Christmas has finally come alive in the city with the unveiling of Rundle Mall’s spectacular festive window displays! Offering amusement and delight for the whole family, each window dotted along the length of the Mall is individually-themed and captures the spirit of Christmas.
Adding a little bit of mischief to the holiday season this year is Merry the Mall Mouse, who will be taking visitors young and old on a whimsical journey from window to window.
From perching atop a reindeer, to helping put up tinsel and decorations, Merry appears in each window, providing festive activities for children and families as they browse the displays along Rundle Mall.
The much-loved Christmas Pageant window, featuring iconic rocking horse Nimble, has returned once more in honour of the Pageant’s 90th anniversary, while the other seven windows are brand new displays.
Introducing the Christmas Cracker: a massive colour explosion that pays tribute to the festive tradition of gathering. The new display’s bright, pastel colour palette transports you to the Christmas dinner table, where a popped cracker leads to sparkling treats and magic.
Rundle Mall will be giving away 1,000 crackers to surprise and delight visitors across key times in the lead-up to Christmas.
If you’re lucky enough to grab a Christmas cracker, you might just find a $30 Rundle Mall gift card inside. Rundle Mall’s Christmas windows are now on display, free for the public to enjoy, until early January 2023.
Adelaide Economic Development Agency Executive Manager, Rundle Mall, Andrew White says the windows create an exciting start to the festive season in the city.
“The city is where the magic of Christmas comes to life and our unique, must-see window displays and decorations will help hundreds of thousands of visitors celebrate this wonderful time of the year in Rundle Mall,” he said.
“This year’s display has a real focus on families and spending time with loved ones and includes a series of activities, including finding Merry the Mall Mouse in each window to complete a puzzle and enter a weekly online draw to win a $50 Toyworld voucher.
“Parents can find kids’ activity sheets in participating retailers or visit rundlemall.com to download activities from colouring in an Aussie Christmas scene, a guide to making your own Christmas crackers at home and printing Christmas wrapping paper.
“Christmas is about more than just shopping so we encourage people to visit Rundle Mall to tick off their gift list and make it a magical experience the whole family can enjoy.”
To discover more about Rundle Mall’s Christmas activities and giveaways, or to enter the Merry the Mall Mouse competition, visit www.rundlemall.com/christmas.
See below for the complete list of Rundle Mall’s Christmas windows:
Father Christmas’ Boots
Father Christmas has arrived! Heralding the most exciting moment of the festive season – the night before Christmas – the story of Father Christmas’ descent of the chimney showcases his inimitable boots alongside a sack brimming with gifts. Located opposite Myer Centre Adelaide.
Christmas Claw Machine
Bringing a nod to the nostalgia of claw machines and the child-like excitement of seeing a window jam-packed with plush Christmas toys, this window will be a thrilling instalment along the window trail for children, with giveaways to come during the festive season. Located facing James Place.
Aussie Christmas
Portraying a quintessential Aussie Christmas in the searing sunshine, this window pays homage to homegrown festive traditions and native friends, complete with Hills Hoist and backyard cricket. Located near Sportscraft.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
The story of The Night Before Christmas unfolds with a larger-than-life storybook, telling the traditional tale of the excitement of the festive season with 3D reindeer and decorations leaping from the pages. Located opposite H&M.
APY Art Centre Collective
The unique voice of Aboriginal art is celebrated through the vibrant colours of bespoke hanging installations, sculptures and traditional artwork created using a variety of textured mediums. Located outside Woolworths.
Christmas Cracker
Bursting open with streamers, glittering confetti and gilded decorations, the Christmas Cracker pays tribute to celebrated festive family traditions and the excitement of gathering around the table with loved ones. Look out for Rundle Mall’s giveaway of 1,000 Rundle Mall crackers, with 100 recipients set to find $30 Rundle Mall vouchers inside. Located facing the Apple store. Located facing Rundle Place.
Elves Adventure
An army of elves have snuck into the window, intent on weaving their own Christmas tree with a spool of red string – helped along the way by Merry the Mall Mouse, of course. Located opposite Twin Street.
Christmas Pageant
Paying tribute to the state’s most iconic rocking horses, this window tells the story of 90 years of the Christmas Pageant and one of its most famous characters, Nimble, who has held a special place in the hearts of South Australians for generations. Located near Hotel Richmond.
MORE CHRISTMAS NEWS
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- Limestone Coast wineries unveil 51 top Christmas wines, including world-class bargains and luxury picksThis list of 51 top wines, recommended by Limestone Coast vignerons, is perfect for holiday celebrations.
- 6 Christmas craft hacks for a mess-free, stress-free holiday with the kidsCrafting expert Shannon Wong-Nizic unveils her top six tips for time-poor parents. Image by Phil Hearing.
- Your South Australian Summer school holiday guideAs we step into summer and the school holidays officially begin, we’ve compiled a list of exciting activities and programs to help keep the kids busy.
- Adelaide set to sparkle with star-studded 80th St John Ambulance Carols by CandlelightGet ready for an unforgettable evening at the 80th St John Ambulance Carols by Candlelight in Adelaide, featuring top Australian artists and a spectacular fireworks display on December 14.
- BIG W to hold festive Wrapathon this Saturday with celebrities to aid sick kids in SAJoin BIG W’s first-ever BIG Wrapathon on December 7 across South Australia, where celebrities and volunteers wrap gifts to support sick children, with all proceeds going to Children’s Hospital Foundations.
Read all the Christmas news here