Adelaide’s Carols by Candlelight is back in 2022 to reunite South Australian Christmas lovers after a three-year absence.

The SeaLink Carols by Candlelight will light up Elder Park on Sunday, December 11 with free daytime entertainment before a star-studded evening concert by the River Torrens.

Two virtual events kept the near 80-year tradition going during the pandemic, but its return to a live format is welcome news to those well versed in the Christmas spirit.

Hosted by Rosanna Mangiarelli, Amelia Mulcahy and Will Goodings from 7 News Adelaide, solo performers for this year’s evening carol sing-along (8.00pm to 10.30pm) are Samantha Jade, Amber Lawrence, Lucy Durack, Taylor Henderson, Irish tenor Tommy Fleming and The Voice 2022 grand finalist Thndo.

Samantha Jade is thrilled to be back on the Carols stage at Elder Park this year.

“I absolutely love Christmas and coming to Adelaide to perform at Carols has always been one of my favourite events of the season,” said Samantha. “I can’t wait to see everyone there singing along to their favourite Christmas Carols and songs.”

And, for the first time, the sensational Vika and Linda Bull will be on stage singing up a storm, along with Adelaide group, Gospo Collective.

“We LOVE Adelaide and can’t wait to perform at Carols on 11 December. Christmas is our favourite time of the year and we’re delighted to be singing for you this year!” says Vika and Linda Bull.

The popular children’s segment will be headlined by Carols specialists Jay Laga’aia and Stefanie Cacamo and feature performers from Dancers by Donna.

For the all-important musical component, carollers can expect beautiful performances from the Adelaide Concert Orchestra and vocal assistance from choirs Adelaide Philharmonia Chorus and Young Adelaide Voices.

Before the carolling, the festivities will kick off from 2.00pm, featuring kids’ activities, a visit from Santa, giveaways, sponsor activations, food vendors and lots more, including a pre-show concert on stage from 5.00pm.

Mark Groote, CEO St John Ambulance Australia SA Inc, says it is wonderful to see Carols by Candlelight back the way it should be.

“As the new custodians of Carols, we are so thankful to the Government of South Australia and SeaLink for their continued support of this iconic, free community event,” says Mark.

As part of the Carols by Candlelight festivities, Festival Plaza will also be activating with a kids carnival, Christmas market, food trucks, face painting and a big screen so the public can watch Carols.

The SA Government has provided $1 million, over four years, in funding for Carols by Candlelight, while SeaLink returns as naming rights sponsor, entrenching support for this well-loved event.

Carols by Candlelight is Australia’s second-oldest Christmas concert, presented to Adelaide residents and television audiences since 1944 when an estimated one in 10 citizens attended the first event.

The traditional Elder Park concert now attracts more than 25,000 people annually and raises much-needed funds for South Australian charitable causes.

Sealink Carols by Candlelight will be broadcast on 7TWO Adelaide at 7.30pm on Monday 12 December, and nationally on Channel 7 on Sunday 25 December, while streaming on 7Plus will be available from Monday 12 December for 30 days.