At a glance
- When
- Saturday 5 December 2026: Christmas Market from 3pm, then the council lists the event as 5:30pm to 9:15pm (Melbourne time, daylight saving)
- Where
- Jells Park, Waverley Rd, Wheelers Hill 3150
- Cost
- Free; the council page has a Register to attend button
- Program
- 3pm pre-show Christmas Market; 5:30pm food and children’s activities; 7:30pm main carols concert; Santa before the end; 9pm fireworks finale
- Supported by
- Eastlink
- Who it’s for
- Families and anyone in Melbourne’s south-east who wants a free carols night with fireworks at Jells Park
- What to do now
- The council’s event page has a Register to attend button
- Last checked
- Saturday 7 November 2026, against the Monash Council event page and the Parks Victoria Jells Park page
- Not yet confirmed
- Parking, public transport and road closures for the night, the performer line-up, and the event’s rules on pets (none are on the council page)
Monash Carols by Candlelight is free and returns to Jells Park on Saturday 5 December 2026, with a Christmas Market from 3pm, the main concert from 7:30pm and fireworks at 9pm. This guide uses only what the City of Monash and Parks Victoria have published, checked on 7 November 2026, and says where neither has given details yet.
What time does everything start?
The council’s Carols by Candlelight page describes the night in five steps:
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| From 3pm | Pre-show Christmas Market with handmade crafts, gifts and festive treats |
| From 5:30pm | Food and children’s activities |
| From 7:30pm | Main carols concert; sing along to Christmas classics |
| Before the night ends | Santa makes a special appearance |
| 9pm | Fireworks finale |
The event listing gives the date and time as Saturday 5 December 2026, 5:30pm to 9:15pm, so the market is the part that opens earlier. The council has not named performers, food vendors or activities.
Do I need to register?
The council calls this a free community event and the page carries a Register to attend button. It does not say how many places are available or whether registration is checked at the gate. The Monash Council Events Team is on 9518 3636 or events@monash.vic.gov.au.
Where is Jells Park, and how do I get there?
The council gives the location as Jells Park, Waverley Rd, Wheelers Hill, 3150. Parks Victoria says Jells Park is in Melbourne’s south-east and that the Dandenong Valley Parklands, which include Jells Park, are a short distance from the Monash Freeway and easily accessible by car. Parks Victoria’s park information line is 13 1963.
| Question | What has been published |
|---|---|
| Parking for the carols | Nothing yet from the council |
| Public transport | Nothing yet from the council |
| Road closures | Nothing yet from the council |
| Performer line-up | Not named |
| Wet-weather plan | Not published |
What is in the park itself?
Parks Victoria describes Jells Park as one of Melbourne’s most popular parks, hosting close to a million visitors each year. It lists picnic areas including the Oaks and Ashes, Stringybark and Pines picnic areas, and two nature-based playspaces. T House, the park’s cafe, offers lake views and seasonal meals, fresh coffee or tea. A fully accessible Changing Places facility is at the Visitor Centre for visitors with high-support needs and their carers. The BlindSquare GPS app is available at Jells Park to help people who are blind or have low vision find their way. Parks Victoria says the Koomba Boardwalk is closed until further notice.
Parks Victoria has not said which of these facilities will be open on the evening of 5 December.
What about dogs?
The Monash event page does not mention pets. Parks Victoria’s general rules for the park say visitors can bring up to four dogs on a lead, dogs are not allowed in playgrounds or the conservation areas, and assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks. Those are the park’s everyday rules, not an announced policy for the carols. The Monash Council Events Team is the council’s contact for the event.
Who supports the event?
The council says the event is proudly supported by Eastlink. It describes the carols as a family tradition, with the market, food, children’s activities, a sing-along concert, Santa and fireworks.
Sources
- City of Monash: Carols by Candlelight (date, program, venue, cost, contact; checked 7 November 2026)
- Parks Victoria: Jells Park (location, access by car, facilities, dog rules; fetched 7 November 2026)
Featured image: Jells Park (photo: User:Fneep / Public domain) (text added)
OZ Local Updates is an independent local guide and is not affiliated with the City of Monash or Parks Victoria. Times and details can change; check the council’s event page before you go.