This weekend in Adelaide, get into the Christmas spirit, savour sweet strawberries at Macclesfield, or head to the movies for the Launch and British film festivals

Words Charlie Gilchrist

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND

Make a note in your diary and join the City of Adelaide for a magical Christmas Wonderland on Saturday, December, 2 from 5pm to 10pm at Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga. Experience enchanting circus acts, captivating theatre and live music that will transform the heart of the city into a festive wonderland for kids. Let the festive joy begin!

LAUNCH FILM FESTIVAL

Taking place at Mercury Cinema, the Launch Film Festival showcases Australian short films, with a particular focus on South Australian cinema. The $2000 Leipzig Award will go to the best film, with other cash prizes for categories including the Audience Choice, Best South Australian Film, Best Interstate Film and Most Original Short Film. The event is on from 6pm to 10.30pm on Saturday, November 25.

LOXTON LIGHT UP DAY

Marking the beginning of the month-long Loxton Lights Festival, the Loxton Light Up Day is a fun day for the whole family. Enjoy the free entertainment, dance away to the live music, or meander through the twilight markets. Children can visit Santa or collect goodies on the Reindeer Road. The night will wrap up with a spectacular display of fireworks on the banks of the River Murray. The Loxton Light up Day takes place on Saturday, November 25 from 9am to 9pm.

BAROSSA CENTRAL CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL

Santa is making his way to Nuriootpa this weekend for the family-friendly Barossa Central Christmas Carnival. While you’re waiting for Santa to arrive from his busy schedule, take part in some festive fun including food trucks, sausage sizzle, live music, petting zoo, face painting, balloon twisting, bouncing castle and much more. This event is on from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, November 25.

MACCLESFIELD STRAWBERRY FETE

The annual Macclesfield Strawberry Fete is on Sunday, November 26 in the charming Adelaide Hills hamlet of Macclesfield. This beloved Macclesfield tradition has been taking place since 1927 and celebrates all things to do with strawberries. Whether you decide to partake in the inaugural Strawberry Trail or try your luck in the strawberry eating competition, this family-friendly event is guaranteed to delight strawberry lovers. There will also be a live dog agility demonstration, raffles, stalls and a diverse range of food options.

BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL

Enjoy the best of new British cinema until November 29 as Palace Nova Eastend and Prospect Cinemas present the 2023 Cunard British Film Festival. The festival features One Life, the story of Sir Nicholas Winton – played by Anthony Hopkins – who is known as the “British Schindler” after he rescued hundreds of Jewish children in Europe just prior to World War II breaking out. Other festival highlights include The Critic, a film based on Anthony Quinn’s novel Curtain Call and starring Sir Ian McKellen and Gemma Arterton; the historical thriller In the Land of Saints and Sinners that is set in a remote Irish village and follows a retired assassin who finds himself in a lethal game of cat-and-mouse; and The Remains of the Day, a drama based on the deeply moving novel of the same name by Kazuo Ishiguro.

VALIO 500

The VALIO Adelaide 500 will zoom through Adelaide’s CBD from November 23 to 26 with four days of fast cars and live music. Six action-packed race categories will speed through the streets of Adelaide while spectators enjoy food and drink passages in corporate suites or around the track. The live music headliner for 2023 is international superstar Robbie Williams, who will take to the stage on Sunday, November 26. Other highlights include performances from Icehouse, Baby Animals and the Screaming Jets. Other attractions include stunt cars and BMX, car displays and family fun zones.