It’s that time of the year again. The bells are singing, the reindeer are jigging, the halls are being decked with jolly … or something like that.
If you’re still unsure of what to do for your upcoming Christmas party or function, or you just want to be smack-bang in the middle of all the festivities, you’re in luck. We’ve sought advice from the jolliest source – Father Christmas himself – and he’s shared the scoop on the top Christmas parties happening in Adelaide this year. And if you’re claiming to be a Grinch… then explain why you clicked on this article?
Start taking notes because this year is shaping up to be the most merry mayhem Adelaide has seen yet.
FOOD + DRINK
XMAS BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH AT PONY AND COLE | DECEMBER
Pony and Cole is serving up a festive Xmas Bottomless Brunch all December long, the perfect way to wrap up the year with your crew. For $55, you’ll get any meal from the menu plus bottomless mimosas and coffee for 90 minutes. Sunshine, spritz vibes and zero workplace talk required.
When: Available 7 days, from 7:30am weekdays, 8am weekends
Where: Pony & Cole, 6 Manton St, Hindmarsh
Price: $55
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
For more info and to enquire, click here.
ADELAIDE POLO CLASSIC | DEC 12
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 12
Where: Ellis Park / Tampawardli, Adelaide
For more info, click here.
CHRISTMAS WITH OUT IN THE PADDOCK | DEC 13
Presented by Pilgrim Estate
One of Adelaide’s most in-demand festive events is returning, and if previous years are anything to go by, tickets won’t last long. Christmas with Out in the Paddock brings its signature brand of fun and glamour to the historic Queens Theatre for a Christmas celebration that feels more like a night at the theatre than a standard end-of-year dinner.
Expect a four-course feast, free-flowing drinks, live entertainment and a crowd ready to dress up and let loose. The dress code? Glamorous black tie of course, so bring your best.
When: Saturday December 13, 6:30pm–11:30pm
Where: Queens Theatre, Playhouse Ln & Gilles Arcade, Adelaide
Tickets: $375
For more info, click here.
CHRISTMAS EVE AT LUCKY’S BEACH CLUB | DEC 24
Lucky’s Beach Club at The Maid Hotel is bringing the festive fun on Christmas Eve. From 5pm till late on Wednesday December 24, the palms will be swaying, the spritzes flowing and the dance floor ready for a night where the only thing getting sleighed is the music.
Celebrating 10 years of Lucky’s, the DJs (TBA) will bring coastal house, party classics and all the festive energy you need to roll into Christmas Day in style. Limited capacity, so round up your favourite people and kick off the celebrations early.
When: Wednesday December 24, from 5pm
Where: The Maid Hotel, 1 Magill Rd, Stepney SA
Tickets: $22.94
For more info, click here.
SIP, DIP AND SOIREE AT HOTEL ALBA | DEC 25
Take the stress out of Christmas this year and settle in for a long lunch at ela, the stylish Mediterranean restaurant inside Hotel Alba on South Terrace.
Guests will be treated to a three-course menu designed for passing and tasting, plus a drink on arrival and a generous 2.5-hour drinks package for the adults. Kids score their own festive menu, while Santa himself is set to drop by with gifts and plenty of cheer.
When: Thursday December 25, 12pm–2.30pm
Where: ela at Hotel Alba, 226 South Terrace, Adelaide
Price:
Adults: $179pp — drink on arrival, 3-course shared lunch, 2.5-hour drinks package + aperitif with dessert
Teens (13–17): $125pp — 3-course shared lunch + non-alcoholic drinks package
Children (12 & under): $79pp — kids menu, soft drink & juice + Santa visit and present
For more info, click here.
CHRISTMAS AT THE ARK | DEC 25
You’ve probably heard the Ark mentioned lately for its string of recent awards – including Best Hotel in Australia – and now’s the chance to see what all the fuss is about. The Arkaba is offering two festive dining experiences, both with generous three-course menus, drinks packages and plenty of holiday cheer. Just choose the vibe that suits your family best.
Upstairs, Top of the Ark delivers a little extra sparkle with twinkling lights and a birds-eye view, the perfect setting for a more elevated celebration. Downstairs, the Lounge Bar, Restaurant and Function Rooms offer a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere while still delivering all the festive favourites.
When: Thursday December 25
Where: Arkaba Hotel, 150 Glen Osmond Rd, Fullarton
Top of the Ark: From 12pm, adults $170pp+BF, under 3 free
Downstairs – Lounge Bar, Restaurant & Function Rooms: From 11:30am, adults $155pp + BF, under 3 free
For more info, click here.
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH AT SOFITEL | DEC 25
Take Christmas Day to new heights with a long lunch overlooking the city at Garçon Bleu. The French-inspired restaurant is hosting a luxurious festive feast designed for those who’d prefer to relax and indulge rather than spend the day in the kitchen.
Your afternoon begins with a glass of sparkling or wine before diving into an abundant seafood and entrée buffet. Exquisite mains are served to the table, followed by a decadent dessert selection that ensures the celebrations end on a sweet note. A premium beverage package is included for adults.
