This weekend in Adelaide, explore the magical Christmas Wonderland, meander through the picturesque gardens at Beaumont House, or listen to up-and-coming musicians at Nexus Arts.

Words Charlie Gilchrist

HOLIDAY SINGALONGS!

Get ready for next weekend’s Christmas Actually, bringing you music from the world’s most loved Christmas movie soundtrack Love Actually, wrapped up with a sprig of holly and bucket loads of comedy and charm. Relive all the magic musical moments from your favourite festive film including smash hit songs by Mariah Carey, Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, Eva Cassidy, Kelly Clarkson, The Beach Boys and the Beatles, brought to life by a band of Australia’s top musicians and superstar vocalists including Josh Robson (Phantom of the Opera), Irena Lysiuk (The Sunshine Club) and JD Smith (The TEN Tenors). This event takes place at Her Majesty’s Theatre at 8pm on Friday, December 8.

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND

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!

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC AT NEXUS

This three-show series of contemporary music by six of South Australia’s most dynamic and exciting new artists will conclude with a final performance this weekend at Nexus Arts. The Interplay performance was the culmination of a yearlong program that in 2023 saw six musicians from culturally diverse and First Nations backgrounds take part in a one-on-one workshop. Saturday’s performance will feature performances from Punjabi-Australian hip-hop artist Kultar Ahluwalia, who will be joined by Hong Kong-born multidisciplinary artist Nicky Tsz Tung Li. The event will take place at 8pm on Saturday, December 2.

OASIS IN THE SUBURBS

Wander through the picturesque gardens at Beaumont House on Sunday, December 3. Built in 1849 by Adelaide’s first Anglican Bishop Augustus Short, this enchanting house and garden are like an oasis hidden in the heart of suburban Adelaide. Take a guided tour of this charming historic home or enjoy afternoon tea on the large terrace overlooking the garden.

CHRISTMAS AT MORTLOCK

The enchanting Mortlock Chamber at the State Library of South Australia will be transformed this Christmas with memorabilia from the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant. Displayed alongside the seven-metre-high Christmas tree, the Christmas Pageant exhibit gives visitors a taste of the magic of the Pageant, with costumes, imagery and artefacts. This includes toy soldiers and Nipper, the beloved chestnut horse. This free exhibition will be open daily until January 7.