Christmas in Cardinia

Cardinia Shire Carols by Candlelight

2025 Cardinia Shire Carols by Candlelight 

Join us for a festive evening to celebrate the holiday season. Hosted by Cardinia Shire Council, this family-friendly event features a fantastic afternoon and evening filled with fun, food, music, and festivities. Best of all, entry is completely FREE, and no tickets are required. 

• Date: Saturday, 6 December 2025   
• Time: 4:30pm to 9:00pm    
• Location: Toomuc Recreation Reserve, Pakenham    

What's on? 

Pre-Entertainment Activities from 4:30pm - 6:30pm 

Arrive early to enjoy a variety of activities before the main show kicks off. From 4:30pm, explore:  

• Food & Drink Stalls: Treat yourself to delicious snacks and beverages from our vendors.  
• Face-Painting: Let your creativity shine with our face-painting station.  
• Fun Activities: Participate in activities designed for all ages.  

Main show from 6:30pm - 9:00pm 

Get ready for a magical evening starting at 6:30pm featuring:  

• Christmas Carol Performances: Enjoy delightful Christmas Carols led by talented local schools, performers and the Cardinia Civic Concert Band and Choir, which are sure to get you into the festive spirit. 
• Fireworks Display: Cap off the night with a spectacular fireworks show that will dazzle and illuminate the sky.   
• Special Guest: Get ready for a magical surprise as a special guest arrives from the North Pole. Santa Claus is coming to Cardinia! 

Additional Information 

• Parking: Limited parking is available on site. Traffic management marshals will be present to assist. We encourage all attendees to walk where possible to reduce congestion.  
• Pets: This is a pet-free event (excluding service animals)  
• Housekeeping: This event is alcohol and drug-free to ensure a safe environment for everyone.  

Help support those in need this Christmas

This year, we kindly ask the community to consider bringing a small gift or non-perishable food items to the Cardinia Shire Christmas Carols to donate to the Christmas Together program.

Council is pleased to support Christmas Together 2025, a collaborative effort involving The Salvation Army, Bless Collective, ADRA, and the Cardinia Foundation. This program aims to provide essential support to local community members during the festive season. Christmas Together offers food, gift hampers, and financial assistance to those in need.

Council officers will accept donations for the program at the 2025 Cardinia Shire Christmas Carols and at Council's Civic Centre, 20 Siding Avenue, Officer. Bring your family, friends, and holiday cheer to celebrate Christmas at Toomuc Recreation Reserve. We can't wait to see you there!

Christmas Together 2025 - where to find support this Christmas

Where can I go for support with food or toy hampers?   

Christmas Together  

• Toy and Food Hampers available  
• Senior Citizens Centre Pakenham 
• Thursday 11 December until Friday 19 December   
• Registrations open soon! Check back for updates.   

Find more information on local support over the Christmas and New Year Period

Budget tips

For handy budget tips to help your family this Christmas, visit the Good Shepherd website

More support

For a list of social, health and community services, visit our Cardinia Support website   

Unwrap Cardinia and Support Local this Christmas

• Make the most of our local businesses this Christmas season to help our local business owners, suppliers and employees.
• By supporting your local businesses this Christmas, you're helping Cardinia Shire business owners, their employees, and suppliers to keep doing what they love. 
• Our Business Hub is jam-packed with all you need for your Christmas activities, events and shopping. 
• Plan ahead this festive season by visiting What's on Cardinia.