Explore Adelaide’s top Christmas destinations with our holiday coach tours. See the lights, enjoy festive markets, and make memories with loved ones.
Adelaide lights up during the Christmas season with dazzling displays, festive markets, and magical events scattered throughout the city. For families, friends, and festive explorers alike, this is the perfect time to see all Adelaide has to offer – and there’s no better way to do it than on a holiday tour on wheels! Skip the traffic, avoid parking, and soak in the joy of Christmas as we take you to the best seasonal destinations in and around Adelaide. Ready for a jolly journey? Here’s a preview of what’s waiting for you on Adelaide’s ultimate Christmas tour. Adelaide Christmas mini bus holiday tour.
1. Glenelg Christmas Lights and Sand Sculptures
Glenelg’s Christmas celebrations are a must-see just a short drive from Adelaide. Famous for its enchanting holiday lights and unique beachside sand sculptures, Glenelg becomes a holiday paradise every December. Stroll along the beautifully lit Jetty Road, snap photos of incredible Christmas-themed sand sculptures, and soak up the holiday magic by the sea. The lights reflecting off the ocean create an unforgettable scene that will make you feel like Christmas has arrived by the waves.
Tour Tip: Bring along your camera – the mix of lights and sand sculptures creates fantastic photo ops! And don’t forget to stop by Moseley Square for hot chocolate or festive snacks.
2. Lobethal Lights in the Adelaide Hills
Lobethal is South Australia’s holiday light capital, and for good reason. For over sixty years, the town of Lobethal has transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland, with homes, businesses, and streets adorned with vibrant displays. The Lobethal Lights are the largest Christmas light display in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting visitors from all over. On this tour stop, we’ll give you plenty of time to wander through the village, enjoy live entertainment, shop local handmade crafts, and grab a bite from the many food stalls—Adelaide Christmas holiday tour.
Tour Tip: Lobethal can get busy, so coach travel means you skip the parking nightmare! Plan to try the delicious gingerbread cookies or warm mulled wine available at the stalls.
3. Adelaide’s Christmas Tree and Rundle Mall Festivities
The heart of Adelaide shines brightly with its enormous Christmas tree at Victoria Square, a tradition loved by locals and visitors alike. After admiring the tree, our tour heads to Rundle Mall, where you can stroll through festive decorations, live music performances, and delightful Christmas window displays. Rundle Mall’s Christmas events always bring something special, from street performers to giant reindeer statues that make perfect holiday selfies.
Tour Tip: Rundle Mall is perfect for a spot of holiday shopping. Pick up some unique local gifts and enjoy Adelaide’s best festive treats! This is an Adelaide Christmas holiday tour.
4. Hahndorf Christkindlmarkt
Our next stop is the charming German village of Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills. Known for its Bavarian-style architecture and heritage, Hahndorf hosts the Christkindlmarkt, a European-inspired Christmas market with wooden stalls, fairy lights, and traditional German foods. Enjoy bratwurst, gingerbread, and warm pretzels as you browse beautiful handmade crafts, ornaments, and gifts. It’s a magical destination that feels like a little slice of Europe in South Australia.
Tour Tip: To experience a German holiday tradition, try the glühwein (hot spiced wine) and roasted nuts. Don’t forget to pick up a keepsake ornament from one of the local vendors!

5. Mount Lofty Botanic Garden’s Twilight Christmas Walk
Nestled in the hills, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is stunning any time of year, but it transforms into something magical at Christmas. Take a twilight walk through the beautifully lit gardens and enjoy the natural Christmas wonder of blooming hydrangeas, azaleas, and camellias. It’s an ideal stop for nature lovers and those who want a peaceful, scenic escape from the city lights. As the sun sets, the garden lights up with delicate string lights and festive decorations, creating a magical Christmas scene.
Tour Tip: Bring along a picnic or grab a warm drink to enjoy as you stroll through the gardens. It’s an excellent spot for couples and families to relax and enjoy a quiet, festive moment.
6. Adelaide’s Christmas Pageant at the National Wine Centre
A beloved holiday event, the Adelaide Christmas Pageant can be enjoyed at the National Wine Centre, where pageant floats and displays are set up for a unique viewing experience. At this stop, you’ll see the iconic floats up close, take photos with them, and relive some of the best moments of the holiday parade. The Wine Centre’s Christmas setup brings the pageant magic to life for those who may have missed the parade or want a closer look at the iconic floats.
Tour Tip: If you’re a fan of local wines, you’re in luck – the National Wine Centre offers tastings, so you can sip on some of South Australia’s finest wines as you explore the pageant displays.
7. Semaphore’s New Year Fireworks and Holiday Carnival
If you want to extend your holiday tour into New Year’s, the Semaphore Holiday Carnival and Fireworks is the grand finale! Semaphore’s New Year’s Eve celebration includes a seaside carnival with Ferris wheels, games, and food stalls. It’s the perfect place for families and friends to enjoy rides, watch street performers, and ring in the New Year. As the clock strikes midnight, you’ll have a front-row view of Semaphore’s spectacular fireworks show over the water, marking the start of a fresh new year.
Tour Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the carnival games and grab a good viewing spot for the fireworks display. Bringing a picnic blanket is excellent for lounging with loved ones before the big show.
Why Choose a Holiday Coach Tour?
With a holiday tour on wheels, you get the convenience of all-inclusive travel and the festive fun of being with friends, family, or fellow holiday lovers. No worries about traffic, no need to hunt for parking, and a stress-free experience from start to finish. Our professional drivers handle all the logistics so you can relax, sing along to holiday tunes, sip on festive drinks, and focus on making magical memories in Adelaide’s best Christmas spots.
Ready to Ride into a Merry Christmas?
Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable! Book your bus hire holiday tour on wheels with us and explore the best Christmas destinations in Adelaide with ease, joy, and a whole lot of festive spirit. Gather your loved ones, hop on board, and get ready to experience the magic of Adelaide’s holiday season – because Christmas is best enjoyed together.