One of Sydney’s most cherished Christmas traditions, The Salvos Carols in the Domain, returns this Saturday, 20 December, broadcasting live from 8.00pm on Seven and 7plus, with Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington at the helm.
But this year’s event carries a deeper emotional weight.
Following the tragic events at Bondi Beach last Sunday, the 2025 Carols will include a special moment of reflection, with the traditional candle lighting ceremony adapted to honour the victims, alongside several songs dedicated to those lost.
A night of music and meaning
For more than four decades, Carols in the Domain has been a marker of joy, ritual and family tradition. This year, it also became a space for a collective pause.
Barr said the significance of the night has shifted in the wake of recent events.
“After such a deeply challenging time for so many Australians, and with the heartbreaking loss of innocent lives still fresh in our minds, this year’s event feels more important than ever,” she said.
“It’s a chance for us to pause, to honour those we’ve lost, and to stand together as a community, whether in the Domain or at home, for a night of reflection and the enduring spirit of Christmas.”
Shirvington echoed the sentiment, describing the event as a symbol of the city’s resilience.
“The Salvos Carols in the Domain has always been a night of joy and tradition, but this year it’s a powerful symbol of resilience,” he said.
“Sydney is a city that rallies together, and this event is our chance to show that spirit through music. It’s about reminding ourselves that even in tough times, we can create moments of hope and connection.”
A historic first for the event
This year also marks a milestone moment in the event’s 43-year history, with The Salvation Army joining as the official naming partner for the first time.
Executive Producer Michael McKay said the partnership reflects the role the event plays beyond entertainment.
“In times of tragedy, Carols in the Domain serves as a place where the community can come together, sing together, even cry together,” McKay said.
“Where kids can wonder at the magic of Christmas and adults can relive their favourite childhood Christmas memories.”
He said the acknowledgement of last Sunday’s events would be handled with care.
“Carols will gently acknowledge last Sunday’s tragic events through moments of reflection, including songs dedicated to those affected and a special lighting ceremony,” McKay said.
“Just as importantly, it will be a night where families, and especially young children, can feel comforted by the familiarity, warmth and togetherness that Christmas brings.”
An all-star line-up takes the stage
Joining Barr and Shirvington is a wide-ranging line-up spanning generations and genres.
Confirmed performers include The Wiggles, Kate Miller-Heidke, Leo Sayer, and Marcia Hines, alongside a mix of emerging talent and established favourites.
Other performers set to appear include:
Alyssa Delpopolo, Budjerah, Hugh Sheridan, Erin Holland, James Johnston, Jaedyn Randell, Jael Wena, Jayme-Lee Hanekom, Kym Johnson-Herjavec, Layla Schillert, Mark Vincent, Patrick Roberts, with Chong Lim AM returning as Music Director.
The night will also feature performances from the Sydney Youth Orchestra, Australian Girls Choir, Young Stars of Australian Opera, Rejoice Gospel Choir, The Salvation Army Choir, Carols in the Domain Choir, the Carols All Star Band, and cast members from Back to the Future: The Musical – Javon King, Ashleigh Benach and Axel Duffy.
Extending the carols experience
Adding to the festive offering, New Idea returns as the official print partner of The Salvos Carols in the Domain, with this week’s issue featuring a 16-page souvenir event guide, including a free carols songbook, a run-down of the night’s performances and exclusive interviews with Barr and Shirvington.
As Sydney prepares to gather – in the Domain and across living rooms nationwide – this year’s Carols promises something more than celebration: a shared moment of remembrance, resilience and hope.
Main image: Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington