The clock is ticking on Santa’s arrival

THE AAM Timber Mount Gambier Christmas Parade is one of the city’s most anticipated traditions, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate the start of the festive season.

On Saturday from 11am, Commercial Street will come alive with colour, music and community spirit as the parade rolls through the heart of Mount Gambier.

This year’s parade features 51 creative float entries, along with roving performers including Aviators and Whacky Mac.

City of Mount Gambier community events team leader Xarnia Keding said the Christmas Parade was such a special event for our city, and it truly reflects the heart of our community.

“Every year, we see incredible creativity and teamwork, and this year is no exception,” Mrs Keding said.

Six Christmas Parade volunteers have spent almost 155 hours working on a new float – The Christmas Pudding.

Once presented as The Old Lady in the Shoe, the float has been transformed into a tribute to an Australian Christmas tradition.

“Crafted by six dedicated volunteers who meet every Wednesday morning in our parade shed, this float celebrates the joy of gathering with loved ones around the Christmas table,” Mrs Keding said. “Our volunteers have gone above and beyond, and their passion and commitment make this event possible.

“We’re also thrilled to have North Gambier Primary School students joining the fun. They’ll be walking alongside the new float dressed as elves and chefs in vibrant costumes hired from the Adelaide Christmas Pageant. I am sure their excitement and energy will bring so much joy to the crowd.

“We’re particularly excited about the music in this year’s parade. A Frozen themed float with singing Queen Elsa will lead the way. Olaf will take to the drums, Kristoff will play guitar, and Anna will add melody on the keys. A walking brass band will join the float, filling Commercial Street with festive tunes and Frozen magic.”

The parade will start at Crouch Street North, travel west along Commercial Street, and finish at Vansittart Park.

Before the parade begins, keep an eye out for the 1st Mount Gambier Scouts Group, who will distribute chalk and parade programs to spectators along the route.

“Programs can also be collected from the Steam Trains or from the table outside Bare Necessities Lingerie on Commercial Street West,” Mrs Keding said.

For everyone’s safety, please remain behind the blue line at all times while the parade is in motion.

If you can’t attend in person, you can still enjoy the festivities. Watch the parade live on the City of Mount Gambier Facebook Page or tune in to 5GTR FM 100.1 for live coverage and commentary.

For added convenience, LinkSA will operate a free Santa Shuttle service with departures from Sturt Street at 9am, 9.30am and 10am, with return trips from 12.30pm.

The shuttle is wheelchair accessible and pram friendly. View Santa Shuttle details and timetable: Mount Gambier Christmas Shuttle 2025

Accessible parking and viewing areas will be available on Commercial Street East between Compton Street and Krummel Street. Vehicle entry is via Compton Street and bus entry via Hedley Street between 10am and 10.30am.

Please note that access will close after 10:30am and disability permits must be displayed. More information on accessibility and parking

To ensure the safe operation of the parade, temporary road closures will be in place on Saturday 15 November as follows:

Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier between the east side of Davison Street and Crouch Street from 8am to 12.30pm.

Commercial Street East, Mount Gambier between Crouch Street and Bay Road/Penola Road from 8.30am to 2pm.

Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier between Bay Road/Penola Road and Wehl Street from 8.30am to 2pm.

Crouch Street South, Mount Gambier between Commercial Street East and Sturt Street from 10.50am and 2pm.

Wehl Street North, Mount Gambier between Commercial Street West and Wyatt Street/Eglington Terrace from 10.50am to 2pm.

Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier between Wehl Street and Bertha Street from 10.50am to 2pm.

Watson Terrace, Mount Gambier from Commercial Street East adjacent to Jen’s Hotel – north/south from 6.30am to 5pm.

Parking vehicles on these streets is prohibited during the road closures.

Following the parade, Santa will attend the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West’s Party in the Park event at the Cave Garden/Thugi with live performances, food, drinks, and children’s entertainment.