Event Details

The Spirit of Christmas
At Elder Park

St John SA is thrilled to announce St John Carols by Candlelight will take place on Saturday 14 December at Elder Park.

Grab your picnic rug, family and friends, and head down to beautiful Elder Park to celebrate the spirit of Christmas during a day packed full of singing, giveaways, music and delicious food and drinks. Then join in for the main event at 8.15pm and sing your heart out to your favourite Christmas carols and songs.

From the smallest child to the child in all of us, Carols has brought joy to South Australians since 1944. Read about the 2024 hosts and artists here. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to hear the news first.

Saturday 14 December
Elder Park – Adelaide

Wonderful Carols Giveaways

We’ll be announcing some great giveaways on social media. Be sure to check Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Arrive early to win our on ground competitions as Christmas returns to Elder Park on Saturday 14 December.

Santa’s Corner

Thanks to St John Ambulance SA, come and meet Santa and get your photo taken with the big man himself! While you’re there, take a moment to learn CPR from the experts.

Pre-Show Concert

The City of Adelaide Pre-Show Concert, starting at 5.00 pm, will entertain you with a fantastic line-up of local artists.

Fireworks

Once the sun goes down and the main concert starts everyone will join in song to celebrate Christmas together. Then watch in wonder during our star studded finale as Fireworks light up the sky. Proudly presented by Yellow Door Care

Have Your Face Painted

Treat the kids! Nip over to the Nippy’s marquee to enjoy FREE FACE PAINTING all day. Whether your littlest wants to look like a turtle and your eldest like a Christmas elf, we’re here to spread the Christmas cheer.

Learn About Road Safety

Come to our photobooth and take a photo with Jeff the Road Safety Dog and learn about the new Road Safety Centre at West Beach. There will be plenty of giveaways for the kids, including your chance to be upgraded by winning exclusive Silver Lawn Passes – you will be sitting right in front of the stage – for you and your family!

Play Games with the Street Crew

MIX102.3 Street Crew will be activating onsite from 3pm – 8pm, interacting with the early event goers. The Mix102.3 street crew will be positioned on turf with our giant inflatable basketball ring and soccer goals. They will be encouraging families to play and have some fun while they are waiting for the Carols to start.

Learn To Save A Life

Did you know, it’s easier to save a life than you think? Join us at Carols, where we will be providing everyone with the opportunity to learn CPR by interacting with our Bluetooth enabled CPR mannequins, all connected to our performance assessment software.

Sensory Space

If you need a break, a dedicated sensory space can be found on-site, to take time out to regulate. Look for the sunflower symbol on the map and the tent.

Explore The Santa Course

Santa wears a lot of hats to get everything ready for Christmas, but this year he’s got his candy canes in a knot. Now, he needs your help. Collect The Santa Course map and activity sheet and help find all 10 Santas for your chance to win! Find the Rundle Mall team located at Elder Park from 4:00pm – 7:00pm.

More Event Info

Hungry?
A delicious array of food is available at Carols. Whether it’s pizza, Greek, Indian, Moroccan, burgers, chips or hot dogs, no one will go hungry. And sweet treats are our speciality, with fairy floss, doughnuts, popcorn, waffles and ice-creams all available. Kids, grab a slurpee and mums and dads; we have coffee for you.

Craft markets
Looking for a special Christmas gift? Head to our craft market stalls for some beautiful handmade products.

Merchandise
Make sure you get your Carols LED candle and light up Elder Park. Lots of Christmas merchandise is also available.

Accessibility
Reserved seating for people with limited mobility is available. Please refer to the map at the top of the page for the location.

Auslan
A dedicated area with Auslan interpreters is available.

What to Bring Picnic rugs, low seating, sunscreen, hats and plenty of Christmas cheer. Don’t forget to keep hydrated throughout the day. Shade structures are permitted, but must come down before the start of the main show.

Carols by Candlelight parking!

Don’t wait until the day of to look for a park – enjoy easy, stress free parking for Carols by Candlelight with UPark. Book now and enjoy $7 flat rate parking at UPark Topham, an easy walk to Elder Park.

No matter which direction you’re coming from, secure your parking spot now and enjoy a hassle-free experience and a guaranteed park on the night.

UPark is owned and operated by the City of Adelaide, so each time you park your car at UPark, you give back to your own city community. You help bring the city to life and local events and festivals to thrive. Plan your journey and find the most convenient UPark for you at upark.com.au