WHEN

Saturday, 5 December 2026

4:30 pm to 8 pm

WHERE

St Stephen's Willoughby

211 Mowbray Road, Willoughby

ENTRY

Free - Everyone welcome

Come and stay as long as you like

There's something for everyone

Come with the kids, meet up with friends or bring a neighbour along.

01/ MUSIC

Sing your favourites

Carols with local school bands, the community choir and our church band.

02/ FAMILY

Make an afternoon of it

Kids' activities and a petting zoo, with plenty of space to play.

03/ FOOD

Come hungry

Choose dinner from the food trucks or bring your own picnic.

04/ TOGETHER

Gather on the grass

Browse the markets, enjoy live music and settle in with friends.

05/ CHRISTMAS

The Christmas Story

A live nativity and a short message about the hope of Christmas

06/ KINDNESS

♡

Share a little Christmas kindness

Dessert from St Stephen's, with an opportunity to support Anglicare.

Your afternoon & evening

With live music on the central stage and activities around the grounds, there’s plenty to enjoy at your own pace. Browse the market stalls, pick up dinner, explore the petting zoo, or settle onto your picnic rug with family and friends.

Throughout the afternoon and evening, local school bands (Willoughby Public School and Willoughby Girls High School), a local community choir and our church band will bring the stage to life. Later, we’ll gather for a Christmas carol singalong, a live nativity and a short message about the hope of Christmas.

  1. From 4:30 pm

    Food, markets and activities

    Explore the grounds, pick up dinner and enjoy activities at your own pace.

  2. Throughout the afternoon

    Live local performances

    Enjoy music from Willoughby Public School, Willoughby Girls High School, the community choir and St Stephen’s band.

  3. Later in the evening

    Carols and the Christmas story

    Join the carol singalong, watch the live nativity and hear a short message about the hope of Christmas.

  4. 8:00 pm

    Evening concludes

    Head home with a little Christmas cheer.

Dinner, dessert & Christmas Shopping

Pick up dinner, browse the stalls and discover local favourites.

Food Trucks

Dinner options to be announced soon.

Christmas market stalls

Browse local stalls and makers.

Getting Here

St Stephen's Willoughby

211 Mowbray Road, Willoughby, NSW, 2068

Accessible parking is available in our Sydney Street car park.

If you need an accessible parking space, please let us know you’re coming using the form below. Leave a comment mentioning accessible parking and any access needs so our team can help you plan your arrival.

Let us know you're coming

Everything you need to know

Do I need a ticket?

Entry is free. You can sign up below if you’d like us to keep you in the loop as the day gets closer.

Do I have to come to St Stephen’s to attend?

Everyone is welcome! This is a Christmas celebration for the whole neighbourhood, whether you go to church, haven’t been for years or have never been before.

What should I bring?
Bring a picnic rug or low chair, something warm for the evening and your best carol-singing voice. You’re welcome to bring your own picnic, too.
Will there be food?
Yes! Food trucks will be on site, and our church team will have dessert. You can also bring your own food.
Is it suitable for children?
Absolutely. With kids’ activities, a petting zoo and a live nativity, there’s plenty for little ones to enjoy before joining in the carols. Please keep children with you and supervise them throughout the event.
What if I don’t know the carols?
You’ll be in good company! We’ll have a carols booklet so you can follow along. Sing enthusiastically, hum quietly or simply enjoy the music.
Can I come for just part of the evening?
Of course. Drop in for the activities, join us for the carols or stay for the whole evening.
Is the event accessible?
Accessible parking will be available on Sydney Street. Please use the form below and leave a comment about any access needs so we can help you plan your visit.
What happens if it rains?
We’ll post any weather-related updates here. Sign up below to receive updates by email, too.
Who’s putting it on?
Carols on the Grass is hosted by St Stephen’s Willoughby, with help from local performers, businesses and neighbours. We love being part of this community and celebrating Christmas together.
Have another question?
We’d love to help. Contact us at office@st-stephens.com.au

Keep me in the loop!

Want a little Christmas cheer in your inbox?

Leave your details, and we’ll send you more information about Carols closer to the date, including what’s happening, what to bring and any weather-related updates.

Keep me in the loop