Adelaide comes alive each festive season with a magical mix of Christmas events and activities for families. From dazzling light displays and bustling festive markets to interactive Santa experiences and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for family activities in Adelaide or kids activities in Adelaide, this guide covers the top festive options across the city and surrounding regions, including the beautiful Adelaide Hills.
Participating in Christmas activities in Adelaide is an opportunity for children to explore new sights and sounds, engage socially, develop creativity, and enjoy sensory-rich experiences. These moments of festive magic create lifelong memories and are fun for the whole family!
Family-Friendly Christmas Activities in Adelaide
Every family has different festive preferences, but Adelaide offers a wide variety of experiences for children of all ages. From hands-on interactive zones to immersive visual displays, these activities encourage:
- Imagination and creativity – dressing up, storytelling, role-play with Santa, or participating in themed workshops.
- Sensory development – exploring lights, sounds, textures, and tastes at markets or themed events.
- Social skills – interacting with other children, performers, and communities during pageants, carols, or workshops.
By joining in on these events, families not only celebrate the festive season but also support children’s developmental growth in a fun and relaxed environment.
Source: Santa’s Wonderland
Santa Experiences
Santa’s Wonderland | Adelaide Showground
Santa’s Wonderland runs from 5–24 December 2025. Children can enjoy over 12 amusement rides, ice‑skating, a 10-stop activity trail, and live stage performances. Interactive craft stations allow kids to make decorations and gifts, fostering creativity and fine-motor skills.
Tips for families:
- Arrive early to avoid queues and enjoy quieter sessions.
- Suitable for all ages, but smaller children may prefer early morning times.
- Bring socks for ice-skating and wear comfortable clothing for rides and walking.
This experience also promotes social skills as children interact with peers, performers, and volunteers in a structured yet playful environment.
Where to See Father Christmas in Adelaide
Various shopping centres and festive pop-ups offer Santa visits, perfect for capturing special family moments. Children can practise communication skills by telling Santa their wishes and patiently waiting for their turn. Photographs make a memorable keepsake and encourage excitement for the festive season.
Santaland | Myer Adelaide | Christmas Express Train
Visit Santaland at Myer Centre, Rundle Mall, Adelaide, running from 8 November to 24 December 2025. Kids can ride the Christmas Express Train, meet Father Christmas, and enjoy festive craft activities. Booking ahead is highly recommended to secure your spot. This immersive, sensory-rich experience encourages creativity, imagination, and joyful family moments.
Magic Cave Adelaide | David Jones Rundle Mall
Step into the Magic Cave at David Jones, Rundle Mall this Christmas (8–24 December 2025) for a festive experience. Kids can meet Father Christmas, enjoy themed decorations, carollers, and the Toy Soldier Troupe, and capture magical Santa photos. Booking ahead is essential.
Westfield Tea Tree Plaza (Modbury)
Open from 9 November to 24 December 2025, Westfield Tea Tree Plaza features a range of Santa experiences, including Family & Friends sessions, Sensitive Santa, Auslan Santa, and pet-friendly photography. Bookings are essential for all sessions, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for families.
Burnside Village Christmas Village
Santa visits Burnside Village from 17 November to 24 December 2025. Set in a festive Christmas Village, kids can meet Father Christmas, participate in seasonal craft activities, and take photos. The venue also offers Sensitive Santa sessions and Santa Paws for pets.
Adelaide Farmers Market — Showgrounds
On 14 December 2025, Santa will be at the Adelaide Farmers Market, offering free photo opportunities alongside live festive entertainment. Donations collected help support the Country Fire Service (CFS) Foundation, making it a heartwarming community event.
Hahndorf Christmas Village — Adelaide Hills
Running 12–14 December 2025, the Hahndorf Christmas Village includes Santa visits as part of the festivities. Children can enjoy crafts, festive entertainment, and capture photos with Father Christmas while experiencing the charm of the Adelaide Hills.
Source: Salisbury Community Christmas Parade
Christmas Pageants and Carols
Adelaide and surrounding areas host a range of pageants in the lead-up to Christmas. These events give children a chance to experience community spirit, creativity, and sensory engagement through floats, music, and festive entertainment.
Walkerville Miniature Christmas Pageant — 22–29 Nov 2025
A delightful, small-scale parade at Walkerville Town Hall with themed miniature floats, including nursery rhymes, fantasy, and holiday classics. Children can enjoy close-up observation, storytelling inspiration, and hands-on creative discussions about the designs, providing a calm but engaging festive experience.
Gawler Christmas Parade & Apex Community Christmas Markets — 29 Nov 2025
A lively parade paired with festive markets, food stalls, and craft zones. Kids can participate in hands-on workshops, enjoy live performances, and explore creative activities, while families connect with local artisans and the wider community.
