Monday December 8 from 6.30-8.30pm; Tuesday December 9 to Friday December 19 from 10am-4pm
Where: Box Hill Community Arts Centre, 470 Station Street, Box Hill
East Meets West In Motion
Classical Eastern folk dance and ballet featuring iconic Christmas melodies will come together in harmony during this special event.
Local ballet group Fanghua will perform with accompaniment from Melbourne-born pianist and composer Warren Wills and flautist Steph Chen.
When: Sunday December 21, 2-4pm
Where: The Round, 379-399 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading
Cost: $36 adult, $21 child (2-14 years)