It’s an institution. The Christmas Eve Carols by Candlelight is something that most people either congregate at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl (if they’re in Melbourne) for or cluster around the television to enjoy a night of carols before the big day. It’s a television event everyone can enjoy, and the line-up of talent reflects that. From the press release:

Join TODAY show hosts Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson on Christmas Eve as they present Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight, a show for the whole family to enjoy.

Carols by Candlelight will be broadcast live on Channel Nine from Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday, December 24, at 8.00pm. The annual concert, full of favourite Christmas carols, features some of Australia’s favourite performers.

Stan Walker, making his first appearance as this year’s Carols ambassador, promises to be a standout with his soulful rendition of his favourite Christmas carol. “I’m excited and feel blessed to be part of this Carols by Candlelight because of the opportunity to support an awesome cause like Vision Australia. They help families all around Australia and the work and services they provide are so important,” Stan said.

Now in its 74th year, Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight has become a Christmas tradition for
households around the country. This year audiences will be treated to performances by Ricki-Lee Coulter, Tim Campbell, Anthony Callea, Marina Prior, Troy Cassar-Daley, James Morrison and David Hobson, who will perform their Christmas favourites.

The Music Bowl will be set alight by the cast of Love Never Dies, the Australian Girls Choir, National Boys Choir and The Legends of Rock: Wilbur Wilde, Frankie J. Holden, Wendy Stapleton, Ross Wilson and Russell Morris. The star-studded lineup will again include Denis Walter, Silvie Paladino and Lucy Durack. We also welcome Christie Whelan, Emma Pask and Amy Lehpamer to the spectacular night as they step onto the Carols by Candlelight stage for the first time.

Children’s favourites Hi-5 will keep the little ones entertained, and no night of carols would be complete without a visit from Santa, taking time out from his busy schedule to make a special appearance at the Music Bowl. Carols by Candlelight will again be conducted under the guidance of John Foreman, who is returning for his ninth year as musical director and his third year as one of the show’s producers.

Tickets to Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight have sold out, though rehearsals at the Sidney Myer
Music Bowl will be open to the public on Thursday, December 23, from 3.30pm.

Carols by Candlelight – Sat 8p, Channel 9.