Fun Free Christmas Activities in Adelaide Arcade

If you are looking for some fun, festive and FREE activities that the whole family can enjoy, take a look around Adelaide Arcade.

Everyone looks forward to when the Adelaide Arcade Christmas decorations go up, and each year they don’t disappoint.  The giant twinkling Christmas trees and hanging garlands adorned in traditional red, green and gold baubles along with everyone’s favourite Santa figure who has been part of Adelaide Arcade’s Christmas display for over twenty years set the scene for a magical Christmas.

Adelaide Arcade to Recreate Historic 1885 Ceremony as 140th Anniversary Year Comes to a Close

Timeless heritage and elegant opulence will take centre stage on Friday, 12 December, as Adelaide Arcade hosts an official ceremony to conclude its year-long 140th anniversary celebrations.

The final event will be a spectacular re-creation of the Arcade’s original opening ceremony, first held on 12 December 1885.

At 10am, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, will arrive by horse and carriage—a charming tribute to the elegance of the Victorian period and a visually striking moment for visitors.

Setting the tone for the morning, the Amicus Strings quartet will perform the Adelaide Arcade Polka, a piece written specifically for the Arcade’s 1885 opening day. They will play beside the Rundle Mall fountain, beautifully adorned with flowers for the occasion, as they present a collection of authentic 19th-century musical pieces.

Retailers across Adelaide Arcade are embracing the milestone with themed experiences, special offers, live demonstrations, and Victorian-era touches. Visitors can expect a festive and nostalgic atmosphere throughout the heritage-listed building.

Featured activations:

OmMade Meet The Maker 

• Victorian hat-making demonstration by Mina from Grosgrain
• Permanent jewellery by Elle Hill Designs

Zu design

• Enjoy a glass of bubbles in store (evening event)
• Explore the current exhibition JEWEL-tide, showcasing festive fine jewellery

Orchard Bookshop

• Staff dressed in Victorian attire
• 10% off for any customer also dressed in a Victorian costume

Pencraft

• Special 140th Anniversary postcards designed by Debby Haskard-Strauss (T’Arts Collective). Visitors can write a card in-store and Pencraft will post it for free.
• Spend $140 and pick an ornament from Pencraft’s Christmas Tree for a chance to win prizes including a Pencraft December Subscription Box (RRP $440, valued at $890, Parker Jotter ballpoint pen and exclusive limited-edition stickers

Adelaide Arcade Festive Photo Moments

Adelaide Arcade invites you to take photos this Christmas, particularly with the famous Santa figure, which has been part of Adelaide Arcade’s display for over 25 years. You’ll also find a festive photo stand with two fun backdrops to choose from – Santa’s Workshop or the Gingerbread House.

Adelaide Arcade Tea Rooms

Check out ‘Santa’s Workshop’ in the former tea rooms and make sure you explore the Arcade (visit the balcony level, too!) to experience the enchanting Christmas windows created by their talented shop owners and staff.

Make sure you look up and take in the red and white hot air balloons floating through the Arcade delivering gifts. Have you spotted their giant red present box on the outside Grenfell Street end balcony? It lights up at night time too!

Christmas Choirs

The fabulous team from SPOC Music will be performing live at Adelaide Arcade on 4 and 5 December 2025 from 11am to 1pm, sharing all your favourite Christmas carols. This ensemble gives non-professional musicians a platform to connect, rehearse and perform in a supportive space, and this year they’re bringing festive cheer to the Arcade.

Adelaide Arcade also welcomes the Lift Choir to Adelaide Arcade on Friday 19 December 2025 from 11am to 12pm.  This uplifting community choir brings together past and present Lift Cancer Care patients, their families and supporters, creating a warm, inclusive space where anyone can experience the joy and confidence that comes from singing.

Kids Free Christmas Trail

Looking for a fun family break from shopping? Pick up a Christmas Trail brochure from the stands at the Rundle Mall and Grenfell Street entrances. Then explore the Arcade, finding festive-themed displays in shop windows and throughout the centre, a playful way for kids (and kids at heart) to enjoy the season.

Christmas Windows

Enjoy a magical stroll around the Arcade and check out their retailers’ festive window displays. 

Minda Charity Gift Wrapping at Adelaide Arcade

Adelaide Arcade’s beloved charity gift-wrapping service will return on Sunday 1 December, run by volunteers from Minda. This year marks a milestone of $100,000 raised to date, with 100% of the proceeds supporting Minda’s programs in accommodation, respite, aged care, and employment services for people with disabilities.

For a small donation, you can take the stress out of Christmas shopping and have your gifts expertly wrapped by the wonderful volunteers at Minda. All funds raised will help to change the lives of people with disability.

Location

Adelaide Arcade is located opposite the fountain in Rundle Mall and runs between Grenfell Street and Rundle Mall.

You can enter Adelaide Arcade via Rundle Mall, Grenfell Street or via Gay’s Arcade off Twin Street. View opening hours here.

For more information and all enquiries please visit the Adelaide Arcade website.

What:    Fun Free Activities in Adelaide Arcade

When:   November & December 2025

Where:   Adelaide Arcade – 112/118 Grenfell Street, Adelaide

Who:   Everyone

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: supplied / Play & Go

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