Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
’round yon virgin mother and child!
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
heav'nly hosts sing, “Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!”

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
radiant beams from Thy holy face
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!

Silent night! Holy night!
Wondrous star, lend thy light;
with the angels let us sing
"Alleluia" to our King:
“Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born.”

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where
 He lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes,
I love Thee, Lord Jesus. Look down from the sky
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay
Close by me for ever and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.

You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why...
Santa Claus is coming to town!

He's making a list,
And checking it twice,
Gonna find out,
Who's naughty or nice.
Santa Claus is coming to town!

He sees you when you're sleeping,
He knows when you're awake.
He knows if you've been bad or good,
So be good for goodness sake!

Oh...
You better watch out,
You better not cry
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why...
Santa Claus is coming to town!

With little tin horns,
And little toy drums.
Rooty-toot-toots,
And rummy tum tums.
Santa Claus is coming town!

And curly-haired dolls,
That toddle and coo,
Elephants, boats,
And kiddie cars too.
Santa Claus is coming to town!

The kids in girl and boy land,
Will have a jubilee.
They're gonna build a toyland town
All around the Christmas tree.

Sooo. . . .
You better watch out,
You better not cry.
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why...
Santa Claus is coming...
Santa Claus is coming...
Santa Claus is coming to town!

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer,
Had a very shiny nose.
And if you ever saw it,
You would even say it glows.

All of the other reindeer,
Used to laugh and call him names.
They never let poor Rudolph,
Play in any reindeer games.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve,
Santa came to say,
"Rudolph with your nose so bright,
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"
Then how the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee,
"Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer,
You'll go down in history!"

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer,
Had a very shiny nose.
And if you ever saw it,
You would even say it glows.

All of the other reindeer,
Used to laugh and call him names.
They never let poor Rudolph,
Play in any reindeer games.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve,
Santa came to say,
"Rudolph with your nose so bright,
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"
Then how the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee,
"Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer,
You'll go down in history!"

Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bobtails ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight

Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh, hey
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh

Now the ground is white
Go it while you're young
Take the girls tonight
And sing this sleighing song
Just get a bobtailed bay
Two forty as his speed
Hitch him to an open sleigh
And crack, you'll take the lead

Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh, hey
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh

O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie;
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark street shineth
The everlasting light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee to-night.

For Christ is born of Mary;
And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep the angels keep;
Their watch of wond’ring love.
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth;
And praises sing to God our
King And peace to men on earth.

O holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in,
Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel.

O come all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye,
O come ye To Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him
Born the King of Angels.
Refrain: O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation;
Sing, all ye citizens Of Heaven above.
Glory to God,
In the highest.
Refrain: O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
Jesus to Thee be glory giv’n
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing
Refrain: O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Once in Royal David's city
Stood a lowly cattle shed
Where a mother laid her baby
In a manger for his bed
Mary was that mother's mild
Jesus Christ, her little Child

He came down to earth from heaven
Who is God and Lord of all
And His shelter was a stable
And His cradle was a stall
With the poor, and mean, and lowly
Lived on earth, our Savior holy

And through all His wonders childhood
He would honor and obey
Love and watch the lowly maiden
In whose gentle arms he lay
Christian children all must be
Mild, obedient, good as He

For He is our childhood's pattern
Day by day, like us, He grew
He was little, weak, and helpless
Tears and smiles, like us He knew
And He feeleth for our sadness
And He shareth in our gladness

And our eyes at last shall see Him
Through His own redeeming love
For that Child so dear and gentle
Is our Lord in heaven above
And He leads His children on
To the place where He is gone

Not in that poor lowly stable
With the oxen standing by
We shall see Him (we shall see Him) but in heaven (but in heaven)
Set as God's right hand on high
When like stars his children crowned
All in white shall we around

Ding Dong! Merrily on high,
The Christmas bells are ringing,
Ding Dong! Joyously reply,
The angels all are singing.
Gloria….. Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria….. Hosanna in excelsis!

Ding Dong! Carol all the bells,
Ring out the Christmas story,
Ding Dong! Sound the glad noel,
God’s Son has come in glory.
Gloria….. Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria….. Hosanna in excelsis!

Praise Him! People far and near,
And join the angels’ singing,
Ding Dong! Ev’ry where we hear,
The Christmas bells a ringing.
Gloria….. Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria….. Hosanna in excelsis!

The first Noel, the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Refrain: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel; Born is the King of Israel.

They look-ed up, and saw a star
Shining in the east beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.

Refrain: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel; Born is the King of Israel

Then entered in the wise men three,
Full rev’rently upon their knee,
And offered there, in His presence,
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Refrain: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel; Born is the King of Israel

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our Heavenly Lord
That hath made heav’n and earth of nought
And with His blood mankind hath bought.

Refrain: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel; Born is the King of Israel

Joy to the world, the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King,
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n and heav’n and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Saviour reigns;
Let men their song employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, and wonders of His love.

We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.

Chorus:
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.

Now bring us some figgy pudding,
Now bring us some figgy pudding,
Now bring us some figgy pudding
And bring some out here.

Chorus:
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year. 

For we all like figgy pudding,
For we all like figgy pudding,
For we all like figgy pudding,
So bring some out here.

Chorus:
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.

And we won’t go until we’ve got some,
And we won’t go until we’ve got some,
And we won’t go until we’ve got some,
So bring some out here.

Chorus:
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.

Adam Thompson is best known for his success with Australian rock band Chocolate Starfish. With Adam as the band’s front man, Chocolate Starfish earned two Top 10 singles and two Top 5 albums, with Gold and Platinum album sales for their self-titled debut. This album spawned their number one hit, “You’re So Vain”, and Top 5 hit “Mountain”, and earned them an Australian Music Award (ARIA) for Most Popular Album of 1994.

