The State Library of South Australia invites revellers to celebrate the magic of Christmas at the iconic Mortlock Chamber from November 22, with Adelaide’s largest indoor Christmas Tree, an exclusive display from the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, live performances, and family friendly crafts and activities.
The State Library’s dazzling 7-metre-high Christmas Tree, adorned with hundreds of twinkling lights and gorgeous decorations, will again take centre stage in the Mortlock Chamber. The tree will be surrounded by a display of one-of-a-kind treasures from the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, featuring beloved pieces such as the iconic Nipper horse, Kinsley Cars, Magic Cave thrones, giant toys and lollies, costumes and model floats.
The 2025 mini float winner, a joyful take on the Christmas tradition of leaving milk and cookies out for Father Christmas, will also be on display in the State Library foyer.
Alongside these displays, festive activities including live choirs and performances, crafts and Storytime sessions will run in the Jervois Room and the recently refreshed Mortlock Chamber, recognised earlier this year as the second most beautiful library in the world as part of the 1000 Libraries Awards 2025.
“We are thrilled to embrace the festive season with Christmas at the Mortlock, as we welcome visitors into our magnificent Mortlock Chamber, one of South Australia’s most loved and remarkable spaces, which was earlier this year recognised for its beauty on the global stage.
"Our team have worked to curate stunning festive displays and a range of free and cost-effective events, performances and activities for families and Christmas lovers to enjoy this holiday season - we look forward to visitors joining us to experience some festive magic.” State Library Director, Megan Berghuis
2025 will also see the introduction of a series of special ticketed events, commencing with the official lighting of the giant Christmas Tree, powered by SA Power Networks, hosted by the Pageant King and Queen. A series of ticketed Choir performances by Young Adelaide Voices will run throughout December and Adelaide Ballet will present a limited number of ticketed interactive ballet performances, The Nutcracker Dreams, designed for children aged 5-10.
A range of free Christmas activities will also take place across December, with families invited to enjoy a reading nook, write a postcard to send to Santa, join Storytelling sessions, and take part in Christmas craft activities, including ornament and gift tag making, colouring in and creating a Christmas fairy.
Free activities this holiday season at the Mortlock Chamber and adjoining Jervois Room include:
- Giant Christmas Tree (Daily from 22 November) – enjoy the stunning 7-metre-high Christmas Tree and take a photo in the free festive photo spaces.
- Christmas Pageant Exhibition (Daily from 22 November) – An exclusive display of treasures from the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant
- Postcards to Father Christmas (Daily from 22 November) – Write a postcard to Father Christmas with your Christmas wishes
- Christmas reading nook (Daily from 22 November) – Enjoy a book bundled up in a cosy reading nook
- Festive storytelling sessions (11am and 1pm daily from Monday 15 to Friday 19 December) – Storytelling under the Christmas Tree
- Christmas arts and crafts (Daily from 15-19 December) – Make your own Christmas Ornaments, gift tag making, colouring in and creating a Christmas fairy
- Choir Performances -Enjoy free choir and live music performances
- South Australian School choirs (Daily at 10am and 1pm from 24 November – 5 December)
- Robin’s Music Academy choir performance (12pm 13 December)
- The Spirit of Christmas Carols Choir performance (12pm 20 December)
- The Nutcracker Dreams, Adelaide Ballet performance and workshop ($10 per person, 11am, 1pm and 3pm on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 December) – enjoy a magical performance and creative dance workshop by Adelaide Ballet. Designed for children aged 5-10. Bookings required.
- Carols at the Mortlock ($15 per person, 6pm on Tuesday 2, 9 and 16 December) – an enchanting evening of carols led by Young Adelaide Voices and festive refreshments, supported by Kyton’s Bakery, under the twinkling lights of the giant Christmas Tree. Bookings required.
This year’s festivities also offer ticketed performances for a low cost:
The Christmas at the Mortlock activities will be open daily from Saturday 22 November until Sunday 4 January 2026.
For tickets to the free Christmas tree unveiling please visit https://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/events/first-look-at-christmas-at-mortlock#bookings
For more information, visit www.slsa.sa.gov.au/series/christmas-at-mortlock
Details
Mortlock Chamber, State Library of South Australia
Corner North Terrace and Kintore Avenue
Free entry
Opening hours
Monday: 9am to 5pm
Tuesday: 9am to 7pm
Wednesday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Special holiday hours - Sunday 23 November until Sunday 21 December
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 5pm
(Closed public holidays)
Media contact
Laura Peters
CALLIE
0404 976 299
laura@callie.com.au