UPDATED 26 NOVEMBER 2025
Christmas is just around the corner, and there is nothing better than getting out and about with the kids at family-friendly Christmas events in Adelaide.
In terms of family-friendly Christmas events and activities in Adelaide, there’s a jolly good selection to choose from this year. From Christmas Markets to Christmas Pageants, and Christmas Lights to Christmas Concerts! Adelaide is just about bursting with Christmas cheer!!
We’ve rounded up the best of the best things to do in Adelaide at Christmas time and we HO HO HOpe you find something you like. Remember to check back later as we are constantly adding new Christmas events as they’re announced.
Christmas Pageants in Adelaide:
Stirling Community Christmas Pageant
On Sunday 7th December from 11am, the Stirling Community Christmas Pageant, Market and Fair will bring delight to the Hills Community.
The parade commences on Druid Avenue in Stirling and makes its way to the Stirling Oval for the fair and market, providing an afternoon of live music, free kids craft, sideshow rides, camel rides, animal nursery, a delicious range of food and market stalls.
A fabulous family day out full of fun and a great opportunity to buy handcrafted, unique Christmas presents.
The Stirling Christmas Pageant is organised by The Hut Community Centre, please visit their website below for details of how to register your float or market stall.
Following the arrival of Father Christmas, bring your child to the oval to visit the merry man in the red suit.
Sunday 7 December 2025, 11am to 3pm
Stirling
Lobethal Christmas Pageant
The much-loved Lobethal Christmas Pageant Parade returns to the Lobethal Main Street on the 23rd of December, bringing festive cheer and holiday magic to the heart of the town.
Join the community, and Santa! for an enchanting evening filled with vibrant displays, creative floats, and the joyful spirit of Christmas.
This beloved annual event promises to delight all ages, so mark your calendars and come along to experience the magic of the season!
What to Expect:
- A dazzling procession of creative floats
- Vibrant displays celebrating the holiday season
- Festive spirit and fun for all ages
Tuesday 23 December 2025, 7pm-8pm
Main Street, Lobethal
Christmas Lights in Adelaide:
Lights of Lobethal Festival
A beacon of light to the local community and South Australian’s of all ages, The Lights of Lobethal is community-driven and volunteer-run and, throughout its 60-odd year history, no other calendar event has built more morale, created more happy memories and spread more joy, hope and resilience like it.
Experience the magic of Christmas and ignite your sense of nostalgia by immersing yourself in impressive experiences, fantastical light installations as well as traditional and reimagined Christmas events.
12-22 December 2025
Lobethal, Adelaide Hills
Riverbank Christmas Display
Experience the timeless magic of the Riverbank Christmas Display in Thebarton, a cherished tradition since 1959.
From Friday 24 November the Riverbank will illuminate the night with joy and wonder. Witness the series of enchanting displays including Santa and his Reindeers, Jack in the Box, Vulcan’s Volcano, the Ferris Wheel, the ‘Cow Jumped Over the Moon’, Wizard of Oz, and the Nativity Inn.
This iconic event is a festive feast for the senses, uniting generations in the spirit of Christmas. Don’t miss this cherished holiday celebration with your loved ones this season.
Saturday 22 November 2025 – Friday, 2 January 2026, 6:30pm until late
Adam Street Reserve, Hindmarsh
Christmas Markets in Adelaide:
Hahndorf Christmas Village
The township of Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills will for the first time this year be bringing the spirit of Christmas to life with the Hahndorf Christmas Village, a festive celebration for the whole family to experience and celebrate the town’s rich German heritage.
Taking place from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 December, Hahndorf’s Main Street will be transformed into a festive wonderland, with a magical display of Christmas lights similar to those seen on King William Rd and Jetty Rd, along with the return of the Gathered Christmas Design Market, family friendly activities, live entertainment, and a diverse selection of food and drinks.
Visitors can explore over 150 stores, each joining in the festivities with late-night trading, special offers, and Christmas displays, including the iconic Bracegirdle’s who will have a selection of Christmas themed treats for visitors to purchase such as Bon Bon Rocky Road and an Advent Calendar Chocolate Block.
12- 14 December 2025, 3pm – late
Main Street & surrounds, Hahndorf
Adelaide Central Markets
Gingerbread cooking demonstration with Hilton Adelaide chefs
Nothing says Christmas quite like the smell of warm, spiced gingerbread! Join the expert Hilton Adelaide Patisserie Chefs as they share their secrets for baking the perfect festive treats. Learn how to mix, bake, and decorate like a pro — and take home some inspiration for your own family kitchen.
