Carols by the Lake

Carols by the Lake 2025. Photos by Simon Fazio.

Date: Saturday 5 December 

Time: 6pm–9:30pm 

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

Free entry. All welcome. 

Gather your loved ones and pack a picnic rug for Merri-bek's much-loved family-friendly celebration. Set beside the beautiful Coburg Lake, this free community event brings people of all ages together for an evening of music, carols and festive fun. 

Event Highlights  

  • Hosted by Rodney Gilbert, with performances curated by Musical Director Eugene Ball. 
  • Festive favourites and standout performances from Loretta Miller, Hailey Cramer and Vahideh Eisaei. 
  • Performances by the Merri-bek City Band, Brunswick Secondary College, Coburg High School and University High School choirs. 
  • A special appearance from singing Santa. 
  • Songbooks available from the Glenroy Lions Club for a gold coin donation, so you can sing along to classic carols. 

Enjoy food, music, and community spirit by the lake as we celebrate the start of summer together. 

    • Loretta Miller 
    • Hailey Cramer 
    • Vahideh Eisaei 
    • Merri-bek City Band 
    • Brunswick Secondary College, Coburg High School and University High School Choir   
    • Plus singing Santa!  

  • 6.00pm – Settle In 

    7.00pm – Welcome to Country and Official Speeches  

    7.10pm – Performance One 

    8.15 – 8.45pm – Break  

    8.45 – Performance Two     

    9.30pm – End 

    • 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! 
    • Fawkner SES & Pascoe Vale Rotary BBQ 
    • Authentic vegan Iraqi food by Nohandras Kitchen 
    • Palestinian food from Aheda Kitchen 
    • Sorbet from Taste of Amalfi 
    • Donuts from St.Gerry’s 

Important Information

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

Getting to Carols by the Lake

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

Come to Carols by the Lake by bicycle! 

There is plenty of secure bike parking available near Harry Atkinson Centre. 

You can also avoid traffic by using a bike trail. The closest trails to Coburg Lake are: 

  • Merri Creek Trail 

Public Transport 

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

  • Bus: 526, 530, 534 
  • Tram: 19 
  • Train: UPFIELD Line 

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. 

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.