Giant Christmas Tree at the Mortlock | State Library of South Australia
Christmas at the Mortlock – Visit the Giant Christmas Tree at the State Library on North Terrace, Adelaide.
Each year the magic of Christmas comes to South Australia’s State Library, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
There is something for everyone to see and discover at the State Library, from the largest indoor Christmas tree in Adelaide and storytelling sessions under the tree by local authors, to fun displays from the State Library’s collections and festive performances.
View the Giant Christmas Tree from 22 November 2025 until 4 January 2026.
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’.
Take the whole family to enjoy Christmas activities:
- Write a postcard to Father Christmas to share your Christmas wishes
- Get creative in the Crafty Corner (15–19 December 2025)
- Curl up and relax in the cosy reading nook
- Join the festive storytelling sessions (15–19 December 2025)
- Enjoy performances by South Australian school choirs (24 November–5 December 2025)
- Experience the wonder of The Nutcracker Dreams with Adelaide Ballet’s performance and workshop (19–20 December 2025)
- Sing along with the Carols Choir performance (20 December 2025)
- Robin’s Music Academy choir performance (13 December 2025)
- 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
FIRST LOOK – SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2025
You’re invited to sneak into the Library before it opens on Saturday 22 November 2025 to be one of the first to see Adelaide’s largest indoor Christmas tree this year, Embrace the spirit of the festive season and experience performances by City of Adelaide Band and Aurora Vocal Ensemble surrounded by treasures from the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant.
Session 1: 10am to 10.45am
Session 2: 11am to 11.45am
ENTRY IS FREE – SESSION BOOKINGS REQUIRED
The Nutcracker Dreams
Enter into the magical world of The Nutcracker Dreams, a performance and workshop by Adelaide Ballet, where favourite moments are brought to life in a whimsical retelling. Recommended for children aged between 5 and 10 years old and their families.
After the 20-minute performance children are invited to join a fun, creative dance workshop to reimagine the story through dance, storytelling and creativity, becoming part of the magic themselves.
By blending performance and participation, The Nutcracker Dreams encourages children to engage with storytelling in an imaginative and active way. At the same time, families enjoy a festive cultural experience that is both accessible and memorable.
Workshop places are limited to fifteen children each session, caregivers must also register their place. BOOK HERE
Christmas at the Mortlock – 2022 Review
The Mortlock Wing is a spectacular place to visit at any time of year but at Christmas time it is extra spectacular, and there are additional things to see and do.
Review by Claire Davill
Step inside the quiet, ground floor of the Mortlock Wing and the first thing you’ll notice is the huge Christmas tree at the other end, stretching up above the second level and topped with a lit up star. Twinkling lights abound and presents surround the base, as well as an inviting red armchair to sit on for photos or read a Christmas themed book (there is a well-stocked basket next to the chair).
To one side is a “fireplace” with more armchairs and more books, for more reading and more photo opportunities.
There are also colouring tables with plenty of Christmas themed pictures to colour in. Pencils, scissors, string and staplers are provided and you’re encouraged to add your creation to the nearby Christmas tree.
Many of the displays feature Christmas related items, including plenty of old-fashioned toys that children hoped to find in their stockings in years past.
Once you have discovered everything at the ground level, head up the stairs or or use the lift to the second level to get a different view of the Christmas tree, as well as take in the gorgeous historic reading and study nooks, surrounded by old books and dark wood. Remember that people often study or read up here, so remember to keep your voices low!
A visit to the Mortlock Wing is a must when you are in the city during the Christmas season – it’s like stepping back in time! Remember that entry is free. You can enter from the main entrance of the State Library – head up the stairs and along the walkway connecting the State Library building to the Mortlock Wing. During Christmas time you can also enter from the other end of the wing, near the South Australian Museum courtyard. This is well signposted.
The quietest times to visit are early mornings on weekdays – make sure you allow enough time to read some books and colour in some Christmas decorations.
Location:
The State Library of South Australia is located on the corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue in the city.
There is a tram-stop just outside the State Library and there are bus stops close by near the War Memorial on North Terrace and the closest train station is the Adelaide city station on North Terrace. The nearest car park is Wilson’s Adelaide Central car park next to David Jones and there is paid metered street parking along Kintore Ave and Victoria Drive.
For more information, opening hours and all enquiries please visit the State Library of South Australia website or follow their Facebook page.
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: photos by Play & Go 2020 – 2022
SUBSCRIBE
Want to get all the latest events and activities straight to your inbox?
Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter below to keep up to date with our latest posts and find out all the best events & activities for Adelaide families. Newsletters are only sent once a week, and you may sometimes get a special offer exclusively for our subscribers only!
