12 days of Christmas in South Australia
The festive season truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Decorations adorn the streets and houses, and people are getting into the holiday spirit.
Forget the famous Christmas carol The Twelve Days of Christmas – we have 12 events that will get even the biggest Christmas Grinch into the festive spirit.
1. 2021 Christmas Riverbank Lights Display
Hindmarsh
A South Australian tradition and family favourite, the Christmas Riverbank Lights Display is back after being cancelled last year due to COVID-19.
Formerly known as the West End Brewery Christmas Riverbank Display, the dazzling exhibit features a range of oversized Christmas decorations and lights.
This year, visitors will need to pre-book free tickets to one of four sessions each night until the event ends on 25 December. Free parking is available at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre
2.Lights of Lobethal Festival
Lobethal
It’s not the festive season without taking a scenic drive to Lobethal and being dazzled by the largest community lights display in the southern hemisphere.
An annual tradition for more than 60 years, the festival also features a living nativity scene, a pageant night and live entertainment. Proudly sponsored by RAA this year, the event runs from 12 to 31 December.
3. Santa’s Wonderland
Adelaide Showground, Wayville
Santa’s Wonderland transforms the Adelaide Showground into a world where the North Pole and Disneyland collide.
This Christmas spectacular includes three hours of unlimited rides, ice skating and tobogganing, jumping castles, an activity trail, show bags and live stage shows. It even includes a visit from Santa himself. There are three sessions available per day. RAA members save 10% on tickets at Santa’s Wonderland.
4. Christmas tree displays
Adelaide city centre
Rivalling the world-famous tree at New York’s Rockerfeller Center, Adelaide boasts some impressive Christmas trees of its own. Perhaps the most well-known is in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga. At 25 metres tall, this Christmas tree is a spectacular sight at night.
The tree is illuminated from 8.30pm to 2.30am each night until 4 January. Here’s a tip: bring a towel or spare clothes for the kids so they can splash around in the fountains in Victoria Square.
If you prefer a quieter setting, there’s a beautiful Christmas tree on display in the State Library’s Mortlock Chamber where you can get cozy and enjoy Christmas books in the reading nook. It’s on display Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm until 4 January. Entry is free. We think both trees are must-see.
5. Ninth Avenue, St Peters Christmas lights display
St Peters
There’s something to be said about a community that comes together to bring joy to others and continue an Adelaide tradition.
The residents of Ninth Ave at St Peters have done exactly that with their incredible annual Christmas lights display.
Many beautiful homes along Ninth Ave are adorned with dazzling lights and interactive displays to delight visitors who come from near and far. The free event runs until 1 January.