Event Details
premium gold class seats are on sale now!
With a stellar lineup of performers, this year is one you will not want to miss! For the first time at Adelaide Carols, Paul Kelly and Casey Donovan will perform alongside a host of local and national talent including Beccy Cole, Jay Laga’aia, Amber Lawrence, Gospo Collective, Matt Evans, Paulini, Rachael Beck and stars from the State Opera South Australia.
Get in quick! There is a limited number of tickets, with all proceeds going to St John SA, proud custodians of Carols.
Purchase your Gold Class seats by clicking here 
Christmas returns to elder park
St John SA is thrilled to announce SeaLink Carols by Candlelight will take place on Elder Park on Saturday 9 December at Elder Park.
Grab your festive picnic rug, family and friends, and head down to beautiful Elder Park to rekindle the magic of Christmas during a day packed full of singing, giveaways, music and delicious food and drinks. Then, 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, Instagram and X to hear the news first.
what’s on
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.
the Great Drakes giveaway
Enjoy a free, fun day out at SeaLink Carols by Candlelight with $10,000 in Drakes Supermarkets’ gift cards to be won from 2.00 pm.
With one grand prize of $1,000 to be given to our best Christmas-dressed audience member, you don’t want to miss out!
Get in early; they will all be gone by 5.00 pm before the City of Adelaide Pre-Show Concert starts.
City of Adelaide Pre-show Concert
The City of Adelaide Pre-Show Concert, starting at 5.00 pm, will entertain you with a fantastic line-up of artists hosted by the Ali Clarke Breakfast Show on Mix1023’s Max Burford, and iHeart Radio Women of Influence Podcast Host, Kate Meade.
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 thanks to DBH Lawyers – legal services for all South Australians.
DBH Lawyers are proud to be the Fireworks Partner and wish you a fantastic night and festive season.
Brand SA Photo booth
Your family Christmas photo needs are sorted at the Brand SA Photobooth! Get creative, strike a pose and go in the draw for your chance to win a massive hamper full of SA products and experiences.
TEST YOUR SKILLS WITH MIX102.3
How are your basketball and soccer skills?
The Mix102.3 Street Crew will be onsite at Elder Park from 2 pm-8 pm, getting ready for a big night of singing and fun with their massive inflatable basketball hoop and soccer pitch.
It’s the perfect activity for the kids to show off their skills and stay entertained in the lead-up to the main event!
Be sure to stop by and visit the Mix102.3 Street Crew to shoot some hoops and kick some goals
Pick A Local, Pick SA!
Try some fresh local produce and grab a selfie with our Strawberry mascot Gidget. Look for the Pick A Local, Pick SA! van on the ground today.
NIPPY’S FACE PAINTING
Nip over to Nippys for free face painting. Maybe you want to look like a tiger, a fairy or a Christmas elf. Nippys is spreading lots of festive cheer.
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.
This is a wonderful community education service, proudly supported by Drakes Supermarkets. St John is indebted to Drakes Supermarkets, who have a long standing relationship with St John. Supporting Drakes also supports St John. Thank you Drakes Supermarkets!
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.
WATCH THE GRINCH
It’s movie time, so head in early, roll out the picnic rug and watch Dr Seuss’ The Grinch on our big screens at 3.00 pm.
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 SeaLink 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.
UPARK near Carols
Book now and enjoy $7.00 flat rate parking at select UParks within easy walking distance of Elder Park. Head to www.upark.com.au to book.
Free City Connector Bus
Operating daily, you can hop on and off at popular city attractions, shopping precincts, dining spots and more. Routes and timetables available at Adelaide Metro: Free and Special Services.
Introducing the Santa Course
Can you find all 10 Santas on your way to Carols by Candlelight? Visit cityofadelaide.com.au/christmas to discover The Santa Course.
Carols by Candlelight picnic package
Make this holiday season truly unforgettable with our exclusive accommodation package.
As the proud hotel partner of SeaLink Carols by Candlelight, we have combined the enchantment of the event with the luxury of Sofitel Adelaide. Carols by Candlelight is on Saturday 9 December, with pre-show entertainment beginning at 5 pm. Join us for a memorable night filled with heartwarming music and the spirit of the season.
The exclusive package is your ticket to an unforgettable evening. It incorporates the best of holiday traditions with the luxury and comfort of Sofitel Adelaide. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape with your partner, a special night out with a friend, or a wholesome family outing, this package promises an experience that will linger in your heart.
Book now to enjoy an evening that perfectly encapsulates the joy and enchantment of the holiday season. Immerse yourself in the magic of this beloved tradition and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Sofitel Adelaide is a 15-minute walk to Elder Park where the SeaLink Carols by Candlelight is held. Our friendly Concierge and Front Office teams can assist with directions should you need them.
Find out more and book here.
Where to stay
Sofitel Adelaide is South Australia’s newest luxury hotel. With an enviable address in the city centre, it captures not just the heart but the very soul of Adelaide itself.
Sofitel Adelaide is located on Currie Street and is an easy walk to a long list of attractions and venues in the city, including Elder Park.
If you are attending Carols and visiting from out of town or you simply want to spoil yourself and your family, their luxurious guest rooms and suites all have guest comfort top of mind. You will be able to relax in style, assured that every lush textile, amenity and colour scheme has been selected to evoke true indulgence and relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Carols?
Saturday 9 December from 2.00 pm at Elder Park.
Do I need a ticket?
You do not need a ticket. SeaLink Carols by Candlelight is a free and accessible Christmas concert for everyone! Bring your picnic rug and find a good spot. Enjoy the entertainment, food and drinks from 2 pm. If you would like a seat up the front, a limited number of Gold Class seats are available. All proceeds go to St John SA. Buy your tickets here.
Is reserved seating available?
Yes. A limited number of Gold Class seats are available, with all proceeds going to St John SA, proud custodian of Carols. Give the gift of reserved seating, a prime view of the stage and a warm glow inside, knowing your purchase is directly helping the charity that supports all South Australians. Buy your tickets here.
What time does Carols get underway?
Gates open at 2.00 pm. Head down early to grab your spot near the stage. Face painting, giveaways, and you can even visit Santa. Then, enjoy the City of Adelaide pre-show concert from 5.00 pm before the SeaLink Carols by Candlelight Concert begins at 8.15 pm.
What should I bring?
Do bring
Picnic rug and/or low beach chair-type seating so as not to block anyone’s viewing, hat, sunscreen, water bottle, sunnies, portable phone recharger, medication, and clothes to suit the weather.
But most of all, bring plenty of Christmas spirit or cheer, your friends, and family and head down to Elder Park from 2.00 pm on Sunday 9 December, to enjoy a day full of giveaways, delicious food, drinks and entertainment.
Don’t bring
Any objects that disrupt other patron’s event experience such as normal-sized seats or large umbrellas. Please be considerate of others around you.
Can I bring alcoholic drinks?
Elder Park is a dry zone from 8.00 pm. Please dispose of your alcoholic beverages by this time.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Feast on delicious food and refreshing drinks at Elder Park. There’s something for everyone! Or bring a picnic and enjoy.
Who is performing?
Sing your heart out to your favourite Christmas Carols and songs! Visit the Host & Artists page for more information, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.
What if I need first aid or lose my child?
St John SA will be at Elder Park to help. Find them towards the city end of King William Road.
Countdown to Carols
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