Early Christmas festivity for Adelaide as National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant countdown begins

An incredible fanfare of Christmas music and activities in the heart of Adelaide will hail the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant one-month countdown celebration, accompanied by the reveal of three new floats in Rundle Mall today. 

It will be the first glimpse for the public to see the new floats, Christmas Tree, Christmas Stocking and Let the Pageant Begin – 2023!, ahead of the 91st edition of the largest public parade in the southern hemisphere on Saturday 4 November. 

Honouring the long tradition of the Magic Cave, Christmas Stocking is a nostalgic reflection on the stockings given to children upon their memorable meeting with Father Christmas. The unmissably huge stocking is filled with real toys and gifts, representing the joy of giving at Christmas. 

Bringing red and green to Rundle Mall early, Christmas Tree is the rejuvenation of one of the most prominent Christmas symbols and will rotate with lights and decorations along the 3.4 km route. 

The opening float, appropriately titled Let the Pageant Begin – 2023! will also be on display, building anticipation for the parade of bands, groups and floats that will follow on Pageant Day. 

The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant one-month countdown celebration will feature performances by the Band of the South Australia Police and the Australian Girls Choir, with face-painting, book readings, Christmas food stalls, photo opportunities and roving performances taking over Rundle Mall. 

Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said today’s activities are an exciting signal that Christmas is fast 
approaching.

“As the largest public parade in the southern hemisphere, it is thrilling to see the continuous addition of  new ideas and the evolution of the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, which is a wonderful and joyous opener to the festive season,” said Minister Bettison. 

“The Christmas period brings a boost to our local businesses in the Adelaide CBD, and what better way to kick-start the season than with a selection of free and festive activities in Rundle Mall today.”

National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant Director, Brian Gilbertson is looking forward to revealing the three new floats.

“The Christmas Tree and Christmas Stocking are synonymous with Christmas and are central to everyone’s memories of the festive season, making them essential upgrades for spreading the Joy of Christmas Pageant Day,” said Mr Gilbertson. 

“We hope to see lots of excited faces today in Rundle Mall, followed the mass of cheers and smiles along the blue honour line when the 91st National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant takes place in exactly one month.”

Chief Executive Officer of National Pharmacies, Vito Borrello said the new floats showcased in Rundle Mall are perfect representations of the transformation and growth of the 91-year history of this unique street parade.

"Today’s launch will be a reminder of how special the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant is to everyone of all ages, and on behalf of National Pharmacies, we are honoured to share this exceptional and accessible event for all,” said Mr Borrello. 

“The music, food, colour, and atmosphere from today’s activities in Rundle Mall will serve as a teaser for what crowds can expect in just one month’s time along the streets of Adelaide.” 

The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant is a free, community event. For more information, visit 
www.christmaspageant.com.au.