CHRISTMAS is a time for tradition, music and to give those in times of need a little extra cheer.

St Paul's Cathedral once again rolled all of these virtues into one on Christmas Eve as the church choir visited wards at Bendigo Health.

The group of 15 carollers made sure the hallways and rooms of the hospital echoed with the pleasant and well-rehearsed sounds of traditional carols.

The Christmas Eve visit has become an annual tradition for the choir and the hospital. The choir has graced the hospital for at least 40 years to bring some festive cheer.

Caroler Diana Smith said it was always a special night.

"We come just because we love doing it," she said.

"It's the highlight of Christmas for us and a highlight for the year."

The group of carollers made its way from the children's ward to the pediatric ward, continuing its way through the hospital for hours.

While the children's ward was near-empty, the few families were touched by the visit.

Bendigo Health communications and marketing co-ordinator Shaun Makepeace said the hospital always appreciated the volunteers' work.

The visit to the hospital came in the middle of one of the busiest times of the year for the St Paul's Cathedral choir.

Once it had finished singing at the hospital, the choir returned to the church for 11 o'clock for a special service.

They then backed up on Christmas morning for two services at 8am and 10am.

The choir also held carols and choir lessons the Sunday before Christmas.

While the schedule was packed, Mrs Smith said it was all worthwhile.

The choir wasn't the only group to spread the cheer on Christmas Eve.

Fire brigades took their trucks and some of Santa's Helpers to the streets to give out lollies and meet and greet some residents.

Maiden Gully and Eaglehawk fire brigades were among those to take the opportunity to get in the Christmas spirit.