Event Details
The Spirit of Christmas
At Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama
St John SA is thrilled to announce St John Ambulance Carols by Candlelight will return on Saturday 13 December 2025 from 3.00pm at the beautiful Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama.
Bring your picnic rug, gather your family and friends, and enjoy a wonderful afternoon filled with festive cheer, including live music, giveaways, delicious food and drinks, and plenty of fun activities for all ages.
Then, as the sun sets, join us for the main concert at 8.30pm and sing your heart out to your favourite Christmas carols and songs.
From the smallest child to the child within all of us, Carols has been bringing joy to South Australians since 1944 and we can’t wait to share the spirit of Christmas with you again this year.
Saturday 13 December
Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama – Adelaide
| 3.00pm | Event Opens |
| 5.00pm | Experience Adelaide Community Concert |
| 8.30 pm | St John Carols by Candlelight Concert |
| 10.30pm | Fireworks |
| 10.30 pm | Event Concludes |
What’s Happening on ground
Meet Smokey the Koala
Visit the SA Country Fire Service marquee and learn how to prepare your home and property this fire danger season by creating a 5 Minute Bushfire Plan – plus, take home a range of handy resources to help you stay bushfire ready. There will also be opportunities to receive Silver Lawn Passes and bushfire preparedness packs!
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.
Community Concert
The Experience Adelaide Community Concert, hosted by Craig Pitman and Zoe Sheridan, starting at 5.00 pm, will entertain you with a fantastic line-up of local artists.
Mix 102.3 Street Crew
Make your Carols by Candlelight day even brighter with the Mix102.3 Street Crew!
Join them from 3pm with giant inflatable games and plenty of festive fun to keep the whole family entertained before the main event. Think you’ve got the skills to bend it like Beckham? Or maybe you’re more of a shoot-for-the-stars type? Swing by, say hi, and join the action – it’s the perfect way to kick off your Carols experience!
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 13 December.
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.
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.
Carols by Candlelight parking!
Book $8 Carols by Candlelight parking!
Make your Carols by Candlelight night sparkle with easy, stress-free parking with UPark. Book ahead and enjoy $8 flat rate parking at UPark Topham – just a short walk to Elder Park.
UPark is owned and operated by the City of Adelaide, so every time you park, you help your city shine and keep local events and festivals thriving.
Plan your journey and find the most convenient UPark for you at upark.com.au
More Event Info
Hungry?
A delicious array of food is available at Carols. Whether it’s pizza, burgers, chips , hot dogs, potatoes on a stick or Sri Lankan street food, no one will go hungry. And sweet treats are our speciality, with fairy floss, doughnuts, popcorn, and ice-creams all available. Kids, grab a slurpee and mums and dads; we have coffee for you.
Christmas Market
Located on the riverbank, enjoy the handmade goods at our fabulous selection of stalls. You’re sure to find something special.
Merchandise Stalls
Support St John by buying a Carols candle and light up Elder Park. Lots of fun 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.
Sensory Bus
If you need an area to regulate, head to the Sensory Bus located at the southern end of Elder Park.
Auslan
Auslan interpreters will be on ground, please see our Carols Map for details
What to bring
Picnic rugs, low seating only, sunscreen, a hat, plenty of Christmas cheer and your best singing voice! Remember to keep hydrated throughout the day. Shade structures are permitted, but most come down before the start of the main show.