What’s On in Adelaide This Weekend

Adelaide is lighting up this weekend, and the city’s serving up festive fun, alfresco vibes, and summer energy. Whether you’re chasing Christmas Carols, twinkling streets, street parties, movies under the stars, or beachside beats, our curated guide rounds up the top five experiences you won’t want to miss.

St John Ambulance Carols By Candlelight

What it is: Adelaide’s Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama transforms into a festive wonderland on December 13th. Pack a picnic rug, round up your crew, and enjoy food trucks, Christmas markets, giveaways, 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 Hugh Sheridan. Wrap up the night with fireworks over the river — the ultimate South Aussie festive experience.

Why go: Sing, cheer, toast the season, and soak up all the Christmas magic with friends and family — because nothing says SA festive vibes like Carols by Candlelight.

When: December 13th, 2025
Where: Elder Park / Tarntanya Wama, Adelaide
Perfect for: Families, festive enthusiasts, music lovers, and anyone ready to kick off Christmas in style

Tickets: Free or reserved seating available here.

Vardon Avenue Street Parties

What it is: Adelaide’s East End streets come alive with alfresco energy every Friday and Saturday until December 20th. Local favourites — East End Cellars, Mother Vine, NOLA, Enoteca, and El Cheeky Flamingo — spill into the street for drinks, bites, and the quintessential East End buzz.

Why go: Whether it’s after-work drinks, a pre-dinner meet-up, or a night out with friends, this is your go-to for summer vibes in the city.

When: Friday & Saturday, 4pm–11pm, until December 20th, 2025
Where: Vardon Avenue, Adelaide
Perfect for: Night owls, food and drink enthusiasts, and summer social butterflies

Sitchu tip: Be sure to pop in to East End Cellars, voted Best Neighbourhood Bar by readers in the 2025 Sitchu Awards.

Moonlight Cinema

What it is: Botanic Park’s iconic Moonlight Cinema celebrates 30 summers under the stars. Grab a blanket, your crew, and settle in for movies ranging from new releases and family favourites to Christmas classics and retro hits. This summer, even pups can enjoy a Lyka doggie bag.

Why go: Outdoor movie nights, popcorn in hand, chilled drinks ready, and a vibe you can’t replicate indoors.

When: November 27th, 2025 – February 15th, 2026
Where: Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla via Plane Tree Drive, Adelaide
Perfect for: Families, couples, and anyone who loves movies under the stars

See the full program here.

Loving Our Round Up of What’s On in Adelaide This Weekend? You May Also Like…

Experiences

17 of the Best Wineries in the Adelaide Hills

World-class wines, farmgate produce, charming cellar doors and stunning views await at the best wineries in the Adelaide Hills.

Read More

Travel Guides

Cosy Escapes: The Best Winter Holidays in South Australia

Get cosy in the countryside or brave the beachfront this winter.

Read More

Image Credit: Hahndorf Christkindlmarkt

Hahndorf Christmas Village

What it is: Hahndorf’s main street is getting a festive glow-up from December 12th–14th with the new Christmas Village. Think twinkling lights overhead, boutique windows dressed to impress, and over 150 stores staying open late with seasonal specials. Wander past bratwurst grills, pretzel stands, festive sweets from Bracegirdle’s, or head to Santa’s Hub at Comida for crafts and photos with the big man himself. Don’t miss the Gathered Christmas Design Market at Alec Johnston Park with 100+ local makers, plus live music, roaming performers, and hands-on workshops — all free, all festive, all Hahndorf magic.

Why go: Sip gluhwein, snack your way through the village, and soak up the European-inspired charm — perfect for families, friends, or anyone ready to dive into Hills Christmas cheer.

When: December 12th–14th, 2025, 3 pm–late
Where: Main Street and surrounds, Hahndorf
Perfect for: Festive explorers, food lovers, craft fans, and Christmas enthusiasts

Moseley Beach Club

What it is: Summer is back on the sand. Moseley Beach Club brings DJs, cocktails, bites, and ocean views to Glenelg for the ultimate beachside hangout. Dance under the stars or sink your toes in the sand while the sunset paints the sky.

Why go: Classic summer energy, chilled beats, and beachside vibes that make for the perfect weekend escape.

When: Open from December 1st, 2025
Where: Glenelg Beach, Glenelg
Perfect for: Beach lovers, sunset seekers, and those after a lively summer party

If You Only Do One Thing

St John Ambulance Carols By Candlelight — because nothing says Christmas in Adelaide like singing under the stars, sipping festive treats, and finishing with fireworks over the river.

Planning Your Weekend in Adelaide

Best transport: public transport or ride-share for Elder Park and East End events
Parking: available at Elder Park, Hahndorf main street, Glenelg Beach, and surrounding streets
Booking essentials: book tickets in advance for Carols By Candlelight, Moonlight Cinema, and Moseley Beach Club events
Nearby dining: Adelaide CBD and East End restaurants and bars

Writer

Lauren Thomas-Nehmy

12 December 2025

Lauren is an Adelaide-based storyteller with a keen eye for the city’s lifestyle scene. Before joining Sitchu as Adelaide Editor and Content Producer, she honed her craft at SALIFE Magazine, InDaily, and The Advertiser, covering a range of local stories and crafting scroll-stopping social content. Lauren thrives on discovering Adelaide’s best bites, sips, and experiences — but off the clock, you’ll find her soaking up the sun at the beach or plotting her next weekend escape, spritz or perfectly brewed coffee in hand.