Frequently asked questions

Carols by Candlelight will be held on Friday 4 December from 5pm - 9pm at Croom Regional Sporting Complex.

Yes! This is a FREE event, please come along and enjoy some amazing Christmas entertainment! Bring all your friends and family!

This year, Carols by Candlelight will be returning to Croom Regional Sporting Complex. Here are some important parking details to help make your night safe and hassle-free:Entry will be via the East West Link Roundabout ONLY and will be one-way Consider carpooling or cycling in! Bike racks will be availableTraffic Controllers and RFS Volunteers will be onsite to direct and coordinate parking  Accessible parking will be available close to the event site and can be prebookedMultiple car parking options will be available including overflow options and on street parking, all within a short walk to the event zonePlease follow Traffic Controller and RFS directions on the day.Parking map coming soon

We encourage guests to arrive from 5pm to allow plenty of time to find parking and find a place to sit. Kids activities and food trucks will be available from 5pm with the main show kicking off 6pm. We ask that all guests are seated by 5:45pm for the show.

Please head to our stallholder page to view our food options.

We encourage you to bring:Picnic rugs and ground seating  Battery operated candlelights  Hat and sunscreen  Jumpers/jackets  Plenty of Christmas cheer and your letters to Santa!

We kindly ask you to leave the following at home:  Plastic ground cover  Large beach umbrellas  Glass products  Camping pegs of any sort (metal, plastic or wooden), as they damage underground irrigation and are a hazard to picnickers and footballers using the fields  Sparklers/ Fireworks  PetsBBQsBean bags or inflatable furniture

The event is lawn seating only. Patrons are encouraged to bring picnic rugs and seating such as deck/camping chairs with low legs. Please note that high chairs and beach umbrellas cannot be used on the event site.

There will be no fireworks at this year's Carols, however, the night will include plenty of surprises and perhaps a visit from Santa Clause!

We recommend leaving your pets at home if they're anxious or dangerous around crowds or unfamiliar in loud event settings. If you do wish to bring your pet, please ensure it is on a secure leash. All guide dogs and support dogs are welcome!

Carols by Candlelight is an alcohol-free, smoke and vaping-free event.

Yes, a Let's Chat Survey will be made available online as well as displayed onsite and on our social media.

At this event, photos and videos will be recorded by an event photographer. By attending this event, you may be included in these photos or videos. Your attendance at this event grants your permission to be in these photos or videos, which may be used in printed and online publicity, social media, press releases and funding applications. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform the photographer or an event organiser. The event photographer can be identified by wearing a light yellow high vis vest labelled 'event photographer'. You can also visit the information tent and collect a wrist band to place on yourself or your child which will let our photographer know you do not wish to be photographed.

Event staff and security staff will be able to assist with found items. If you lose an item at the event please visit the information tent. The Lost children station is located at the First Aid/Information Tent area where our friendly Girl Guides can assist. You can also report directly to Security or inform Event Staff who will then notify the Police if necessary. After the event you can email events@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au to assist with any lost items.

Yes, Shellharbour Carols By Candlelight may include lighting effects (including flashing lights), and loud noises as part of the show. We encourage attendees to be mindful of this when planning their visit.

Shellharbour City Council welcomes all visitors to Carols by Candlelight and are committed to making the event as safe and accessible as possible for everyone. This year we have enhanced our accessible inclusions to include:  a dedicated accessible parking station that is able to be pre-booked  an accessible entrance point to the event zone  an accessible viewing area that is able to be pre-booked   a sensory tent   accessible amenities in the permanent amenities block and also an additional accessible portaloo  Auslan interpreters on stage that are able to be viewed LIVE on stage via large LCD screens