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Where To See The Best Christmas Lights in Adelaide
A little sparkle, a leisurely evening wander and a few festive surprises along the way. Consider your December nights sorted.
The best Christmas lights in Adelaide bring a little extra magic to the city each December, from spectacular CBD displays to much-loved neighbourhood traditions and the famous Lights of Lobethal. With balmy summer evenings made for a festive wander, there are plenty of twinkling streets and Christmas displays worth adding to your December plans. Here’s where to find them.
Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga Christmas Tree
Adelaide’s Christmas celebrations have a new centrepiece this year, with a spectacular 25-metre Christmas tree set to take pride of place in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga. Designed exclusively for the city, the towering installation will be in place in time for the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant on Saturday, November 14, ahead of its official first lighting a week later.
Featuring 66,500 LED lights, almost 3,400 decorations and a three-metre illuminated star, the tree will come to life with a spectacular light and sound experience after dark. The first lighting will be celebrated with a free community concert on Saturday, November 21, from 6pm, hosted by Shanelle Franklin and featuring performances from Gospo Collective, L.I.L.L.I, Adelaide Afrobeat Collective and The Cast.
The Lord Mayor will lead the countdown before the big switch-on at around 8.30pm. Food trucks will be on site, so bring a picnic blanket and settle in for a balmy summer evening beneath Adelaide’s newest festive landmark.
Sitchu tip: While you’re in the neighbourhood, take the 300-metre stroll to Adelaide Central Market, where a rather oversized Santa is waiting to make an appearance.
Where: Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, Adelaide
When: Saturday 21 November 2026, 6pm to 9pm (first lighting)
Cost: Free
Best For: Families, Locals, Free events, Weekend plans
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Ninth Avenue, St Peters
A little neighbourhood Christmas magic goes a long way, and Ninth Avenue knows it. Each December, more than 70 homes transform the street with festive lights and decorations, making it one of Adelaide’s most loved Christmas traditions. Best explored on foot, the street is lined with twinkling displays, music and thoughtful little details to spot along the way.
Park a few streets back, take a leisurely stroll and keep little hands close, as cars still move through the street. There won’t be food trucks or ice cream vans this year, so pick up a festive treat beforehand and make an evening of it.
Where: Ninth Avenue, St Peters
When: Tuesday 1 December 2026 to Friday 1 January 2027
Cost: Free
Best For: Families, Kids, Locals, Outdoor activities, Weekend plans
Lights of Lobethal Festival
If there’s one festive outing worth making a day of, it’s Lights of Lobethal. Home to the largest community-run Christmas light display in the Southern Hemisphere, this much-loved Adelaide Hills tradition has been lighting up the Lobethal Valley for more than 60 years. More than 700 homes and local businesses get involved, turning the town into a festive spectacle of twinkling lights, creative displays and Christmas installations. Begin with a wander through the markets and local stalls before following the designated driving routes to take in the displays scattered throughout the valley. There’s plenty happening beyond the lights, too, from Nativity scenes and live music to food and drink stalls. For an extra festive outing, the Handmade Christmas Market returns to FABRIK on Friday, December 18th, with food, music and activities for little ones set against the historic Onkaparinga Woollen Mill.
Where: Lobethal, Adelaide Hills
When: Saturday 12 December to Tuesday 22 December 2026
Cost: Free entry with some ticketed events
Best For: Families, Visitors, Outdoor activities, Weekend plans, Unique experiences
Need To Know: Follow the designated driving routes. The Handmade Christmas Market returns to FABRIK on Friday 18 December 2026.
Riverbank Christmas Display
A Christmas tradition generations in the making, the Riverbank Christmas Display (formerly the West End Brewery Christmas Lights Display) has been bringing festive cheer to Adelaide since 1959. Now calling Hindmarsh home, this much-loved display returns with a cast of familiar favourites, from Santa and his reindeer to Jack in the Box, Vulcan’s volcano, the Ferris wheel, Nativity Inn and Moby the whale. It’s a nostalgic evening outing for the whole family, with free entry making it all the more lovely.
Where: Adam Street Reserve, Hindmarsh
When: Tuesday 1 December 2026 to Saturday 2 January 2027
- Sunday to Thursday, 3pm to 11pm
- Friday and Saturday, 3pm to midnight
Cost: Free
Best For: Families, Kids, Free events, Locals, Outdoor activities
Now that the best Christmas lights in Adelaide have got you in the Christmas spirit, check out these beautiful gift guides to spoil your loved ones. From presents for the teenager in your life to the avid entertainer, there’s something for everyone.
