Santa Approved: Best Things to Do This Christmas in Adelaide

And just like that, Christmas is upon us once more! As we decorate our trees and add sparkle to our homes, the magic of Christmas can also be found in the streets and stores of Adelaide, with endless ways to find joy this festive season.

From photos with the big man in red and merry markets to checking out the Christmas displays around town, our guide to the best things to do this Christmas in Adelaide will be sure to get you into the holiday spirit!

Hahndorf Christmas Village

Hahndorf is dialling up the festive charm this December with the launch of its new Christmas Village — an immersive, European-inspired celebration set to transform the iconic main street across three magical nights. Expect twinkling lights draped overhead, boutique windows dressed for the season, and more than 150 stores opening late with special offers and plenty of Christmas spirit.

Gluhwein (traditional mulled wine) in hand, wander past bratwurst grills, pretzel stands, and festive sweets from Bracegirdle’s, or make your way to Santa’s Hub at Comida for crafts and photos with the big man himself. The Gathered Christmas Design Market brings 100+ local makers to Alec Johnston Park, while creative workshops, live music, and roaming performers keep the whole village buzzing. Free entry, full ambience, and all the Hills magic.

December 12th to 14th, 2025, 3pm to late

Main street and surrounds, Hahndorf

Lot 100 Christmas Movie Night

It’s getting festive at Lot.100! On December 19th, grab your friends, family, or work crew for a Christmas Movie Night under the stars. Enjoy Lot.100’s delicious eats and drinks from the Lawn Bar while watching one of the best Christmas movies, Elf. BYO rugs, bean bags, or chairs and settle in for a night of festive cheer.

Bookings available here.

68 Chambers Road, Hay Valley

Santa’s Wonderland

What’s more magical than an entire pavilion transformed into a Christmas wonderland? Delighting families for almost a decade, Santa’s Wonderland is home to rides, jumping castles, ice skating, Christmas shows, photos with Santa, fairy lights, hands-on activities for the kids and roaming elves and characters spreading cheer.

Book a morning or afternoon session, dress the kids in their best Christmas ‘fits and watch the smiles as they enter this land of dreams and wonder, where they will have three hours to run wild (and tire themselves out).

Open daily to December 24th

Adelaide Showground, Jubilee Pavilion

Adelaide Arcade 

Adelaide Arcade combines holiday cheer, unique shopping and community spirit every Christmas. With festive decor and live performances setting the mood throughout December, Minda’s beloved charity gift-wrapping service is back, with all proceeds supporting vital disability services and easing your to-do list.

Discover the Adelaide Arcade Gift Guide to find the perfect pressie, and snap holiday photos with the Santa figure – an Adelaide tradition for over 25 years. With extended trading hours and a spot on Rundle Mall’s interactive Santa Course, Adelaide Arcade is a must-visit this festive season.

Adelaide Arcade, between Grenfell Street and Rundle Mall

Gathered Christmas Design Market

Hahndorf is spoiling us this Christmas! If you can’t find what you’re looking for at the Christmas Market- or perhaps your gift list includes a little something for yourself – pop over to the Gathered Christmas Design Market.

Support over 70 local and small businesses at the special edition markets, held over three days to provide ample time for last-minute shopping. Browse stalls of niche homewares, handmade candles, clothing, art and ceramics, then sit back and admire your haul and find food and drinks from local vendors.

12th – 14th December

Alec Johnston Park, Main Street, Hahndorf 

St John Ambulance Carols By Candlelight

Adelaide, it’s that magical time again. On December 13th, Elder Park lights up for St John Ambulance Carols By Candlelight. Pack your picnic rug, grab your crew, and dive into afternoon festivities: giveaways, food trucks, a Christmas market and even a Santa sighting. From 5 pm, the Experience Adelaide Pre-Show Concert kicks off, leading into the main Carols concert at 8:30 pm, hosted by Rosanna Mangiarelli, Will Goodings and Amelia Mulcahy, with special guest performer, hometown hero Hugh Sheridan. Sing, cheer, toast the season and finish with fireworks over the river — the ultimate South Aussie festive night.

December 13th, 2025

Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama

Free or reserved seating tickets available here.

See the Lights

It’s easy to see Adelaide embracing the Christmas spirit, decking city streets and shopping malls with garlands and baubles before December even hits. But beyond the giant Christmas tree in Victoria Square and the twinkling CBD, a few suburbs stand out as the jolliest of all. From the Lights of Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills to the Riverbank display in Thebarton, there are thousands of tiny light globes waiting to be discovered.

Check out our guide to the best Christmas lights in Adelaide.

Visit Santa

Christmas magic is in full swing in Adelaide! David Jones Magic Cave at Adelaide Central Plaza is a treasured tradition, featuring twinkling fairy lights, funfair rides, roaming carolers, and Santa on his throne ready to hear wishes from children of all ages. Don’t miss Santa PAW-traits on December 4th and 5th or Sensitive Santa sessions on November 21st to 23rd. Open November 6th to December 24th, bookings for photos are highly recommended.

Meanwhile, at Myer Santaland, hop aboard the Santaland Express Train and explore a winter wonderland with Santa and his elves. Furry friends are welcome for Santa Paws on December 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th. Entry is free, but bookings are essential.

Rundle Mall, Adelaide

David Jones Magic Cave bookings available here.

Myer Santaland bookings available here.

Feeling inspired to embrace the festive period from our guide to the best things to do this Christmas in Adelaide? Keep the magical moments going with the best Christmas movies and sort out last-minute gifting with same-day delivery services in town.