The State Library of South Australia is bringing festive cheer to its iconic Mortlock Chamber with a range of free Christmas activities and a special display of treasures from the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant. Starting Saturday November 23rd, visitors of all ages can join in on the festive cheer and the magic of Christmas, with everything from Adelaide’s largest indoor Christmas tree to nostalgic Pageant memorabilia and exciting family-friendly events.
The collection of festive treasures will feature pieces such as Kingsley Vintage Cars, character heads like the Seven Dwarfs and Humpty Dumpty, Pageant costumes, clown costumes, and even a fairy bench from John Martin’s Magic Cave. Also on display will be the 2024 mini float competition winner, “Bee Merry”.
“It has been magical watching this nostalgic collection of treasures come together in our gorgeous Mortlock Chamber,” State Library of South Australia Director, Megan Berghuis says.
“As the custodian of the state’s stories, we feel proud to display these pieces that bring back such
wonderful Christmas memories. We look forward to having generations of Christmas lovers visit us to experience the display, take in our beautiful seven-metre-high Christmas tree, which also offers a gorgeous photo backdrop, and enjoy free seasonal crafts, activities and entertainment.”
A festive favourite, the seven-metre-high Christmas tree is back, lighting up the Mortlock Chamber with hundreds of twinkling lights and dazzling decorations. Powered by SA Power Networks, the giant tree has been a feature of the Library since 2020 and continues to be a must-see during the holiday season. The tree will be unveiled at a free ticketed sneak peek event on Saturday November 23rd starting at 10am which you can buy tickets for here.
In addition to the Christmas Pageant display and the towering tree, the State Library is hosting a range of free activities for the whole family. From November 23rd, visitors can enjoy:
- Craft and Making Space: Create your own festive crafts.
- Postcards to Father Christmas: Write your Christmas wishes and send them to Santa.
- Storytime Sessions: Listen to holiday-themed stories in the cozy reading nook.
- Christmas Reading Nook: A fairy-themed space to relax with a good book.
- Live Choir Performances: Enjoy performances by local choirs.
The Mortlock Chamber will also feature performances from local choirs, adding to the festive atmosphere. Some of the featured performances include:
- Aurora Vocal Ensemble: Saturday November 23rd at 10:30am & 11:30am (Booking required)
- Lumina Choir: Sunday December 8th at 1pm
- South Australian Children’s Choir: Saturday, December 14 at 1pm
- Young Adelaide Voices Youth Choir: Tuesday, December 17 at 1pm
- Young Adelaide Voices Community Carols Choir: Saturday, December 21 at 12pm
When guests arrive, they’ll be greeted by Santa the Curator – a giant inflatable Santa in the Library’s forecourt as part of the City of Adelaide’s Christmas Trail. The trail invites people to follow a city-wide “Santa Course” map, visiting all 10 Santas around Adelaide.
Key activities this holiday season at the Mortlock Chamber include:
- Postcards to Father Christmas (Daily from November 23rd) – Write a postcard to Santa.
- Christmas Reading Nook (Daily from November 23rd) – A fairy-themed reading nook.
- Chairs from John Martin’s Magic Cave (Daily from November 23rd) – Take a picture on the chairs where Father Christmas once sat.
- Christmas Pageant Exhibition (Daily from November 23rd) – An exclusive display of treasures from the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant.
- Christmas Storytelling (11am & 1pm, Monday to Friday, December 16th-20th) – Enjoy festive storytelling under the Christmas tree.
- Christmas Craft (Monday to Friday, December 16th-20th) – Make your own Christmas ornaments.
- School Choir Performances (December 2nd-6th) – Local school choirs will perform Christmas carols in the Mortlock Chamber.
What: Christmas at the Mortlock Chamber, State Library of South Australia
Where: Corner North Terrace and Kintore Avenue
Price: Free entry
Opening hours: Monday: 9am to 5pm
Tuesday: 9am to 7pm
Wednesday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Special holiday hours (Sunday 24 November until Sunday 22 December)
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 5pm
(Closed public holidays)
For more information, click here.
