Held under the famous 150 year old Norfolk Island Pine tree on the grounds of The Old Rectory in Jacaranda Street, the event will see carols such as Silent Night, O Come All ye Faithful, We Wish you a Merry Christmas and Joy to the World sung by young and old. 

The night will also see the important town tradition of lighting the Christmas tree, which, for the community, is a symbol of the spirit of Christmas.

Christmas lights have shone from this tree, the tallest Norfolk Island Pine in the southern hemisphere, since 1961. This year it is adorned with around one-tonnes worth of lights and twelve drop lights.

For the first time, residents of Raymond Terrace will also enjoy the addition of a laser light display projected onto the former St John's Rectory.

The Christmas carols, which is supported by the combined churches of Raymond Terrace, is in it’s 3^rd year and is a popular event among the local community. 

Pastor Tim Blatch, from Raymond Terrace Community Church, says the carols are about “celebrating what Christmas means to us – that it is a time when Christ comes to bring us light and hope.”

For Jasmine, aged six, this time of year is extra special. “I love singing the carols with all of my friends”, she said.

One lucky child, selected via a ticketing system on the night, will be chosen to turn on the Christmas lights, which have been provided by Port Stephens Council. Once the lights have been lit, residents in several directions, many kilometres away will be able to see them. 

The carols begin at 7.30pm, but for those who want to stake out a top spot, it’s best to arrive earlier.

The Lions Club will have a trailer set up with food, and there will be an opportunity to purchase a candle. The event is proudly supported by the Raymond Terrace Bowling Club. 

Port Stephens Council is in the process of installing a new display down at Victoria Parade in Nelson Bay. 15 lasers have been mounted on purpose-built poles at the site. The official lighting of the Nelson Bay display will be later this week.