Salisbury Community Christmas Parade — 29 Nov 2025
Community-driven parade with themed floats, live bands, and festive performances. Children develop social awareness by waving, clapping, and interacting with performers, while experiencing the joy and inclusivity of a shared festive celebration.
Blackwood Christmas Pageant — 5 Dec 2025
Parade along Main Road in Blackwood with ~55 floats, live entertainment, and a Christmas fair. Children experience creativity and sensory engagement through music, decorations, and performances.
Renmark Christmas Pageant — 5 Dec 2025
Parade through Renmark town centre, concluding with fireworks and family festivities. Kids enjoy outdoor play, visual stimulation, and festive activities.
Morphett Vale Football Club Christmas Market — 5 Dec 2025
The Morphett Vale Football Club Christmas Market is a local, community-focused festive event where families can browse a variety of stalls featuring handmade gifts, crafts, and festive treats while enjoying a relaxed community atmosphere. The market offers a kid-friendly environment where children can explore, play, and soak up the festive spirit.
Mount Barker Christmas Pageant — 6 Dec 2025
Parade through Mount Barker featuring community floats, school groups, and local performers. Children can engage with creative storytelling, enjoy festive visuals, and participate in outdoor activities that combine movement and sensory stimulation.
Morgan Christmas Pageant & Fete — 6 Dec 2025
Riverfront parade with live music, market stalls, and fireworks. Kids can participate in crafts and interactive play zones.
Collective Christmas Market (McLaren Vale) — 6 Dec 2025
The Collective Christmas Market in McLaren Vale creates a fun, relaxed day out for families. Kids can wander through more than 50 stalls filled with handmade gifts, festive crafts and cute Christmas finds, while parents enjoy local food-truck treats and the welcoming community feel.
McLaren Vale Christmas Pageant — 7 Dec 2025
The McLaren Vale Christmas Pageant on Sunday 7 December 2025 is a festive family highlight. Kids will love the colourful floats, marching bands, and a special visit from Santa, while parents can enjoy local stalls, food, and a relaxed community atmosphere.
Stirling Community Christmas Pageant & Fair — 7 Dec 2025
Parade along Druid Avenue at Stirling Oval from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, followed by a fair with camel rides, market stalls, live music, and children’s crafts. Kids benefit from interactive workshops, sensory engagement, outdoor play, and festive learning experiences.
Goolwa Christmas Pageant — 7 Dec 2025, 10:30am
Morning parade from Goolwa Sports Stadium at 10:30 am ending with “Christmas in the Park,” featuring Santa visits, games, and interactive activities. Children enjoy hands-on experiences, sensory stimulation, and creative play in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.
Port Adelaide Christmas Parade & Street Party — 7 Dec 2025
Parade through Port Adelaide followed by a street festival with live music, food, and kid-friendly entertainment. Children can move, dance, and explore festive sights, sounds, and smells, while families enjoy a lively, community-focused celebration.
Victor Harbor Christmas Pageant — 13 Dec 2025
Evening parade run by the Rotary Clubs of Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay, featuring floats, music, and Santa appearances. Children enjoy visual stimulation, musical engagement, and community participation in a festive coastal setting.
Tailem Bend Christmas Parade — 13 Dec 2025
Evening parade with floats, market stalls, face painting, jumping castles, and Santa. Kids can take part in interactive play, enjoy the sights and sounds, and engage with a friendly community atmosphere.
Moonta Christmas Pageant & Markets — 14 Dec 2025
Parade combined with markets and Santa visits. Kids enjoy creative workshops, sensory experiences, and family-friendly entertainment.
Celebrate Christmas (Aberfoyle Park) — 17 Dec 2025
Celebrate Christmas at Aberfoyle Park is a free, family-focused festival that brings the festive spirit to life for kids and parents alike. Little ones can enjoy a petting farm, inflatable games, face‑painting, and craft activities, while parents relax with a free sausage sizzle and coffee.
Lobethal Christmas Pageant — 23 Dec 2025
Part of the famous Lights of Lobethal Festival. Evening parade begins at 7pm with floats and festive entertainment. Children experience the magic of illuminated streets, sensory stimulation from lights and sounds, and community engagement that fosters creativity and holiday excitement.
Planning Note for Pageants:
- Road closures and limited parking may occur; plan ahead.
- Bring chairs, snacks, sun protection, and a small bag for kids.
- Encourage children to sketch their favourite floats or take photos to enhance creative engagement.
- Plan for safe meeting points and consider wristbands for children in busy crowds.
- Check local council websites for any last-minute changes to routes or times.
Adelaide Carols by Candlelight | Elder Park | 13 Dec 2025
Carols by Candlelight is an iconic event inviting families to enjoy live music and sing along under the stars. Children benefit from musical engagement, rhythm awareness, and group participation. Early arrival ensures good seating, and packing picnic blankets and snacks can make it a comfortable experience.
