A Festive Night at the San Carols: Holiday Cheer for All!
On the evening of Sunday 8th September, the spirit of Christmas shone brightly at the annual San Carols hosted by the Sydney Adventist Hospital. For the second year in a row, The Residences at Wahroonga Estate was proud to sponsor this beloved community event, helping bring the magic of the holidays to life for families and friends across the North Shore. As the festivities unfolded, it wasn’t just the crowds in attendance who enjoyed the show—the stage was reoriented to ensure the patients watching from their hospital bed windows also got a front-row view of the celebration, adding an extra layer of warmth to the evening. The event, which has become a cherished holiday tradition, brought together the community for an unforgettable night.
The Residences at Wahroonga Estate stand added some extra fun to the San Carols with a jellybean guessing competition, where participants could try their luck at guessing the number of jellybeans in a jar dressed up as Elvis – a tribute to Rob Mallet’s history of performing in the recent musical, ‘Elvis: A Musical Revolution’. One lucky winner took home all 1,788 jellybeans, making for a sweet prize! Along with the competition, two other lucky winners won a Hot Air Balloon ride over the Hunter Valley, and a DOGUE voucher to have their furry friend groomed and pampered. Our stand also featured kids’ colouring activities, keeping families entertained and adding to the festive atmosphere of the event.
The afternoon kicked off with an exciting array of activities for the children. A petting zoo brought smiles as little ones cuddled up to their furry friends, while a bubble house provided endless entertainment with floating orbs filling the air. The crowd was treated to face painting, where kids were transformed into everything from reindeers to sparkly snowflakes. Of course, no holiday celebration is complete without a visit from Santa, and this year, jolly old Santa was more than happy to pose for a photo or two with excited families. Our very own Tristen got the chance to sit down with Santa himself for an exclusive interview where he mentioned his long journey from the North Pole ‘through the rain and just in time’, a trip Rudolph was not too happy with. San Bear, the beloved mascot of the Sydney Adventist Hospital, was also on hand to spread some festive cheer. To top it all off, Kevin from The Minions made a surprise appearance with his goofy antics, before taking the stage for a lively children’s concert.
As the evening approached, the stage was set for the highly anticipated main event—the Carols concert. The crowd gathered around, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the show began. Tristen had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Peter Wood, an obstetrician who has been part of the San family since the Emergency Department first opened in 1997. As the lively MC of the evening, Dr. Wood shared his excitement about the San Carols, reminiscing with a smile about how the event has grown alongside the hospital and continues to bring the community together in such a special way. Dr. Peter Wood returned to MC the event, keeping the energy high and the crowd engaged with his witty commentary. The lineup of performers was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a blend of local talent that had everyone tapping their feet and humming along. Highlights of the evening included performances by powerhouse vocalist Chloe Zuel, the ever-talented Rob Mallet, and Dani Da Ros. The crowd also enjoyed beautiful renditions from Jana Lombart, Dave Martin, and Clare O’Meara, as well as a performance from the Wahroonga Adventist School Choir. Of course, the San Carols Band added their musical magic to the night, elevating the festive atmosphere.
As the night drew to a close, a firework display lit up the sky, offering a beautiful reminder of the joy and magic of the holiday season. The fireworks captured the warmth and community spirit that the San Carols are known for, providing a memorable ending to a truly special event.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the performers, volunteers, and the entire team behind the scenes, the SAN Carols proved to be a resounding success. The event not only brought joy to all who attended but also reinforced the spirit of giving and community that makes the holiday season so special —and we can’t wait for next year’s celebration!
