DRESSED to the nines in his Christmas elf costume, little Noah Klease watched the Mayoral Carols by Candlelight for the first time last night.

Noah and his family, who had picked out a prime spot for carol-watching, were joined by thousands of other children and their families who were looking forward to celebrating Christmas.

Katie Dobson said she and her family had been a couple of times and her children were all dressed up and excited about this year's carols.

People came from all over the region and picnicked in Queens Park before singing along to all their favourites, including Deck the Halls, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Jingle Bells.

Special guest country singer Brendan Walmsley led the singing for The First Noel and O Come All Ye Faithful, while Heather Gillies sang Angels We Have Heard on High and The Toowoomba Choral Society led everyone in a rendition of Go Tell It on the Mountain.