Adelaide’s premier location for gifting and shopping experiences celebrates Christmas and a milestone 140 years with activations, charity gift wrapping and exclusive events in 2025.

Shoppers are encouraged to buy local this Christmas, with the chance to win a $500 Adelaide Arcade voucher in partnership with South Aussie with Cosi. The partnership highlights South Australian retailers Pencraft, OmMade Meet the Maker, Aryoo Eyewear and Henry Eckert Australia.

The activations align with the release of the Adelaide Arcade Christmas Gift Guide, now available in brochure stands at either end of the precinct, or online. The 140th Anniversary Edition Gift Guide shares heritage imagery and facts in between highlighting the arcade’s local retailers and meaningful gift ideas. Featured retailers include Daly Salon, Ditters, Fili, Alexandra Lingerie and Zu design. Christmas Trail leaflets can be found in the brochure stands alongside the gift guide,
for a free family activity to explore Adelaide Arcade in detail.

Adelaide Arcade General Manager, Andrew Jonats, says, “Christmas in Adelaide Arcade will encourage shoppers to buy local gifts or services, with 90% of businesses in the precinct proudly South Australian owned.”

Internal and external decorations also delight shoppers by bringing the festive season to life. The arcade is easily spotted by eager shoppers with toy soldiers, a giant gift box and wreaths on the external balconies.

Inside, the beloved hot air balloons and Santa sculpture give a festive feel to the arcade, while the underground tea rooms act as Santa’s Workshop where gifts are prepared for distribution to the world’s children.

For the essential Adelaide Arcade social media post, the Christmas photo stand brings a fun photo opportunity in between finding the perfect gifts for loved ones. And for those wanting to delve into the arcade’s past, local company Flamboyance Tours will be hosting an Adelaide Arcade History Tour on Saturday 13 December.

Charity gift wrapping is available until Wednesday, 24th December with a small donation to support Minda Incorporated’s efforts to assist people with disability, while Adelaide Arcade 140th anniversary branded shopping bags will be available in-center from Friday, 12th December.

Affirming its status as a Christmas destination in Rundle Mall with established traditions, there will be choir performances by SPOC and Lift Cancer Care Services. SPOC’s musicians will perform on 4 and 5 December from 11am to 1pm, sharing all your favourite Christmas carols. These are non-professional musicians given a platform to connect, rehearse and perform in a supportive space.

On Friday, 19th December from 11am to 12pm, past and present Lift Cancer Care patients, family members and supporters will bring festive cheer.

Shoppers can learn more about the arcade’s retailers with short-form videos to be released across online channels in December, reiterating the precinct’s reputation for exquisite shopping experiences.

These and digital billboards will reinforce Adelaide Arcade’s status as a must-visit destination for gifting. From fine jewellery, vintage, eyewear and stationery to chocolate, fashion and artisan gifts, Adelaide Arcade has it all.

Adelaide’s premier shopping district welcomes South Australians to celebrate the history of 140 years of Christmas in 2025.