SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2026
BALLARAT SHOWGROUNDS
6 Rosehill Road Mt Rowan
Just off the A300 (Midlands Highway)
1 minute north of the M8 (Western Freeway)
🎄 Carols is a ticket-free event - no need to book or register🎄
It is also an Alcohol-free family event ​
CAROLS SHUTTLE BUS – Park at Selkirk Stadium and catch the shuttle bus directly to the Showgrounds. The shuttle bus will run continuously from 3pm until 8.45pm. This bus is DDA compliant and provides a great alternative to parking onsite at the Showgrounds.
EVENT INFORMATION
Ballarat Carols by Candlelight is a free event for the community.
Tickets are NOT required.
However, in lieu of an entry fee,
we ask that you donate to our charity partner,
Cafs - Child and Family Services, Ballarat
Gates Open @ 3:00pm for Family Activities
and Pre-Show Entertainment
Main Concert begins at 6:30pm​
GETTING TO THE EVENT
The Ballarat Showgrounds and Events Centre is located in Mount Rowan,
just 10 minutes drive north from the Ballarat city centre.
BY CAR - Drive north on Creswick Road (Midland Highway). The Showgrounds are on the right,
soon after crossing the Melbourne ring road.
BY CAROLS SHUTTLE BUS - Recommended option. Park at Selkirk Stadium, catch the shuttle bus directly to
the Showgrounds. The shuttle bus will run continuously from 3pm until 8.45pm.
BY PUBLIC BUS – Catch the Route 30 bus towards Creswick from Ballarat station, get off at Rosehill Road.
Direction Route 30 Buses at Rosehill Rd/Creswick Rd
Towards Creswick - arriving for Carols 2:36, 3:28, 4:08, 4:48, 5:06, 5:46, 6:26pm
Towards Ballarat Station - returning home 5:09, 5:49, 6:29, 7:09, 7:49, 8:29, 9:09 pm
PARKING
Vehicles enter via Gate 4 Rosehill Road and park in the designated bays. Exit for all vehicles during the event is via Gate 5.
Drop Off Zone – Enter via Gate 3 Rosehill Road for the Drop Off Zone (exit via Gate 2)
Accessible Parking – Enter via Gate 3 or Gate 4 and make your way to the accessible parking near the EMC and Pavillion (we have parking attendants to show you the way)
Please Note: There is limited parking available at the Showgrounds. If arriving later in the afternoon, we recommend parking at Selkirk Stadium and hopping on the free shuttle service.​​
Printable Site Plan
Click on image to expand
ENTERTAINMENT
3.00pm - 8.00pm Urban Market Stalls
100 stalls to browse on the Market arena
3.00pm - 8.00pm​ ​ Food Vans
Along Main Drive - List to be finalised​​
Best local selections to tantalise the tastebuds
3.00pm - 7.00pm​ ​ Candle Sales
Buy your candle, and support ROTARY
Located near the East pedestrian entry gate (Gate 7)
3.00pm - 6.00pm​ ​ Art and Craft
Colouring Christmas activities
for little ones in the Pavillion
3.15pm - 6.15pm​ ​ Kelly Sports
Plenty of fun sporting activities
for kids on the Show Lawn
3.15pm - 4.15pm​ ​ Municipal Brass Band
Playing all your favourite tunes in the Market Arena
3.00pm - 8.00pm CFA, SES, First Aid Training Group
Essential services interactive display
along Main Drive​​​
CAROLS CONCERT
6.30pm - 8.15pm
Featuring talented local artists
and the Ballarat Memorial Concert Band.
NB. More details will be added,
as performers are confirmed.
​
AUSLAN Interpreters
… And
A SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE FROM SANTA!
What can and can't I bring to the venue?
Patrons are permitted to bring the following items to the venue
COMFORTABLE CLOTHING
Comfortable clothing appropriate to the weather, including hats and sunglasses for sun safety and rain-jackets or ponchos in case of rain.
​PRAMS
Prams and Strollers are allowed.
​
SEATING and RUGS
Bring fold out chairs and picnic rugs to make your Carols by Candlelight experience a comfortable one.
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PICNICS
Picnics are welcome in appropriate containers, but NO metal knives or glass; along with your picnic blankets, cushions and umbrellas.
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SEALED WATER & REFRESHMENTS
There are a wide variety of food vans on site, however you are welcome to bring your own food and drink. We encourage you to bring a refillable water bottle to limit the use of single use plastics. Please refrain from bringing alcohol.​​
​
PETS
This event is pet friendly, but animals must be kept on a lead at all time. Please ensure you pick up after your animals.
Patrons are NOT permitted to bring the following items to the venue
ALCOHOL
Ballarat Carols by Candlelight is an alcohol-free event
​
KNIVES OF ANY KIND
Cheese or otherwise!!!
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METAL CUTLERY
Plastic cutlery is permitted
​
DRONES
Or any other flying equipment
​
ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SELL
Any item that you intend (or such quantities of the item from which Ballarat Carols by Candlelight personnel can reasonably infer that you intend) to distribute, hawk, sell, offer, expose for sale or display for marketing or promotional purposes.​
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​ILLICIT SUBSTANCES
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FIRECRACKERS, FLARES, EXPLOSIVES, FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS​
NB. Ballarat Carols by Candlelight personnel have the right to conduct security inspections and refuse entry of such items. Any items found on inspection that are not permitted will need to be disposed of or kept by personnel and returned to patrons upon exit.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Travellers Aid will be onsite to assist those with mobility needs. Simply park in the Accessible Parking Zone and they will be there to help with motorised carts, wheelchairs, and an extra pair of hands.
Accessible Toilets are onsite (no hoist) – for further information on specific needs,
please contact secretaryballaratcarols@gmail.com
AUSLAN viewing area will be set up for the main concert, to the right hand side of the stage.
A quiet room/break out space will be located in the main pavilion near the EMC
A recharge point will be located in the main pavilion near the EMC.
You will be travelling along bitumen pathways and internal roads throughout the venue, however, please prepare to travel across grass which may be uneven, to find your best viewing space in the Carols Arena.
A limited number of plastic chairs, with and without armrests, are provided.