Guides

What’s on this week in Adelaide

With plenty of live music, festivals, the arts and more, as we head into event season, here’s where you need to be this week.

Image: James McCammon

Can you believe it’s December? We’re edging closer and closer to Christmas, and this week is getting fully into the festive spirit with a jam-packed schedule of events, eats, and every excuse to treat yourself.

Expect everything from Christmas feasts to mini wine festivals and even Italian music sensations. Here’s where you need to be.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND SANTA VISITS AT AIRPORT | DEC 15 – 19

Head to Adelaide Airport this Monday to soak up Christmas as the Australian Girls Choir will be on-site singing carols, and santa will be offering free giveaways!

  • Mon 15 Dec: Carols by Australian Girls Choir, 4:30-6:30pm, opposite International Departures
  • Thur 18 Dec: Santa Visits Adelaide Airport, 10am-2pm, roving the terminal
  • Thur 18 Dec: Carols by Adelaide Sound Connection, 5:30-6:30pm, opposite International Departures
  • Fri 19 Dec: Santa Visits Adelaide Airport, 10am-2pm, roving the terminal
  • Fri 19 Dec: Carols by Adelaide Sound Connection, 5:30-6:30pm, opposite International Departures

When: December 15th-19th
Where: Adelaide Airport
To shop & dine while you’re there click here.

LEWIS CAPALDI AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR | DEC 15

After a two-year break from the spotlight, Scottish chart-topper Lewis Capaldi is officially returning to Australia, with an emotional, high-energy tour. Performing tonight at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, the show marks Capaldi’s first visit to South Australia since his meteoric rise to fame, with fans gearing up for a heartfelt, hit-filled night unlike any other.

Sold out event

When: December 15th, 7:00pm onwards
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
For more information, click here.

AN EVENING WITH ISA GUHA & FRIENDS | DEC 15

An Evening with Isa Guha & Friends will bring together cricket legends, premium wines and a garden-inspired menu for an intimate Ashes-week event supporting Take Her Lead.

If you’re a fan of cricket (or wine), this is an intimate one-night-only event that you’re going to want to get in on. An Evening with Isa Guha & Friends will bring together cricket legends, premium wines and a garden-inspired menu for an intimate Ashes-week event supporting Take Her Lead.

Timed perfectly to coincide with The Ashes, the event is hosted by Take Her Lead founder, former England cricketer and beloved broadcaster Isa Guha. She’ll be joined by Phil Tufnell, Jason Gillespie and Jonathan Agnew, three individuals who are sure to bring a bit of banter and a behind-the-scenes look from both sides of the cricketing divide. 

When: Monday, December 15th, from 6:30pm to 10pm
Where: Botanic Lodge, Main Lake (Kainka Wirra), Adelaide Botanic Garden, Plane Tree Dr, Adelaide SA 5000
Price: $1000 per person
For more information, click here.

BIG SUMMER READ | DEC 17

Looking for a fun (and free) school-holiday activity? Families and kids are invited to the Big Summer Read Party on 17 December, a relaxed, creativity-packed event celebrating books, stories and imagination.

Expect glitter tattoos, hands-on art-making, tasty snacks, book and zine fun, and the chance to meet local authors along the way. It’s also your chance to sign up for the Big Summer Read, where young readers can win prizes just by getting involved.

When: Wednesday, December 17th, 10am-12pm
Where: Ngutungka Henley, 378 Seaview Road, Henley Beach
Price: Free
For more information, click here.

PONTING WINES: WINE & DINE WITH RICKY – THE ASHES EDITION | DEC 18

In the lead-up to the 2025/26 Ashes Test Series, Ricky Ponting is stepping off the commentary bench and into a series of four intimate events across Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, giving fans the chance to wine, dine and hear stories from the man who helped define a generation of Australian cricket.

He’ll be at Yakisan this Thursday, right in the sweet spot of the Third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval. For one night only, guests can enjoy one of the city’s most exciting Japanese dining spaces, where Executive Chef Adam Liston will showcase a three-course menu paired perfectly with the richness, structure and character of Ponting Wines. 

When: Thursday, December 18th
Where: Yakisan, 88 O’Connell Street, Nth Adelaide
Price: $170 per person
For more information, click here.

