This weekend, the festive season begins in Adelaide with the Christmas Pageant and the unveiling of a seven-foot-tall Christmas tree.

Giddy up

The 2022 Adelaide Polo Classic will be held at Ellis Park on Saturday, November 12, with a day of competitive sporting fused with the excitement of live thoroughbreds, premium hospitality and fashion. The SA Polo Association will host two 20/20 style games of polo featuring the best national talent. This format of polo is played on a reduced playing field to engage the crowd with increased speed and shorter quarters. Head to general admission for a family-friendly viewing experience, or treat yourself to a private marquee and indulge in the amplified hospitality.

Bravo Italia

Take the opportunity to celebrate and immerse yourself in Italian culture this November with the Adelaide Italian Festival. Running from November 11 to 20, the festival offers a range of events focusing on food and wine, art, culture, music, fashion and design, motoring, cycling and technology. Whether hopping on your bike and riding through the Barossa, dancing the night away at a street party or indulging in an abundance of pizza and wine, there is something for everybody at this year’s festival.

Twinkling lights

The State Library of South Australia’s indoor Christmas tree will light up on Saturday, November 12 to coincide with the 2022 Christmas Pageant. Located in the Mortlock Chamber, the Christmas tree reaches seven metres tall and will be on show in the library alongside a traditional Christmas-themed display. After the Christmas tree is revealed, Adelaide’s vocal ensemble, Choral Grief, will perform under the tree at 11am. Other Christmas-themed events hosted at the library include Christmas storytelling sessions at 11am daily from December 19 to 23, Christmas crafts where children can colour and hang ornaments on the tree and school choir performances from December 5 to 9.

It’s showtime

Head to the Eudunda Show on Sunday, November 13 for a day filled with family-friendly fun. Peruse the markets and indulge in local produce or seek thrills on the show rides. Animal lovers will have plenty to see, with farm animals such as poultry, sheep and horses on display, in addition to dog agility and jumping competitions. Finish the day mingling with family and friends at the community barbecue and music party.

Ho ho ho

The 2022 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant is back on the streets for its 90^th year, celebrating Christmas magic on Saturday, November 12. There will be characters, dancers, bands and floats bringing the festive spirit to streetside spectators and television viewers. To honour the 90^th anniversary, the parade will begin with a new float surrounded by a 90-person National Pharmacies Brass Band selected, directed and led by jazz musician James Morrison.

On show

The Studios: 2022 exhibition is a snapshot of the diverse practices and work developed as part of ACE’s annual Studio Program. The exhibition showcases works by emerging Adelaide artists Ash Tower, Cecilia Tizard, Shaye Duong, Chelsea Farquhar and Dani Reynolds. Opening on Saturday, November 12 and showing until Saturday, December 17, Studios: 2022 offers a look into the work developed out of the ACE Studios including a range of forms from photography from sculpture and paintings to moving pictures.

For more of what’s on around South Australia this month, pick up the November issue of SALIFE, which is on sale now.