Adelaide Christmas Pageant to return on November 2 and for the first time will finish at Rundle Mall
It’s only May, but organisers have already revealed a date for this year’s Christmas Pageant – and there’s a big change coming to the annual parade.
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For the first time, Father Christmas will greet South Australians in Rundle Mall as part of this year’s National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant.
It might only be May but organisers have already revealed a date for this year’s annual parade – November 2 – which will kick off at 9.30am and wind its way through the city’s streets before coming to a close at Beehive Corner on King William Street.
The jolly man in the big red suit will then be led by a band and dancers through to a stage under the Gawler Place canopy in Rundle Mall to deliver a special Christmas message.
The rest of the pageant’s route will remain the same.
Established in 1933, the event attracted a crowd of 320,000 spectators last year and is the southern hemisphere’s largest public street parade.
Pageant Director Brian Gilbertson said preparations were well under way for this year’s event.
“We are ready to celebrate 92 years of festive magic in 2024 and look forward to sharing some exciting new additions with everyone too,” he said.
“Returning to Rundle Mall in 2024 is something we are looking forward to – it’s where it all began and a special way for us to honour National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant history.”
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said the pageant is the “perfect way” to kick off the festive season.
“This event is unique and special to South Australians, bringing huge crowds of all generations into the heart of Adelaide to launch festive celebrations,” she said.
“With this year’s pageant route finishing in Rundle Mall I think we will see a special finish to this iconic and much-loved event.”
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