Put it in the calendar now: Saturday 12 December. St John Ambulance Carols by Candlelight is back at Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama, it’s free, and gates open at 3pm — so it’s an entire afternoon and evening out, not just a night.
And the line-up has started to take shape. Samantha Jade is returning to the Elder Park stage, which will please the many families who’ve come to expect her there. Organisers call her “our angel on top of the tree,” and her return follows a year on the road in the lead role of Pretty Woman: The Musical.
“St John Ambulance Carols by Candlelight is always one of the highlights of my year, and I’m so happy to be returning after an amazing year on the road with Pretty Woman: The Musical,” she said. “I can’t wait to celebrate Christmas with everyone in Adelaide.”
What to expect at Carols 2026
This is the 82nd year, which makes it older than most of the traditions your family has going. Thousands of people spread picnic rugs across Elder Park for an evening of carols, community and a fireworks finale, with the city skyline behind the stage.
If you haven’t been before: expect kids in festive outfits, glow sticks everywhere, and a whole crowd singing the classics badly and happily.
St John Ambulance SA CEO Steve Morris said the organisation was pleased to have Samantha Jade back.
“She brings something very special to Carols, and I know South Australians will love seeing her back on the Elder Park stage,” he said. “Carols is one of those special occasions when South Australia comes together to celebrate Christmas, family and community, while also helping St John raise vital funds to continue saving lives across our state.”
Timings for the day
The event is free to attend, so arrive early with your picnic rugs and camping chairs to secure a good spot. Here’s how the day unfolds:
- 3pm: Gates open
- 5pm: Experience Adelaide Pre-Show Concert begins
- 8.30pm: St John Ambulance Carols by Candlelight main show
- Late evening: Fireworks finale
More artists, program highlights and broadcast details will be announced closer to the event.
While the event is free for families to enjoy, it also serves an important purpose. St John Ambulance SA uses Carols to raise vital funds for their life-saving work across the state. For more than 140 years, the not-for-profit organisation has supported South Australian communities through frontline health services, first aid training, event health cover and emergency support.
So while you’re there enjoying the music and the festive atmosphere, you’re also supporting an organisation that helps keep our community safe.
Getting there
Elder Park sits on the River Torrens in the CBD, with easy public transport access. Given the crowds, leaving the car at home is the smart move. Pack light, bring snacks, and don’t forget sunscreen for the afternoon — a 3pm start in December is a lot of sun before the sun goes down.
St John Ambulance Carols by Candlelight 2026
When: Saturday 12 December 2026, gates open 3pm
Where: Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama, Adelaide
Cost: Free
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