Check out the amazing Christmas light displays in SA
From the iconic glow of Lobethal to riverbank displays and the towering tree in Victoria Square, councils continue to create festive spaces for people to gather and celebrate. The magic also extends into neighbourhoods, where residents and local businesses transform streets and town centres with their own dazzling displays.
Many councils now offer maps, trails and even bus tours to help people explore the lights safely and easily. Some are also rewarding local creativity with community Christmas light competitions, encouraging more families to get involved and share in the festive spirit.
This year, we’re highlighting a few of the councils leading the charge and celebrating the joy their communities bring to the season.
Adelaide Hills Council
A festive favourite is to tour Lobethal, which boasts the largest community light display in the southern hemisphere. The iconic event has been running since the 1950s and attracts up to 250,000 people each year.
When: 12 – 22 December 2025
Find out more at Adelaide Hills Council.
City of Tea Tree Gully
The competition continues to shine brightly as 45 homes are vying for the best light display along Tea Tree Gully’s Christmas lights trail. There are three prizes up for grabs – including a $500 shopping voucher.
Winners will be announced on 12 December 2025
In the meantime, follow the trail at City of Tea Tree Gully Council.
City of Salisbury
Neighbouring council Salisbury is also shining this Christmas and offering hundreds of dollars in gift cards to this year’s top three displays.
Submissions have now closed for the competition however you can still explore the displays at City of Salisbury.
Rural City of Murray Bridge
One of the fastest growing twinkling towns is Murray Bridge. Last year more than 50 homes competed across several categories for the Rural City of Murray Bridge’s Christmas Lights Competition and that number is expected to grow in 2025.
Winners will be announced on 18 December 2025.
Head to Rural City of Murray Bridge to plan your trip.
District Council of Streaky Bay
Rounding out the competing councils is the District Council of Streaky Bay, where locals have also taken great pride in lighting up their homes and businesses.
Find out more at District Council of Streaky Bay.
City of Adelaide
The lights are now on for Adelaide’s tallest Christmas tree, and there will soon be live music each night to celebrate. The 25-metre tree in Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga has 13,616 individually programmed LED lights and 750 decorations.
When: 18 – 24 December 2025
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Check out the other Christmas events at City of Adelaide.
City of West Torrens
The Riverbank Christmas Display has been delighting thousands of families since 1959. The City of West Torrens will run the nightly events until early next year.
For the first night of display:
When: 22 November 2025 – 2 January 2026
Time: 5:00 pm
Operating hours after:
- Sunday to Thursday at 3:00 – 11:00 pm
- Friday and Saturday at 3:00 pm – 12:00 am
Find out more at City of West Torrens.
City of Campbelltown
Light up your December with the festive ride from the Campbelltown City Council - take a self-guided tour of this year’s festive light displays using the Christmas lights map and discover the twinkling and colourful neighbourhoods with family and friends.
When: 1 – 31 December 2025
Time: 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Check out the map to plan your self-guided tour at City of Campbelltown.
City of Charles Sturt
Suburbs like Beverly, Woodville and Croydon Park have often been listed as some of the must-see Christmas light streets of Adelaide. This year the City of Charles Sturt is compiling a comprehensive list of display homes and asking its residents to list their display.
List your lights at City of Charles Sturt
