There is every reason to be jolly with City of Darwin’s Christmas celebrations kicking off this Saturday 15 November in the city centre: 

• New Makers Market, The Mall, Smith Street: 4:00pm – 7:00pm 

• Darwin Christmas Pageant, City Centre: 6:00pm – 7:00pm 

• Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree, The Mall, Smith Street: 7:00pm – 7:15pm 

• New Christmas Concert, Civic Park: 7:30pm – 9:00pm 

The festive season is set to shine bright in Darwin, with a full afternoon and evening of Christmas celebrations taking place in the city centre as part of the fourth annual Darwin Christmas Pageant. 

The much-loved Darwin Christmas Pageant will bring colour and festive spirit to the streets with 35 floats registered. The pageant remains a proud showcase of the Top End’s rich diversity and the creativity of the people who call Darwin home from local businesses and schools, community and cultural groups and sporting clubs. 

This year, the City of Darwin float has come to life thanks to our float sponsors Reviva Resuse Shop (Resource Recovery Australia) and Kullaru Pty Ltd, taking on a Top End festive, thrifted theme to encourage creativity and sustainability. 

The pageant route has slightly changed this year and will start on The Esplanade (corner of Knuckey Street and The Esplanade) and make its way through the city streets, finishing at Civic Park on Smith Street.  

This year’s program includes two exciting new additions, the City of Darwin Makers Market in The Mall, proudly brought to you by the Darwin City Retailers Association, and the Christmas Concert in Civic Park. The Makers Market offers an opportunity to shop local and support small businesses and creative talent across the Northern Territory, while the Christmas Concert will showcase local community and schools group performances.  
 
The evening will include the Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree, followed by the Christmas Concert. Families are invited to bring a picnic rug, and enjoy a night of performances from local schools and community groups. Food trucks will be serving a variety of delicious food, treats and desserts from 5pm in Civic Park.   

Lord Mayor Peter Styles said he is looking forward to experiencing his first Darwin Christmas Pageant as Lord Mayor. 

“Christmas in Darwin is a chance for the community to come together and celebrate what makes our city vibrant, family-oriented and fun,” he said. 

“I’m looking forward to joining the community for my first Lighting of the Christmas Tree and celebrating this special time of year together.” 

“We recognise that the festive season can look different for everyone, and we want every resident to feel part of something meaningful and joyful this Christmas.” 

Northern Territory Government Minister for Major Events and Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said the Darwin Christmas Pageant was a fantastic way to kick off the festive season in Darwin. 

“With the Darwin Christmas Pageant growing this year, our unique Territory lifestyle is truly thriving – with the new additions of the Makers Market and the Christmas Concert,” said Ms Boothby. 

“These events showcase the creativity and talent of our community and offer even more ways for Territorians and visitors to enjoy the festive season. 

“Last year record numbers of more than 14,000 people attended the pageant, which shows how much the community loves coming together to celebrate Christmas in the Top End. 

“We encourage everyone to come along, watch the floats, shop at the market, experience the live performances, and enjoy the festive atmosphere across the city.” 

The Darwin Christmas Pageant and Christmas Concert are proudly sponsored by the Northern Territory Government. 

We also acknowledge Veolia and Dream Media for their support, and Reviva Resuse Shop (Resource Recovery Australia) as the City of Darwin Reimagined Christmas Float Partner, and Kullaru Pty Ltd as City of Darwin Christmas Vehicle Float Partner.  
 
For more information and the pageant route map, visit CHRISTMAS IN DARWIN 2025 | City of Darwin | Darwin Council, Northern Territory