South Australia’s much-maligned Christmas tree is finally getting the chop, with a dazzling new $2.1m festive 25m centrepiece set to bring 66,500 lights and a giant illuminated star to Victoria Square this Christmas.
The cost to Adelaide ratepayers will be spread across two financial years, with the tree set to become a long-term centrepiece of Christmas celebrations after years of criticism over the city’s festive decorations.
The new tree will replace the decades-old Victoria Square installation, which was branded “povo” by an events boss and criticised for lacking Christmas cheer.
Adelaide City Council hopes its replacement will give South Australians a reason to visit the CBD, with almost 3400 decorations and a state-of-the-art light and sound show designed to turn the tree into a festive spectacle.
The new installation was designed by Visual Inspirations, the company behind Sydney’s popular Martin Place Christmas tree, following a year-long search for a supplier.
It will be in place for the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant on Saturday, November 14, with more than 10,000 people expected to watch Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith switch on the lights for the first time on Saturday, November 21.
“Our previous tree served us well for almost three decades, but it was time for a change, and at 25 metres tall, our new tree will be hard to miss,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.
“This is more than a new Christmas tree.
“It is a purpose-designed, interactive light and sound experience that will become a major feature of the City’s Christmas program.”
The tree will feature 66,500 individual LED bulbs, almost 3400 decorations and a three-metre illuminated star, with programmable lights synchronised to music after dark.
Visual Inspirations project designer Katharine Zulberti said the company wanted to create a festive landmark that would become a must-see attraction for locals and visitors.
“Every decorative element was carefully considered, from a colour palette inspired by the landscape, to forms that draw on the architecture of the city and the constellations above, creating a Christmas concept deeply connected to place,” she said.
“Together, they bring land, city and sky into one cohesive visual story that celebrates everything that makes South Australia unique.”
The previous tree had become a lightning rod for criticism, particularly over its appearance during daylight hours.
In 2023, Atmosphere Events owner Sam Rice described Adelaide’s Christmas decorations as “drab” and “years past its due date”, comparing the city’s tree unfavourably with Sydney’s more heavily decorated display.
The criticism prompted renewed calls for the council to lift its festive game, with the city later launching a search for a replacement after acknowledging the old structure had reached the end of its useful life.
Dr Lomax-Smith said almost 500,000 people visited Adelaide’s CBD in the lead-up to Christmas, making the festive season an important opportunity for city businesses
She hopes the new trees encourages visitors to stay in the city to shop, dine and explore attractions including the nearby Adelaide Central Market.
“Having such a large, exciting Christmas tree is an investment in the city by ensuring it has a significant drawcard during the festive season,” she said.
Christmas decorations will begin appearing across city streets and landmarks from early November, including in Rundle Mall, Adelaide Central Market and Adelaide Town Hall.