December | UNESCO City of Music - 10-year anniversary
City of Music Tote Bag Giveaway AND Discover Music Here Decals
Across 2025 we've been celebrating 10 years since Adelaide became Australia’s first and only UNESCO City of Music. We’re working on more ways to support live music and help make it easy for people to find music venues and retailers in the City of Adelaide. During November and December, we've been giving out limited-edition 10th anniversary tote bags featuring Alex Bellas' artwork A Vision of City Sounds.
Shop at Gordy Boy Records, Derringers, Billy Hyde Music, Jewels of Thought Recordings, Rerun Records and Streetlight and score a free City of Music tote bag with any purchase while stocks last!
We've also created new 'Discover Music Here' vinyl window decals for music venues, businesses and retailers. Keep an eye out for these across the city to discover all the places music can be found in our City of Music!
Three D Radio Presents Sonic Spire
6 December
Website
Three D Radio presents Sonic Spire, an exciting all-ages festival at Carclew this December. The event will have two live stages with a lineup of local bands including Teenage Joans, MONDO PSYCHO, OIL! Ella Ion, Coldwave, The Dainty Morsels, The Genevieves, and more. Sonic Spire is a tribute to the newly upgraded Mount Lofty radio tower, which transmits the 93.7fm signal across Adelaide plains and Kaurna Country.
This project is proudly supported by a City of Adelaide Arts and Culture Grant.
The Nutcracker Dreams
19 and 20 December
Website
Enter the magical world of Adelaide Ballet's The Nutcracker Dreams, a performance and workshop for children aged 5 to 10 years old and their families. Enjoy a whimsical Christmas ballet performance followed by a creative dance workshop where children can join in the fun and bring the story to life through movement and storytelling. This interactive experience inspires children to engage with storytelling in a playful way while families create lasting festive memories together.
Proudly supported by a City of Adelaide Arts and Culture Grant.
Adelaide Town Hall Christmas Concert
16 December, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
Adelaide Town Hall
Website
Celebrate the spirit of the season with a joyful Christmas Sing-Along featuring the Australian Girls Choir at the Adelaide Town Hall. Joining them for this special festive concert is the City of Adelaide Pipe Band, proudly representing the City of Adelaide for over 30 years. Bring your family, your friends, and your Christmas spirit, and sing along with us to your favourite carol classics at this all-ages gift to the community. All are welcome, and best of all, it's free!
St John Ambulance Carols by Candlelight
13 December, 3:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama
Website
St John Ambulance Carols by Candlelight is a treasured family tradition that has warmed the hearts of South Australians for generations. First held in the 1940s, the event was created to bring the community together during the festive season. Since then, it has grown into one of Adelaide’s most beloved Christmas celebrations, illuminating the night with candlelight, music, and goodwill. Families gather to sing classic carols, share in the joy of Christmas, and reflect on the values of kindness and compassion. More than just a concert, it is a living tradition, one that continues to unite the community and celebrate the true spirit of giving.
This project is supported by Adelaide Economic Development Agency.
Music at the Tree
18 to 24 December, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga
Website
Join us under the Giant Christmas Tree in Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga for a series of free gigs to get you in the festive spirit. The perfect way to celebrate the season. Bring your friends and family, soak up the Christmas magic, and enjoy the festive melodies leading up to the big day. See you there!
Adelady Christmas Village
12 and 13 December
Victoria Square/
Website
The Adelady Christmas Village is back, and it's going to be the most magical weekend of the year! The Credit Union SA Community Stage will be packed with amazing live entertainment all night long with DJ Tommy Tequila, Dance Electric, and Tony Static & the Sparks! Plus, Christmas Carols with The Festival Statesmen Chorus.
This project is proudly supported by the City of Adelaide.
New Year’s Eve in the City
31 December, 5:30 pm
Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama
Website
The City of Adelaide's New Year's Eve celebration is well-known for creating good times. It provides a safe and welcoming setting for people to enjoy the occasion with their loved ones with lots of family friendly entertainment. Showcasing the best of South Australia by featuring talented local musicians and performers, delicious food and drink options and two impressive fireworks displays to ring in the new year and welcome 2026.