Image credits: Christmas Light Search
Christmas is just around the corner, and you what that means! Come sunset, the delightful suburbs of Adelaide will become a twinkling hub of festivity, illuminated by creative homemade displays. We’re talking glowing reindeer gardens, nativities, winter wonderlands, and crowded calamities of blow-up characters, candy-canes and sleighs.
It doesn’t matter how old you are, Christmas lights are a wonderful December ritual. Some neighbourhoods really know how to dazzle with their festive decorations, attracting thousands of onlookers to marvel at their incredible displays. These suburbs often become fan-favourite, staple locations for Christmas light hunters. Other times, you may accidentally stumble across a marvellous treasure trove of light displays hidden in the backstreets of Adelaide – and never remember how to find it again!
This year, Mix 102.3 has once again organised their annual Christmas Lights competition. With entrants from all corners of the city participating in the festive showcase, the popular radio station have recently chosen their overall winner, with a lucky entrant from Evanston Park taking home the $5k Grand Prize.
With that in mind, here’s a list of our favourite Adelaide Christmas light displays this year:
Palamountain Drive, Evanston Park
This extravagantly decorated house in Evanston Park was the winner of Mix 102.3’s $5k Grand Prize, and it’s clear to see why.
Birchwood Drive, Blakeview
This double-story fiasco came second in 2023’s competition, and we’re positive it’ll be back among the contenders again this year.
6 Albara Road, Ingle Farm
With over 50,000 lights to enjoy, this home in Ingle Farm is a lesser-known display, but certainly not any less impressive. The entire home, inside and out, is full of Christmas-inspired lights and décor. Head over to Ingle Farm after 8pm each night to see this dazzling spectacle.
Lobethal Lights Festival
You would be hard-pressed to find many Adelaideans who have not heard of the Lobethal Lights Festival. Running from 10th to 23rd December, Lobethal puts on a stunning display for those willing to make the trip up the hill, paired with a delicious collection of food vendors, serving up festive treats for you to enjoy alongside the lights.
Rostrevor
Over on the East side, several streets and homes in Rostrevor are joining in the festive fun this year. Redden Court, Orania Avenue and Laurence Street are among the must-see locations, where light hunters can find thousands of lights.
Grandview Pl, Blakeview
Ninth Avenue, St Peters
Quickly becoming synonymous with Christmas lights is Ninth Avenue in St Peters. This stretch has gained significant traction as a top light display each December, with nearly every home choosing to take part in the festivities. It is a family-friendly display best seen on foot, with a range of photo opportunities available, and conveniently-situated sweet and savoury treats on offer this year.
Rothschild St, Woodcroft
I personally can’t wait to check out this location in Woodcroft. With so much to see, it’ll be hard to look away. They’ve not held back by any means, with almost every inch of the property covered in twinkling lights that is sure to impress even the biggest of Grinches.
Barr Smith Drive, Urrbrae
West End Brewery, Thebarton
The closure of beloved West End Brewery has not caused the end of the beloved Riverbank lights display. Mark your calendars, this iconic South Australian tradition will be exhibited from Sunday 24 November til Wednesday 1 January 2025.
Snowden Street, West Beach
This house was named the best Christmas Lights house in Adelaide in the 2023 Mix 102.3 competition. Anyone driving through West Beach won’t be able to miss it – and if you’re not in the area, it’s definitely worth the drive.
Bond Street, West Hindmarsh
While you’re in the area, a huge West Hindmarsh home display is a must-see every December. With over 50,000 lights, smoke machines, snow machines and interactive elements, this is one not to be missed.
Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga
And who could forget the incredible illuminated Christmas tree in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga? Right at the heart of our twinkling city, the giant tree is utterly unmissable, offering a beautiful sight from all corners of Victoria Square.
For more, click here to check out the full Christmas Light Search Directory.
Found a hidden gem? Is your home display a must-see? Click here to add your own.
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