To immerse the community in the festive spirit, a delightful array of Christmas carol events are being held across the region, offering beloved classics, contemporary favourites and festive fun for all ages.
To help you plan your festive outings, below is a comprehensive guide to the family-friendly carol events across the region.
Stanhope Christmas Carols
Stanhope will turn into ‘Santa-hope’ for one evening when the big man himself visits Birdwood Ave for a night of Christmas melodies and activities.
The Rushworth & District Concert Band will be putting on a show and Stanhope Primary School and Shine Bright kindergarten children are set to sing all the Christmas classics.
There will be a jumping castle, a free barbecue and drinks to purchase.
When: Friday, December 13 from 6pm.
Where: Birdwood Ave, Stanhope.
Echuca Federal Band and Bella A’Capella Christmas Carols
The Echuca Federal Band and Bella A’Capella choir will be holding their annual carols this Saturday.
The choir will perform popular Christmas songs accompanied by the band. The groups will also perform a few festive numbers separately.
Guests can gather around and enjoy the music or finish their Christmas shopping while the band and choir provide the tunes.
When: Saturday, December 14 from 10.15am.
Where: Outside Cotton On on Hare St, Echuca.
Tongala Carols by Candlelight
Tongala Carols by Candlelight is back for another year, and the students of St Patrick’s and Tongala primary schools are ready to put on a performance of a lifetime.
The Tongala Lions Club will be cooking up a free barbecue, and a jumping castle and plenty of other activities will be on offer to keep kids busy.
Bring along a picnic blanket, a chair and some mozzie repellent, and be on the lookout for a man in a red suit who is expected to make a special appearance.
When: Saturday, December 14 from 6pm.
Where: Tongala Soundshell, Mangan St, Tongala.
Kyabram Churches Christmas Carols
The Kyabram Christmas Carols unites three churches across the town for one special evening of singing, dancing and community festive spirit.
Carols are set to kick off at 7.45pm, with performances from Combined Churches House Band, the Rushworth & District Concert Band and local primary school students.
Aside from the music, activities such as camel rides (for $5) and games will be on offer for kids, while a free barbecue and food trucks will be available to keep tummies filled.
A fireworks show will conclude the night.
When: Thursday, December 19 from 5pm
Where: Memorial Gardens, Allan St, Kyabram.
Kyabram Living Waters Carols
The Kyabram Living Waters Church will have carols and carnival fun on offer to get families in the festive spirit.
There will be a jumping castle, face painting and an animal farm for children while parents can sit and watch the carols while eating a free dinner, drinking barista-made coffee and finishing off with a DairyFresh Gelato.
There are limited places for this event — please RSVP for free at tinyurl.com/5547d7w
When: Saturday, December 21 from 6pm.
Where: Living Waters Church, Allan St, Kyabram.
Christmas at the silos
Rochester will be the last place in Campaspe to catch a carols show before Christmas Day.
The carols will be at the Rochester Silos on Ramsay St on Christmas Eve from 5pm.
Everyone is welcome to bring their picnic mats for a family-friendly night of entertainment and Christmas festivities.