Father Christmas arrives as Adelaide pageant draws 335,000 revelers
About 335,000 people lined Adelaide streets for the 94th Christmas Pageant as Father Christmas arrived to start the season.
Around 335,000 people lined Adelaide's streets on Saturday for the 94th Christmas Pageant, marking the start of the holiday. Pageant-goers arrived early to secure good spots.
Hundreds of performers gathered for the beloved parade. Five new floats joined this year, including The Magic Hat and A Bumper Christmas.
Children's entertainer Emma Watkins, known as Emma Memma, took part in The Sounds and Signs of Christmas float. Her co-performer Elvin Lam is profoundly deaf and signed throughout the parade.
Father Christmas arrived beneath grey skies to end the event.
- 335,000 people
- Estimated attendance
- 94th annual
- Pageant edition
- First Christmas pageant ever
- Elvin Lam's milestone
Why it mattersThe massive turnout shows Adelaide's Christmas Pageant remains a major drawcard for families as the holiday season kicks off across Australia.
AustraliaFor Adelaide locals, the pageant signals the Christmas calendar has begun, though uncertainty looms over the Magic Cave attraction as David Jones stores continue closures after the retailer's collapse.
