Top Free Things to Do in Adelaide December 2018

by Dave Walsh (subscribe)

Event: 29/11/2018 - 02/01/2019

Highlights of What's On in Adelaide in December
Christmas is coming and there's no escaping it. For families with kids it's a time of joy and selfless celebration, while for the rest of us it's a good time to avoid shopping - if you can. Now that the Christmas pageant has excited kids to fever pitch, there's an exciting variety of free things to do in Adelaide.

Victoria Square has now become the main attraction in the city, with its giant Christmas tree being lit from December 1. You'll find free fun for kids, a mouth watering array of goodies from food trucks, and free movies and live entertainment there until Christmas.



The outer metro area has always put on great shows for Christmas, with thousands heading to see the spectacular Lights of Lobethal display, join in the fun of the Willunga Christmas Tree Festival, or watch for Santa at the Goolwa Christmas Pageant.

Families wanting a more active experience shouldn't miss Santa's Wonderland Adelaide at the Showgrounds, where kids can go ice skating, visit traditional family Christmas Land and get carried away with amusement park rides.



What's On in Adelaide - Free Things to Do in December
Join Adelaide artist Andrew Baines for another of his quirky free photo shoots, this time featuring dogs dressed as zebras at Henley Beach, visit Old Government House at Belair National Park, take a squiz at our new Glenthorne National Park, or relax on a guided walk in the Adelaide parklands.

Apart from these events, take a breather at the free Heritage SnAps exhibition or try Michael's tips for plane spotting near Adelaide Airport.

December brings many opportunities for carol singing and free markets for your last minute shopping. We've listed them in no particular order below - just scan though and find what's closest to you.



Christmas Markets
Semaphore Summer Twilight Markets
Prospect Eco Market
Ebenezer Night Markets
Markets and Carols in the Park
Unley Night Market
Henley Square Market
Adelaide Health and Wellness Market
Gathered White Christmas Market
Strathalbyn Market
Palmer Country Market
Christkindlmarkt Hahndorf
Meadows Country Market
Christmas at Melbas

Christmas Carols
Carols in the Park
Minda Christmas Carols and Markets
Burnside Carols in the Park
Playford Community Christmas Carols
Paradise Carols and Fireworks
Mt Barker Carols in the Park
St Nicholas comes to Hahndorf
Mawson Lakes Christmas Carols
Civic Park Carols
Carols Alive at Cedar College



Not Free, but Fun Things to Do in Adelaide
You can still escape Christmas if you go to outdoor movies on the Riverbank, join in the party at Leconfield Wines, or try a selection of boutique South Australian wines at the new Adelaide Wine Markets at the Market Shed on Holland.

While New Year's Eve seems a long way away right now, it will be upon us before you know it. I'd love to catch the spectacular New Years Eve fireworks show off the Hindmarsh Island bridge, but if you want to celebrate indoors, the Adelaide Convention Centre is having a New Years Eve Gala.



Other Exciting Things to See and Do in Adelaide
December is a fantastic time to escape the city in South Australia, and writer Michael tells how you can take a weekend road trip to the Flinders Ranges. The weather now is mild, the countryside is beautiful, and there are so many places to visit on the way.

My favourite places to visit are ghost towns like Dawson, Hammond, Ucolta and Terowie and their abandoned railway stations.

When the weather is too hot, the cooler climate of the Limestone Coast is perfect for a short trip, just the place for your summer holiday.



If you do decide to stay in Adelaide, discover all about the Somerton Man Mystery, or take the kids to Adelaide Tree Climb in the south parklands. We have new reviews of eateries too - the Florence Rooftop Bar in Adelaide, Thanh Long at Athol Park, and Jibbi and Co Cafe at Lightsview.

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Why? Find the best free things to see and do in December

Where: Adelaide, SA

Cost: Many are free events, but not all.

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