Carols by Candlelight and a Hahndorf Christmas market
This weekend, sing along to Christmas classics at Carols by Candlelight, or relive the music of yesteryear at the Step Back in Time Festival.
Deck the halls
Join former Yellow Wiggle Emma Memma (Emma Watkins), Eurovision star Dami Im, Adelaide’s Gospo Collective and a range of other stars for a night full of Christmas spirit at the 80th St John Carols by Candlelight on Saturday, December 14 at Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama. Pack a picnic rug, don your Santa hat and sing along to Christmas favourites such as Silent Night, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Little Drummer Boy. This annual Adelaide tradition dates back to 1944 and this year is expected to attract some 15,000 carollers. Entry to the special event is free and will start with a pre-show concert at 5pm, before the main carols start at 8.15pm. The festivities will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display along the River Torrens.
Step back in time
Want to relive the music of the 1980s and ’90s? Head to Ellis Park/Tampawardli on Saturday, December 14 for the Step Back in Time Festival. For the first time in 15 years, ’90s Adelaide nightclub staple Barbarella (Nikki Heuskes) reunites with DJ Steve Hooper as well as pianist and singer Becky Blake of Chunky Custard, Rachel Vidoni of That ’90s Show, r’n’b kings Captain Kirk and MC Jazz. They will be spinning tunes from ABBA, Madonna and Wham to Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and Beyonce. Make sure to grab a bite at one of the various food trucks or enjoy a drink at the Vodka Cruiser Bar or Sub Zero & Hard Rated drinks bar.
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The Christmas spirit
The magic of Christmas will arrive in the picturesque Adelaide Hills this weekend for Hahndorf Christkindlmarkt. Set in the historic town of Hahndorf, this annual event is now in its 10th year and promises an enchanting evening reminiscent of the famous Christmas markets in Europe. The market features around 50 stalls with everything from arts and crafts to handmade jewellery, homewares and clothing. There will also be Christmas lights, a variety of food options, entertainment for children, music, dancing and modern Christmas carols by the C3 Church. The Hahndorf Christkindlmarkt is organised by and takes place on the property of C3 Church in Hahndorf and runs from December 13 to 15 from 3pm to 10pm. This year, Hahndorf Christkindlmarkt is running alongside the Gathered Christmas Design Market, which takes place on Friday and Saturday from 3pm to 9pm and features 70 local artisan stalls selling everything from homewares to clothing, art, candles, ceramics and much more.
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Deck the halls
The wonder of Christmas will ring out from Elder Hall when the Metropolitan Male Choir of South Australia performs its annual Celebration of Christmas concert. Taking place on December 14 at 7.30pm, this concert includes classics from Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria to George Frideric Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from his famous Messiah, as well as O Holy Night and Joy to the World. The beautiful voices of this all-male choir will be supported by an instrumental group, the Elder Hall organ and solo performances by the choir’s three 2024 scholarship winners, pianist and violinist Samantha Li, classical singer Max Junge and pianist Jonathan Wong. Part of the proceeds from this concert will be donated to The Smith Family charity, with tickets costing $35 for adults, while children under 12 are free.
A record-breaking weekend
Head to Rundle Mall this weekend for Santa’s Rundle Mall Express, as an attempt is made to break the world record for the most letters to Santa collected in 24 hours. The Gawler Place Canopy will come alive with a letter-writing pop-up, with the goal of collecting at least 2145 letters. The first 100 families to take part in this letter-writing campaign will go in a draw to win a $200 voucher. Get along on Friday from 4pm to 8pm and Saturday from 9am to 4pm.
Christmas is here!
The spirit of Christmas will emanate from Her Majesty’s Theatre this December for The Christmas Spectacular: A Magical Wonderland. This extravaganza features music, circus, dance and more in what promises to be a spectacular night. The performance will include tributes to American precision dancers the Radio City Rockettes, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s 19th century ballet, The Nutcracker. Singer Prinnie Stevens will delight audiences with everything from Christmas carol classics to Mariah Carey, while Michael Boyd will amaze crowds with thrilling magic. The Christmas Spectacular is on Friday, December 18 at 2pm and 6.30pm.
