We're edging closer and closer to Christmas, so get into the spirit with markets and music - and enjoy a spot of alfresco dining while you're at it.

Words Zoe Rice

Ahoy there

Climb aboard Morphettville Racecourse’s The Love Boat Christmas Cruise show on Saturday, December 7. Held in the upper level of the Derby Paviliion, the event will feature a three-course dinner and premium beverages package, entertainment and the chance to win a cruise package.

 

America in Adelaide

Classic rock hitmakers America celebrate their 50^th anniversary performing Sister Golden Hair, A Horse With No Name, Ventura Highway, You Can Do Magic, Tin Man and so many more gems on Saturday, December 7 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

 

The Little Mermaid 

On December 7, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra will perform the score of Disney’s The Little Mermaid in celebration of the 30-year anniversary of the 1989 classic at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

 

Start your engines

Get along to The Bend Motorsport Park to see modern, historic and classic cars on the track for The Bend Classic, on December 7 and 8. Categories in the inaugural event will include a Ferrari Club Challenge, classic open wheelers and Euro sports cars. The event is free for spectators.

 

Summer wonderland

Christmas is coming to the Adelaide Showground, with Santa’s Wonderland, from December 6 to 24. More than 40,000 families attended the event last year and organisers are gearing up for another big year of stage shows, Christmas characters, rides, an activity trail, and of course, the big man in red himself. One of the favourites at the event is the 350 square metre ice skating rink and ice toboggan slide, complete with helpful elves on the rink to help with the not-so-experienced first-time skaters.

Through the window

Celebrate 50 years of iconic children’s television program Play School with an exhibition at the Maritime Museum from December 7 to March 1, 2020. Happy Birthday Play School gives visitors a look at all the favourites: Big Ted, Little Ted, Humpty, Jemima and the Rocket Clock.

 

Meander around the market

Celebrate the festive season and discover creative gift options at St Basil’s Twilight Christmas Market at the Aegean Village on Friday, December 6, from 5pm. Enjoy up to 30 food, plant and gift stalls run by local community members, as well as residents from St Basil’s. There will be plenty of entertainment, from bouncy castles to belly dancers and food and beverages for purchase. Children will have the opportunity to meet Santa.

Shopping and sunshine

Enjoy this weekend’s sunshine and stop by King William Road, with the upgrade almost wholly completed earlier this week. You can now enjoy on-street parking and outdoor dining, while you peruse the shops along the strip.

 

Pa rum pum pum pum

Get festive with a visit to Rundle Mall to see the 10 individually-themed “windows” that have been installed along the length of the Mall have been inspired by hand-crafted artisanry to infuse the popular shopping area with the wonder of Christmas. Window themes include Santa’s Workshop, The North Pole, Tarnanthi and The Gift of Music (pictured).

 

Celebrate by the water

Riverside is the place to be on Saturday, December 7, for the Mannum Christmas Pageant. Starting from 6.30pm, Father Christmas will have goodie bags for the kids, and service groups will be on show with floats travelling through the main street. The fireworks will be on from 9.30pm and everyone can enjoy live entertainment, face painting and a magician.