Carols by the Lake

Carols by the Lake 2024. Photos by Simon Fazio.

Carols by the Lake 2025

Date: Saturday 6 December 

Time: 6pm–9pm

Location: Coburg Lake Reserve (Corner Gaffney Street & Murray Road, Coburg)

 

Pull out the picnic rug, gather your loved ones, and mark your calendar for Merri-bek's much-loved family event!  Held beside the beautiful Coburg Lake, this community celebration brings people of all ages together to share in the spirit of the season. 

Event Highlights 

  • Our wonderful host Sarah Ward will guide you through the night, with stellar performances curated by Musical Director Eugene Ball. 
  • Expect soulful sounds from Kylie Auldist of The Bamboos and powerhouse vocals from Nina Ferro.  
  • The Merri-bek City Band and Northern Voices Social Choir will showcase the community’s local musical talent.  
  • Plus, keep an eye out for a surprise appearance from singing Santa! 
  • The Glenroy Lions Club will be distributing songbooks and candles for a gold coin donation, so you can sing along to festive favourites – from Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town to Silent Night – and light up the lake. Download the digital songbook. (PDF 248Kb)

Settle in by the water with friends, family and familiar faces from across the community. Enjoy an evening of FREE fun and festive cheer, with lights, food, music and (of course) carols. 

Important Information 

  • Carols by the Lake is Auslan interpreted
  • Drinking taps are available on site
  • First Aid is available on site

  • A run down of the evening. 

    6.00pm – Settle In 

    6.30pm – Welcome to Country and Official Speeches  

    6.40pm – Performance One 

    7.45 – 8.15pm – Break  

    8.15 – Performance Two  

    9.00pm – End 

  • Stellar performances from incredible local talents, curated by Musical Director Eugene Ball.

  • The essentials:

    • A picnic rug and blanket 
    • Your favourite snacks (or grab dinner from the on-site food trucks)
    • A reusable water bottle or cup – this is a single-use plastic-free event 
    • An enthusiastic singing voice – optional but encouraged! 

  • Delicious on-site food and drink options, made in Merri-bek!

    • Fawkner SES & Pascoe Vale Rotary BBQ  

Getting to Carols by the Lake 

Location: Coburg Lake Reserve, Gaffney St, Coburg North VIC 3058 

Come to Carols by the Lake by bicycle! 

Avoid traffic by riding to Carols by the Lake via the Merri Creek Trail.

Secure bike parking for the event will available near the stage. Follow the signs from the trail.

Bike parking is provided as a service for this event.  Please ride your bike home after the event or collect your bike on Sunday.

The bike racks will be removed on Monday morning along with any bikes still locked to the rack.  To enquire about bikes left on the rack after the event, please contact info@merri-bek.vic.gov.au.

Public Transport 

The following transport lines have routes that pass near Coburg Lake Reserve: 

  • Tram: 19 

For more information, visit Public Transport Victoria’s website: transport.vic.gov.au. 

Parking 

There is limited street parking nearby, so be mindful of signs and residents. The car park along Lake Grove is closed, and parking officers will be on patrol. 

Merri-bek City Council encourages you to walk, cycle or use public transport to travel to and from the festival. 

Accessibility 

The Carols by the Lake site is grassed with accessible pathways. Accessible bathrooms are available. The Welcome to Country and opening speeches will have Auslan translations.  

Expect lively music and a friendly, bustling atmosphere, however there is a chill zone located on site, nestled under the trees.  

If you have any specific access or other needs, please ask one of our friendly staff in the pink or black Arts Merri-bek t-shirts.    

Contact the Festivals Team

Festivals Officer
Phone: 9240 1111
Email: festivals@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

For more information about Merri-bek events, follow @Arts Merri-bek on Instagram and Facebook.