It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and what better way to celebrate the lead up to the most wonderful time of the year than right here in the City of Adelaide. From carols to Christmas Trees, free Christmas workshops for kids and of course the iconic National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, there’s no better city in Australia to celebrate Christmas (well….we think so anyway!)
Discover the Santa Course
Making its return in 2024, the Santa Course is back to bring festive fun to Adelaide!
The Santa Course is an interactive trail featuring 10 giant Santas – each up to 9 meters tall – scattered from Rundle Mall to the Adelaide Zoo. Santa wears a lot of hats to get Christmas ready, and each Santa along the trail has a unique role to play. Kids and families can follow the trail to help Santa with his “chores” and discover festive locations across the city.
Download a map and scan the QR codes near each Santa across the city for your chance to WIN 1 of 3 Santa’s Sleigh of Surprise packs.
Rundle Mall’s Giant Light Up Swinging Bells
Complementing the three Santas in Rundle Mall are two giant, magical swinging bells presented by Amigo Amigo, nestled amongst a forest of green Christmas trees with thousands of twinkling lights. The bells will invite children and adults to swing and play, creating a dynamic display of colour, light and bell chimes. ‘The Santa Course’ and Rundle Mall’s swinging bells are now on display, free for the public to enjoy, until early January 2025
Discover the illuminated Swinging Bells at Sportscraft opposite Rundle Mall Plaza, Woolworths opposite Rundle Place, and Novo Shoes at the corner of Twin Street and Rundle Mall.
Christmas at Adelaide Central Market
12 – 15 December – Kids can get busy and join in the free craft sessions or learn a thing or two at a gingerbread cooking demonstration (with plenty of sampling). Best of all, bookings are not required – just drop in at a time that suits you.
Tues 17 December 11.00am – 12pm – Gingerbread cooking demonstration
Wed 18 December 9.30am – 11.30am – Christmas tree craft workshop
Thur 19 December 9.30am – 11.30am – Reindeer art workshop
Fri 20 December 9.30am – 11.30am – Printmaking and gift card and tag workshop
The Adelaide Central Market will be open for extended trading next week, so you can shop when it suits you. Extended hours include a full day on Sunday 22 December, Monday 23 December and an early start on Christmas Eve!
Christmas at the Mortlock
A magical Christmas awaits families at the beautiful Mortlock Chamber, where Adelaide’s largest indoor Christmas tree stands tall, reaching seven meters high and sparkling with festive decorations.
Visitors can soak up the Christmas spirit with a special display of treasured pieces from the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant and enjoy a range of free festive family activities including writing postcards to Santa, Christmas craft, Christmas storytelling and carol singing.
Santaland at Myer Adelaide
Your adventure starts aboard the Santaland Express, as the life-size train takes shoppers of all ages on a virtual journey from Myer Central Station non-stop to Santaland. Take some fun photos in front of the green screen. You’ll be able to do some colouring, play with Lego, post a letter to Santa, and of course, meet Santa himself and take a magical family Christmas photo and a chat with Santa himself. And don’t forget to post your letter to Santa in the special mailbox and we’ll make sure it’s delivered to him.
Visit the Giant Christmas Tree
Soaring 25 meters into the sky, Adelaide’s Giant Christmas Tree is back this year in Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga.
See the dazzling light display each night this Christmas season from 8:30 pm to 2:30 am.
Christmas at Adelaide Arcade
Adelaide Arcade offers a range of fun, free entertainment and activities to make the most of the festive season.
Free choir performances so you can shop and sing along to your favourite Christmas songs! High-Spirits Harmony will perform on Saturday, 14 December, at 11 am and 1 pm. Woodville High School students will perform for late-night shoppers on Friday, 6 December, at 5 pm.
Take photos in the Arcade, particularly with the famous Santa figure, which has been part of Adelaide Arcade’s display for over 25 years. There is also a photo stand with two picture options. Which do you choose – Santa’s workshop or the gingerbread house?
Check out ‘Santa’s Workshop’ in the former tea rooms and make sure you explore the Arcade (visit the balcony level, too!) to experience the enchanting Christmas windows created by our talented shop owners and staff.
Visit the brochure stands at the Rundle Mall and Grenfell Street entrances to pick up a Christmas Trail brochure. Challenge yourself to find the festive-themed displays in shop windows and throughout the Arcade! It’s a fantastic way to take a break from Christmas shopping while letting the kids have some fun.
National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant
This is a magical, free community event, full of fantasy, floats, colourful characters, bands, dancers and more, shared by generations of Australians. An audience of over 300,000 people line the streets of Adelaide for the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant – the southern hemisphere’s largest public street parade. It’s a must see Adelaide Christmas event.
Adelaide Carols by Candlelight
Held every Christmas in Elder Park, along the Torrens the Adelaide Carols by Candlelight has been happening for over 80 years! As well as being an iconic South Australian event, Carols also offers a unique opportunity for friends and families to gather each year, lay a picnic rug on the lawn, and break bread while celebrating Christmas. Celebrate the spirit of Christmas during a day packed full of singing, giveaways, music and delicious food and drinks. Then join in for the main event and sing your heart out to your favourite Christmas carols and songs.
The Magic Cave
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas at David Jones, Adelaide Central Plaza, as the iconic Magic Cave welcomes Father Christmas. Open from November 2, the same day as the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant.
Is it the same Magic Cave that you remember from your childhood? – No
But we think it’s a great option for premium Santa photos. There’s a carousel kids can ride, some funny mirrors and Christmas displays plus the city location means you can check out the Santa Course in Rundle Mall after your visit or get some Christmas shopping done.
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