Event details: Gingerbread Cooking Demonstration
Christmas Craft Workshop
It’s time to get creative! At the Christmas Craft Workshop, families can make their own printmaking designs, gift cards, and personalised tags — perfect for decorating presents or surprising loved ones. This free activity is all about imagination and joy, and it’s a fun way for kids and parents to share in the magic of making.
When: Thursday 18 December 2025
Details: Free Christmas Craft Workshop
Roving Christmas elves & live music
Keep an eye out for some festive fun! The Roving Christmas Elves are spreading cheer throughout the Market, dancing, laughing, and snapping photos with shoppers young and old. Add in the sound of live music and carols, and you’ve got the perfect holiday soundtrack while you explore stalls and taste delicious festive foods.
More info: Roving Elves & Live Music
OzHarvest Tree of Goodness
The season of giving truly shines at the OzHarvest Tree of Goodness. Visitors can support OzHarvest — an amazing organisation that helps feed families in need — by making a donation and adding a message of kindness to the tree. Watch it grow brighter each day as the community comes together to share love and generosity.
Learn more: OzHarvest Tree of Goodness
Make the Market part of your family’s festive tradition
From gingerbread baking to crafting, music, and giving back, the Adelaide Central Market is the ultimate destination for family-friendly Christmas fun this December.
Wander through the colourful stalls, enjoy the festive sights and sounds, and create special memories together. So grab your Santa hats, pack your shopping list, and head to the Adelaide Central Market — where holiday magic and community spirit come together under one roof.
Plan your visit: adelaidecentralmarket.com.au
Gathered Christmas Market
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year… and we’re making it even more magical as we expand our Christmas Design Market to a bigger and more central venue – Alec Johnston Park, right in the heart of Hahndorf’s Main Street, as part of the Hahndorf Christmas Village weekend.
Get ready to explore a curated selection of:
– Homewares, fashion, art, jewellery, ceramics, candles
– Kids’ products & personalised gifts
– Delicious food & locally made drinks
– Live entertainment & festive vibes
– Playground for kids of all ages to enjoy
– And SO much more – ALL from talented South Australian businesses!
Friday 12 December 2025: 5pm – 10pm
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 December 2025: 3pm – 10pm
Alec Johnston Park, Main Street, Hahndorf
Plant 3 & Plant 4 Christmas Gift Market
Plant 3 and Plant 4 multicultural eateries will be open for coffee, breakfast, and lunch. Enjoy SA beer, wine, and Christmas cocktails at the Plant 4 Bar. You can also enjoy free Christmas gin tastings from local distilleries.
Entry is free.
We have some wonderful live music lined up at our Christmas Market, including a performance from Park Choir and other local artists. Santa Claus will be coming all the way down from the North Pole to join us from 11am–1pm.
Plant 4 and Bowden Park will be filled to the brim with local Adelaide makers who spin, weave, grow, create, and construct excellent handmade gifts perfect for all ages. In Plant 3, there will be a large plant sale by Potted Thoughts. This Christmas Market is a fantastic way to bring some greenery into your home for the festive season, as well as a great time to purchase gifts for the holidays. Potted Thoughts will have specials across their full range during this market only. You will also find tables full of pre-potted plant gifts.
As well as supporting SA artisans this Christmas, we welcome you to feast with our wonderful and delicious multicultural eateries across Plant 3 and Plant 4, sit back with a Christmas cocktail, and enjoy live music from local artists. We will have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating spilling out onto the gorgeous Bowden Park.
Sunday 15 December 2025
9am–4pm
Plant 3 & Plant 4, Bowden
Christmas Carols in Adelaide:
Carols on the Oval hosted by Glen Osmond Baptist Church
Glen Osmond Baptist Church invites you to their annual Carols on the Oval celebration at Glen Osmond Primary School. Bring your family and friends to this light-filled evening of Christmas joy on Sunday 21st of December from 5:30 pm.
Join in the spirit of the season and sing-along with Christmas Carols performed by Glen Osmond Baptist Church.
Enjoy FREE family-friendly Christmas fun:
Lawn games
Face painting
Jumping castle
Sausage sizzle
Find the light in the darkness this Christmas season with Carols on the Oval hosted by Glen Osmond Baptist Church.
Sunday 21 December 2025, 5:30 pm – 8 pm
Glen Osmond Primary School Oval, 5 Fisher Ave Myrtle Bank
St John Ambulance Carols by Candlelight
Grab your festive picnic rug, family and friends, and head down to beautiful Elder Park to rekindle the magic of Christmas during a day packed full of singing, giveaways, music and delicious food and drinks.
