We confirmed 15 Christmas events for kids in Adelaide for 2026. The season starts on 11 November with Christmas at Carrick Hill and runs until 10 January (Christmas at the Mortlock). 11 of them are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Australia.
The short version
- 15 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Adelaide, Burton, Glenelg, Hendon and Kensington Park
- First: Christmas at Carrick Hill, Springfield, 11 November
- Free events: National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, Adelaide's Christmas Tree Lighting 2026, Christmas at the Mortlock, Glenelg Christmas Pageant, Salisbury Community Christmas Parade and Carols in the Park 2026
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by suburb, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (booking, ages, what is included).
Adelaide Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 15 confirmed for 2026
- Suburbs
- Adelaide, Burton, Glenelg, Hendon, Kensington Park, Mawson Lakes, Norton Summit, Pooraka, Salisbury, Salisbury Park, Springfield and Wayville
- Season
- 11 November to 10 January
- Free events
- 11
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Adelaide
4 confirmed events in Adelaide, soonest first.
National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant
Christmas paradeFreeNational Pharmacies Christmas Pageant (South Australian Tourism Commission) · Adelaide
- Host
- National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant (South Australian Tourism Commission) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Adelaide CBD streets (finishing at Beehive Corner, Rundle Mall), King William Street, Adelaide 5000
- When
- Sat, Nov 14, from 10:30 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The 94th National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant fills the streets of the Adelaide CBD with floats, marching bands and performance groups on the second Saturday in November. This year two new major floats, The Magic Hat and Bumper Christmas, make their debut, and the parade finishes with Father Christmas arriving at Beehive Corner before he walks down Rundle Mall to National Pharmacies.
The pageant is free to watch from the kerbside and is also broadcast live on Channel 9 and 9Now from 10:30am. Floats do not travel down Rundle Mall itself. A reserved Rudolph's Community Site on Wakefield Street is available for pre-arranged groups such as regional schools, special schools and disability organisations. It is a big, busy morning, so families usually arrive early with low chairs or picnic rugs to claim a spot along the route.
Parent tip: In 2025 the parade departed South Terrace at 9:30am and Father Christmas reached Rundle Mall at about 11:30am, so plan to arrive early for a good viewing spot.
See dates and details from National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant (South Australian Tourism Commission) (opens in a new tab)Adelaide's Christmas Tree Lighting 2026
Tree lightingFreeCity of Adelaide · Adelaide
- Host
- City of Adelaide (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, Victoria Square, Adelaide 5000
- When
- Sat, Nov 21, 6 to 9 pm (lighting at 8:30 pm)
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Adelaide's newest festive landmark lights up for the first time at this free community concert in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga. Returning MC Shanelle Franklin hosts from 6pm, with live performances from Gospo Collective, L.I.L.L.I, Adelaide Afrobeat Collective and The Cast leading into the main moment.
The Lord Mayor leads the countdown to the official first lighting at 8:30pm, so children who can stay up a little later get to see the tree glow on for the first time. Food trucks are on site and families are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and make an evening of it in the heart of the city. The listing notes the event is family friendly, with public toilets and disabled access available.
Parent tip: Bring a picnic blanket; food trucks are on site. The lighting itself is at 8:30pm.
See dates and details from City of Adelaide (opens in a new tab)Christmas at the Mortlock
Christmas lightsFreeState Library of South Australia · Adelaide
- Host
- State Library of South Australia (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Mortlock Chamber, State Library of South Australia, North Terrace (corner Kintore Avenue), Adelaide 5000
- When
- Daily, Nov 21 to Jan 10, during library hours
- Cost
- Free, bookings not required
- Ages
- Whole family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Each festive season the State Library turns its heritage Mortlock Chamber into one of Adelaide's prettiest Christmas spots. The centrepiece is Adelaide's largest indoor Christmas tree, soaring seven metres high, and this year it is joined by a special display of National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant treasures celebrating pageants past and this year's new floats.
Entry is free and no booking is needed. The chamber is open during State Library hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 6pm, Wednesday 9am to 7pm, Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12pm to 5pm, closed on public holidays. The library says a full family program is still being planned, so check back for festive activities. Lift access to the chamber is via the glass foyer entrance, and the tram stops right outside.
