Join our VIP Club and START earning your way to 10% off all your orders

A vital addition to this page! PS from Adelaide City Council has advised that in 2017,  the pageant is on November 18th a week later than normal so that it won't clash with Remembrance Day.

It's a pageant to steeped in history that it's recognised as a heritage icon, and worth a look!

Adelaide is variously known as the city of churches and the world's most liveable city. It is home to a thriving arts scene, great restaurants, and some truly world-class festivals. And when it comes to the festive season, it knows just how to celebrate. In Adelaide, Christmas decorations, lights, carols and parades are the perfect way to infuse the town with a large dose of Christmas cheer.

Adelaide kicks off the Christmas season with a bang with the annual Christmas Parade. The parade is something of an Adelaide institution having begun way back in 1933 by Sir Edward Hayward, owner of the original John Martins Department store. Every year it winds its way through the city, with close to 90 larger than life-size floats featuring favourite children's characters, vibrant colours, music and plenty of performers. Bringing up the rear is the red-suited man himself, and the parade officially ends when Santa arrives at the Magic Cave at David Jones in North Terrace. The 2010 parade even set a world record by assembling 9100 carol singers, who are now officially part of the Guinness World Records. The 2011 parade is already scheduled for 12 November so be sure to mark it in your diary now and bring the whole family along for a fantastic morning.

And while in town, don't miss one of the best Adelaide Christmas decorations - the Council's spectacular Christmas tree which stands at around 24 metres. It's decorated with thousands of lights so worth a repeat visit in the evening.

You might also want to start the Christmas shopping while you're in town. When it comes to gifts and festive food, your one-stop shop is the fabulous Rundle Mall. The mall is home to over 500 retailers so you'll be hard-pressed not finding everything you're looking for. If you do want a change of scene try Rundle Street just a few blocks away for great boutiques, bookshops and quirky gift stores, King William Road for exclusive boutiques, jewellery and clothing, or Unley Road, which is great for antiques, artworks and gifts. Or for truly unique one-off gifts, don't miss the Adelaide Central Markets.

Westfield has three shopping centres close to town and both David Jones and Myer have stores in the mall. Both stores create magical displays that delight children and adults alike, and their shop windows are always a treat. Each display might be based on a theme from a nursery rhyme, story or film, and is often the result of months of planning and construction.

For a family activity, there's also nothing quite like the Adelaide Carols by Candlelight. The annual carols are held in beautiful Elder Park on the edge of the River Torrens. Adelaide's fabulous Young Adelaide Voices choir will be just one of the groups of performers who take to the stage this year on 18 December 2011. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic and come early to take advantage of all the entertainment. Entry is by donation of a gold coin or $5 note, with proceeds going to charity.

If you are looking to donate yourself, there are always plenty of charities who do excellent work around the world, and are always in need of support. The Starlight Children's Foundation is a fantastic charity that aims to brighten the lives of seriously ill and hospitalised children, so would certainly make a worthwhile recipient.

And our final tip for a fabulous Christmas in the gorgeous city? Pile the family in the car and head off in search of the best neighbourhood shows in Adelaide. Christmas decorations, lights and even life-size sleights, are just a few of the elements that homeowners use to create magical suburban displays. The locations vary from year to year so always keep an eye and ear out for tips on where to head closer to Christmas. Flagstaff Hill, Morphett Vale, Prospect, Salisbury East and Salisbury North, were just a few suburbs last year that outdid themselves with plenty of houses getting in on the action. What better way than to share the Christmas spirit!