Free public transport on Pageant Day
Pageant-goers can catch free public transport to and from the city tomorrow and additional bus and train services will be available with more than 300,000 people expected to line the streets of Adelaide for the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant.
Adelaide Metro is offering free travel on bus, train and tram services from 6am to 2pm tomorrow to help families get to and from the city and additional buses and trains will be operating to cater for everyone expected to line the route.
Last year more than 335,000 people lined the streets of Adelaide for the Pageant – the largest crowd numbers in over a decade.
South Australia Police are encouraging all attendees planning to drive and park in the city to get in early, allowing extra time for road closures and large crowds.
This year five new floats make their debut:
The Magic Hat – a magical elf hat shaped like a house bursting with colour and sparkles, a glimpse into where elves might live
A Bumper Christmas – a festive winter fun park on wheels filled with playful penguins repurposed from the ‘Penguins R Kool’ float
Rooftop Reindeer Retreat – a festive training retreat where junior reindeers prepare to be the next generation to pull Father Christmas’ sleigh
Sandy Christmas – the 2026 mini float celebrating a South Australian Christmas with a cool koala on the beach and eating hot chips
Keys to Cycling – the Pageant’s first baby grand piano aboard a trike, a live pianist will perform Christmas classics along the route in collaboration with Cycling Without Age.
Beloved children’s entertainer Emma Memma will return to this year’s Pageant and perform on the Sounds and Signs of Christmas float, helping to spread joy to those attending and watching from home on the Channel Nine broadcast.
The Pageant will leave from South Terrace at 9:30am, travelling through Adelaide’s streets before reaching Beehive Corner where Father Christmas will deliver his special Christmas message to the people of South Australia. He will then continue spreading Christmas cheer at National Pharmacies in Gawler Place.
Visit christmaspageant.com.au for more information.
Tourism Minister Emily Bourke said the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant is a much-loved South Australian tradition, which attracts visitors from near and far to experience the colour, creativity and festive spirit of our state.
“As the largest public parade in the Southern Hemisphere, it embodies the very best of community spirit. Welcoming, inclusive and rich in tradition, it’s a celebration for everyone,” she said.
“Be sure to make the most of the free public transport to and from the city and enjoy this very special day on South Australia’s events calendar.”
Pageant Director Brian Gilbertson AM said: “The elves at Stardust Castle and I are very proud of the spectacular floats set to parade through Adelaide’s streets tomorrow.”
“We want this year’s Pageant to be as colourful as possible, so bring your chalk and creativity to share the magic!”
Chief Inspector Damien Eichner of South Australian Police added: “Attendees should be aware of road closures, public transport detours and increased pedestrian traffic surrounding the event.”
“We ask children and vulnerable people to wear an ‘If I’m Lost’ wristband and a meeting place is discussed between family members in the case of separation.”
“Attendees should not leave personal belongings unattended and should follow directions from police, event staff and volunteers at this year’s event.”
“Finally, we ask spectators to please to stay behind the ‘Blue Honour Line’ to ensure performers have the space needed for them to do what they do best.”
National Pharmacies Chief Executive Brigid Hughes said National Pharmacies truly admires the Christmas Pageant’s ability to spread joy across the state.
“We love being involved in the excitement and look forward to seeing our wonderful National Pharmacies staff in their Royal Family roles.”