Carols Under the Candlebarks | Sinclair’s Gully Winery | 20 Dec 2025
This festive event invites families to sing along to favourite carols under the candlebark trees. Children enjoy music, rhythm, and group participation in a relaxed outdoor setting. Gates open at 6 pm, with singing starting at 7 pm on Saturday 20 December 2025.
Source: Lights of Lobethal
Christmas Light Displays
Riverbank Christmas Lights Display | 22 Nov 2025 – 2 Jan 2026
The River Torrens lights display runs from 22 November to 2 January 2026. Evening walks along the river encourage movement, curiosity, and family bonding while experiencing Adelaide’s festive atmosphere.
Lobethal Lights | Adelaide Hills | 12–22 December 2025
As one of the oldest community Christmas light displays in Australia, Lobethal Lights invites families to explore illuminated streets. Children enjoy visual stimulation, walking activities, and shared community participation.
Rundle Mall Christmas Lights
Throughout December 2025, Rundle Mall features interactive light displays, perfect for strolling and taking festive family photos. Kids can engage with themed installations and enjoy the lively city atmosphere.
Semaphore’s Coastal Christmas Lights | 1–31 December 2025
This beachside display combines visual delight with fresh sea air and outdoor play. Children can explore sand, run, and enjoy the lights in a safe environment.
Northern Suburbs Highlights
- Streets in Andrews Farm, Mawson Lakes, Valley View showcase colourful lights and decorations, ideal for short family drives or evening walks (1–31 December 2025).
Western Suburbs Highlights
- Largs Bay, Flinders Park, West Lakes Shore feature interactive displays with inflatables, synchronized lights, and festive cheer (1–31 December 2025).
Eastern Suburbs Highlights
- Norwood, Stepney, Wattle Park offer themed displays and vibrant lights that are perfect for children to explore (1–31 December 2025).
Adelaide Hills & Regional Areas
- Bridgewater, Littlehampton, Mount Barker have illuminated streets and community displays (1–31 December 2025).
- Murray Bridge features local homes decorated with lights and festive installations (1–31 December 2025).
Tips for Families:
- Plan an evening “light tour” to see multiple locations in one outing.
- Bring blankets, snacks, and hot drinks for comfort.
- Encourage children to notice colours, shapes, and patterns to support creativity and sensory development.
Source: Adelady
Festive Markets & Villages
Adelady Christmas Village | Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga | 12 & 13 Dec 2025
Adelady Christmas Village features over 100 stalls, live entertainment, and children’s craft zones. Kids can engage in hands-on activities while parents browse festive goods, supporting creativity and fine motor skills.
Gathered Christmas Design Market | Hahndorf | 12–14 December 2025
Discover over 100 South Australian makers at the Gathered Christmas Design Market in Hahndorf from 12–14 December 2025. Enjoy handmade gifts, food, drinks, live music, and a festive family-friendly atmosphere. Children can enjoy craft activities, fostering creativity and social engagement.
Torrens Valley & Mount Pleasant Farmers Markets
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 8am–12pm at the Mount Pleasant Showgrounds. Twilight markets with artisan food, entertainment, and activities for children support sensory exploration and family bonding.
Christmas Dining & Treats
The Intercontinental Hotel
Festive menus and themed afternoon teas provide family-friendly dining experiences that promote social skills and shared enjoyment.
Hahndorf Candlemaker
Children can participate in candle-making and holiday crafts, developing creativity and fine-motor skills.
Melba’s Chocolates & Confectionery, Woodside
Hands-on chocolate making and tasting experiences engage children’s senses and provide fun learning opportunities.
Source: Glitter Pines
Outdoor & Unique Experiences
Glitter Pines | Immersive Digital Christmas Experience | Hendon | 6–21 Dec 2025
This immersive light and sound experience captivates children’s imaginations, supports sensory exploration, and promotes interactive play.
Christmas Cruises on the River Torrens
Twilight cruises offer unique city views, family relaxation, and outdoor sensory stimulation.
Adelaide Botanic Gardens: Christmas Picnic & Twilight Walk
Picnics and walks under festive lights provide outdoor activity, nature engagement, and shared family time.
Christmas at Glenelg Beach: Sun, Sand & Festive Fun
Beach games, live music, and food trucks encourage unstructured play, outdoor exploration, and family enjoyment.
Giant Christmas Tree at the Mortlock | State Library of South Australia
The indoor tree provides a magical space for storytelling, reflection, and festive family photos.
Giving Back During the Holidays
St. Vincent de Paul’s Christmas Appeal
Donating gifts or volunteering with children encourages empathy, gratitude, and community connection.
Enjoy a Magical Family Christmas in Adelaide
Adelaide offers a wealth of Christmas events in Adelaide, from Santa encounters and festive markets to dazzling lights, family dining, and unique outdoor experiences. Participating in these activities supports children’s creativity, social skills, and sensory development while creating lasting memories. Explore these family activities in Adelaide for a joyful and memorable festive season!
