Top 20 Things to Do in Adelaide This Christmas and New Year

things to do in Adelaide this Christmas and New Year

December 12, 2025

1. Adelaide’s Summer Festive Glow

Sunlight lingers over the city, casting a warm, celebratory sheen across rooftops and riverbanks. Adelaide breathes with excitement during Christmas and New Year, unveiling a season drenched in colour, texture, and coastal breeze.

2. Explore the Iconic Adelaide Christmas Pageant

A procession of whimsical floats, costumed performers, and spirited music fills the streets. Children gaze in wide-eyed wonder as Christmas magic appears to dance past them in full parade splendour.

3. Wander Through the Adelaide Christmas Markets

3.1 Artisan Goods

Stalls brim with handcrafted creations—delicate ceramics, sustainable gifts, and bespoke jewellery. Each piece feels infused with the maker’s story.

3.2 Festive Flavours

A medley of aromas—spiced nuts, citrus pastries, and barbecued delights—blends into a sensory tapestry that enchants every passerby.

4. Marvel at the Riverbank Christmas Lights

The river’s surface mirrors a galaxy of lights draped across bridges and trees. A gentle stroll along the water feels like wandering through a dream stitched with luminescent threads.

5. Experience Glenelg Beach’s Holiday Vibe

5.1 Twilight Swims

Warm waters invite swimmers to linger as pastel hues stretch across the sky. Summer evenings at Glenelg echo with laughter and soft waves.

5.2 Seaside Dining

Restaurants along the jetty offer lively ambiance, clinking glasses, and ocean breezes that seem to carry holiday cheer.

6. Celebrate Christmas in the Adelaide Hills

6.1 Hahndorf’s Yuletide Charm

Cobblestone paths and European-style architecture transform into a quaint holiday village. Decorations twinkle beneath leafy canopies, and German-inspired treats tempt from bakery windows.

6.2 Scenic Lookouts

Elevated viewpoints reveal rolling hills drenched in golden sunlight—a serene escape from the festive bustle.

7. Visit the Adelaide Central Market for Festive Feasts

Vibrant displays of produce signal the arrival of holiday entertaining. Cherries, stone fruits, artisan chocolates, and international delicacies create a paradise for seasonal indulgence.

8. Stroll Through the Botanic Garden During the Holidays

The gardens shimmer with summer vitality. Fragrant blooms line winding paths, and sparkling ponds offer tranquil moments beneath the late-afternoon sun.

9. Encounter Wildlife at Cleland During Summer

Koalas blink lazily from eucalyptus branches. Kangaroos graze nearby. The crisp hill air and natural surrounds transform Cleland into an oasis of wildlife serenity.

10. Enjoy Picnics and Paddleboats at Elder Park

Families scatter colourful picnic blankets along the grass. Paddleboats glide gracefully over the river, creating a picturesque scene framed by city architecture.

11. Explore Henley Beach’s Festive Esplanade

Cafés brim with coastal energy, and the boardwalk hums with relaxed holiday conversation. A soft breeze carries hints of salt and celebration.

12. Watch a Holiday Film at Moonlight Cinema

Moviegoers stretch out under vast night skies, watching films while wrapped in blankets. The ambience blends nature’s soundtrack with iconic cinema moments.

13. Discover McLaren Vale’s Seasonal Winery Experiences

Lush vineyards shimmer under summer heat. Tasting rooms offer vibrant wines—each pour nuanced with regional character and holiday indulgence.

14. Ride the Glenelg Tram on a Holiday Adventure

The tram glides from the city centre to the coast, tracing a route filled with urban charm. Its nostalgic hum creates a simple yet delightful experience.

15. Experience South Australian Museum’s Festive Exhibits

Special seasonal installations breathe new life into ancient stories. Fossils, artefacts, and immersive displays create a vibrant learning journey for all ages.

16. Enjoy Rundle Mall’s Christmas Displays and Shopping

Gigantic ornaments and shimmering lights transform the mall into a festive amphitheatre. Boutiques, performers, and gift stalls pulsate with holiday energy.

17. Visit the Art Gallery of SA for Summer Installations

Thought-provoking pieces line elegant halls. Each gallery offers a pocket of stillness where creativity flourishes, inviting visitors to linger.

18. Take a Festive Day Trip to Victor Harbor

Crystal waters, rugged cliffs, and breezy coastal walks define this seaside haven. The Granite Island causeway becomes a stunning pathway for holiday exploration.

19. Celebrate NYE Along the Foreshore

Fireworks erupt in spectacular bursts over the coastline. Crowds cheer, music vibrates through warm night air, and the final countdown electrifies the entire foreshore.

20. Indulge in Peel Street’s Vibrant Food Scene

Restaurants serve imaginative dishes bursting with flavour and flair. Each plate feels like a culinary celebration—a feast suited for the season.

21. Experience Adelaide Zoo’s Christmas and Summer Events

Festive programs animate the zoo with interactive sessions, animal encounters, and cheerful decorations that captivate families.

22. Conclusion: A Festive Season Radiating with Wonder

Adelaide transforms into a radiant playground during Christmas and New Year. From shimmering coastlines to bustling markets, the city offers unforgettable experiences infused with warmth, joy, and summertime splendour.

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