The 9Network has announced the first part of its star-studded lineup for the nation’s favourite Christmas Eve tradition, Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight presented by AAMI.

Broadcasting live from the home of the Carols, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Wednesday, December 24, at 8.00pm, hosts David Campbell and Sarah Abo will return to guide Australia through another unforgettable night of festive cheer.

This year the stage will light up with a spectacular array of talent, featuring international stars, Aussie greats, and the hottest acts in musical theatre.

America’s global country sensation, Lainey Wilson, will bring Nashville sparkle to Christmas Eve, fresh from a history-making night at the 2025 CMA Awards, where she swept the field to be crowned Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year. Lainey also won the Album of the Year Award for her chart-topping record, Whirlwind. 

In an exclusive scoop for Australian audiences ahead of her Whirlwind World Tour Down Under next February, she will join host David Campbell for a special performance that promises to be a show-stopping highlight of the night.

In another Carols exclusive, Australian country music star Morgan Evans returns to perform his new Christmas single that honors the Paul Kelly classic.

Also making his Carols debut is award-winning Broadway and TV star Andy Karl, performing with his fiancée Elise McCann, the Australian actor and musical theatre star.

The Carols lineup also includes:

• ARIA Award-winning artist Dami Im
• The cast of the smash-hit MJ The Musical
• Powerhouse vocalist Casey Donovan 
• Critically acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Michael Paytner 
• Children’s favourite Emma Memma

Plus, this year brings dynamic collaborations and audience favourites, including some electric pairings. In a Carols first, much-loved Tim Campbell joins forces with vocal diva Paulini, while the self-proclaimed ‘Kings of Christmas,’ Rob Mills and Bobby Fox return to the stage.

Of course it wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without the legends who have become the heart and soul of Carols by Candlelight. Viewers will welcome back our beloved Carols family; Marina Prior, Silvie Paladino, David Hobson and Denis Walter.

David Campbell said: “Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight is something very special that I look forward to every year. It’s a chance to spread the joy and make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most by raising money for Vision Australia.”

Sarah Abo added: “It’s always such a wonderful night, and I can’t wait to get back to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl to host alongside David and celebrate Christmas Eve with everyone there and our viewers all around Australia.”

Carols by Candlelight is Vision Australia’s biggest annual fundraiser for children’s services, with 100 per cent of profits from ticket sales and donations going directly towards supporting close to 2,000 families with children who are blind or have low vision. Tickets to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl are on sale now and can be purchased via www.carolsbycandlelight.com.au.

VISION AUSTRALIA’S CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT:
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, LIVE AT 8.00PM
ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW
@Channel9 @carolsbycandlelight_aus
#CarolsByCandlelight
To make a donation to Vision Australia visit donatetovision.com

For further information, please contact:
Alexandra Maiolo
9Network Publicity
alexandra.maiolo@nine.com.au 

Monday, 1 December, 2025