Two carols events are scheduled, with the popular Carols by the Merri at Dennington on Friday at the Payne Reserve and the inaugural Koroit Carols by the Railway on Sunday at Koroit Railway Station.

Dennington Community Association president David Kelson said the carols were in its 19^th year.

Performers on the night include choirs from St John’s Primary School, Brauer College, St Pius X Primary School, Emmanuel College and Holiday Actors.

Musicians Kayla Dwyer and Lee Morgan will also take to the stage.

“It’s a family night,” Mr Kelson said.

“Parents and grandparents all come along to watch their children sing.” 

The food court opens at 5.30pm, with the carols starting at 6.30pm. 

A giant inflatable present will be on-site, as part of the TAC’s Be Present campaign.

People will be able to make their own personalised Christmas card with their promise to their family and friends to be present this Christmas.

Santa will also make an appearance at the riverside event. Koroit’s carols will run from 3pm to 5pm.

The town has not had a community Christmas event since Koroit Health Services last hosted a carols by candlelight event in 2010. 

The Koroit Lions Club in partnership with the Koroit Irish Festival have organised Koroit Carols by the Railway. 

Kayla Dwyer, Tiosav Joy, Monique Brown, Barbara Brooks and Milly Morrow, Louis Chilton and Indie and Hudson Buckle will play carols and other songs to entertain the crowd.

The Irish festival’s involvement means there will be a green tinge to the Christmas celebrations.

This will include an Irish Santa as well as Irish Christmas presents to give away to patrons. 

There will also be a Christmas joke competition and the Colour Angel will be in attendance. 

People can bring their own food, drink, picnic rug or chair.