Hills alive with carols

Perennial favourites at Carols in the Yarra Valley - Santa and his CFA elves. 132016_01. Picture: KATH GANNAWAY

By KATH GANNAWAY

THE Yarra Valley will be lit up throughout December with communities coming together to celebrate Christmas with traditional Carols by Candlelight events.
With carols taking place over the next two weekends from Yarra Glen through to Warburton from smaller gatherings to major events, there is a wide selection to pick the event that suits your family, and your busy calendar.
Sunday, 14 December
SEVILLE Water Park will provide plenty of sparkle for the Wandin/Seville Carols by Candlelight. Activities start at 6.30pm. Join in the community singing and catch up with the local CFA volunteers at the sausage sizzle.
WOORI YALLOCK Presbyterian Church is hosting Carols by Candlelight as part of their Christmas activities at the church in Healesville-Kooweerup Road.
As an added gift, their Christmas Nativity and Light Display is on every night until 31 December.
YARRA GLEN. Head down to McKenzie Reserve for another wonderful night with a great band, local artists and schools and, of course, Santa.
The carols this year includes the pre-event kids’ fun with a jumping castle and face painting and, for older ‘kids’ a car show, featuring some much-loved historic cars.
The fun and food starts at 5.30pm with carols at 7.30pm.
Friday, 19 December
POWELLTOWN community celebrates with a service and carols in the Powelltown Union Church. Everyone is invited to join the local community as they get together for Christmas. The service starts at 7.30pm, followed by supper.
Take along a plate to share at supper.
Saturday, 20 December.
WARBURTON at the football oval. Take along your rugs, chairs and picnic dinners and prepare to be entertained at the Yarra Valley’s biggest free event. Featuring an incredible line-up, this year’s carols night promises to be the best yet with plenty to do for the kids – face-painting, crafts and a visit from the big man in red. Food and drink will be available for purchase on the night. Pre-carols entertainment begins at 7pm.
HEALESVILLE celebrates with Christmas in the Park at Queens Park starting at 4.30pm with kids rides, photos with Santa from 5pm to 7.30pm and carols at 8pm. Food and drinks will be available. Guest artists are Wilbur Wilde, Maria Mercedes, Levi McGrath, Exploded View, Peter Brocklehurst and the Salvation Army Band.