Adelaide Hills Christmas Markets & Festive Escape

One of the true highlights of this tour is experiencing the magic of the Adelaide Hills Christmas Markets, where charming villages and townships throughout the region come alive with festive cheer in the lead-up to Christmas.

From bustling daytime artisan markets to enchanting evening festivities under twinkling lights, the Adelaide Hills transforms into a Christmas wonderland filled with music, food, shopping and celebration.

Throughout the tour, guests will experience a mix of both day and night Christmas markets, each offering its own unique atmosphere and festive charm.

✨ What You Can Expect

🎁 Festive Shopping & Extended Trading Hours
Browse beautifully styled boutiques, galleries and specialty stores showcasing handcrafted gifts, fashion, homewares, Christmas décor and locally made treasures. Evening trading creates a relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience filled with festive ambience.

🎨 Christmas Markets & Artisan Stalls
Explore vibrant market stalls featuring local artisans, designers and gourmet producers. Discover unique jewellery, ceramics, candles, festive treats and thoughtful Christmas gifts throughout the Adelaide Hills region.

🎶 Live Music & Entertainment
Festive music, street performers and community entertainment add to the joyful atmosphere, creating a lively and welcoming Christmas experience both during the day and into the evening.

🎅 Christmas Celebrations & Festive Events
Enjoy the excitement of local Christmas celebrations, including parades, themed events and community festivities that bring the spirit of Christmas to life across the Adelaide Hills.

🍷 Festive Food & Drinks
Indulge in seasonal flavours with opportunities to sample local wines, festive desserts, German-inspired specialties and delicious regional produce throughout the markets.

📸 Christmas Lights & Evening Atmosphere
As night falls, villages throughout the Adelaide Hills glow with twinkling Christmas lights and festive decorations, creating the perfect backdrop for evening strolls, relaxed shopping and memorable holiday moments.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Monday 7 December 2026

Arrive Adelaide

Meet ant Adelaide Airport ant approximately 2.00pm, you’ll meet your Travel With Lesley Whyte host before transferring to our accommodation for the next seven nights.

This evening, we gather for a relaxed welcome dinner with a glass of South Australian wine — the perfect way to ease into a festive week of friendship, food and Christmas celebrations.

Dinner & a glass of wine included


🌿 Day 2 – Tuesday 8 December 2026

Ambleside Estate & Gin Blending Masterclass

Today we head into the beautiful Adelaide Hills for a relaxed and wonderfully social start to our South Australian Christmas escape.

Enjoy a long lunch at Ambleside Distillers before taking part in a Gin Blending Masterclass, where you’ll sample a tasting flight and create your own personalised gin blend to bottle and take home.  Maybe someone at home would lover a gin for Christmas.

This evening, enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

Breakfast, lunch & dinner included


🌹 Day 3 – Wednesday 9 December 2026

Historic Homes, Gardens & Christmas Shopping

Today blends history, gardens and festive shopping. Enjoy a private guided experience through the elegant Auchendarrach House before lunch and a stroll through the stunning rose gardens.

Later, browse festive treats and Christmas gifts at Melba’s Chocolates and Beerenberg Farm, perfect for gourmet goodies and holiday shopping.

This evening, experience your first Adelaide Hills Christmas night markets, where villages throughout the region come alive with festive lights, artisan stalls, live entertainment and extended shopping hours.

Breakfast & lunch included,Dinner at own cost


🎨 Day 4 – Thursday 10 December 2026

Hans Heysen Gallery, Gardens & High Tea with Bubbles

An elegant and inspiring day awaits as we visit The Cedars, home and studio of renowned Australian artist Hans Heysen.  Here you’re art friends and family will perhaps love some of the books as gifts waiting for them under the Christmas tree.

Explore the historic home, studio and gallery spaces while learning about Heysen’s artistic legacy and connection to the surrounding landscape.

Following time in the gardens and gallery shop, enjoy a beautiful high tea with bubbles — relaxed, indulgent and wonderfully festive.

This evening, we dine together at a local restaurant.

Breakfast & lunch included
Dinner at own cost


🍸🎄 Day 5 – Friday 11 December 2026

Gin Cocktails, Long Lunch & Christmas Markets

A festive favourite. At Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, enjoy a hands-on gin cocktail workshop followed by a leisurely long lunch showcasing regional flavours.