Then, sing your heart out to your favourite Christmas carols and songs. Read about the 2025 hosts and artists here.
13th of December, Pre-show 5pm
Elder Park, Adelaide
Civic Park Carols
Get ready to embrace the magic of the season at Civic Park Carols 2023, where they’ll be lighting up the night with joy, music, and holiday spirit!
Civic Park Carols is more than just an event – it’s a tradition that brings our community together in the spirit of love, unity, and joy. The Carols event will include Pre-Show Extravaganza, Main Show Spectacular and a Christmas Village.
17th of December, Pre-show 5pm
Civic Park, Modbury
Community Christmas Carols
After three long years, our annual Community Christmas Carols and Markets event is back on the Minda calendar bigger and better than ever. Join us at the Minda Brighton site for a Christmas celebration like no other featuring live music and entertainment, Christmas carols, market stalls, food trucks, rides and amusements, face painting, a petting zoo and a visit from the big man himself – Santa!
6th of December, 2pm – 7pm
Minda, North Brighton
Norwood Twilight Christmas Carols
Get ready to embrace the enchanting holiday spirit at the most cherished event of the season – Twilight Carols!
This free family friendly open-air concert under the stars invites you to come and share in the spirit of Christmas and the excitement this season has to offer.
Join us as the sun sets for a night of performances together with a hopeful visit from Santa!
Delight your little ones with games, face painting, and more, ensuring a fun-filled family evening.
There will be all types of cuisine on offer, with food trucks proving big meals or a snack, and not forgetting dessert and coffee! You can bring your own picnic and drinks (BYO allowed).
Saturday 6 December 2025, 4pm-8pm
Linde Reserve, Stepney
Other Christmas Events in Adelaide:
Santa’s Wonderland
Santa’s Wonderland has been capturing the imagination and delighting Adelaide families since 2015. Returning again this December, Santa’s Wonderland will bring the magic of Christmas to life!
Spanning across 8,000 metres of space in the Jubilee Pavilion of the Adelaide Showground, explore the magic with your family, featuring unlimited rides, ice skating, tobogganing, Christmas activities and all of your favourite Christmas characters!
5-24 December 2025, 10am
Adelaide Showground, Wayville
Christmas at the Mortlock
Step into the magnificent Mortlock Chamber this festive season, where Christmas magic fills the air and memories are waiting to be made. Adelaide’s largest indoor Christmas tree, soaring seven metres high, will take your breath away as it sparkles in one of the city’s most beautiful spaces.
Embrace the spirit of the festive season with a special display of National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant treasures, bringing back memories of pageants past and celebrating this year’s new floats, including mini float competition winner, ‘Made with love, and a sprinkle of magic’.
Bring the whole family to enjoy Christmas activities:
- Enjoy performances by South Australian school choirs (24 November to 5 December)
- Robin’s Music Academy choir performance (13 December)
- Get creative in our Crafty Corner (15 to 19 December)
- Join our festive storytelling sessions (15 to 19 December)
- Experience the wonder of The Nutcracker Dreams with Adelaide Ballet’s performance and workshop (19 to 20 December)
- Sing along with ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ Carols Choir performance (20 December)
- Curl up and relax in our cosy reading nook
- Snap a festive photo on the thrones from John Martin’s Magic Cave, or on the Pageant Royal Family chairs in front of the tree
- Write a postcard to Father Christmas to share your Christmas wishes
Until 4 January 2026
Tuesday: 9am to 7pm
Wednesday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Magic Cave
Father Christmas will take up residence in the Magic Cave, which is on level two of David Jones Adelaide Central Plaza, every day now until Christmas Eve, with bookings encouraged.
The Magic Cave has been part of Adelaide’s Christmas celebrations since 1896, when it was established in popular local department store John Martin’s. Today, the traditions of the Magic Cave still stand, supporting cultural heritage and providing a community experience full of joy for families.
David Jones, Adelaide Central Plaza
Until 24 December 2025
The Nutcracker
Be enchanted by the incredible talent of international ballet stars as they take you on a journey through a winter wonderland.
Feel the crisp air and hear the sleigh bells chime as the world’s best ballet dancers bring this timeless tale to life. From the breath-taking snowflakes to the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy, every moment will captivate your imagination and fill your heart with holiday cheer.
A performance that will transport you to a realm of enchantment and leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime. Experience the beauty, grace, and joy of The Nutcracker, presented by BIG, and make this Christmas truly magical.
26-28 November 2025, 2:30pm tickets still avaliable
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
