This year's annual Christmas Carol's won't be going ahead.

And it comes down to the restrictions that have been imposed in the ongoing fight against the virus.

The Carols by Candlelight are run by West Dubbo Rotary volunteers, with president Lyn Smith confirming to the Daily Liberal on Tuesday that the event wouldn't be running in 2020.

On Monday the premier announced more restrictions would be eased, as of Monday next week, including increasing outdoor religious services up to 500 people, outdoor ticketed concerts up to 3000 people and outdoor singing and carols up to 30 singers.

The ease opened the door to carols across the state during December, despite patrons still required to remain seated and abide by the current square meter rule.

it was the restrictions put in place, and the short amount of organising time meant the Dubbo event has become another casualty to COVID-19.

After the year it has been, a bit of singing of Christmas carols would have been nice - but it's a decision we understand well.

The volunteers who run the event put in countless hours each year to make it as special as possible - and this year, with restrictions in place, it's just too much, especially considering the year it has been.

But while the festivities wont be around as they have been in the past, there are still a number of other ways to celebrate the season.

The West Dubbo Rotary club are still holding their trailer raffle - they have just moved it online instead.

Borders opening between NSW and other states are also adding to the cheer - with families able to reunite after the year it has been.

We just hope that next year we can jingle our way back to the carols.

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