Image: National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant
More than 300,000 people are expected to fill Adelaide’s streets today, Saturday 14 November, for the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, with major CBD road closures, FREE public transport and five brand-new floats marking one of South Australia’s biggest celebrations of the year.
The Pageant kicks off at 9.30am from South Terrace, with families encouraged to plan their journeys ahead of time as some city roads have been closed since midnight.
To make getting into the city easier, all Adelaide Metro buses, trains and trams are FREE between 6am and 2pm today, with additional bus and train services running to accommodate the crowds.
Last year’s Pageant attracted more than 335,000 spectators, the largest turnout in over a decade, and organisers are preparing for another huge morning.
Which Adelaide roads are closed?
Road closures will affect much of the CBD, particularly around the Pageant route, which travels from South Terrace along King William Street, through Reconciliation Plaza, Wakefield Street, Pulteney Street and North Terrace, before finishing at Beehive Corner.
Key road closures for Saturday 14 November include:
- Midnight to 1pm: Hindmarsh Square/Mukata’s eastern carriageway, between Grenfell and Pirie streets.
- 5am to 1pm: King William Street between South Terrace and North Terrace, all of Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, and sections of Grote, Gouger, Wakefield, Angas, Pulteney, Pirie and Grenfell streets and North Terrace.
- 5am to 2pm: Currie Street, Gresham Street and South Terrace between King William and Pulteney streets.
Gresham Street, between Hindley Street and North Terrace, has also been closed since 4am Friday, while Reconciliation Plaza remains fully closed from 9pm Friday until 6pm Sunday.
RAA Senior Traffic Engineer Matthew Vertudaches urged motorists to consider leaving their cars at home.
“The Pageant is one of Adelaide’s most-loved traditions, and with huge crowds expected tomorrow, road closures will be in place from early morning to keep everyone safe,” Mr Vertudaches said ahead of the event.
“If you’re driving in, allow plenty of extra time and look for off-street parking – or better still, leave the car at home and take free public transport.
“If you arrive early, please wait until roads are officially closed before setting up on the street.”
Five new floats and Emma Memma join the celebrations
Beyond the traffic changes, there’s plenty for families to look forward to, with five new floats making their Pageant debut.
The Magic Hat offers a colourful glimpse inside an elf’s home, while A Bumper Christmas brings a festive fun park filled with playful penguins.
Rooftop Reindeer Retreat features junior reindeer training for their future Christmas Eve duties, and Sandy Christmas celebrates a distinctly South Australian summer with a koala enjoying the beach and hot chips.
One of the more unusual additions is Keys to Cycling, featuring a baby grand piano mounted on a trike, with a pianist performing Christmas favourites along the route.
Children’s entertainer Emma Memma will also return, performing aboard the Sounds and Signs of Christmas float.
The parade will conclude at Beehive Corner, where Father Christmas will deliver his traditional Christmas message before continuing celebrations at National Pharmacies in Gawler Place.
Important safety reminders for families
South Australia Police are reminding families to organise a meeting point in case anyone becomes separated and to consider ‘If I’m Lost’ wristbands for children and vulnerable attendees.
Spectators should also stay behind the Blue Honour Line, keep personal belongings secure and follow instructions from police, volunteers and event staff.
Pageant Director Brian Gilbertson AM is encouraging children to bring chalk and help add even more colour to the celebration.
“We want this year’s Pageant to be as colourful as possible, so bring your chalk and creativity to share the magic!”
For those watching from home, the Christmas Pageant will also be broadcast on Channel Nine.
National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant 2026
When: Saturday 14 November, from 9.30am
Where: Adelaide CBD, starting at South Terrace and finishing at Beehive Corner
Cost: FREE
Public transport: FREE Adelaide Metro buses, trains and trams from 6am to 2pm
For the full road closure list, Pageant route map and event information, visit christmaspageant.com.au.
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