The iconic Riverbank Christmas Display, formerly known as the West End Brewery Riverbank Christmas Lights Display, lights up from November each year and is on every night during the festive season.
Editors note: Tuesday 28 November 2023
Following storms early Tuesday morning, 28 November, the Riverbank Christmas Display will be closed until further notice while maintenance is undertaken.
Council crews are currently assessing any damage which has occurred, however for safety reasons the display will not be active during the evening. We apologise for any inconvenience and will keep people posted.City of West Torrens
This annual event has been running for over 60 years and is a South Australian family tradition for many, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year. Delighting generations of families who gather along the banks of the River Torrens in Thebarton each night, the vantage points along the road allow for a fabulous view looking down across the river at the numerous moving displays.
The 2023 season will light up from Friday 24 November 2023 until Monday 1 January 2024
Viewing times:
- Sunday – Thursday: 3pm – 11pm
- Friday & Saturday: 3pm – midnight
The last night of operation will be Monday 1 January 2024.
Entertainment and Food
This year, there will again be food stalls and family activities:
- Jumping castle
- Bungy trampolines
- Carnival games
- Hot donuts
- Slushies
- Retail stalls
After South Australia’s West End Brewery announced its closure at the site in 2021, transition of ownership of the lights display was moved to the City of West Torrens from 2022 onwards.
Commonly referred to as the ‘Brewery Lights’, the display began humbly in 1959 with a Father Christmas and tree and many extra features have been added over the years including a Merry-go-Round, Vulcan, Ferris Wheel, Bonbons with ‘Merry Christmas’ written in 16 different languages on them, a Fountain, Old Mother Hubbard, the Wizard of Oz, Toy Stack, Moby Dick, Jack in the Box, Nativity Inn, and also a Beer Truck with a Christmas Tree on top.
Play & Go Tips
If you haven’t been to the Riverbank lights display before be aware it can get extremely busy as the sun sets and spectators cram for space along the path, stopping frequently to take a look down over the fence.
Prams tend to battle for space and the lines of people move very slowly, so if you can avoid taking a pram and use a baby carrier if possible. It is quieter during the day and young children will still enjoy the sights without the lights on, so this is a great option for families with very young children.
Keep up to date with notifications via the City of West Torrens Facebook page.
Parking & Transport Options:
The Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Coopers Stadium are offering 2 hour free parking on dates without events planned for the Adelaide Entertainment Centre or Coopers Stadium. Please see Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Coopers Stadium for current event schedules to avoid parking fees. The site is also accessible via public transport, including the Adelaide Entertainment tram stop (free between Adelaide city centre) and the Bowden train station (approx. 450m from the display).
Location:
Cnr Adam Street & Port Road, Thebarton
