Christmas Pageant delivers in Darwin
Dancers, fairies, vehicles and even snakes took the streets of Darwin City to celebrate the 2025 Christmas Pageant. See the pictures.
Dancers, fairies, vehicles and even snakes took the streets of Darwin City to celebrate the 2025 Christmas Pageant.
Thousands of people packed the city’s streets on Saturday evening hoping to get a glimpse of the extravagant groups of personalities marching their way from Knuckey to Cavenagh Street.
Before the parade even kicked off, the masses were already brimming with Christmas spirit, with scores of children using the blocked off roads to kick the footy and play tag.
At 6pm sharp, mums and dads ushered their children to the kerbside to make way for the main event.
Dancing fairies and angels seemed particularly popular for young children, but parents and grandparents were also treated to some of their joy when V8 engines and bus bars made an appearance.
The parade had a distinct multicultural taste as well, with the Latin American community, Chinese and African diasporas bringing their own flavour to Christmas.
“Oh my look at that!” yelled a woman over the PA system.
“I know we have a strong Latin American community... but wow!
“My petition is our Latin American community start a carnival next year.”
Of course, local icons also took centre stage.
A snake, lizard and blown-up crocodile attracted a huge amount of attention, garnering mixed reactions from the kids, but wholly endorsed by dads who wanted to get give their kids a lesson in reptiles.
Moving performances including various dance studios and even a rock band also featured, flaunting their artistic talents.
Santa-themes were also sprinkled across the parade, both in the crowd and in the parade itself.
For thousands of kids, the Christmas spirit was really and truly felt.
Minister for Major Events and Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said this year’s Darwin Christmas Pageant was the perfect start to the festive season in the Top End.
“It was a fantastic turnout this year with thousands of people lining the streets, which shows how much the community loves this event,” Ms Boothby said.
“The floats looked incredible, and the expansion of the event this year with the new additions of the Makers Market and Christmas Concert brought even more colour, creativity, and festive spirit to the evening.
“Our unique Territory lifestyle and spirit really do make Christmas here something special.”
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