Christmas Remembrance

All Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust grounds are open every day of the year, including all public holidays.
For café and florist opening hours over the holiday period, please visit the Café Vita et flores page.

Christmas Remembrance Events

We are inviting the SMCT community together for a family-friendly evening of remembrance through music, that celebrates the season and our unique grounds.

If you are unable to visit our sites over the festive period, we welcome you to leave a digital tribute for your loved ones during December.

Together by the Lake

Music is a gift that has the power to bring people together and spark memories. On Friday December 2, we warmly invite you to join us for Together by the lake - an evening of live music and reflection at Bunurong Memorial Park.

This family-friendly event is open to all of our community. We welcome you to take a seat on the lawn by the beautiful Lake Australis and enjoy the sounds of an array of local musicians. It is an opportunity to take a moment to remember those we love who are no longer with us – but who we will never forget.

For more information and to register for a free ticket, visit our Together by the lake event page on Eventbrite.

Provide event feedback

Children's Christmas Trees

If you would like to remember a child currently resting at Springvale Botanical Cemetery this Christmas, we welcome you to add your own ornament or tribute to our dedicated Children's Christmas Trees.

Located at both the A.J.A. Gardner and E.E Simpson Children's Areas, these trees will be in place from Monday 5 December until Wednesday 4 January.

As this is a shared community space, we ask that you kindly take care not to disturb other families' tributes. Please also be mindful that ornaments or keepsakes left on the tree are done so at your own risk.

For more information, please refer to our frequently asked questions.

A close-up photograph of a snowflake ornament hanging on a Christmas tree at Springvale Botanical Cemetery

Christmas Digital Tribute

During the month of December, we invite you to pay tribute to a loved one via our digital candle. To do so, when the candle appears, type your loved one's name and a message into the text boxes provided and click 'submit'.

Frequently asked questions

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions below that may help answer your questions. If your query does not appear below, please contact us.

Together by the lake

Children's Christmas Trees

SMCT will not be hosting a Children’s remembrance event as per previous years. Instead, we have created a live music remembrance event at Bunurong Memorial Park. 'Together by the lake'.

All members of our community are invited to join us as on the lawn beside Lake Australis, and enjoy a selection of food trucks and refreshments. We are pleased to bring this evening of reflection and connection for our community to experience together.

SMCT is always looking for new ways to connect with and meet the needs of the many families in our community. With COVID, we had the opportunity to pause and reflect on the best way to bring our community together to honour and celebrate the loved ones we have lost. We have had overwhelming positive feedback on our new offering and encourage our families and community to join us for an evening of reflection and connection for our community to experience together.

Yes, we welcome the community to leave a tribute to their lost loved one. We do remind all families of the following conditions when considering what to leave on the tree.

Families are invited to place their own tributes on the tree (including their own way to affix it – hook, tie, etc.).
If families wish to keep their tribute, they must collect it before 4 January – any items left on the tree after this date will be disposed of.
Families will be reminded that items are placed at their own risk and SMCT is not responsible for their safety or upkeep.
Families will be reminded that items may be moved by means beyond SMCT’s control i.e., adverse weather, birds, animals etc.
Families will be reminded that other families may touch or move their items.
SMCT takes no responsibility for any items placed on the tree by families.

Christmas at SMCT

Every year we welcome more than 500 members of our community to our Christmas Remembrance Service. We believe in providing companionship for people journeying through grief with a peaceful, reflective and inclusive environment.

As the festive season approaches, we wish to welcome back our loyal community and open our arms to those that may need support during this time. As we navigate these challenging times, we are working to find new ways to connect as a community and honour important traditions and festive rituals.

We have created a variety of unique and interactive spaces for all to attend, acknowledge and pay tribute to their loved ones.

Grief is so human, and it hits everyone at one point or another, at least, in their lives. If you love, you will grieve, and that’s just given.

Kay Redfield Jamison

Grieving during Christmas

Grief during the holiday season can be a challenging and sensitive time for those who have lost loved ones and are journeying through grief. For some, it may be the first Christmas after bereavement. There’s no ‘right way’ to deal with grief and each person journeys through this season in their own unique way.

If you need someone to talk to, or just a comforting place to sit and reflect during this time of year or any time of the year, we encourage you to visit our Centre for Care & Wellbeing.

The Centre for Care & Wellbeing is a warm, welcoming safe haven that provides support, guidance, friendship and understanding. All who visit here receive care and comfort in a calm and homely atmosphere, with the opportunity to meet others in similar circumstances.