Riverbank Christmas Lights Display | 1 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027
The iconic Riverbank Christmas Display, formerly known as the West End Brewery Riverbank Christmas Lights Display, lights up nightly this December.
This free annual event has been running for over 65 years and is a South Australian family tradition for many, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year. Delighting generations of families who gather along the banks of the River Torrens in Southwark (formerly Thebarton) each night, the vantage points along the road offer a fabulous view down across the river at the numerous moving displays.
RIVERBANK CHRISTMAS DISPLAY HISTORY
Commonly referred to as the ‘Brewery Lights’, the display began humbly in 1959 by SABCo Brewery. It started with the installation of a Father Christmas and tree and many extra features have been added over the years including a Merry-go-Round, Vulcan, Ferris Wheel, Bonbons with ‘Merry Christmas’ written in 16 different languages on them, a Fountain, Old Mother Hubbard, the Wizard of Oz, Toy Stack, Moby Dick, Jack in the Box, Nativity Inn, and also a Beer Truck with a Christmas Tree on top.
The tradition continued over the years, weathering storms, including a flood one year, which carried poor Moby the whale down the river. In 2021, the West End Brewery closed down after 135 years of operation, so they donated the display and passed on the responsibility of the annual event to the City of West Torrens council, which hosts the display.
PLAY & GO TIPS
If you haven’t been to the Riverbank Lights Display before, be aware it can get extremely busy as the sun sets and spectators cram for space along the path, stopping frequently to take a look down over the fence.
Prams tend to battle for space and the lines of people can move very slowly, so you may find it easier to avoid taking a pram and use a baby carrier if possible. It is quieter during the day and young children will still enjoy the sights without the lights on, so this is a great option for families with very young children.
DATES & TIMES:
The first night of the display will be Tuesday 1 December 2026.
- Sunday – Thursday: 3pm – 11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 3pm – midnight
The final night of the display will be Saturday 2 January 2027.
LOCATION:
The viewing area is located at the Adam Street Reserve, Hindmarsh (with access via footpaths along Adam Street)
PARKING & TRANSPORT OPTIONS
The Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Coopers Stadium usually offer 2 hour free parking on dates without events planned for the Adelaide Entertainment Centre or Coopers Stadium. Please see Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Coopers Stadium for current event schedules to avoid parking fees. The site is also accessible via public transport, including the Adelaide Entertainment tram stop (free between Adelaide city centre) and the Bowden train station (approx. 450m from the display).
