Christmas in Moonta: Your guide to all the festive fun!

There’s something really special about Christmas in Moonta. The whole town feels softer, brighter and a bit more magical, with lights twinkling, kids buzzing with excitement, Santa popping up everywhere, and small businesses putting their hearts into making December feel like home. Here’s your full guide to what’s happening in Moonta this festive season.

Moonta’s Big Christmas Bash
Sunday 14 December

Moonta’s Big Christmas Bash is the main event of the festive season. This day is full of markets, food, the pageant, Santa visits, music, and a big sense of community.

Business Market- George Street
Runs from 12 pm to 4 pm with the street closed to traffic.

Queen Square Market
Runs from 4 pm to 9 pm.

Christmas Pageant
Starts at 6 pm

Meet and Greet with Santa
Begins at 7 pm in the Queen Square rotunda.

Carols by Candlelight
Runs from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Live music continues into the evening.

The day brings a big community turnout, lots of food and stalls, and that classic Moonta Christmas energy.

Christmas Lights Tram Tours
13 December – 27 December

The Christmas Lights Tram Tours are a Moonta classic. You jump on board, rug up, and cruise around town checking out the best Christmas lights without having to drive, park, or do anything other than enjoy the moment.

• Running nightly from Saturday 13 December to Saturday 27 December. 
• Operated by the Moonta Mines Tourism and Heritage Centre.
• Bookings are essential.
• Children under 3 are free but aren’t included in the booking numbers.

Although it is a late night, it’s one of those wholesome traditions that the kids talk about for days afterwards.

Book your tickets here.

Photo credit: National Trust South Australia, Moonta 

Moonta Santa Trail - Maps released 19 December

The Santa Trail is one of the sweetest Christmas traditions in Moonta. Kids grab a map, wander the town, and collect little surprise gifts from participating businesses. 

Here's what happening this year:

• Maps go on sale Friday 19 December for $5 per map
• Available from Copper Trails Bike Hire, located at 40 George Street, Moonta.
• Only 200 maps are available.
• You can complete the trail any time in the lead-up to Christmas, but maps usually sell out quickly, so getting one on release day is the safest option.

How it works:

• Buy your map from Copper Trails Bike Hire
• Use the map and numbers to find participating shops
• Pop in and collect your surprise gift from each shop
• Continue until you've completed the whole loop
  

Santa’s Cave - Town Hall Supper Room
15–20 December and 22–24 December
10 am – 12 pm daily

Santa’s Cave is a deeply nostalgic part of Moonta’s Christmas celebrations. It features the original backdrops from the old John Martin’s Magic Cave, the same ones so many South Australians grew up visiting. Adults get that sentimental flashback, and kids get their magical Santa moment. It’s the perfect stop for photos, memories, and a festive outing.

Keeping the Moonta magic alive

December in Moonta has this beautiful old-fashioned Christmas charm. Small shops are dressed up, people are out walking, families are gathering for events, and the town buzzes with festive energy. While you’re out and about this month, support local, buy your Christmas presents locally, pop into the small shops that make Moonta feel special, and help keep the Moonta magic alive for the next generation.