Have a jolly holiday with the 10 best Christmas activities in Adelaide!
- Attend the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant parade
- Bring your kids to Santa’s Wonderland
- Watch the Adelaide St. John Ambulance Carols by Candlelight at Elder Park
- Admire the tallest indoor Christmas tree at the Mortlock
- Snap a selfie at the giant Christmas tree in Victoria Square
- Sing along in the Young Adelaide Voices Combined Festive Concert
- Attend the Lights of Lobethal Festival
- Bring your kids to the Magic Cave at David Jones
- Be impressed with the Lego sleigh display at The Piccadilly
- Christmas Wrap Party at Victoria Square
Adelaide’s Christmas is a unique blend of joyous customs, balmy summer days, and camaraderie. Homes sparkle with lights, Christmas trees take pride of place, and families come together for Kris Kringle and end-of-year celebrations.
Since having kids, I’ve sought activities that bring them into the holiday magic while teaching them to appreciate the season. If you’re looking to embrace the festive spirit with your family, here are some of the best Christmas activities in Adelaide.
Let’s make this holiday season one to remember!
Attend the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant parade
Media From: christmaspageant
Address: SA Water Headquarters, Level 9/250 Victoria Square
Phone: +61 882 446 277
Website: https://christmaspageant.com.au/
Every first Saturday of November since 1933, Adelaide’s National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant transforms the city into a festive wonderland.
It’s a rite of passage for locals, with families camping out along the parade route to watch colourful floats, cheerful characters, and clowns galore. For many, it’s the moment Christmas officially begins, with a shared sense of excitement in the air.
The parade usually starts at 9:30 a.m. at South Terrace. From there, the procession heads north along King William Street, winding through the city before concluding in Rundle Mall, where Father Christmas delivers his message.
I’ve loved watching the parade ever since I was a kid. Last year, the theme was “Come Together,” and there was a float honouring the Kaurna culture. The float symbolised unity and community spirit and celebrated the rich cultural heritage of South Australia.
Tip: Head to Pulteney Street to see the floats as they make their way through the city’s streets.
Bring your kids to Santa’s Wonderland
Media From: santaswonderlandsa
Address: Goodwood Rd, Wayville
Phone: +61 871 001 416
Website: http://santaswonderland.com.au/
Santa’s Wonderland is a great place for the kids to feel the Christmas season. Situated in the Jubilee Pavilion, this event runs from November 29 to December 24. Let your children enjoy an array of activities, like unlimited rides, ice skating, live stage shows, and interactive Christmas-themed attractions.
I took my two children here halfway through December. Since they’re below 2 years old, I only had to pay the entrance of $38 each for me and my wife. It was a wonderful time watching my kids smile ear-to-ear while participating in the 10-stop Christmas trail.
Tip: Book your tickets online to save the hassle of waiting in line at Santa’s Wonderland.
Watch the Adelaide St. John Ambulance Carols by Candlelight at Elder Park
Media From: adelaidecarolsbycandlelight
Address: King William Rd
Phone: +61 882 168 600
Website: https://adelaidecarols.com.au/
Adelaide’s St John Ambulance Carols by Candlelight is a December tradition that brings the city together. Held in Elder Park on the second Sunday of the month, it’s a chance for families to enjoy music, games, and food stalls before singing carols under the stars. Best of all, it’s free and full of holiday cheer!
Every year, I find myself in Elder Park for the carols. It’s become a tradition in my family. Sitting under the stars with candles glowing around us feels like the true start of Christmas. The live music gets me every time, especially when the crowd joins in for “Silent Night.”
Tip: For the best viewing spots, purchase a gold ticket at the online ticket booth. You’ll get reserved seating plus a battery-operated candlelight for a more immersive experience.
Admire the tallest indoor Christmas tree at the Mortlock
Media From: cllixapartmentshotels
Address: North Terrace
Phone: +61 874 246 300
Website: https://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/mortlock-chamber-exhibition-bays
When they start assembling the towering Christmas tree in the Mortlock Chamber of the State Library every November, you know the festive season has arrived in Adelaide.
Standing 7 meters tall, the tree is dressed with over 400 decorations and 11 sets of lights, creating a warm, inviting glow that stops visitors in their tracks.
I still remember when it used to be in the glass foyer before the pandemic. During those tough times, they moved it to the Mortlock Chamber, offering a little joy and a sense of connection when we needed it most.
There’s more to enjoy too—storytelling sessions, kids’ craft activities, and exhibitions showcasing memorabilia from the beloved National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant. It’s a tradition that feels uniquely Adelaidean.
Tip: Check the library’s schedule on the Play&Go website for special events like choir performances.
Snap a selfie at the giant Christmas tree in Victoria Square
Media From: adelady
Address: Victoria Square
Phone: +61 882 037 203
Website: http://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/
When the giant Christmas tree lights up in Victoria Square, you know the festive season has arrived in Adelaide. Standing around 25 meters tall and decked out in thousands of lights, it signals the start of the city’s Christmas Festival.
