Lighting Up the Night: Carols by Candlelight with LED Candles and Glow Sticks

There’s something truly magical about Carols by Candlelight—the warm summer air, familiar festive songs drifting through the twilight, and a sea of flickering lights gently swaying to the rhythm of holiday cheer. It’s a cherished Australian tradition that brings communities together to celebrate the spirit of Christmas under the stars.

In recent years, many of these beloved events have swapped traditional wax candles for LED candles and glow sticks, making the celebrations safer, more colourful, and even more enchanting. Whether you’re attending a big city concert or a small local gathering, adding glow products to Carols by Candlelight events has become a bright idea that everyone can get behind.

Here’s why this glowing trend is taking off, and how to get the most out of your next carols night with light-up fun for the whole family.

Carols by Candlelight has long been a staple of Australian Christmas culture, with roots going back to the 1930s. Traditionally, crowds would gather in parks, amphitheatres, or school ovals, lighting real candles as they sang along to classic carols. It was beautiful—but not without its downsides.

With hot summer nights, young children, and dry grassy environments, open flames can pose fire risks. Enter the humble LED candle and its festive sidekicks: glow sticks, light-up wands, and glowing headbands. These battery-powered or chemical light alternatives bring all the charm and none of the danger—and they’re reusable, mess-free, and endlessly fun.

If you’ve ever juggled a dripping wax candle while trying to sing and keep your kids in check, you know it’s not always a relaxing experience. Here’s why LED candles are the preferred choice:

No fire risk: Perfect for bushfire-prone areas or large crowds.
Kid-friendly: Even toddlers can safely carry them without fear of burns or spills.
Reusable: Many LED candles (like our AA LED Candle) can be used again year after year.
Weatherproof: A sudden breeze or drizzle won’t snuff them out.

Plus, they flicker just like real flames, giving you all the ambience without any of the hassle.

Beyond LED candles, glow products have become a huge part of the Carols by Candlelight experience. Children especially love collecting and wearing glowing gear, and organisers often sell glow sticks and novelty lights as part of event fundraising efforts.

Popular glowing products include:

Glow stick bracelets and necklaces – Great for kids and easy to spot in a crowd.
Flashing wands and batons – Perfect for waving to the beat of the music.
LED reindeer antlers or Santa hats – A glowing twist on festive fashion.
Glow balloons – For decoration or gentle play during the event.

The glow brings an element of playfulness to the evening, turning the park into a softly glowing sea of light that’s both magical and memorable.

Carols by Candlelight is more than just a concert—it’s a holiday experience. Here’s how to make the most of it with your glow gear in hand:

1. Arrive Early
Find a good spot, lay down a picnic rug or folding chairs, and let the kids get familiar with the surroundings before the lights go down.

2. Bring Your Own Glow Pack
While many events sell glow products on site, bringing your own means you can skip the lines and save money. Create a glow pack for each child with a candle, a necklace, and one “fun” item like a wand or headband.

3. Dress for Comfort and Glow
Light, breathable clothes are best for warm evenings, and wearing light colours helps reflect the glow from accessories. You can also decorate clothes or hats with glow tape or LED pins for extra fun.

4. Snack Smart
Pack glow-in-the-dark straws or glowing drink cups for a fun twist on your usual picnic. Glow items are especially handy for helping little ones find their snacks and water bottles once it gets dark.

5. Join the Chorus
Many carols events provide printed lyric sheets or digital guides via QR codes. Light up your candle, sway to the music, and join your neighbours in singing classic favourites like Silent Night, O Holy Night, and Jingle Bells—because nothing says Christmas quite like a chorus under the stars.

Many Carols by Candlelight events raise money for important causes, like children’s hospitals, community services, or emergency support programs. Buying official glow products at the event can directly support these charities, so it’s a great way to spread holiday cheer and give back.

Whether you’re a long-time carols attendee or heading to your first one this year, embracing LED candles and glow gear is a fun, safe, and meaningful way to enjoy the event. These glowing accessories don’t just light up the night—they help create memories, encourage community spirit, and remind us of the joy in coming together to celebrate something bigger than ourselves.

So pack the picnic, gather the family, and don’t forget the glow sticks. This year, let your light shine—and let the music glow.