Christmas 2024: What’s on in Adelaide and around SA this year

A beloved Adelaide tradition returns for its 80th year tonight, bringing together families and top TV personalities to celebrate Christmas.

Rosanna Mangiarelli, Will Goodings and Amelia Mulcahy are looking forward to seeing Christmas through the eye’s of a child at St John Carols by Candlelight.

The Channel 7 Adelaide personalities are hosting the event, which is in its 80th year, at Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama on Saturday, December 14.

It will be the 20th time Mangiarelli has been in the role on what she says is always a “magical evening”.

“I’ve loved watching the tens of thousands of south Aussies get into the Christmas spirit over the years,” she said, adding: “Among my many favourite Carols moments, the most special have been having my three children in the crowd.”

Mulcahy, who, like Mangiarelli, is being dressed by Adelaide fashion house GretaKate, is also thrilled to know that her five-year-old Grace will be taking part in the festive singalong.

“This year will be my daughter’s first Carols experience, and I’m so excited for her, to take part in a tradition my mum and aunties would take us to,” she said.

7News Adelaide’s Rosanna Mangiarelli, Will Goodings and Amelia Mulcahy at 7 Studios preparing to host the 80th Carols by Candlelight on December 14. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Donning a Peter Shearer suit, Goodings said being part of the 80th Carols would be an “absolute privilege’.

“The event is an Adelaide institution, bringing together the biggest names in music and the most passionate carollers in South Australia,” he said. “There is no better way to get in the Christmas spirit”.

Entertainers on the bill include Hunters and Collectors and The Undertow frontman Mark Seymour, Rogue Traders singer Natalie Bassingthwaite, Human Nature’s Phil Burton, Rachael Beck, Dami Im, Hugh Sheridan, Amber Lawrence and Emma Memma.

Families are encouraged to don their best Christmas outfit, bring a picnic rug and head down early for the City of Adelaide pre-show event from 5pm.

Gates open at 3pm with a Christmas market, food trucks and giveaways. There will be a City of Adelaide pre-show event from 5pm, with Carols starting at 8.15pm and finishing with a fireworks show.

Carols by Candlelight in Adelaide will be broadcast nationally on 7Two and 7plus on Sunday, December 15, at 7pm and on Christmas Day on Channel 7 at 11.30am.

What’s on for Christmas 2024 in South Australia

Sisters Elsie and Hattie Georgiou enjoying Peg and Bill Chartre’s Christmas lights display in Lobethal in 2022. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Lobethal Lights Trail 2024

When: Now until Sunday, December 22, with the best viewing after sunset

A Christmas tradition for more than 60 years, the light displays in Lobethal attract more than 250,000 visitors every year. And, as an added bonus, the ever-popular Bill & Peg’s Christmas Lane Lights Display will be on show until New Year’s Eve.

Adelady Christmas Village

When:Friday, December 13, 4pm to 10pm and Saturday, December 14, noon to 10pm.

Victoria Square will play host to 85 local market stalls, food trucks and live entertainment on the Credit Union SA Community Stage including Peter Combe. There will also be free activities in the Betty’s Burgers Kids’ Zone and a Naughty or Nice Bar for parents and guardians to enjoy a Chrissy tipple.

Two Wells Christmas Parade and Street Market

When:Friday, December 13, 5pm to 9.30pm

There will be 80 stalls, food vans, sideshows, rides and a parade with floats, plus Santa at this free community event.

Hahndorf: Christkindlmarkt

When: Friday, December 13, Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 3pm to 10pm.

With entertainment, festive lights, food and gift stalls, this European-style Christmas market on the corner of Hahndorf’s main drag and Auricht Rd, is a not-to-be-missed Christmas tradition.

Hahndorf: Gathered Christmas Design Market

When:Friday, December 13, Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 3pm to 9pm. More than 70 vendors, including South Australian artisans, will be selling their wares on Hahndorf’s Main Street. Entry to the market is $3 with part proceeds assisting Love Out Loud.

Port Adelaide: Markets at the Mill

When: Sunday, December 15, 10am to 3pm

More than 110 traders will be at this free daytime market at Port Adelaide’s Harts Mill, which is also hosting a twilight market on Saturday, December 14.