Magic Cave Adelaide | Photos with Santa | David Jones Rundle Mall

Visit Father Christmas in The Magic Cave at David Jones, Rundle Mall Adelaide and take home a special photo with Santa – an annual family tradition for many South Australians each year.    

Make this Christmas one to remember with a magical Santa experience like no other. This year, the David Jones iconic animated Christmas puppets return to bring even more festive magic to Santa’s Cave.

Enjoy complimentary popcorn or fairy floss from 12pm to 3pm daily, keep an eye out for roller‑skating elves on Saturdays plus, multiple package options are available including Santa Pawtraits, Sensitive Santa and standard sessions.

David Jones is a beautifully decorated store during the Christmas season and they offer families a premium Santa photo experience with their magical Christmas sets and real-life Santas. 

Photos with Santa Dates:

• 7 & 8 November 2026
• 14 & 15 November 2026
• 18 November – 24 December 2026

Packages range from $30.85 to $120,  Main photo received in a custom David Jones sleeve.

To book a photo session simply create an account, select the Adelaide store and select your preferred Santa photo package.

Booking is essential. Tickets are limited and are strictly non‑transferable. 

The ‘Magic Cave’ itself appeared even before the first Pageant was held – opening its doors in 1896 in the basement of John Martins.  Initially, it was a place where people could find some cool relief from the warm December days. Unfortunately, when the store burnt down in 1901, locals had to wait until 1905 before a new ‘Magic Cave’ was opened.  In 1998, John Martin’s Rundle Mall store closed and the ‘Magic Cave’ was moved to David Jones. (Source: City of Adelaide – Pageant Past & Present)

The Magic Cave opens the weekend before the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant this year.

While you’re in Rundle Mall, you could also check out Myer’s Santaland or explore North Terrace.

For more information and all enquiries please visit the David Jones website.

What:  The Magic Cave at David Jones

When:  Saturday 7 November – Thursday 24 December 2026 (see dates above)

Where:  Level 2 (Kids’ Department), David Jones | Adelaide Central Plaza, Rundle Mall, Adelaide (store hours)

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: Top image by David Jones / all Magic Cave photos by Play & Go Adelaide from our visits in previous years

SUBSCRIBE

Follow Play & Go on Facebook and Instagram

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!