Parent tip: The 'State Library, Art Gallery, Museum' tram stop is outside; the Mortlock Chamber can close for private events, so check opening hours before you go.
See dates and details from State Library of South Australia (opens in a new tab)St John Carols by Candlelight
Christmas carolsFreeSt John SA · Adelaide
- Host
- St John SA (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama, King William Road, Adelaide 5000
- When
- Sat, Dec 12, gates 3 pm, carols 8:30 pm
- Cost
- Free, no ticket needed (reserved seating available to buy)
- Ages
- Everyone welcome
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
St John Carols by Candlelight is one of Adelaide's most loved Christmas traditions, held on the lawns of Elder Park beside the River Torrens. It is a free event and no ticket is needed, though reserved seating can be purchased.
Gates open at 3pm with food trucks, a Christmas market, Santa, sponsor activations, a big screen program and giveaways, so young children have plenty to do in the afternoon. The Experience Adelaide Community Concert starts at 5pm, the main St John Carols by Candlelight concert begins at 8:30pm, and the night finishes with fireworks at 10:30pm. Families often come early with a picnic to secure a good spot on the grass and leave after the earlier sessions if little ones tire.
Parent tip: Arrive when gates open at 3pm for the best spots and the daytime Santa and activities; fireworks are at 10:30pm.
See dates and details from St John SA (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Burton
1 confirmed event in Burton, soonest first.
Christmas Wonderland (Burton)
Meet SantaFreeCity of Salisbury · Burton
- Host
- City of Salisbury (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Hive Community Resource Hub, 380 Waterloo Corner Road, Burton 5110 (near Adelaide)
- When
- Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to 2 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- All ages
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa arrives at The Hive Community Resource Hub for a day of festive activities run by the City of Salisbury. Families can meet Santa, get creative with Christmas craft making and share a community lunch, along with other seasonal activities through the day.
The council describes the event as suitable for all ages, so it works for babies and toddlers through to older children and grandparents. It is free, but places are booked through Eventbrite, so register in advance. It is a relaxed, community-style alternative to busier shopping centre Santa visits. The Hive is a City of Salisbury community hub in Burton, and the event is part of the wider Christmas in Salisbury program, which also includes a Letters to Santa drop at all council libraries from 2 November, with Santa replying by email.
Parent tip: Free but bookings are required via Eventbrite (linked from the council page).
See dates and details from City of Salisbury (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Glenelg
1 confirmed event in Glenelg, soonest first.
Glenelg Christmas Pageant (Glenelg)
Christmas paradeFreeCity of Holdfast Bay · Glenelg
- Host
- City of Holdfast Bay (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Jetty Road, Glenelg, Jetty Road, Glenelg 5045 (near Adelaide)
- When
- Sun, Nov 22, 10:30 to 11:30 am, activities to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free (Santa visit sessions must be booked)
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Jetty Road comes alive with floats, performers, community groups, musicians and dancers for Glenelg's community Christmas pageant, which ends with Santa Claus arriving to open the festive season. After the parade, Santa and his elves move to the Bay Discovery Centre Gallery, where families can meet him in timed sessions from 11:30am to 3pm and take their own photos.
Inside the Bay Discovery Centre children can decorate a wish star or bauble for the wishing tree, make an Aussie-themed card wreath, hunt for 12 naughty elves in the museum and try Christmas crafts. Free family entertainment continues at Jimmy Melrose Park and Moseley Square from 11am to 3pm, and the Youth Maker Markets run in Moseley Square. Accessible viewing areas, an Auslan interpreter near Nile Street and a sensory space in the Glenelg Library are provided.
Parent tip: Santa sessions need a booking (one ticket per family group, bring your own camera, limit of two photos); the Rotary sausage sizzle runs 9:30am to 12pm.
See dates and details from City of Holdfast Bay (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Hendon
1 confirmed event in Hendon, soonest first.
