More than 5000 people soaked up the spirit of Christmas at the Wodonga Carols by Candelight at Birallee Park.

Wodonga’s Jackie Taylor has been attending the event for 17 years and this year was with her daughter and granddaughter.

She said when she first came, the event was half the size.

“It’s great to see Wodonga coming together,” she said.

Candles burned brighter as the sun set and Santa hats bobbed in the crowd, Even Indi MP Cathy McGowan was there donning a red and green outfit.

Jemma Bownds cuddled her six-week-old daughter, Marylee Vennix-Bownds, who had been dressed as Santa’s elf for the evening.

Ms Vennix-Bownds was excited for their first Christmas together and wanted to introduce her to the spirit of the holiday at an early age.

“We’ll make it a tradition to come every year,” she said.

And it wasn’t just the younger ones who were excited about Santa’s arrival to the stage.

Gordon Bryant and Maureen Newbound attend the carols every year to see the smiling faces of children.

“It’s not Christmas without pudding and carols,” Mr Bryant said.

Ms Newbound said she never missed the carols because it was a big part of Christmas tradition.

They also praised the change of location this year from Willow Park.

“The crowd feels more united and it’s enclosed so the kids can’t wander,” Ms Newbound said.