THE IMMERSIVE TABLE: YULETIDE | DEC 18

Adelaide diners are invited to step out of the sunshine and straight into a winter wonderland storybook scene as ILA Immersive Light and Art unveils The Immersive Table: Yuletide, a multi-sensory dining experience unlike anything else in South Australia. Following a string of sold-out events, this latest chapter of ILA’s Immersive Table series will transform the underground dining space into a snow-covered scene that captures all the magic and nostalgia of a Hollywood Christmas.

When: Thursday, December 18th, 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Where: Aurora Restaurant, 63 Light Square, Adelaide SA 5000
Price: 5 course degustation, $179 per person or $230 per person with wine pairing
For more information, click here.

WILBUR’S WILDLIFE DISCOVERY CENTRE AT DISTRICT OUTLET CENTRE | DEC 19 – JAN 17

The Wilbur’s Wildlife Discovery Centre returns to District Outlet Centre for the summer school holidays! The interactive animal experience includes a show where you can pat and hold a range of snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, possums and more. Then explore the activity zone where kids can try their hand at being a zookeeper, vet or digging for dinosaurs.

Bookings are essential to secure a seat for the wildlife show. Be quick as this experience sold out last time it was offered.

When: Friday December 19, 9:00am- Saturday January 17, 2026 3:00pm
Where: District Outlet Centre, Corner of Freda Thompson Place &, Main N Rd, Parafield, SA 5106, Australia
For more information, click here.

ABA TRADES ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER | DEC 20

Aba TRADES is once again opening their doors for their annual Christmas Community Fundraiser this Saturday. This year marks an exciting new chapter as the event welcomes families to the company’s brand-new Stepney HQ, with all proceeds proudly supporting Kickstart for Kids.

Now in its fourth year, the fundraiser has grown into a truly joyful afternoon out, offering a fun mix of activities designed to bring people together during what can be a challenging time of year for many South Australians. 

Where: 45 Henry Street, Stepney, SA 5069
When: Saturday 20 December, 1pm-7pm.
For more information about the event, click here.
For more information about aba TRADES, visit the site here.

A CELTIC CHRISTMAS | DEC 20

Direct from Off-Broadway, enchanting Irish spectacular A Celtic Christmas is set to light up Her Majesty’s Theatre this December with world-class Irish dance, live music and festive storytelling in a one-day-only holiday celebration.

Perfect for families, the show is a refreshing twist on holiday entertainment. Whether you’re an Irish culture enthusiast or simply love Christmas, with only two performances on offer, this is shaping up to be one of Adelaide’s must-see festive events.

When: Saturday, December 20th, 3:30pm and 7:30pm
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
Price: Tickets from $49.90
For more information, click here.

CHRISTMAS AT SUNSET AT KIES FAMILY WINES | DEC 20

Kies Family Wines is bringing Christmas cheer to the Barossa with Christmas at Sunset, a brand-new, family-friendly evening set against rolling vineyard views.

Little ones will be kept busy with a candy cane hunt across the lawns, Christmas craft activities, face painting, plus a tree to climb, a tractor to explore and plenty of open space to run, play and make memories. Meanwhile, parents can unwind with great food from the Caro Club food truck and enjoy live music by Colonel Mustard.

When: Saturday December 20, 4:30pm- 8:00pm
Where: Kies Family Wines, 1303 Barossa Valley Way, Lyndoch
Tickets: $10 per adult (includes souvenir picnic glass) / Children under 18 are free
For more information, click here.

ROSE GARDENS IN FULL BLOOM AT RICHAR HAMILTON | DEC 20

McLaren Vale is putting on a floral show this summer, with the rose gardens at Richard Hamilton Wines expected to be in full bloom. Across the Hamilton family’s three McLaren Vale vineyards, more than 7,000 roses burst into colour, so vast it rivals the International Rose Garden at the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

Traditionally planted by viticulturalists as early indicators of vine health (and, according to some, to deter horses from cutting vineyard corners), roses have become a proud obsession for the Hamilton family. The result is a spectacular seasonal experience, where rolling vines meet meticulously tended blooms — and visitors get to soak it all in.

When: Saturday, December 20th, 2025
Where: Richard Hamilton Wines, 439 Main Road, McLaren Vale
Price: Free entry
For more information, click here.

TWILIGHT CHRISTMAS AT GOLDING WINES | DEC 21

Set in the picturesque gardens of Golding Wines, this laid-back Sunday evening promises rich summer vibes as the light fades over the vines. From 4pm, guests are invited to settle in on the lawns with picnic rugs or folding chairs while a crackling wood-fired oven turns out rustic pizzas, joined by charcuterie, cheese boards and chilled gelati for an easy, festive feast.