Glitter Pines (Hendon)
Christmas lightsStage Lab · Hendon
- Host
- Stage Lab (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Sunjive Studios, 3 Butler Drive, Hendon 5014 (near Adelaide)
- When
- Dec 5 to 24, timed sessions
- Cost
- Ticketed, prices on the booking page
- Ages
- All ages
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Created by Stage Lab and exclusive to Adelaide, Glitter Pines is an immersive Christmas experience where light, sound, storytelling and interactive technology come together in a glowing forest. Visitors wander among hundreds of sparkling Christmas trees, light installations and digital displays.
The experience returns in 2026 with extra room to explore, brand-new attractions, more interactive moments and new surprises hidden throughout. Because it is indoors, it is a good option for warm December days or evenings when the weather is uncertain, and it suits children who love lights and music. Tickets are sold for specific sessions, and the organisers note that popular sessions are already filling up. The listing describes it as being created exclusively for Adelaide audiences.
Parent tip: Book ahead; popular sessions are filling up.
See dates and details from Stage Lab (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Kensington Park
1 confirmed event in Kensington Park, soonest first.
Carols in the Park 2026 (Kensington Park)
Christmas carolsFreeCity of Burnside · Kensington Park
- Host
- City of Burnside (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Kensington Oval, 344 The Parade, Kensington Park 5068 (near Adelaide)
- When
- Fri, Dec 4, 4 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Burnside's Carols in the Park returns in 2026 at a brand-new location, Kensington Oval. The evening features a variety stage program of festive tunes and carols, with local community and school choirs, professional performers and a visit from Father Christmas.
There is plenty for children beyond the singing: children's entertainment, free face painting, interactive entertainment and a chance to make your own sustainable Christmas decorations. A festive market offers gifts, and food vans, a Rotary community barbecue and Christmas puddings from the Lions Club Burnside keep everyone fed. A pop-up bar is also available for adults. The listing notes the venue is family friendly with public toilets and disabled access.
Parent tip: For accessibility requests contact the City of Burnside on 08 8366 4200.
See dates and details from City of Burnside (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Mawson Lakes
1 confirmed event in Mawson Lakes, soonest first.
Merry Makers: nature ornament workshop (Mawson Lakes)
Christmas craftsFreeCity of Salisbury Libraries · Mawson Lakes
- Host
- City of Salisbury Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Mawson Lakes Library, 2 Main Street, Mawson Lakes 5095 (near Adelaide)
- When
- Wed, Dec 16, 10 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Ages 4 to 12, with adult supervision
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Mawson Lakes Library hosts a festive nature crafting session as part of the City of Salisbury's Christmas program. Children design and create their own ornaments from natural materials, taking home handmade decorations for the tree or to give as gifts.
The session runs for an hour and suits children aged 4 to 12, who need to be supervised by an adult. It is free, but places are limited and bookings are made through Eventbrite. Falling in the first week of the summer school holidays, it is a calm indoor activity for a warm morning. The session is one of several festive activities listed in the council's Christmas in Salisbury program, which also invites children to drop a letter to Santa at any City of Salisbury library from 2 November and receive a reply.
Parent tip: Book through Eventbrite; an adult must stay with children during the session.
See dates and details from City of Salisbury Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Norton Summit
1 confirmed event in Norton Summit, soonest first.
Carols Under the Candlebarks at Sinclair's Gully (Norton Summit)
Christmas carolsSinclair's Gully · Norton Summit
- Host
- Sinclair's Gully (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Sinclair's Gully, 288 Colonial Drive, Norton Summit 5136 (near Adelaide)
- When
- Sat, Dec 19, picnic from 6 pm, carols 7 to 8:30 pm
- Cost
- Children under 12 $5, over 12 and adults $20 (AUD)
- Ages
- Family friendly
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Pianist and composer Emma Knights and friends lead a festive singalong among the towering candlebark trees at Sinclair's Gully, as the sun sets over the forest. Guests are encouraged to wear a Santa hat or something red and to sing along to all their favourite carols.
All tickets booked online come with a seat at a table. Arrive from 6pm to enjoy a picnic before the carols start at 7pm. No food is sold, so bring your own picnic and glasses, or buy a glass on the night. Wine, beer and soft drinks are for sale, with no bring-your-own alcohol. Children under 12 are just $5, making it an affordable family outing in a beautiful natural setting.
