A guide to SA's best Christmas events


Head to the Adelaide Hills for the European-style Christmas market, Hahndorf Christkindlmarkt.

From carols and concerts to pageants and performances, there is plenty happening across South Australia over the coming weeks to help get you, your family and friends into the Christmas spirit.

Christmas at the Mortlock

4 November - 7 January | State Library of South Australia

Head along to the State Library of South Australia and discover Adelaide’s tallest indoor Christmas tree standing proud in the stunning Mortlock Chamber. Other activities on offer include storytelling, carols and an exhibition of key memorabilia from the National Pharmacies Adelaide Christmas Pageant. Read here about the tree's set up and what other events are on offer.

Giant Christmas Tree

18 November - 2 January l Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga

Soaring 25m high, Adelaide’s Giant Christmas Tree is back with a dazzling light display each night from 8.30pm to 2.30am. On hot summer's nights, children will be able to splash in the fountain to cool off.

Riverbank Christmas Lights

24 November – 1 January l Thebarton

The free Riverbank Christmas display at Thebarton (formerly the West End Brewery) is on again with enchanting displays including Father Christmas and his reindeers, Jack in the Box and the Nativity inn.

Loxton Lights Festival

25 November – 31 December l Loxton

For more than 30 years, the Riverland town of Loxton has been entertaining South Australians with its spectacular Christmas lights display that weaves through the main street of town and residential areas.

The Santa Course

3 December - 4 January 2024 | various CBD locations

Help Father Christmas with his Christmas chores by completing the free Santa Course. There are 10 giant Santas to find around Adelaide’s CBD, including in Rundle Mall and at Adelaide Oval and the Festival Plaza. Scan the QR code at all of the Santas and go into the draw to win Santa's Sleigh of Surprises.

Lights of Lobethal Festival

9-23 December l Lobethal

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Lights of Lobethal Festival. Kicking off with an opening pageant on Saturday 9 December, the event is the largest community Christmas light display in the Southern Hemisphere … and one not to be missed.

Christmas Wrap Party

Friday 22 December l Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga

Celebrate the end of the year at the Christmas Wrap Party. Enjoy a wide range of food, beverages, live music and Christmas cheer under the Giant Christmas tree.

Christmas with LibrariesSA

Various dates l South Australia

Libraries across South Australia will be hosting festive-themed events, from crafts to carols and more, in the lead up to Christmas. View the guide to find free activities at your local library.

Local Council Pageants

Various dates l South Australia

From Glenelg to Gawler, Barossa to Barmera, Stirling, Mount Barker and beyond, many local councils run Christmas pageants for the community in the lead up to the big day. Check your local council website for dates and details.

All NewsInfrastructureInnovationIndustry & BusinessRegionsEnvironmentLifestyle & EventsCommunityEducationHealth