The Lights of Lobethal Festival, created by the community of Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills, is a much loved Christmas festival that has been lighting up the Lobethal Valley for over sixty years.
Lobethal is nestled in a picturesque valley in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, approximately 35kms from Adelaide. In the true spirit of Christmas, the Lights of Lobethal Festival has now evolved into the largest community Christmas light display in the Southern Hemisphere.
Each year the festival begins with an official “Lights On” ceremony where residents will turn on their Christmas lights. Visitors and locals are invited to drive through the town to view the lights on homes and businesses. If you find the footpaths are too crowded, there is actually no need to leave your car, but simply drive slowly along and enjoy the view from your vehicle.
Lobethal Lights Trail
Saturday 7 – Sunday 22 December 2024 | From dusk, best viewed after sunset around 8:30pm
For over 60 years, the town has transformed into a dazzling wonderland of lights, capturing the spirit of Christmas and the warmth of community tradition. They invite you to start your evening with a delicious dinner at one of the amazing local vendors and savour the flavours of Lobethal before taking a magical drive through the twinkling streets and enjoying the spectacular light displays and activations that make this festival truly unforgettable.
The highlight each year is Bill & Peg’s Christmas Lane Lights Display – they will have their display on from 6 – 31 December 2024.
Carols in the Valley
Sunday 8 December 2024 | 7.00pm
Immerse yourself in the joyous melodies of the season at Carols in the Valley, a musical extravaganza led by the talented Lobethal Christian Fellowship Ensemble. Gather at the enchanting Lobethal Lutheran Church on Sunday, 8 December 2024, at 7 pm for an evening filled with heartwarming carols and sing-alongs. This free event promises to kindle the festive spirit, making it a perfect occasion for families and friends to come together and celebrate the magic of Christmas through music.
Living Nativity
Opening Night Sunday 8 December 2024 | 8.50pm & 9.20pm | Nightly From 13 December 2024
Immerse yourself in the true reason for the season as a collective of the Hills Christian Church Community brings to life the Story of the Nativity.
With nightly performances of a traditional re-enactment of the events of the first Christmas, complete with a real baby “Jesus” and a large menagerie of animals, the Living Nativity is a shining light and perennial favourite in the Festival Calendar.
Global Christmas Village
Saturday 16 December 2024 | 6pm – late
Get ready for a night of festive wonders in Lobethal’s Global Christmas Village on Saturday 16 December 2024.
Step into Lobethal to celebrate a Global Christmas, where your unique celebrations take centre stage! This event is all about YOU—your fancy dress, cultural attire, diverse Christmas traditions, or even your creative twist on classic holiday themes. Ever wondered what Christmas looks like in a galaxy far, far away? Now’s your chance to find out! Think Christmas Star Wars or your take on a beloved holiday movie.
The main street will be alive with the sound of the season as local businesses open their doors to offer an array of entertainment and Christmas treats. Music, performances, and surprises await.
A Triumphant Christmas
Wednesday 18 & Thursday 19 December 2024 | 6.30pm
A magnificent evening of music and celebration as “A Triumphant Christmas” brings the spirit of the season alive.
Featuring the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s Brass and Percussion sections, accompanied by organist Stephen van der Hoek, this concert blends classic masterpieces by Mendelssohn, Bach, Bizet, and Handel with cherished Christmas tunes.
Hosted by ABC Classic’s Russell Torrance, this enchanting event will fill the air with rich, uplifting melodies, offering a captivating experience for all ages.
Fabrik Handmade Christmas Market
Saturday 21 December 2024 | 11am – 9pm
Perfectly timed for you to finish your Christmas shopping and fill up your festive table with handmade artisan wares and locally produced treasures at Lobethal’s most sparkling time of year.
The Handmade Christmas Market stallholders are amazing artists and designer-makers joined by passionate producers and growers of the Adelaide Hills.
Explore the market, adorned with sparkling lights and licensed throughout, the market includes a fabulous food zone and the nearby grassed Mill Square will be a space for sitting and dining, along with a perfect position to enjoy live music as the sun sets.
Lobethal Pageant
Monday 23 December 2024 | 7.00pm
The much loved Lobethal Pageant returns to the Lobethal Main Street on 23 December 2024. It’s a time to celebrate the end of the year and everything amazing in the local area. The community gets together to make the Christmas spirit come alive for young and old.
Centennial Hall Christmas Markets
Saturday 7 – 24 December 2024 | Nightly 6pm – 10pm
Get into the festive spirit at the Lobethal Centennial Hall Christmas Markets, where the air is filled with the delightful scent of holiday treats and the stalls are adorned with festive decorations. Explore a winter wonderland of crafts, gifts, and local goodies, making it the perfect place to find unique treasures for your loved ones. A heartwarming shopping experience that captures the magic of Christmas!
Please keep an eye on the Lights of Lobethal Facebook page for regular updates in regards to any weather related event cancellations.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the The Lights of Lobethal website or follow their Facebook page for updates.
What: The Lights of Lobethal Festival
When: 7-22 December 2024
Where: Lobethal, Adelaide Hills
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: Lights of Lobethal Festival
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