Parent tip: Bring a picnic; no food is sold on site. Carpark and toilets available.
See dates and details from Sinclair's Gully (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Pooraka
1 confirmed event in Pooraka, soonest first.
Make your own Christmas decorations (Pooraka)
Christmas craftsFreeCity of Salisbury · Pooraka
- Host
- City of Salisbury (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- City of Salisbury community venue, Pooraka, 126 Henderson Avenue, Pooraka 5095 (near Adelaide)
- When
- Thu, Dec 17, 10 am to 12 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Best suited to ages 5 to 12, with adult supervision
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Salisbury invites children to make their own Christmas decorations to take home and place on the tree. Kids can get creative and choose from a variety of festive shapes and characters to decorate in their own style.
The session is best suited to children aged 5 to 12 and runs for two hours, with an adult supervising. It is free, with bookings made through Eventbrite. It falls in the school holidays just before Christmas, making it a handy, low-cost activity for the final countdown. The session is part of the council's wider Christmas in Salisbury program, which also includes a Letters to Santa drop at all City of Salisbury libraries from 2 November, with replies sent by email.
Parent tip: Bookings required via Eventbrite; adults must supervise.
See dates and details from City of Salisbury (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Salisbury
1 confirmed event in Salisbury, soonest first.
Salisbury Community Christmas Parade (Salisbury)
Christmas paradeFreeCity of Salisbury · Salisbury
- Host
- City of Salisbury (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Salisbury Civic Plaza (Inparrinthi Kumangka), Church Street, Salisbury 5108 (near Adelaide)
- When
- Sat, Nov 28, 10 to 11:30 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families and kids
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Salisbury Community Christmas Parade is back for its 34th year, inviting Santa and his helpers to the City of Salisbury for a morning of festive fun. The streets fill with bands, floats, market stalls and entertainment, supported by community groups, sponsors, council members and staff.
Free children's activities run alongside the parade, and no ticket is required, so families can simply come along to Salisbury Civic Plaza on Church Street. It is a shorter, local alternative to the big city pageant and a good fit for younger children who might find large crowds overwhelming. The council's Christmas in Salisbury program also includes a Letters to Santa drop at all libraries from 2 November.
Parent tip: No booking needed; the parade runs 10am to 11:30am.
See dates and details from City of Salisbury (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Salisbury Park
1 confirmed event in Salisbury Park, soonest first.
Christmas at Carisbrooke (Salisbury Park)
Meet SantaFreeCity of Salisbury · Salisbury Park
- Host
- City of Salisbury (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Carisbrooke Park, Main North Road, Salisbury Park 5109 (near Adelaide)
- When
- Sun, Dec 6, 12 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Whole family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christmas at Carisbrooke celebrates the season alongside the Brothers Ink 5th Annual Toy Run, a charity convoy of hundreds of decorated motorcycles collecting gifts for children in need. Santa arrives on his bike with the convoy at 12pm, and families can take photos in Santa's photobooth.
The Salisbury City Band performs Christmas carols from 1pm to 2pm. Children's activities include a bouncy castle, cornhole, mini golf, reindeer ring toss, Whack an Elf, face painting, Groovy Buses, bungee trampolines and an SES Touch a Truck. Food stalls include a Rotary barbecue, hot cinnamon doughnuts and ice creams, and decorated bikes and classic cars are on show. Entry is free and no booking is needed.
Parent tip: Arrive by 12pm to see Santa ride in with the motorcycle convoy.
See dates and details from City of Salisbury (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Springfield
1 confirmed event in Springfield, soonest first.
Christmas at Carrick Hill (Springfield)
Meet SantaCarrick Hill · Springfield
- Host
- Carrick Hill (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Carrick Hill House Museum, 46 Carrick Hill Drive, Springfield 5062 (near Adelaide)
- When
- From Nov 11; Father Christmas Nov 28, 29, Dec 5, 6, 10 am to 2 pm
- Cost
- Mouse Hunt from $20 (adult ticket includes up to two children); Father Christmas sessions $55 including House Museum admission for 2 adults (AUD)
- Ages
- Families
- Booking
- Booking recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
From 11 November the Carrick Hill House Museum is filled with Christmas trees, handmade decorations and festive glow. This year the display brings Adelaide Christmas Pageant history into the house, with treasures from the Pageant Warehouse and the story of Sir Edward Hayward, who helped create the pageant.
