When 12 Mornington Peninsula community organisations were faced with the prospect of no traditional Carols by Candlelight this year because of COVID-19 restrictions, they had to put their Christmas thinking caps on and find a solution fast – and by replacing candlelight with car headlights, Carols by Headlights was born.

Carols by Headlights will be held at the Dromana Drive-In from 9-11pm on December 21, 22 and 23. Each evening’s screening will feature performances by carols groups from across the Peninsula, along with musicians and singers, Peninsula celebrities, and even Santa himself. There will also be prizes for the best-dressed Christmas car. Although the event is free, people will be asked to make a gold-coin donation to the Food for All charity to feed community members in need this Christmas. For those unable to attend the screenings, the Carols by Headlights recording will be available on the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s website at mornpen.vic.gov.au/Christmas

Robyn Clancy, from Rosebud Carols, said the idea came from Lions Club of McCrae member Colin Blyth, and she was heartened by the way all the other carols groups came together to support the concept. “It’s been a very tough year for many, and being able to end the year with some Christmas cheer and traditional song will be a great comfort to many families,” Ms Clancy said. “I think Carols by Headlights will be a special way to celebrate Christmas and I hope families from all over the Peninsula come along to share in the festive cheer.”

Mayor Despi O’Connor said: “Carols performances are a special pre-Christmas ritual for many people and this is a great way to bring everyone together in a COVID-safe way to share in that tradition.”

Tickets to Carols by Headlights are free but bookings are essential. Gates open at 6pm, the event is alcohol-free, and COVID-safe practices will be in place. For more details, go to mornpen.vic.gov.au/Christmas