Make the most of the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant weekend
Adelaide’s Christmas magic is back. Floats, fairies, and Father Christmas await at the 2025 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant!
It's the most wonderful time of year
The beloved National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant returns in 2025, bringing joy, colour, and festive cheer for both the young and the young at heart! On Saturday 8 November at 9:30 am the celebrations begin from South Terrace, winding merrily through the city streets before finishing at 11:30 am in Rundle Mall, where Father Christmas himself will officially launch Adelaide’s festive season!
The Christmas Pageant is a magical, free community celebration bursting with fantasy, colourful floats, marching bands, dancers, and so much more! This year, the magic is even bigger with three brand-new floats: My Pet Dragon and Magic Fairyland, featuring twinkling fairies, dancing elves, and lively bands, plus the spectacular 12 Days of Christmas - a 22-metre-long road train celebrating the truck drivers who crisscross the country all year to deliver Christmas goodies and supplies.
Why let the fun stop there? Here is your guide to making a day of it with delicious dining options and family-friendly activities.
Pre-Pageant
Start your morning in style with a cosy breakfast and coffee (or hot chocolate for the little ones!) before the Pageant magic begins. Claim your spot along South Terrace early and fuel up at a local fave like Stax Café and Café Society by L.Law or Astonish Café . Need something on the go? Hello Stranger has extra takeaway options and Prohibition’s ‘Next Door’ will be serving festive specials.
After the parade (or before, if you are keen!), wander through the Adelaide Central Market, open 7 am–3 pm (with Smiley’s Tuckshop open from 5:30 am) for fresh bites, great coffee, and lunch-ready treats.
Don’t forget to set that early alarm; the magic starts right on time!
Post-Pageant
Once the final float arrives and Father Christmas delivers his special Christmas message at Beehive Corner, the celebrations are just beginning! You’ll be in the perfect spot to visit the Magic Cave in David Jones or kick-start your Christmas shopping in Rundle Mall.
Why not keep the cheer going with a relaxing afternoon picnic in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, a lively family lunch in the city, or by participating in “The Santa Course” - a fun city trail where you will hunt for 10 Santas and uncover secret side-quests along the way. Complete the course for a chance to win a special prize and help Santa tick off his Christmas chores while you’re at it!
Make it a weekend
Extend the magic of the Pageant into a full weekend of family fun in Adelaide. Stay overnight at Stamford Plaza Adelaide or Oaks Adelaide Embassy Suites (both are family-friendly and centrally located) and start Sunday with a relaxed breakfast before a visit to the Art Gallery of South Australia or South Australian Museum. Keep the adventure going at Adelaide Zoo, where pandas, lions, and meerkats are waiting to say hello, or take to the treetops at TreeClimb Adelaide for a dose of high-flying family fun. Round out the day with a stroll through the parklands to Marshmallow Playground, or test your skills with a round of putt-putt at Holey Moley.
Get Planning
Make the most of your Christmas Pageant experience by checking out the City of Adelaide’s official logistics and road closure guide before you go. Please note: the Adelaide Metro bus, train and tram services will be free from 6:00 am - 2:00pm on Pageant Day to help families get to and from the city. And, don’t forget to return soon for the Giant Christmas Tree Lighting and keep the festive fun going!
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