SPAR and Jacaranda FM Carols by Candlelight Deliver Festive Cheer and Tunes

As the festive season approaches, Jacaranda FM and SPAR bring back Carols by Candlelight, one of South Africa’s most cherished family traditions, on Thursday, 3 December 2026, at SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria.

The evening invites families to celebrate the festive season while helping make a difference in the lives of children.

SPAR Carols by Candlelight | What's On In Joburg

Carols by Candlelight: Home for Christmas

Grounded in the warm and comforting theme ‘Home for Christmas’, this year’s production draws creative inspiration from the anthemic song “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman.

The show promises an unforgettable evening of hope, wonder, collective vision, and festive joy, bringing South African families together to dream beyond what exists and celebrate the true spirit of the holidays.

Guests can look forward to nostalgic carols sung by talented SA artists, including Elandré, Lee Cole, Zoë Modiga, Charlize Berg, Just6, BlackByrd, Ruhan du Toit, Lloyd Cele, Jesse Clegg, and Ndlovu Youth Choir.

The night is illuminated with the magic of music, family fun, delicious holiday treats and warm beverages, and some special surprises.

Santa's Shoebox SPAR Carols by Candlelight | What's On In Joburg

A Christmas gift that keeps on giving

Tickets are reasonably priced, with 100% of all proceeds donated directly to Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels fund.

Additionally, Carols by Candlelight is partnering with Santa’s Shoebox, an organisation that has been bringing Christmas joy to children across South Africa and Namibia for more than 18 years. Through this partnership, Santa’s Shoebox will work alongside Jacaranda FM to help build and distribute specially prepared shoeboxes to children in need.

“Carols by Candlelight has become one of the most special moments on our calendar. It brings families together under the lights, fills the arena with beautiful music and, most importantly, channels every ticket into real support for children through Santa’s Shoebox,” says Vuyani Dombo, Managing Director of Jacaranda FM.

Each cheerfully decorated shoebox is filled with carefully selected essentials and treats, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a facecloth, school supplies, a toy, sweets, and a complete outfit. Every box is packaged, delivered, and personally handed to its beneficiary child, making the experience about more than receiving a gift but reminding a child that someone is thinking of them.

“This year’s Carols by Candlelight is about celebrating hope, sharing joy and creating a little magic for children who need it most. Through our partnership with SPAR and Santa’s Shoebox, every ticket purchased becomes an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. We want everyone who joins us to leave feeling that they have been part of something truly special.”

Christmas cheer for all

While Carols by Candlelight, delivered to you by SPAR and Jacaranda FM, takes place live in Pretoria at the SunBet Arena Time Square, it is simultaneously streamed for those who want to watch the soul-stirring concert with their families at home to keep the festive spirit alive. It is also rebroadcast all day on 24 December at www.jacarandafm.com, just in time for Christmas Eve.

So, whether you’re preparing for Christmas, spending time with family or simply enjoying a quiet moment at home, you can tune in and relive the carols and special moments from this year’s celebration.

Cost: From R95pp, book online

When: Thursday, 3 December. Doors open at 5pm. Show starts at 7pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Time Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria