Lights of Lobethal 2025
Lights on from 12 – 22 December 2025!
For over 70 years, the Lights of Lobethal have been lighting up the Adelaide Hills and the hearts of everyone who visits! What began back in the 1950s, when local shop owners hand-painted light bulbs to decorate their windows, has grown into the largest community Christmas light display in the Southern Hemisphere.
Every December, the entire town of Lobethal comes alive with twinkling lights, festive displays, and that unmistakable Christmas magic. Wander the streets, follow the driving trails, and soak up the atmosphere as more than 700 homes and businesses shine bright for the season.
And it’s not just about the lights, the Lights of Lobethal Festival brings ten days of markets, live performances, food stalls, family entertainment, and community events that capture the true spirit of Christmas.
Photo credit: Chantel Harding Photography
Lights of Lobethal Lights Fast Facts
- The Lights of Lobethal have been glowing since the early 1950s
- Over 700 homes take part each year
- It’s the biggest community-run display in the Southern Hemisphere
- More than 250,000 people have visited in peak years
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.
What’s On at the Lights of Lobethal in 2025
A Triumphant Christmas
December 19th, 20th & 21st
A Magical Evening of Brass, Percussion & Pipe Organ
Presented by The Lights of Lobethal
Enjoy an unforgettable evening at the Lobethal Lutheran Church, where a talented ensemble of professional brass and percussion musicians unite with the majestic tones of the church’s historic pipe organ, performed by acclaimed organist Stephen van der Hoek. Conducted by French horn player Tim Skelly and hosted by ABC Classic’s Russell Torrance, this unique performance brings the spirit of Christmas to life through a program of reimagined festive favourites, rich harmonies, and radiant arrangements. Expect a joyful soundscape that fills the church with warmth, wonder, and the magic of the season. Doors Open: 6.45PM Run time: 1 Hr 15 min – buy tickets here
Living Nativity
From December 14
Nightly 8.50pm & 9.20pm.
Immerse yourself in a true Lobethal tradition – The Living 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 favourite in the Festival Calendar. Come and experience for yourself the True Story of Christmas!
Centennial Hall Christmas Markets
Saturday 13th – 24th 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 heartwarming shopping experience that captures the magic of Christmas!
Carols in the Valley
7.00pm Sunday 14th December
Lobethal Lutheran Church
Immerse yourself in the joyous melodies of the season at Carols in the Valley, a musical extravaganza led by the talented Lobethal Christian Fellowship Ensemble. Gather at the enchanting Lobethal Lutheran Church on Sunday, December 14th, at 7 pm for an evening filled with heartwarming 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 20th December
Free Event
Please join us at our Handmade Christmas Market. 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. The Handmade Christmas Market stallholders are amazing artists and designer-makers joined by passionate producers and growers of the Adelaide Hills.
Explore the market, located across our site of beautiful former Onkaparinga Woollen Mill. Adorned with sparkling lights and licenced throughout, the market includes a fabulous food zone and our nearby grassed Mill Square will be a space for sitting and dining, along with a perfect position to enjoy live music as the sun sets.
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 always a 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. Although we’re not 100% if they are taking part this year, we will find out soon.