Community Christmas Carols 2025

Sun 7 Dec 4:30pm - 9:00pm

Community

SAVE THE DATE! Avondale School and Watagan Park are proud to present the return of Community Christmas Carols, Sunday, December 7, featuring beloved children’s artist, Emma Memma. 

There will be food, fun, Santa, music, and a fireworks spectacular. And entry to this family-friendly event is free!

Gates open at Avondale School from 4.30pm

It's Emma Memma at Community Christmas Carols 2025!

Empowering the next generation through movement, creativity, inclusiveness, and friendship. Emma Memma, with her love of dance, sign language and music, brings visual communication to the forefront of the children’s media space.

Dancer and filmmaker Emma Watkins began her performance career early from the age of 3 nurturing her love of dance and movement.

Emma studied at The McDonald College for the Performing Arts, Sydney Film School, ED5 International and at the University of Technology Sydney completing her Masters in Media Arts and Communication. Recently she has received her Doctorate in Philosophy - integrating sign language and dance for children’s screen media.

Emma Memma focuses on a new generation of communication, where she and her friends navigate challenges and adventure using sign language, choreographed dance narratives, gesture, mime, singing, speaking, listening, making craft and drawing.

Gates open from 4.30pm for a 5.30pm Pre-show, followed by the main event from 7.00pm. Limited parking close to venue via Watagan Park (follow the signs).

Please note this is a Family-friendly event. Pets, alcohol, or smoking/vaping NOT permitted.

Community Christmas Carols Wishing Tree

For generations, The Salvation Army has worked alongside local communities to bring hope and joy to people in need at Christmas. The Avondale School Community Christmas Carols Wishing Tree is a fun, interactive way for children and families to give back and celebrate the true meaning of the season. The Wishing Tree will be located at the Avondale School Information tent.

Give a Gift

With your gifts in tow, please head to the Wishing Tree stall at the Avondale School Information tent and place a Wishing Tree sticker on your gift. A Salvation Army representative will collect the gifts and oversee their distribution to local families and individuals in need. We kindly ask that gifts are not wrapped, as this helps us ensure they are appropriate for the recipient. The Appeal is unable to accept used or second-hand gifts.

Fireworks Spectacular

We’re excited to be bringing this much-loved event back to the grounds of Avondale School, and we truly value your role as part of our local community. We also understand that events of this size can bring some temporary inconvenience due to increased visitor numbers and vehicle traffic. To help manage this, traffic controllers will be operating in the area, but please be aware there may still be some minor interruptions.

As in previous years, the evening will conclude with a fireworks display—a highlight for many attendees, though we recognise it can be disruptive for nearby residents. We have made every effort to position the fireworks as far from homes as possible. If you have pets, we kindly ask that you keep them safely indoors during this time. The display is scheduled for approximately 9:00pm and will last for about 8 minutes.

Security

Please note that due to the nature of this event and the ethos of Avondale School, the following items are prohibited on the premises. There will be security bag checks at entry checkpoints. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Disclaimer

Attendees are advised that access to and from the event requires the use of public roads. Parking is undertaken at the attendee’s own risk, and Avondale School accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage, theft, or incident involving vehicles or property. Attendees are encouraged not to leave valuables in vehicles or unattended. To the extent permitted under the laws of New South Wales and the Australian Consumer Law, Avondale School excludes all liability for any injury, loss, damage, or incident arising from or connected with travel to, from, parking for, or attendance at the event. Nothing in this notice is intended to exclude or limit any liability that cannot be lawfully excluded.

About Community Christmas Carols

Avondale School’s Community Christmas Carols has been a beloved annual tradition since 2014, proudly welcoming the festive season with warmth, joy, and community spirit. Held in early December, this family-focused event has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated celebrations, consistently attracting crowds of over 5,000 people each year.

What began as a local initiative has evolved into a community celebration of Christmas that blends professional entertainment with local involvement. Audiences have been treated to high-calibre performances from renowned headline artists, including Justine Clarke, Harrison Craig, Colin Buchanan, The Beanies, Bella Taylor-Smith, and Chris Sebastian — each bringing their own unique style and festive cheer to the stage.

The event opens with a vibrant pre-show featuring talented members of the local community, followed by a heart-warming program of classic carol sing-a-longs, accompanied by live music and performances from Avondale School’s own ensembles, adding a special touch of school pride and spirit.

The grounds transform into a festive hub with a wide variety of food vendors, offering everything from crowd favourites to seasonal treats. Families can also enjoy carnival rides and stalls, creating a joyful atmosphere for all ages to enjoy.

A highlight of the evening is a special appearance by Santa, delighting children and bringing that unmistakable sense of Christmas wonder. The celebration concludes with a fireworks spectacular, lighting up the night sky in a dazzling finale that leaves attendees with lasting memories.

With something for everyone — from toddlers to grandparents — Avondale School’s Community Christmas Carols is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of community, connection, and celebrating Jesus, the reason for the season.