Live acoustic music will set the mood with kids kept entertained by outdoor games and activities. And with the iconic Lights of Lobethal Festival just minutes away, it’s the perfect pre- or post-stop for a pizza, wine or cider before heading off to see the Hills sparkle.

Seating is first in, best dressed, with guests welcome to BYO picnic rugs and folding chairs (no BYO food or drinks). The event will move indoors if weather calls for it, and while no tickets are required, bookings are essential.

When: Sunday December 21, 4:00pm- 9:00pm
Where: Golding Wines, 52 Western Branch Road, Lobethal
For more information, click here.

STIRLING LANEWAYS | DEC 21

Image: Thomas McCammon

The Stirling Laneways Markets – December Edition lands on December 21, perfectly timed for last-minute Christmas shopping in one of the Adelaide Hills’ most charming settings.

Set among leafy laneways and village streets, this much-loved market is more than just shopping — it’s a celebration of local life, seasonal produce and community spirit. Expect a relaxed Hills atmosphere paired with a world-class live music and entertainment program, spread across two stages throughout the sprawling event footprint. Come for the gifts, stay for the sounds, smells and buzz that make Stirling sing.

When: Sunday, December 21st
Where: 
Stirling Laneways, Stirling, Adelaide Hills
Price: 
Free entry
For more information, click here.

FREE SUMMER RECYCLED TEXTILES WORKSHOPS | DEC 11 – JAN 25

Wild Woman of Willunga is hosting Free Summer Recycled Textiles Workshops at the ‘Here’s to Strength Wellness Hub’ in Aldinga, supported by the City of Onkaparinga. The series encourages sustainability by turning preloved garments into creative new items. From denim jewellery to Christmas decorations, bags, and bucket hats, these workshops are teaching you how to make it all.

When: From Friday, December 11th
Where: Here’s to Strength Community Wellness Hub, 1A Old Coach Rd, Aldinga
For more information, click here.

LIGHTS OF LOBETHAL FESTIVAL | DEC 12 – 23

Chantel Harding Photography

Adelaide’s epicentre for Christmas spirit will make a return this December, with hundreds of houses dressed in lights as the town comes alive from December 12th to the 23rd. The season kicks off with an opening festival of all things live music, street eats, markets, carols and even a living nativity.

When: December 12th to the 23rd
Where: Lobethal
For more information, click here.

CHRISTMAS DEGUSTATION AT LENZERHEIDE | UNTIL DEC 31

For $155 per person, experience Christmas like never before with Lenzerheide’s Christmas degustation that highlights the finest festive flavours, thoughtfully curated into a multi-course celebration.

When: December
Where: 146 Belair Rd, Hawthorn SA 5062
For more information, click here.

THE RIVERBANK CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DISPLAY | UNTIL JAN 2

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The Riverbank Christmas Lights Display is set to once again transform the banks of the River Torrens into a dazzling spectacle of colour and nostalgia, lighting up nightly from Saturday, November 22nd through to Friday, January 2nd. Stretching along Adam Street Reserve at the corner of Port Road and Adam Street, Southwark (formerly part of Thebarton), the beloved lights—once famously known as the West End Brewery Christmas Lights—remain one of South Australia’s most cherished festive traditions, attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year.

When: Saturday, 22nd November 2025 through to Friday, 2nd January 2026
Where: Corner of Adam Street & Port Road, Southwark (opposite the Entertainment Centre)
For more information, click here.

THE ART OF DR. SEUSS | UNTIL APR 26

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The Art of Dr. Seuss is arriving at the iconic d’Arenberg Cube, bringing a rare look into the secret world of one of history’s most imaginative minds for a limited season of whimsy and nostalgia. Harvey Galleries, supported by Art Evolution and the d’Arenberg Cube, is bringing The Art of Dr. Seuss exhibition back to South Australia for the first time in over 15 years. Running from November 22nd to April 26th, the exhibition will take place inside the Modern Masters Marquee beside the iconic Cube, creating a fantastical setting befitting for Dr. Seuss’ creativity.

When: November 22nd, 2025 to April 26th, 2026
Where: 58 Osborn Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171
For more information, click here.

For more news and events, check out our calendar here.
For more info on this week, check out the full category here.

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