IT'S beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and next week the festive season starts in earnest when the State primary schools close their doors for the year and families gather a little later the same day for Carols by Candlelight at Weeroona Park in Marsh St.

In this age of high tech, it's good to get back to simple pleasures - a live band, a carols booklet where you turn the pages by hand and the fun of singing along to some traditional carols.

The event starts at 5.30pm on Friday, December 9, with a sausage sizzle at the Lions tent. The Stanthorpe RSL Brass Band will get everyone in the mood with some introductory music at 6.15pm and the carolling will start at 6.30pm.

The Granite Belt Choir will be there to help along the community singing and the Granite Belt Junior Choir will also make an appearance.

Bring some money so you can buy some of those mouth-watering sausages, a carols book and glow sticks for the kids. Whether your style is lounging on cushions and a blanket or sitting in a camp chair, bring something to sit on and a torch or candle.

One of the carols to be sung is Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and Santa will indeed make a cameo appearance especially for Carols by Candlelight.

This is a community event underwritten by the Southern Downs Regional Council and there will be a mayoral Christmas message as part of the event, which will finish around 8pm.

If there is any doubt the carols will go ahead because of weather, visit the Border Post Facebook page.