Every night at 8:30 p.m., the tree puts on a spectacular 10-minute LED light show. The area buzzes with festive vibes, especially with the Adelady Christmas Village turning Victoria Square into a holiday wonderland.
I like heading there early in the evening, just as the lights begin to glow and the city quietens. The atmosphere is magical, especially if you catch the lighting ceremony.
Tip: Grab a coffee or hot chocolate from a nearby café like Argo on the Square to make the experience even cosier.
Sing along in the Young Adelaide Voices Combined Festive Concert
Media From: youngadelaidevoices
Address: University of Adelaide, North Terrace
Website: https://youngadelaidevoices.asn.au/combined-festive-concert/
One of Adelaide’s cherished holiday traditions is the Young Adelaide Voices’ annual Combined Festive Concert, spreading cheer cheer since 2001.
The concert showcases a mix of choirs from the Young Adelaide Voices group, featuring solo and combined performances that capture the festive spirit. It’s a brilliant way for young singers to shine and share their love of music with the community.
I went to their performance last Christmas, and at just $25 a ticket, it was worth every cent. The atmosphere was warm and full of joy as the kids poured their hearts into every song. When they sang Silent Night, I couldn’t resist joining in.
Tip: Arrive early to grab a good seat and soak in the pre-concert buzz. The bake sale and raffle are a delightful bonus that adds to the festive charm!
Attend the Lights of Lobethal Festival
Media From: thelightsoflobethal
Address: Main St, Lobethal
Phone: +61 883 896 093
Website: https://www.lightsoflobethal.com.au/
Experience a 60-year-old tradition at the Lights of Lobethal Festival in the Adelaide Hills. With over 50,000 lights, the festival transforms the town into a magical wonderland. From Santa and his elves to intricate displays lining the streets, it’s a feast for the eyes and the holiday spirit.
Running from December 7 to 22, it’s a true community effort, with around 80% of homes and businesses joining in. The sense of togetherness is part of what makes it so special.
My family and I love strolling through the streets, admiring the displays, and picking our favourites. I’m partial to Koko Koala and Dusty the Snowman, while my wife and kids love Bill and Peg’s Christmas Lane.
Tip: For the best view of the themed lights, visit the festival during dusk.
Bring your kids to the Magic Cave at David Jones
Media From: adelaidecentralplaza
Address: 100 Rundle Mall
Phone: +61 883 053 502
Website: https://www.davidjones.com/stores/adelaide-central-plaza
Take your family on a whimsical adventure at the Magic Cave in David Jones, Rundle Mall. Running from November 2 to December 24 on Level 2 of the Adelaide Central Plaza, it’s a festive wonderland where kids can meet Father Christmas, ride vintage carousels, and enjoy funhouse mirrors surrounded by holiday decorations.
The experience includes premium Santa photo sessions, with professional photographers capturing those special moments. There’s also live entertainment, from roving carollers to themed performances. Plus, donations for the Starlight Children’s Foundation add a meaningful touch to this beloved tradition.
The Magic Cave has been a family staple for us for years. Seeing the kids’ faces light up when they meet Santa is such a heartwarming moment. The old-world charm and interactive activities make it just as magical for grown-ups too.
Tip: Get there early to skip the peak-time queues. Check the David Jones website for the latest opening hours.
Be impressed with the Lego sleigh display at The Piccadilly
Media From: legocertifiedstores_anz
Address: 181 O’Connell St
Phone: +61 882 671 500
Website: https://playandgo.com.au/christmas-lego-sleigh/
The LEGO sleigh display in Adelaide is a festive must-see, featuring a life-sized sleigh built entirely from LEGO bricks. Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, it’s available every December until February the next year, making it a fun stop for families and LEGO fans well beyond the holiday season.
In 2024, the display included sleigh designs by local kids, showcasing Aussie themes and wildlife. It’s part of the LEGO Group’s initiative to spark creativity and celebrate the holiday spirit in a uniquely interactive way.
I first stumbled across the LEGO sleigh a few years back, and now it’s one of those quirky traditions I never miss. The creativity behind the designs always amazes me.
Tip: Bring along your own Lego set for a fun, hands-on activity.
Christmas Wrap Party at Victoria Square
Media From: ovo.adl
Address: Grote St
Phone: +61 882 037 203
Website: https://southaustralia.com/products/adelaide/attraction/
The Christmas Wrap Party at Victoria Square is a lively way to celebrate the year’s end. Held every December 23 from 3:30 PM, it’s a festive mix of live music, local food, and Adelaide’s top distillers. With different organisers each year, no two parties are the same!
In 2024, ForMile Events organised the event, and it was such a treat! Brad Lee and The Cast filled the square with great live tunes while I sampled some fantastic food and drinks.
Tip: Arrive early to secure the best spot to watch and listen to the live music—in front of the Giant Christmas Tree. It has an excellent view of the stage where performances will take place.
