Some families do the Pageant, some do carols, and some pile into the car in their pyjamas with a box of gingerbread biscuits for the annual lights hunt. In our house, it’s all three. The best Christmas lights in Adelaide aren’t all in one place, though. They’re spread across the suburbs, from a Star Wars spectacular in Warradale to a 60-year-old community festival in the Hills.
Here’s where to point the car this December.
Lights of Lobethal, Adelaide Hills
This is the big one. Lights of Lobethal has been running for more than 60 years and is billed as the largest community-run lights display in the Southern Hemisphere. More than 700 homes and businesses light up across the town, with markets, live music and food stalls alongside them.
Don’t miss Bill and Peg’s display on Christmas Lane. It’s covered in tens of thousands of lights and has become a must-see in its own right. The festival usually runs for about two weeks in mid-December, finishing just before Christmas.
KIDDO tip: Weeknights are much quieter than weekends. Arrive before dark, grab dinner from a food stall, and walk the streets once the lights come on.
Dernancourt Delights, Dernancourt
On the corner of Karingal Road and Yaralinda Street, Dernancourt Delights is a full-house display with lasers, smoke and sound. There’s even a driveway dancefloor for the kids. It also has a “museum” of rare Christmas objects collected over a decade. Donations go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, so bring some coins.
Warradale’s Star Wars Christmas, Warradale
More than 100,000 LED lights, music and a Star Wars theme make this one a hit with little Jedi. The Warradale Christmas Lights Display on Gardiner Avenue usually runs from late November into early January, so it’s a great option if you miss the December rush.
Tyrone Avenue, Campbelltown
This one is for kids who can’t keep their hands to themselves. Press the buttons and the house bursts into a computerised dance show, with gingerbread people, lollipops and animated ornaments. Some buttons change the lights. Others set off water jets, so stand back.
Days Road, Croydon Park
This display has 50,000 LED lights, moving elements and a sing-along soundtrack. There are also hidden elves for the kids to find, which keeps little ones busy while the grown-ups admire the work. Donations support the 2nd Prospect Sea Scout Group.
Nari Drive, Sheidow Park
A huge blow-up Santa, inflatables, projections and a big driveway to explore make this a southern suburbs favourite. Donations go to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Elura Court, around the corner, is worth adding to the same trip.
Bowaka Street, Park Holme
This display has music, giant inflatables, lasers and projections, and a resident Santa sleigh the kids can climb into. Santa himself has been known to drop by on some nights.
Ninth Avenue, St Peters
If you’d rather walk than drive, Ninth Avenue is one of Adelaide’s best Christmas light streets. Houses along the leafy avenue light up from early December. Parking a few streets away and strolling the footpath is half the fun.
Redden Court, Rostrevor
Redden Court has several big displays in one cul-de-sac. It gets busy at peak times, so park a street or two away and walk in.
Riverbank Christmas Lights, Hindmarsh
Formerly known as the Brewery Lights, this display on Adam Street, off Port Road, has been running for more than 60 years. Families spread out along the banks of the River Torrens to take it in, which makes it a lovely spot for a picnic dinner on a warm night.
The Christmas tree in Victoria Square, Adelaide CBD
The giant Christmas tree in Victoria Square (Tarntanyangga) is an Adelaide tradition, and it’s an easy add-on to a city trip, a Pageant day or a visit to the Rundle Mall Christmas windows.
Christmas lights near Adelaide
Heading out of town? The Loxton Lights Festival in the Riverland turns the town into a glowing trail through December. Lights on Ridge in Murray Bridge is another family favourite, with Father Christmas visiting on selected nights.
Tips for seeing Christmas lights in Adelaide with kids
- Go late, or be patient. The sun doesn’t set until about 8.20pm in December, and most displays are at their best after 8.30pm. A late afternoon nap is your friend.
- Pyjamas are encouraged. Put the kids in PJs before you leave, and transfer straight to bed when you get home.
- Check before you go. Most home displays are run by volunteers who post their dates and times on Facebook. Plans can change, especially if it’s windy or wet.
- Park and walk. Popular streets get congested. Parking a block away is easier for you and kinder to the neighbours.
- Bring gold coins. Many displays raise money for charity.
- Be respectful. These are people’s homes. Stay on the footpath unless you’re invited in, and keep the noise down late at night.
Know a great display we’ve missed?
Tell us. Send your favourite Christmas lights in Adelaide to KIDDO and we’ll add them to the list. Then grab the gingerbread, buckle up the kids and go chasing the lights.
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