There’s time afterwards to browse for gourmet Christmas gifts, kitchenware and festive treats – who doesn’t love shopping for kitchen utensils or baking dishes – maybe a Maggie Beer apron and tea towel.

This evening, we explore more of the Adelaide Hills Christmas night markets, with twinkling lights, artisan stalls, festive music and extended shopping hours creating a magical Christmas atmosphere.

Breakfast & lunch included
Dinner at own cost


🌿🍷 Day 6 – Saturday 12 December 2026

Jurlique Farm Experience, Wine Tasting & Christmas Festivities

We begin with a guided visit to Jurlique Farm, learning about biodynamic farming and the creation of their iconic skincare products.

Later, travel to Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards for a private wine tasting and vineyard buggy experience through the vines.

As evening approaches, we return for Hahndorf shopping where festive celebrations, lights, shopping and entertainment continue into the evening.

Breakfast & lunch included
Dinner at own cost


🍕🥂🎄 Day 7 – Sunday 13 December 2026

Sidewood Cellars, Farewell Dinner & Final Christmas Markets

Today is all about celebration, friendship and festive fun.

Enjoy wine tasting and a relaxed pizza lunch at Sidewood Estate before a leisurely afternoon soaking up the atmosphere of the local markets. Browse artisan stalls, local produce, handmade gifts and festive displays throughout the region.

This evening, we celebrate our final night together with a farewell dinner at Gepetto’s, complete with a farewell cocktail.

After dinner, enjoy one final visit to the Adelaide Hills Christmas night markets, soaking up the twinkling lights, festive atmosphere and last-minute Christmas shopping opportunities.

Breakfast & lunch included, dinner own cost
Farewell dinner & cocktail included


✈️ Day 8 – Monday 14 December 2026

Depart Adelaide

An early transfer to the airport for onward flights home, taking with you festive memories, new friendships and plenty of Christmas treasures.

Breakfast at own cost

Accommodation – The Haus Studios

During your Adelaide Hills Christmas escape, you’ll stay at The Haus Studio Apartments, perfectly positioned on the charming Main Street and within easy walking distance of cafés, boutiques, galleries, Christmas markets and festive village atmosphere.

Blending contemporary design with warm, welcoming comfort, these stylish self-contained studio apartments provide a relaxed and comfortable base throughout your stay. Spacious, modern and thoughtfully appointed, the studios are ideal for unwinding after days spent exploring the Adelaide Hills and enjoying the region’s Christmas festivities.

Guests also enjoy the convenience of nearby dining at The Haus Restaurant, along with easy access to the many attractions, artisan stores and seasonal events throughout the village and wider Adelaide Hills region.

Both solo rooms and share twin options are available for this tour.

Accommodation – The Haus Studios

During your Adelaide Hills Christmas escape, you’ll stay at The Haus Studio Apartments, perfectly positioned on the charming Main Street and within easy walking distance of cafés, boutiques, galleries, Christmas markets and festive village atmosphere.

Blending contemporary design with warm, welcoming comfort, these stylish self-contained studio apartments provide a relaxed and comfortable base throughout your stay. Spacious, modern and thoughtfully appointed, the studios are ideal for unwinding after days spent exploring the Adelaide Hills and enjoying the region’s Christmas festivities.

Guests also enjoy the convenience of nearby dining at The Haus Restaurant, along with easy access to the many attractions, artisan stores and seasonal events throughout the village and wider Adelaide Hills region.

Both solo rooms and share twin options are available for this tour.

  • Flights or transport to join the tour in Adelaide
  • Alcohol unless noted
  • Items and spending of a personal nature

Tour Price & Payment Details

  • AU$6,800 per person – own room
  • AU$4,700 per person – share twin

Payment Schedule

  • Deposit: AUD$1,500 per person secures your place on the tour.
  • Balance: Payable by invoice 6 weeks prior to departure

Once your deposit is received, your place is confirmed.


Cancellation Policy

  • If you cancel only if we fill your place any payments made less the deposit will be refunded
  • The deposit is non-refundable

If We Cancel

  • In the unlikely event that we cancel the tour, all payments made will be refunded
December 7, 2026 - December 14, 2026

Book now

For questions or bookings: mail lesley@travelwithlesleywhyte.com