Christmas in Adelaide 2026 | A Complete Family Guide to What’s On at Christmas
Christmas in Adelaide 2026 | Best Events, Activities & Experiences for Families
Looking for the best Christmas events, activities and experiences in Adelaide for kids and families? From spectacular Christmas lights and giant Christmas trees to festive markets, Christmas pageants, carols, Santa experiences and free family activities, there’s plenty happening across Adelaide and South Australia this festive season.
Our Christmas in Adelaide Guide for 2026 brings together some of the best family-friendly Christmas events, places to visit and things to do with kids throughout November and December.
Christmas in the City – Adelaide’s Christmas Tree, Decorations & Festive Displays
Christmas in Adelaide officially gets underway with the much-loved National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant on Saturday 14 November 2026. Thousands of families line the city streets to see the colourful floats, marching bands, dancers and favourite Christmas characters, before Father Christmas makes his grand arrival.
One of this year’s biggest highlights will be the unveiling of Adelaide’s brand-new Giant Christmas Tree in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga. Standing 25 metres tall, the impressive new tree will feature thousands of sparkling lights, colourful decorations and a giant illuminated star.
While you’re in the city, take a wander through Rundle Mall to discover the Christmas decorations, festive displays and seasonal activities. The Adelaide Central Market is another favourite at Christmas, with delicious treats, fresh produce, festive shopping and plenty of atmosphere.
Don’t miss the beautiful Christmas tree inside the Mortlock Chamber at the State Library of South Australia. Surrounded by historic bookshelves and the magnificent architecture of the Mortlock Library, it’s one of Adelaide’s loveliest Christmas photo opportunities.
The Best Christmas Lights in Adelaide
One of our favourite Christmas traditions is heading out to see the Christmas lights, and there are some wonderful displays to discover around Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills. Ninth Avenue in St Peters is one of our favourites, where beautifully decorated homes and sparkling lights make for a lovely evening stroll. The famous Lights of Lobethal is always a highlight, with homes and businesses throughout the town getting into the Christmas spirit. The Riverbank Christmas Display near the city is also well worth a visit – it has been drawing crowds since 1959!
Christmas Markets, Carols & Community Celebrations
Christmas markets are a great way to enjoy the festive season while supporting local makers and small businesses. Browse handmade gifts, decorations, crafts and delicious Christmas treats at markets throughout Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills and regional South Australia.
For those who love a Christmas singalong, Carols by Candlelight at Elder Park is one of Adelaide’s best-known festive traditions. Held on Saturday 12 December 2026, the event brings families together for an evening of Christmas music, entertainment and fireworks beside the River Torrens.
Santa Experiences, Christmas Shows & Family Activities
There are plenty of opportunities for kids to meet Father Christmas in Adelaide, whether it’s a traditional Santa photo, a festive shopping centre experience or a special Christmas event.
For families looking for a bigger Christmas outing, Santa’s Wonderland at the Adelaide Showground is packed with activities, including rides, ice skating, jumping castles, live stage shows and Christmas-themed entertainment. Glitter Pines is another magical Christmas experience, inviting families to wander through an immersive forest of sparkling Christmas trees, spectacular light displays, interactive installations and falling snow.
Free Christmas Events & Things to Do with Kids
From the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant and the Giant Christmas Tree in Victoria Square to Christmas lights, community carols, library activities and festive displays, there are lots of ways to celebrate without spending much.
Make an evening of visiting the city Christmas decorations, take a drive to see the neighbourhood lights, explore a local Christmas market or head along to a free community celebration. These simple outings are often the ones kids remember most.
Plan Your Family Christmas in Adelaide
Whether you love the excitement of the Christmas Pageant, the sparkle of Christmas lights, a visit to Santa or a relaxed evening of carols, our Play & Go Christmas in Adelaide Guide 2026 will help you discover what’s on and plan some fun family outings.
Keep checking back as we add more Christmas events, free activities, markets, light displays and festive experiences throughout the season.
Christmas in the City of Adelaide | 2026
Top Things to See and Do Around Adelaide this Christmas
Ninth Avenue Christmas Lights Display | St Peters
Giant Christmas Tree at the Mortlock | State Library of South Australia
Adelaide Christmas Pageant Guide | South Australian Pageants
FREE Things to do this Christmas in Adelaide
Adelaide Christmas Lights 2026 | Best Houses, Streets & Displays
Adelaide’s Giant Father Christmas | Adelaide Central Market
Adelaide Christmas Carols Guide | South Australia
Riverbank Christmas Lights Display | 1 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027
Adelaide Christmas Markets Guide 2026
Adelaide’s Giant Christmas Tree | Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga | 21 Nov 2026
Christmas at Carrick Hill | From 11 Nov 2026
Glitter Pines | Immersive Digital Christmas Experience | Hendon | 5-24 Dec 2026
Adelaide National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant | 14 Nov 2026
Santa’s Wonderland | Adelaide Showground | 4-24 Dec 2026
Where to Buy a Real Christmas Tree in Adelaide
Where to See Father Christmas in Adelaide | Santa Photos
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.
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