Events & Activities.

For over sixty years, the Lights of Lobethal has been a beacon of holiday cheer, lighting up the Lobethal Valley with festive magic. As we journey into 2024, we’re thrilled to bring back the festival’s most iconic events, reimagined for a new generation.

In addition to the beloved Christmas Light Displays and Insta-worthy driving trails, the Lights of Lobethal Festival, is set to make this year’s celebration even BIGGER and BRIGHTER. Get ready for a full schedule of events designed to inspire and delight, creating unforgettable moments for families and friends.

Follow our social media pages closely as we unveil all the exciting details for a brand new Christmas season in 2024. The air will be filled with festive atmosphere, promising joy and wonder for everyone.

Bring the whole family and rediscover the spirit of Christmas in Lobethal. 

Lobethal is home to numerous licensed venues where you can enjoy a Christmas tipple responsibly, however, The Lights of Lobethal Festival is a family event, so please leave your drinks at home and keep it a Dry Zone (see dry zone map here).

The Lights of Lobethal Festival is a Covid Safe Event. Please ensure to adhere to all SA health directives at all times when visiting the festival and associated events. We will endeavour to keep the community updated on any alterations to the schedule of events due to unforeseen changes in restrictions or updated health directives.

The only thing we want our Festival Super-spreading through the community is Christmas Cheer!

December 17th & 18th – 6.30pm

Join us for a magnificent evening of music and celebration as “A Triumphant Christmas” brings the spirit of the season alive.

Featuring the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s Brass and Percussion sections, accompanied by organist Stephen van der Hoek, this concert blends classic masterpieces by Mendelssohn, Bach, Bizet, and Handel with cherished Christmas tunes.

Hosted by ABC Classic’s Russell Torrance, this enchanting event will fill the air with rich, uplifting melodies, offering a captivating experience for all ages.

Lobethal Community Lights Display

Saturday 7th-22nd December – From Dusk

For over 60 years, our town has transformed into a dazzling wonderland of lights, capturing the spirit of Christmas and the warmth of community tradition. We invite you to start your evening with a delicious dinner at one of our amazing local vendors—savour the flavours of Lobethal before taking a magical drive through our twinkling streets and enjoying the spectacular light displays and activations that make this festival truly unforgettable.

Living Nativity

Opening Night Sunday 8th December.8.50pm & 9.20pm.
Nightly From December 13th.

Immerse yourself in the true reason for the season as a collective of the Hills Christian Church Community brings to life the Story of the Nativity.

With nightly performances of a  traditional re-enactment of the events of the first Christmas, complete with a real baby “Jesus” and a large menagerie of animals, the Living Nativity is a shining light and perennial favourite in the Festival Calendar.

Come and experience for yourself the True Story of Christmas!

Saturday 7th – 23rd December

Nightly 6pm – 10pm

Get into the festive spirit at the Lobethal Centennial Hall Christmas Markets, where the air is filled with the delightful scent of holiday treats and the stalls are adorned with festive decorations. Explore a winter wonderland of crafts, gifts, and local goodies, making it the perfect place to find unique treasures for your loved ones. Join us for a heartwarming shopping experience that captures the magic of Christmas!

Carols in the Valley

7.00pm Sunday 8th December

Lobethal Lutheran Church

Immerse yourself in the joyous melodies of the season at Carols in the Valley, a musical extravaganza led by the talented Lobethal Christian Fellowship Ensemble. Gather at the enchanting Lobethal Lutheran Church on Sunday, December 8th, at 7 pm for an evening filled with heartwarming carols and sing-alongs. This free event promises to kindle the festive spirit, making it a perfect occasion for families and friends to come together and celebrate the magic of Christmas through music.

11am – 9pm  Saturday 21st December

Fabrik Arts and Heritage

Free Event

Please join us at our Handmade Christmas Market. Perfectly timed for you to finish your Christmas shopping and fill up your festive table with handmade artisan wares and locally produced treasures at Lobethal’s most sparkling time of year.

The Handmade Christmas Market stallholders are amazing artists and designer-makers joined by passionate producers and growers of the Adelaide Hills.

Explore the market, located across our site of beautiful former Onkaparinga Woollen Mill. Adorned with sparkling lights and licenced throughout, the market includes a fabulous food zone and our nearby grassed Mill Square will be a space for sitting and dining, along with a perfect position to enjoy live music as the sun sets.

We invite you to join us and be a part of the richly nostalgic, state-wide tradition of visiting Lobethal to see the lights at Christmas time. We can’t wait to share what our Hills and creative community makes, grows and creates.

Global Christmas Village

7.00pm 13th-15th December

Lobethal Main Street

Get ready for a night of festive wonders in Lobethal’s Global Christmas Village on Saturday, December 16th!

Step into Lobethal to celebrate a Global Christmas, where your unique celebrations take centre stage! This event is all about YOU—your fancy dress, cultural attire, diverse Christmas traditions, or even your creative twist on classic holiday themes. Ever wondered what Christmas looks like in a galaxy far, far away? Now’s your chance to find out! Think Christmas Star Wars or your take on a beloved holiday movie.

Local Business Entertainment: Our main street will be alive with the sound of the season as local businesses open their doors to offer an array of entertainment and Christmas treats. Music, performances, and surprises await!

Living Nativity: Experience the enchantment of our traditional Living Nativity, a heartwarming portrayal of the Christmas story that brings the spirit of the season to life.

Magical Lights Exploration: Wander through the charming streets of Lobethal, adorned with a magical display of lights that will transport you to a winter wonderland.

Centennial Hall Markets: Explore the festive markets at Centennial Hall, where local vendors will showcase unique treasures and holiday delights. The perfect opportunity to find that special Christmas gift!

Join us for a truely unique celebration of Christmas.