From the St Johns Carols by Candlelight to artisan markets and Santa’s Wonderland, there is plenty to do this weekend in the lead up to Christmas.
Adelaide Polo Classic
Wrap up the year in style when the Adelaide Polo Classic returns to Ellis Park/Tampawardli on December 12. Get up close to the action as the fast-paced 20-20 style polo provides entertainment to a day of glamourous fashion, local gourmet hospitality and the best of South Australia. There is off-pitch entertainment throughout the day and leading into the afterparty. Whether you are after the VIP experience with exclusive polo player appearances or the high-energy of The Stables, the Adelaide Polo Classic offers something for everyone.
St John’s Carols by Candlelight
Get ready to spread the Christmas cheer this Saturday, December 13 as the St John Carols by Candlelight returns to the heart of Adelaide for its 81st year. The age-old tradition welcomes a stacked lineup of Australian talent including Paulini, Play School’s Jay Laga’aia, Emma Memma, and recent winners of The Voice and Australian Idol Alyssa Delpopolo and Marshall Hamburger. Pack a picnic rug and settle in for a day full of singing, giveaways, food, drinks and fun. The Experience Adelaide Community Concert precedes the main event, which is followed by a fireworks show. The St John’s Carols by Candlelight is on at Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama, and entry is free.
Gathered Christmas design market and Hahndorf Christmas village
The magic of Christmas returns to the picturesque Adelaide Hills on Friday, December 12, with the Hahndorf Christmas Village. This year, the village will be even more magical with Gathered SA joining to deliver their biggest design market yet. With more than 100 local stall holders, there’s no excuse to not get the Christmas shopping done on time. The Hahndorf Christmas Village and Gathered Design Market will light up Hahndorf’s Main Street from December 12 to 14.
Santa’s Wonderland
This month, the Adelaide Showground transforms with the spirit of Christmas as Santa’s Wonderland returns for its milestone 10th year to celebrate a decade of magic. This year’s family-friendly fun is presented across 33 sessions over 20 days where one ticket price grants unlimited access to more than 12 rides, ice skating, jumping castles, live stage shows and the 10-stop Christmas Activity Trail. Santa’s Wonderland is on at the Adelaide Showground until December 24.
Ride on, shine on: the east Kimberley art movement
Experience the power of a major movement in Australian Art as 14 early paintings by the founding members of the contemporary East Kimberley Art Movement of Western Australia are showcased. Ride on, Shine on: The East Kimberley Art Movement exhibits works from the late 1980s and 1990s by senior Warmun artists including Queenie Nakarra McKenzie (Mingmarriya), Freddie Timms (Ngarrmaliny) and Jack Britten (Yalarrji). Entry to the exhibition is free at the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery in the South Australian Museum until it finishes on December 14.
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Here you come again
The best of Dolly Parton is being brought to the stage in a feel-good musical comedy. After a hit debut run in Melbourne and sold-out seasons in the US and UK Here You Come Again is showing in Adelaide until December 14 at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Packed with the iconic singer’s best hits including Jolene, 9 to 5, I Will Always Love You, Islands in the Stream and Here You Come Again, the story follows a diehard fan as his fantasy versions of Dolly help him navigate life, love and loss.
Glitter pines
This Adelaide exclusive, world-premiere promises a sprinkle of real Christmas magic. Glitter Pines is an immersive journey that blurs the lines of imagination. Expect to be transported through a sparkling forest of Christmas trees and through whimsical light installations to discover hidden surprises that combine art, technology and storytelling to celebrate the magic of Christmas. Experience Glitter Pines at Sunjive Studios in Hendon until December 21.
ACSA graduate exhibition
The Adelaide Central School of Art is celebrating the hard work of its final year students as it hosts its Graduate Exhibition. The Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia, Jason Smith opens the exhibition on Saturday, December 13. Paintings, moving-image, installation, drawing, sculpture, textile works and more by the 2025 cohort are on display across the three-storey teaching building and Adelaide Central Gallery. The Graduate Exhibition takes place at the Adelaide Central School of Art at Glenside until December 24.
Handmade Christmas Market
Wrap up the Christmas shopping at Fabrik Arts + Heritage’s Handmade Christmas Market next Saturday, December 20. Expect a range of stalls by local artisans, children’s activities, live music, and local food and drinks. There are also Christmas themed workshops including botanical wreath making and colour-pop earring making, hosted by local artisans and providing entertainment for the whole family. The Handmade Christmas Market takes place on Lobethal Road in Lobethal, and coincides with the Lights of Lobethal Festival on from December 12.
Music at the Tree
The countdown to Christmas is on at the City of Adelaide as Music at the Tree brings the festive cheer from December 18 to 24. Each night local artists will light up the heart of the city as they share original music and new takes on Christmas classics covering soul, pop, jazz, strings and more. Music at the tree takes place in Victoria Squate/Tarntanyangga and is free.
