Carols in the Cathedral
Visitors experience a grand presentation of traditional Christmas music, carols, and readings in the setting of St Paul's Cathedral. Massed choirs, soloists, a chamber orchestra, brass, percussion, and a highland pipe band perform festive works together. The program features classic carols such as 'O Come All Ye Faithful' and 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing' along with works by composers from around the world.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Hours
Fri 8:30 pm; Sat 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
Ages
Recommended for 8+
Neighborhood
Melbourne CBD
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Book as soon as tickets go on sale through Trybooking, because these concerts almost always sell out well in advance.
- Buy all ticket types, including Premium Tickets, through Trybooking on the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic website, as every booking goes through there.
- Arrive in good time, as the doors at St Paul's Cathedral open half an hour before each advertised concert start.
- Choose the Saturday afternoon concert if an evening performance doesn't suit you, since three concerts run across Friday and Saturday.
Special Events & Promotions
- Soprano Rachael Joyce, winner of the 2026 RMP Aria, is a special guest soloist
- Tenor Boyd Owen joins as the second special guest soloist
- Premium Tickets are available through Trybooking
- A Saturday afternoon concert runs alongside the two evening performances
Links & Contact
Run by Royal Melbourne Philharmonic
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What music is on the program?
Traditional carols like 'O Come All Ye Faithful', 'Once in Royal David's City' and 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing', along with Christmas readings. There are also works by composers including Elaine Hagenberg, Kim Andre Arnesen, Lloyd Larson, Dan Forrest and William G. James.
Who's performing?
Andrew Wailes conducts, with soprano Rachael Joyce, winner of the 2026 RMP Aria, and tenor Boyd Owen. Also performing are The National Boys Choir of Australia, the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir, Melbourne University Choral Society and Box Hill Chorale. They're joined by RMP Orchestra soloists, the RMP Brass and Percussion Consort, the City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band, organist Andrew Bainbridge, pianists Stefan Cassomenos and William Schmidt, and readers Roland Rocchiccioli and Julie Houghton.
How do I get tickets?
All tickets, including Premium Tickets, are sold through Trybooking on the RMP website. They go on sale Friday 9 October.
Do the concerts sell out?
Almost always, and well in advance, so book early.
Browse Christmas in Melbourne
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.