The festive season is almost here, and if the office Christmas party is still in the planning stages or the annual catch-up with friends hasn’t made it out of the group chat, now’s the time to get organised!
Luckily, Adelaide has plenty of ways to celebrate, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly night out, something a little different or an excuse to dress up and go all out.
From winery celebrations and beachfront dinners to cabaret, polo, fun-filled activities and festive family outings, we’ve rounded up some of the best Christmas parties and celebrations happening across Adelaide this year.
CHRISTMAS PARTY AT ADELAIDE ZOO | DECEMBER 4 & 5
For something a little different, Adelaide Zoo is hosting two Christmas celebrations that combine festive dining with one of Adelaide’s most unique settings.
The evening begins with welcome drinks in the Giraffe Courtyard, where guests can spend time near the zoo’s resident giraffes before heading to the Fig Tree Function Room for a three-course festive dinner.
A four-and-a-half-hour beverage package, DJ, dance floor and Christmas decorations are all included, making it an excellent option for workplaces looking to celebrate somewhere memorable.
Groups booking a private table of 10 can also receive a 10 per cent discount.
When: Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December, 6.30pm–11.30pm
Where: Adelaide Zoo, Plane Tree Drive, Adelaide
Price: $165pp
More info: click here.
SANTA’S WONDERLAND AT ADELAIDE SHOWGROUND | DECEMBER 4 TO 24
A staple of Adelaide’s festive calendar since 2016, Santa’s Wonderland returns to the Adelaide Showground this December with its signature mix of rides, lights and Christmas nostalgia. Spanning 8,000 square metres inside the Jubilee Pavilion, the experience is designed to delight all ages.
Across each timed session, families can enjoy unlimited rides, ice skating, live stage entertainment, creative Christmas activities and meet-and-greets with beloved festive characters. With thousands of twinkling lights and immersive themed zones, it’s a full-scale holiday escape without leaving the city.
When: 5–24 December
Where: Jubilee Pavilion, Adelaide Showground
Tickets: From $50
For more info, click here.
AYERS HOUSE CHRISTMAS JINGLE BALL | SELECT WEEKENDS
Ayers House is once again hosting one of Adelaide’s hottest festive events, the Ayers House Christmas Jingle Ball. Set on the front lawns beneath fairy lights and surrounded by a white picket fence, this all-inclusive celebration features a three-course local menu, SA wines and beers, plus a live band and dancing.
Held across select weekends in November and December, it’s a relaxed, social way to wrap up the year with colleagues, with discounts available for larger groups. Minimum bookings of eight apply.
Where: Ayers House, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide
When: Friday 4 December, Saturday 5 December, Friday 11 December, and Saturday 12 December, 7.30pm to midnight
Cost: Enquire for prices with discounts for large bookings
For more info and to enquire, click here.
ADELAIDE POLO CLASSIC | DECEMBER 11
Perhaps the most glamorous party going around, the Adelaide Polo Classic returns to the beautiful Ellis Park/Tampawardli next week for an indulgent summer playground for all. From a relaxed day out with friends to a refined corporate gathering or a champagne-fuelled VIP affair, there’s not much that can rival the gallop of hooves across the field, a glass of Veuve Clicquot in hand, and an atmosphere alive with fashion, food, and music.
When: December 11
Where: Ellis Park / Tampawardli, Adelaide
More info: click here.
STARLIT CHRISTMAS AT THE CONVENTION CENTRE | DECEMBER 11 AND 12
If you’re looking to celebrate Christmas with a little extra sparkle, Adelaide Convention Centre is hosting two glamorous evenings of dining, dancing and live entertainment this December.
Hosted by award-winning cabaret performer Michael Griffiths, Starlit Christmas promises a spectacular night beneath a canopy of twinkling lights, with a delicious three-course dinner showcasing South Australian produce and a beverage package included.
Guests will be treated to dazzling performances from IMPACT Entertainment, before popular Adelaide party bands Mr Buzzy and The Cast get everyone onto the dance floor.
Perfect for work Christmas parties, social clubs and groups of friends, the event takes care of all the organising, so all that’s left to do is dress up, gather your favourite people and enjoy the festivities!
When: Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December, 7pm–midnight
Where: Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide
Price: $175pp Friday, $185pp Saturday. Discounted tables of 10 available. Ages 18+.
More info: click here.
BEACH ROAD WINERY CHRISTMAS NIGHTS | DECEMBER 11 & 17
If you’re looking for a Christmas party that won’t break the bank, Beach Road Winery in McLaren Vale is hosting two festive evenings this December.
For just $58 per person, guests can enjoy a complimentary Christmas cocktail on arrival, a delicious shared feed-me menu and live music, all in the relaxed surrounds of the popular winery.
The four-hour celebration is designed to make organising a Christmas party easy, with no venue hire fees or minimum numbers. Simply book your seats and bring along your workmates, friends or sporting club for an evening of good food and company.
When: Friday 11 and Thursday 17 December, 6pm–10pm
Where: Beach Road Winery, 309 Seaview Road, McLaren Vale
Price: $58pp
More info: click here.
CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE BAY | DECEMBER 12
Celebrate Christmas by the beach this year, with Stamford Grand Adelaide hosting a festive evening complete with a three-course dinner, sparkling wine on arrival and live entertainment.
Held in the hotel’s ballroom, the Christmas party will feature festive canapés, a gourmet dinner and live music from Day Drive, with plenty of opportunity to hit the dance floor.
At $94 per person, it’s a great option for smaller businesses and friendship groups wanting the atmosphere of a large Christmas party without having to organise their own private event. There’s no minimum group size or venue hire fee, and an optional beverage package is available for an additional $65 per person.
When: Saturday 12 December, 7pm–11.30pm
Where: Stamford Grand Adelaide, 2 Jetty Road, Glenelg
Price: $94pp, plus booking fees
More info: click here.
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH AT RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT | DECEMBER 25
Forget the cooking and cleaning this Christmas Day and settle in for an indulgent festive feast at Riverside Restaurant, complete with spectacular views over the River Torrens, Adelaide Oval and the Riverbank Precinct.
Located within InterContinental Adelaide, the restaurant is serving up an impressive Christmas spread, featuring a premium seafood bar, traditional Christmas roasts, hot carvery selections, gourmet grazing stations, artisan cheeses and plenty of festive desserts.
To make the occasion even more special, guests can enjoy free-flowing beverages throughout the experience, including French Champagne.
With all the hard work taken care of, it’s the perfect opportunity to gather family and friends, enjoy a long lunch and celebrate Christmas Day in style.
When: Friday 25 December
Where: Riverside Restaurant, InterContinental Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide
Price: $415 per adult, $160 for children aged 5–11, free for children aged four and under
More info: Click here.
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