THIS festive season, Western Downs Regional Council and Dalby church groups are bringing the entire community together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Hosted by the Western Downs Mayor and Combined Churches, Carols in the Park will take place under the stars at the Thomas Jack Park rotunda this Sunday from 6pm.

Carol emcees, The Salvation Army's Jo Bulow and Presbyterian Church Youth Pastor Mitchell Smart, have been working hard in the lead up to the carols, which will feature a full band and choir songs.

Mrs Bulow said in past years the Mayor and church parishes had held separate carol events and it was the first time they had come together to host the carols.

Mrs Bulow said it will be a wonderful evening and she hoped everyone in the community would light their candles and bring along their picnic blankets and chairs.

Dalby Baptist Church Youth Minister Stuart Wynd will tell the story of St Nicholas with a special performance with the help of some young parish friends.

Mr Smart said the story of St Nicholas is significant and has a special Christmas meaning.

"A lot of us have so much and we're often looking for ways to give to others at Christmas time,” he said.

"St Nicholas gave to the poor so the story is really about generosity.”

Mr Smart said Santa will be at the carols receiving presents from the community to assist with filling hampers to give to local families in need.

"It's the first year we have held a reverse Santa and we hope to build on it in the future.

"It's an easy way to help people be generous within their own community; we're asking people to bring one or two non-perishable food items for families who need it.

"It's just a way of giving them something nice at Christmas they might not otherwise have. Often families have just enough money for essentials but not for those extra things.”

Mrs Bulow said Combined Churches is putting on a free barbecue and ice-cream and there will be refreshments available from 6pm with carols beginning at 7pm.

Mr Smart said it was going to be a fun night and an opportunity for everyone to celebrate Christmas.

"The weather will be fine and cool and we get to sing some awesome Christmas carols together,” he said.