Social responsibility plays a major role in Adam’s life, and he flourishes as the founder and creator of MusoMagic, a group song writing platform that engages people of all ages and backgrounds in creative exploration and expression. From school classrooms, remote Indigenous communities, Indian shelter homes to large-scale corporate events, MusoMagic has influenced thousands of people all over the world. Adam has also founded his own charity, MUSIKARMA, to use music as a catalyst for providing opportunities for personal growth, education and training for youth.

Awaken Dance Theatre Company are entering their 8th year producing new and innovative dance theatre works right here in Shepparton. Awaken are a local not-for-profit group, who provide collaborative dance performance opportunities for Goulburn Valley regional youth from ages 12-20 years under the creative direction of Kyla McGregor. A highlight this year for Awaken was being invited to open as the curtain raiser for The Australian Ballet during their Regional tour. Awaken Dance Theatre Company are excited to be a part of Carols by Candlelight for the second year and are also looking forward to begin creating their newest upcoming project work, titled "Dance Interactive", which will be performed in April 2024 as a part of the Shepparton Festival.

Fortessima is a vocal quartet made up of Artists from right here in the GV. Formed more than 10 years ago, in response to their love, passion and desire for quality, unique live music, the girls knew they had something very special. With their stunning four part harmonies, Fortessima’s sound has been described as “breathtaking” and “magical.” The girls hope to see their music continue to draw people together and inspire others to follow their dreams and do what makes them happy.

This year comprising of Emma-Jane Law, Jamie-Lea, Hannah McGee, Sophie Fimmel and accompanied by, Mitchell Allen, Gabe Chowanetz and Nathan Symes, this will be Fortessima’s 10th year performing at Shepparton Carols and they’re honoured to grace the stage once again. 

GV Pipes & Drums practice at The Hub in Mooroopna and are committed to fostering the cultural and musical art of piping and drumming and would welcome new members. Contact Sec. Eileen on 0420 350 216

Well-known staple of the Goulburn Valley Theatre and music scene, Nicky is m a life member of STAG and also a multiple Georgie award winner. She has performed year after year at Shepparton Carols and every time blows us away with her incredible talent and stage presence.

The Greater Shepparton Combined Churches Band is a small representation of our region’s diverse range of Christian churches. Coming together for Carols, this group unites musicians and singers (and a couple of ministers) from at least 7 local churches.

Ray has been singing since the age of 6. Influenced by a very talented Mum he had singing & piano lessons from a young age when his passion for music began.

At the age of 18 Ray moved to Melbourne to study, whilst there, Ray performed regularly at university functions and private events, as part of a duo and also a full band that entertained playing covers and original music.

Ray moved to Shepparton in 2007 and now has a wonderful wife Alison and 3 beautiful kids, Bella, Zac & Evie. Ray works locally and musically you will find him performing with acoustic guitar in hand, at various local venues, weddings, and private functions. 

Ryan and Michelle Black love the Goulburn valley and its wonderful community. They have been performing together for over 20 years. Upon first meeting each other, they quickly discovered a mutual passion for music and songwriting. Since then they have performed at many local and national events, including Shepparton Festival, 3630 Festival, Winter Sessions and World Youth Day.

They have been involved with STAG, recorded with various artists, released their own album, and collaborated with many incredible people, including an opportunity to perform their original song "Inspired" with Orchestra Victoria. Ryan and Michelle love the creative networks that have allowed them to do music alongside lots of wonderful, talented and very dear friends, including tonight. They are very excited and grateful to be a part of the 50th year celebration of Carols by Candlelight.

Sean is delighted to return to Carols after a few years break. Sean is often seen in Musical Theatre all throughout the region. This year he received 3 Georgy nominations for his roles as Shrek in EMTC and Warbucks in Annie with SPW. He loves Christmas and the joy it brings.  

Shepparton Concert Band, previously known as Shepparton Brass and Wind, are made up of talented local musicians, with a common interest in sharing their music with our local community and afar. They serve the community at ANZAC Day & Australia Day celebrations and have been a huge part of Shepparton Carols for many years. They’re always happy to accept new members, and you can find them through Google or Facebook.

Shepp Sings! started on April 25 of last year and has grown to over 40 active members. The choir is led by experienced local musician Clifton Boschetti with the support of accompanists Lindy Tennant and Graeme Brewer. The group sings a large variety of songs with an overarching theme of connection. Shepp Sings rehearses on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7pm at the Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre, and members enjoy evenings of song, fun and friendship. The choir regularly perform at various community events and also enjoy entertaining at retirement homes.

New members are always welcome, and all you need to join is a love of singing, as no prior experience or auditions are required. 

Shepp Sings are delighted to be here tonight, and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Sophie Fimmel was born in Shepparton and has always called it home. She has been singing and entertaining the region for many years and has been apart of carols by candlelight for 10 years now. She is a very familiar face in the region and has graced our stage singing with Fortessima and various other roles. She is privileged to be MCing an event she holds so dear to her heart. 

Stephanie Durden has over 20 years’ experience in the music and performance industry, having been trained by a number of different leading vocalists and performance teachers along the way. Throughout her journey as a musician, she has had the privilege of showcasing her talent interstate and around the world. Steph is extremely excited to be performing at this year's Shepparton Carols by Candlelight. 

Tina Pellegrino blessed with the opportunity to sing in the Goulburn Valley since her primary school days at Harston. Performing in Tatura, Toolamba, Mooroopna and Shepparton over the years at many community celebrations, Tina is a proud participant of the music ministry at St Brendan’s Catholic Church. Singing Peace and Love to you all!