Giant Father Christmas will not appear on the Central Market chimney this festive season
Australia’s biggest Father Christmas will not be making an appearance on the Adelaide Central Market chimney this year, and it’s not because citygoers have been naughty.
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The giant Father Christmas that has been spreading festive cheer in the city for more than five decades has “deteriorated significantly” and will not be on display this year.
The much-loved model – the largest Father Christmas in Australia – has spent the past four festive seasons on the Adelaide Central Market’s Grote St facade, waving to passers-by.
It began its life on the front of John Martins in the 1960s, which later became David Jones, until 2014, when an upgrade to the building forced the display into hiatus.
The following year it was gifted to Adelaide City Council.
Adelaide Central Market general manager Jodie Kannane said unfortunately the wood and fibreglass model had become tired and would be kept in storage this Christmas.
“Unfortunately, the statue’s condition has deteriorated significantly since its first installation (at the markets) in 2015,” Ms Kannane said.
“At its mid-year maintenance audit, it was determined significant structural cosmetic and structural works were immediately required to ensure the statue’s integrity for safe installation on the historic market tower.”
Ms Kannane said it could not be fixed before Christmas because the work required to make Father Christmas safe was “significantly greater than first thought”.
She was unable to provide a cost for the restoration work.
“But it is a significant investment given the age and unique nature of the structure,” she said.
“We are working with The City of Adelaide to determine the best path for the future of giant Santa.
“It is hoped that the statue will be restored to its former glory for the enjoyment of generations to come.”
Ms Kannane said the market had instead invested in new decorations for its Gouger and Grote street facades to make up for Father Christmas’s absence.
Adelaide City Council deputy lord mayor elect Alex Hyde hoped Father Christmas would return to the city next year.
“The giant Santa is iconic and we would like him to stay in the city in one form or another,” Cr Hyde said.
“The Central Market will attract thousands of people over Christmas without Santa this year, but it is always a nice touch.”