Children can lead the way on the Christmas Mouse Hunt, now in its third year, following a Pageant-themed trail of clues through the rooms to find hiding mice and earn a Christmas prize. Separately ticketed extras include 10-minute sessions with Nipper and Nimble, the life-sized horses from the old John Martin's Magic Cave ($17.50 for up to four people), and relaxed, traditional visits with Father Christmas on 28 and 29 November and 5 and 6 December from 10am to 2pm. Last year's Father Christmas sessions sold out.
Parent tip: Father Christmas and Nipper and Nimble tickets are separate from house or Mouse Hunt entry; pre-booking is strongly recommended as the house can reach capacity.
See dates and details from Carrick Hill (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Wayville
1 confirmed event in Wayville, soonest first.
Santa's Wonderland (Wayville)
Storytime with Mrs ClausSanta's Wonderland · Wayville
- Host
- Santa's Wonderland (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Jubilee Pavilion, Adelaide Showground, Goodwood Road, Wayville 5034 (near Adelaide)
- When
- Dec 4 to 24, morning and weekend afternoon sessions
- Cost
- Tickets required, prices on the booking page; optional VIP bundle $75 per person (AUD)
- Ages
- Families
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa's Wonderland has been delighting Adelaide families since 2015, turning the Jubilee Pavilion at the Adelaide Showground into a festive world from 4 to 24 December. Entry includes unlimited rides, ice skating, jumping castles, dodgem cars and live stage shows.
Families can also follow the 10-stop Christmas Activity Trail, which includes craft activities, storytelling with Mrs Claus, photo opportunities and free goodies to collect along the way. There are 32 morning and afternoon sessions: weekday sessions run 10am to 1pm, and weekends add a 2pm to 5pm afternoon session. Santa photos and a quiet zone are part of the experience, and optional extras such as sideshow game play and plush character toys can be added when booking.
Parent tip: Bookings are recommended and tickets are tied to a session time; add-ons are redeemed during your session.
See dates and details from Santa's Wonderland (opens in a new tab)A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cosy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.com.au (opens in a new tab)Adelaide Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Adelaide in 2026?
We confirmed 15 Christmas events for kids in Adelaide for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Christmas at Carrick Hill (Springfield), National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, Adelaide's Christmas Tree Lighting 2026, Christmas at the Mortlock, Glenelg Christmas Pageant (Glenelg), Salisbury Community Christmas Parade (Salisbury), Carols in the Park 2026 (Kensington Park), Santa's Wonderland (Wayville), Glitter Pines (Hendon), Christmas at Carisbrooke (Salisbury Park), Christmas Wonderland (Burton) and St John Carols by Candlelight. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Adelaide?
Yes. 11 of the 15 events here are free, including National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, Adelaide's Christmas Tree Lighting 2026, Christmas at the Mortlock, Glenelg Christmas Pageant (Glenelg), Salisbury Community Christmas Parade (Salisbury), Carols in the Park 2026 (Kensington Park), Christmas at Carisbrooke (Salisbury Park), Christmas Wonderland (Burton), St John Carols by Candlelight, Merry Makers: nature ornament workshop (Mawson Lakes) and Make your own Christmas decorations (Pooraka). Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Adelaide this year?
Santa appears at Christmas at Carrick Hill (Springfield), National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, Glenelg Christmas Pageant (Glenelg), Salisbury Community Christmas Parade (Salisbury), Carols in the Park 2026 (Kensington Park), Santa's Wonderland (Wayville), Christmas at Carisbrooke (Salisbury Park), Christmas Wonderland (Burton) and St John Carols by Candlelight. Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Adelaide?
Christmas storytimes on this page: Santa's Wonderland (Wayville).
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on 2 November 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
