Where To See The Best Christmas Lights in Adelaide

We may be blessed with long, balmy evenings throughout summer, but who doesn’t love to pretend they’re part of an adorable rom-com and wander around the lit-up streets enjoying Christmas cheer during the festive season?

There may not be snow and mulled wine on the cards but hey – at least we’re not freezing our fingertips off to stand outside to marvel at the twinkling lights in the lead-up to Christmas.  From the CBD and beyond, find the best Christmas lights in Adelaide!

Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga Christmas Tree

Of course – we all know to start our festive tour in the city centre, where the huge tree graces Victoria Square each year. Brightening the city streets from 8 pm each night and shining on until 2.30 am, with a 15-minute-long light display, this 25m high glistening masterpiece is a spectacle to behold.

Sitchu tip: It's not Christmas lights, but walk 300m down the road to find the giant Santa outside the Adelaide Central Market - trust us, you can't miss the big man in red!

Victoria Square, Adelaide

Image Credit: Dylan Sanders, City of Lobethal

Lights of Lobethal

For a display that would put a smile on even the biggest of Grinches, the Lights of Lobethal are home to the largest community Christmas light display in the Southern Hemisphere - how's that for Christmas spirit? A tradition starting over 60 years ago, the streets light up each December with a special map showing the best routes - but they're not the only thing to see. Growing bigger and brighter each year, this has become a full blown event, with Nativity scenes, live music and festive pageants, plus food and drink stalls set up to keep the kids happy!

9-23 December

Lobethal, Adelaide Hills

Bill & Peg's Christmas Lane Lights Display

Bill & Peg, long-term locals of Lobethal really love Christmas, evident through the fantastical light displays they have created on their property since 1986. These displays grew more spectacular each year, and over time, thousands of people have wandered through the property to take in the magic.

Though the display is smaller now, it still draws quite a crowd. In 2013, the Adelaide Hills Council officially recognised Bill & Peg's commitment to Christmas, renaming their driveway 'Christmas Lane' - talk about spreading Christmas cheer!

5 Christmas Lane, Lobethal

Ryan's Christmas Lights

Famous for putting on a show that would make a pantomime blush, Ryan’s Christmas Lights is the one not to miss this Christmas. The show goes on daily from 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm until December 31st (unless it's raining), with the experience completed with the soundtrack played through speakers... or available by tuning your car radio to 88.9 FM if you prefer to drive by! 

Sitchu tip: After checking out Ryan's lights, drive to Parallel Avenue in Salisbury North for more festive fun!

Corner of Marquisite Drive and Emerald Street, Salisbury East

ABA Plumbing, Stepney

ABA Plumbing brings the Christmas spirit to Stepney with its spectacular annual light show, running every evening until Christmas Day. This dazzling display will spread joy and create a magical experience for families and the wider community, with owner Paul Chaina acknowledging those who need a beacon of light and hope at Christmas.

On Saturday 21 December, ABA will host their Christmas Community Fundraiser. Families are invited to join in the fun, with activities including face painting, photos with Santa, a petting zoo, a bouncy castle and a Gelato Bello ice cream cart. All proceeds will go to KickStart for Kids, helping to support disadvantaged children in SA.

Sitchu tip: Snap a selfie, tag @aba_plumbing, and you could win a $200 TOYWORLD voucher!

Ninth Avenue, St Peters

Bringing joy to the community annually, you’re spoilt for choice with most of the homes on Ninth Avenue lighting up the streets this December.  Traffic guides are put in place to ensure everyone is safe, with the option to walk or drive the street. We suggest walking - there are usually a few food trucks parked up!

Ninth Avenue, St Peters

9 Rothschild Street, Woodcroft

We are the city of grand churches, but there’s an extra piece of architecture to rival these beautiful old buildings in the form of the Christmas Castle that is simply wonderful to see. Complete with toy soldiers, elves, a gingerbread family, reindeer, Santa and his sleigh, it doesn’t have to be dark to enjoy this one – bring the kids along to enjoy a magical experience soundtracked on Elf FM!

3 Sabre Street, Netley

It would be hard to miss this one – with the roof, front of house and lawn covered in twinkling lights! Over 50,000 of them to be precise. Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, it’s obvious to see how creative the owners of this property are as they put all of their effort into transforming their home into a festive grotto.

30 Gardiner Avenue, Warradale 

A must-see for all sci-fi fans! An alternative from your standard Santa and snowmen, in Warradale you are taken to a galaxy far, far away with a truly remarkable Star Wars-themed Christmas light display featuring our favourite characters, including the cutest new addition in the form of The Child (or Baby Yoda, to some!).

2024 Riverbank Display

A family tradition for decades and formally known as the West End Brewery Christmas Lights, the Riverbank Christmas Display is back and better than ever in 2024. The whole family will love the enchanting displays on the bank, including a Jack in the Box, a Nativity scene, and, of course, Santa himself.

Corner of Adam Street and Port Road, Thebarton

Belmore Terrace, Woodville Park

Have you ever experienced an award-winning Christmas lights display? Well, here is your chance. Lighting the Western suburb's streets once more, there are lollies for the kids, vintage decorations, lasers, music… you name it! And who knows, you may even spot Santa. 

Now that the best Christmas lights in Adelaide have got you in the Christmas spirit, check out these beautiful gift guides to spoil your loved ones. From presents for the teenager in your life to the avid entertainer, there's something for everyone.