Lights of Lobethal 2024

7 – 22 December 2024

The Lights of Lobethal have been an intrinsic part of the community for over 70 years, when local business owners hand- painted light bulbs with paint, thinned down with turpentine, to decorate their shops and businesses. What began as a simple tradition by local businesses and homeowners to spread the true meaning and joy of Christmas throughout the Lobethal community soon started attracting visitors from surrounding towns, Adelaide and eventually, the world.

Photo credit: Chantel Harding Photography

Lights of Lobethal Lights Fast Facts

• Did you know that the Lights of Lobethal are the largest community Christmas light display in the southern hemisphere?
• Did you know they’ve been happening since the early 1950’s?
• In the early 1990’s it became a festival all of it’s own. The Lights of Lobethal Festival with markets, performances and activities organised over the 10 days.
• Over 700 houses participate.
• 2015 was one of the biggest years on record for the festival where over 250,000 people visited Lobethal!

Driving the streets of Lobethal to look at Christmas Lights is an essential festive pilgrimage for South Australians. There are so many decorated homes to discover that will evoke childhood wonder and make memories for life. Penguins, elves, Christmas dragons, Father Christmas riding a motorbike, Christmas sleighs and reindeers galore! Not to mention two-metre tall Koko koala and Dusty the Snow Man.

Not to be missed is a visit to local town heroes Bill and Peg’s house on 5 Christmas Lane, Lobethal who have once again outdone themselves with over 50,000 lights twinkling into the night. Make sure you walk their veranda and enjoy peering into their spectacular Christmas windows with miniature Christmas villages and other Christmas treasures collected over a lifetime.

What’s On at the Lights of Lobethal in 2024

A Triumphant Christmas
December 17th & 18th – 6.30pm

A magnificent evening of music and celebration as “A Triumphant Christmas” brings the spirit of the season alive. Featuring the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s Brass and Percussion sections, accompanied by organist Stephen van der Hoek, this concert blends classic masterpieces by Mendelssohn, Bach, Bizet, and Handel with cherished Christmas tunes. Hosted by ABC Classic’s Russell Torrance, this enchanting event will fill the air with rich, uplifting melodies, offering a captivating experience for all ages. Buy tickets here

Living Nativity
Opening Night Sunday 8th December.8.50pm & 9.20pm then nightly From December 13th.

Hills Christian Church Community brings to life the Story of the Nativity. With nightly performances of a  traditional re-enactment of the events of the first Christmas, complete with a real baby “Jesus” and a large menagerie of animals, the Living Nativity is a shining light and perennial favourite in the Festival Calendar.

Centennial Hall Christmas Markets
Saturday 7th – 23rd December | Nightly 6pm – 10pm

Get into the festive spirit at the Lobethal Centennial Hall Christmas Markets, where the air is filled with the delightful scent of holiday treats and the stalls are adorned with festive decorations. Explore a winter wonderland of crafts, gifts, and local goodies, making it the perfect place to find unique treasures for your loved ones. Join us for a heart warming shopping experience that captures the magic of Christmas!

Carols in the Valley
7.00pm Sunday 8th December | Lobethal Lutheran Church

A musical extravaganza led by the talented Lobethal Christian Fellowship Ensemble. Gather at the enchanting Lobethal Lutheran Church on Sunday, December 8th, at 7 pm for an evening filled with carols and sing-alongs. This free event promises to kindle the festive spirit, making it a perfect occasion for families and friends to come together and celebrate the magic of Christmas through music.

Fabrik ‘A Handmade Christmas’ Market
11am – 9pm  Saturday 21st December | Fabrik Arts and Heritage

Perfectly timed for you to finish your Christmas shopping and fill up your festive table with handmade artisan wares and locally produced treasures at Lobethal’s most sparkling time of year.

Global Christmas Village
7.00pm 13th-15th December | Lobethal Main Street

A night of festive wonders in Lobethal’s Global Christmas Village on Saturday, December 16th! This event is all about YOU—your fancy dress, cultural attire, diverse Christmas traditions, or even your creative twist on classic holiday themes. Ever wondered what Christmas looks like in a galaxy far, far away? Now’s your chance to find out! Think Christmas Star Wars or your take on a beloved holiday movie.

Kids in Adelaide Lights of Lobethal Tips

1) Have dinner in Lobethal. Support the local eateries on Main Street before you hit up the lights. If you get there to eat around 7ish, the timing should be spot on to look at the lights for dusk at 8:30pm
2) Park at the top near Lobethal Bakery and walk down to explore the town. We found more parking up that end, but you really can’t go wrong which way you start.
3) Food trucks are scattered down Main Street. If you’re after more than a hot dog and donuts, plan your meal at a venue in town. You can see a list of local eats here
4) Bill and Peg’s house at 5 Christmas Lane is the must see house. So popular on some nights you will find a line up, but it’s a beautiful display and definitely worth the wait.