Goolwa Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Hindmarsh Island organise the pageant, while interchurch group Connect provides the carols and entertainment.

The festival coordinator, Malcolm Milne, of Goolwa Rotary, said the special day could not happen without support from local businesses like Goolwa Foodland, which donated $500 and Hurst Plasterboard, sponsors of the concluding fireworks.

Foodland's Leanne Reynolds said the store was happy to also supply sweets for Father Christmas to distribute to children at the festival.

"It's a great family time and a wonderful way for the people of Goolwa to get together and start their Christmas celebrations."

Leanne also encouraged Goolwa children to enter Foodland's Carols by Candlelight competition to design the South Australian program cover.

Children aged between five and 12 can draw what Christmas means to them; entry forms available at the checkout.