National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant

The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant is a beloved free community event, full of magical floats, colourful characters, bands, dancers and more. It has been shared by generations of Australians for over 90 years.

As the southern hemisphere’s largest public parade, the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant is a joyful celebration of community and marks the official welcoming of Father Christmas to South Australia. A total of 335,000 people lined the streets of Adelaide to enjoy the event in 2025.

The pageant winds its way along a 3.5-kilometre city route and culminates with the arrival of Father Christmas to greet the people of South Australia. 

Colourful characters come from a wide range of community groups, with hundreds of National Pharmacies staff and members also taking part. Floats and roving entertainers are joined by an array of bands and dancers. This exuberant celebration invites us all to share joy and gratitude. 

The event began in 1933 and today includes more than 170 moving theatrical sets, over 20 dance groups and more than 300 certified clowns and elves.