Adelaide City Council’s search continues for new giant Christmas tree in Victoria Square

Adelaide City Council is still searching for a new giant Christmas tree to replace its outdated structure, but it will have to wait until 2026 to see its wish under the proverbial tree.

Adelaide City Council’s search for a new giant Christmas tree continues as a plan to retire the existing decades-old structure is delayed until after the 2025 festive period.

Council members at the City Community Services and Culture Committee on Tuesday night were notified the procurement process for a new tree in Victoria Square was still underway.

Councillor Phil Martin expressed his disappointment the current tree, which he previously described as “bloody awful”, would still be part of the city’s festive decorations.

“I am disappointed to hear the tree will survive one more year, I would personally love to chop it down,” Cr Martin told the meeting. “I think it’s past its life, it’s 25 years old and sorry to be ageist about it and I shouldn’t be, but it does need replacing.”

The council chief executive, Michael Sedgman, acknowledged the tree was at the “end of its useful life” and this year would “be the absolute last year for the current tree”.

The council last year spent nearly $200,000 to “update and refresh” its decorations, which elected members last night said had been well received.

The Christmas tree in Victoria Square. Picture: Supplied

The Christmas tree in 2024. Picture: RoyVPhotography

It allocated a spend of $2.1m for Christmas in 2024-25, with the budget allocation for Christmas 2025 to be discussed as part of the budget process.

The details were included in the new draft four-year Christmas in the City action plan, driven by community consultation last year.

The plan also states the Big Santa display at the Adelaide Central Markets will continue for the next two years with an extension sought with the owner for up to and including 2028.

The community will be consulted on the plan later this month before being presented to the council for approval in May.

The new Christmas tree and bauble decorations in 2024. Picture: Andrew Beveridge

Originally published as Adelaide City Council’s search continues for new giant Christmas tree in Victoria Square