Can you believe we're only six months away from Christmas?
As July approaches, planning is already underway for another festive season across Camden. Before the Christmas lights return to our streets and the celebrations begin once again in November, it's the perfect time to look back at a special milestone for Camden Village.
Just over six months ago, Spirit of Camden proudly presented the inaugural Greater Narellan Business Chamber Carols by Camdenlight, transforming Camden Town Farm into a magical Christmas destination for families from across the Macarthur region.
Despite soaring December temperatures and several major carols events taking place across the region on the very same day, the Camden community embraced the celebration. Families gathered under the trees to enjoy an afternoon and evening filled with music, entertainment and festive cheer.
Originally scheduled to begin at 3.30pm, the program was delayed by an hour to ensure everyone could enjoy the event safely in the extreme heat. The extra wait was well worth it.
The festivities opened with performances including St John's Maiden Chorus and The Honey Sippers, before Big Al's Rock and Roll Dance Studio gave the audience a preview of the excitement to come with SPINOUT Rock and Roll Festival.
As the sun began to set, the Spirit of Camden Big Band, under the musical direction of Spirit of Camden Chair Matt Glynn, delivered a spectacular Christmas concert featuring festive favourites including All I Want for Christmas Is You, Boogie Woogie Santa Claus, Joy to the World and a rousing finale of Jingle Bells.
Adding to the evening were outstanding performances from some of the region's finest vocalists, including Craig Davidson, Fiona Treloar, Rowena Michael, Tamara Rowland and Laura Grdic, all expertly hosted by local MC Glenn Mallanta.
But Carols by Camdenlight was much more than a concert.
Visitors explored Sugar Plum Alley, filled with Christmas market stalls, desserts and food vendors, while The Estate's iconic silver bullet caravan anchored the popular Festive Cheer Garden. Children delighted in meeting Santa and his elves, having their faces painted and discovering one of the event's most memorable attractions — Candy Cane Lagoon, complete with real Christmas mermaids entertaining families throughout the afternoon.
To make the community feel part of the performance, songbooks were available so everyone could sing along as the evening unfolded, creating a truly shared Christmas experience.
The inaugural event was proudly presented by Spirit of Camden and made possible through the generous support of the Greater Narellan Business Chamber as the Platinum Naming Rights Sponsor and Watson Law (Gold Sponsor), demonstrating what can be achieved when local organisations come together to create memorable experiences for the community.
Full List of Sponsors -
Platinum - Greater Narellan Business Chamber
Gold - Watson Law
Silver - Belgenny Farm by Forte, Tyre Power, McGrath Camden
Bronze - Michelle Roffe Funerals, Carrington Care, Marsdens Law Group Camden, Quality Tree Services
In kind sponsors - The Estate, Powder Monkey Brewing Co, Enchanted Trove, Capture Later, The Production Command, Camden Hire, The Celebration Society, Southern Cross Truck Rentals, Big Als Rock and Roll, Camden Lions Club, Woolworths Camden, Easy Signs.
Government Sponsors - NSW Government 24 Hour Economy, Camden Council
Community Sponsors - Camden Day Night Pharmacy, Eyecare Plus, Macarthur Optical
With just six months until Christmas returns, preparations are already gathering pace. Camden's festive calendar will once again begin in November with the\ Camden Council Camden Christmas Festival on Saturday 21 November, while Spirit of Camden is planning another season of Christmas shopping activations in partnership with local businesses throughout Camden Village.
If Carols by Camdenlight taught us anything, it's that Christmas in Camden isn't just about the decorations—it's about community, local talent and creating moments that families remember long after the final carol has been sung.
The countdown to Christmas 2026 has officially begun.
Check out the Carols by Camdenlight video https://youtu.be/mNVl0GByInY