Sold out event
When: Thursday December 25, 12:30pm–3:30pm
Where: 108 Currie St, Adelaide
Price:
Adults: $345pp
Teens (12–17): $160pp
Children (5–11): $100pp
Under 4: Free
CHRISTMAS DAY BUFFET AT STAMFORD PLAZA | DEC 25
If you’re dreaming of a Christmas feast, the Stamford Plaza has you sorted. Right in the heart of the CBD, the hotel’s Terrace Ballroom will come alive with festive décor, live music and a generous Christmas buffet lunch that covers every craving.
Expect fresh seafood, traditional roasts, seasonal sides and a line-up of decadent desserts that capture the flavour and nostalgia of the season. A 3-hour premium drinks package keeps the celebration flowing, while the atmosphere is made even merrier with live festive music throughout the day. A perfect option for families, friends or work celebrations.
When: Thursday 25 December 2025
Terrace Ballroom: 12:45pm–3:45pm
Boulevard Room: 12pm–3pm
Where: Stamford Plaza, 150 North Terrace, Adelaide
Tickets:
Adults: $220 + booking fee
Teenagers (13-17 Years Old): $149 + booking fee
Kids (5-12 Years Old): $109 + booking fee
Kids Under 5: Free
For more info, click here.
FUN
SANTA’S WONDERLAND AT ADELAIDE SHOWGROUND | DEC 5 – 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.
CABARET CHRISTMAS AT THE CONVENTION CENTRE | DEC 12 AND 13
Cabaret Christmas is back, and it’s bigger, brighter and more bedazzled than ever. Step into a world of glitz, glamour and show-stopping entertainment as cabaret superstar Hans takes the reins as MC for a night of festive sparkle.
Expect a three-course dinner, South Australian drinks, dazzling aerial acrobatics, dynamic dance performances and not one but two live party bands – The Baker Boys and Mr Buzzy – guaranteed to keep the dance floor full all night.
Round up your colleagues or festive besties and lock it in early, Saturday is already sold out.
When: Friday December 12, from 7pm
Where: Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace
Tickets: From $170 (tables of 10 available)
For more info, click here.
ST JOHN’S CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT | DEC 13
Of course, it wouldn’t be an Adelaide Christmas guide without mentioning the Carols by Candlelight. A South Australian Christmas tradition returns once more for its 81st year, bringing the community together for a night of music, candles and festive spirit under the stars. Expect a standout lineup on the main stage, sing-along carols for all ages and the warm, nostalgic magic that has made this event an iconic part of Adelaide’s Christmas calendar for generations. Reserved seating is available for prime stage views.
When: December 13, from 3pm
Where: Elder Park
Tickets: Free
For more info, click here.
ADELAIDE TOWN HALL CHRISTMAS CONCERT | DEC 16
A Christmas sing-along inside one of Adelaide’s most iconic buildings? Count us in. The Adelaide Town Hall Christmas Concert brings together two of South Australia’s most celebrated musical groups for an afternoon full of festive fun.
The globally renowned Australian Girls Choir will lead the way with their signature harmonies, the same angelic voices that have toured internationally and performed alongside Hugh Jackman. They’ll be joined by the City of Adelaide Pipe Band, who have proudly represented Adelaide for more than 30 years, performing everywhere from national events to Europe’s largest Celtic festival.
Sold out event
When: Tuesday December 16, 12:30-1:30pm
Where: Adelaide Town Hall, 128 King William Street, Adelaide
Tickets: Free
For more info, click here.
MUSIC AT THE TREE | DEC 18-24
The countdown to Christmas is officially on, and Adelaide’s Giant Christmas Tree is once again the heart of the celebrations. From 18–24 December, Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga transforms into a vibrant open-air music hub, showcasing some of the city’s most exciting local talent.
Across seven festive nights, you can expect free live performances from 6:30pm–8:30pm, everything from soul and strings to honky tonk, jazz, afro beat, pop and modern twists on classic Christmas favourites.
When: 18–24 December, 6:30pm–8:30pm nightly
Where: Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga
Tickets: Free
XMAS GREEK NIGHT AT LION ARTS | DEC 25
Christmas may wind down for most on the 25th, but Lion Arts Factory is keeping the celebrations alive with a late-night party built around high-energy Greek anthems and club favourites. This year’s event pays tribute to DJ Krazy Kon’s latest album and the 20-year legacy of his iconic KEFI mix compilations, a soundtrack stacked with hits from Argiros, Iakovidis, Foureira, Josephine, Kiamos and more.
Expect a full house of dedicated partygoers, resident DJs keeping the pace up and a few special guests in the wings.
When: Thursday December 25, from 7:30pm
Where: Lion Arts Factory, 68 North Terrace, Adelaide
Tickets: From $22
For more info and tickets, click here.
Want to read more? Check out our events calendar here.
Think we’ve missed a spot? Shoot us an email [email protected]
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