At a glance
- When
- Saturday 12 December 2026, 4:30pm to 9:30pm (Melbourne time, daylight saving)
- Where
- Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully
- Cost
- Free, and unticketed: the council says to just turn up
- Program
- 4:30pm free kids activities, entertainment and food trucks; 7pm main show; 9:30pm fireworks finale
- Bring
- A picnic rug, low back chairs or back rests, an LED candle or torch, and your best Christmas attire
- Not allowed
- The event is drug, alcohol, smoke and vape free; leave pets at home (assistance dogs welcome)
- Who it’s for
- Families and anyone in Melbourne’s outer east who wants a free carols night with fireworks in Ferntree Gully
- What to do now
- The council posts updates on the Knox Arts and Events Facebook and Instagram pages
- Last checked
- Saturday 7 November 2026, against two Knox City Council pages
- Not yet confirmed
- Public transport, parking and road closures (the council has not published any), the performer line-up, and the wet-weather plan
Knox Carols is free and unticketed, runs from 4:30pm to 9:30pm on Saturday 12 December 2026 at Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully, with the main show at 7pm and fireworks at 9:30pm. This guide uses only what Knox City Council has published, checked on 7 November 2026, and says plainly where the council has not yet given details. For two other carols nights in Melbourne’s east, see our Manningham Carols guide and our Maroondah Carols guide.
What time does everything start?
The council’s Knox Carols page gives a three-part program:
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 4:30pm | Free kids activities, entertainment and food trucks start |
| 7pm | Main show starts |
| 9:30pm | Fireworks finale |
The council describes the evening as live performances from local talent, a special visit from Santa, food trucks, kids’ activities and carols under the stars. It says you can come for dinner, with food and beverages for sale. The council has not named any performers, food trucks or activities.
Do I need a ticket?
No. The council says this is a free, unticketed event and to just turn up.
What should I bring?
- A picnic rug, low back chairs or back rests.
- An LED candle or torch.
- Your best Christmas attire.
The council says Knox Carols is a drug, alcohol, smoke and vape free event, and asks you to leave pets at home. Assistance dogs are welcome. The council notes a fireworks display around 9:30pm.
Where is Wally Tew Reserve, and what is there?
The council’s page gives the location only as Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully. A Knox news item from Monday 9 February 2026 says the reserve is home to major events including Knox Fest and Carols, and is the home ground for the Ferntree Gully Eagles Football Netball Club and the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club.
The same item says the major upgrade of the two-storey Wally Tew Pavilion is complete. It lists a new kiosk, an upgraded umpire’s room, kitchen, social room and female-friendly changeroom amenities, an expanded veranda, new accessible toilets and a new external staircase. Improvements to the adjacent oval playing surface are also complete. The council has not said which of these facilities will be open on the night of the carols.
How do I get there and where do I park?
The council has not published public transport, parking, drop-off or road closure information for Knox Carols. Neither of its two carols pages mentions them.
| Question | What the council has published |
|---|---|
| Public transport | Nothing yet |
| Parking | Nothing yet |
| Road closures | Nothing yet |
| Performer line-up | Local talent and Santa; no names |
| Wet-weather plan | Nothing yet |
Who supports the event, and where do I get updates?
The council says Knox Carols is proudly supported by principal partner Community Bank Ferntree Gully. For news, it points to Knox Arts and Events on Facebook (facebook.com/knoxartsandevents) and Instagram (instagram.com/knoxartsandevents), and offers a subscription to the Knox Arts and Events news. Council Customer Service is on 9298 8000.
Sources
- Knox City Council: Knox Carols (date, time, program, rules, what to bring; checked 7 November 2026)
- Knox City Council: Knox Carols 2026 event listing (date, time, venue, cost, contact; checked 7 November 2026)
- Knox City Council: Fresh upgrade scores big at Wally Tew Reserve (news, 9 February 2026)
Featured image: Ferntree Gully railway station, westbound view (photo: LachlanTansey / CC BY 4.0) (text added)
OZ Local Updates is an independent local guide and is not affiliated with Knox City Council. Times and details can change; check the council’s event page before you go.