With just over a month until the big day, Christmas festivities on the Fleurieu kick off this weekend with the City of Onkaparinga pageant on Sunday 23 November from 10am.

It will be followed by Christmas in the Park in Rotary Park, with food and market stalls, face painting and a visit from Santa.

Seasonal markets, pageants, carols and picnics galore will brighten the next few weeks across the region, as well as loads of Christmas craft activities in local libraries.

Most events are free or low cost, with many highlights listed below:

Saturday 29 November - Victor Harbor - Christmas Market

Encounter Community Centre 10am to 3pm. Stalls, barbecue, plants and toys with a visit from Father Christmas in the Fairy Garden.

Sunday 30 November - Middleton Community Christmas Party in the Park

From 11am at Abbotts Reserve, with live music and carols, a free sausage sizzle and kids’ crafts and games.

Saturday 6 December - Hindmarsh Valley Christmas concert

Christmas in the Valley with the Elliot Ensemble at Hindmarsh Valley Memorial Hall Tickets via Trybooking 3pm and 7pm $12. 

Saturday 6 December - McLaren Vale - Christmas Market

Main Road 11am to 3pm. Stalls and food trucks, kids colouring in competition and a list from Father Christmas.

Sunday 7 December Goolwa Christmas pageant 

Starting from the Goolwa Sports Stadium at 10.30am, along Goyder, Hay and Cadell Street and finishing on Gardiner Street.

Sunday 7 December - McLaren Vale Christmas Pageant

Main Road, McLaren Vale 6-8pm, with market stalls from 4.30pm outside the Institute Hall and music, food and family fun afterwards in the Piazza. 

Friday 12 December – Strathalbyn - Christmas Where the Angas Flows 

Soldiers Memorial Gardens 2pm to 10pm. Food stalls from 2pm; children's games and free rides from 4pm; Pageant at 6pm, carols and entertainment 7.30pm; an fireworks 9.30pm.

Saturday 13 December - Hindmarsh Valley Kids ’n’ Youth Entrepreneurs Christmas Market at the Memorial Hall from 10am to 2pm.

Saturday 13 December - Victor Harbor Christmas Pageant 

Starts at 5pm from Bridge Terrace, followed by carols at Warland Reserve.

Sunday 14 December – Victor Harbor - Christmas Concert

South Coast Chamber Orchestra concert at the Lutheran Church at 2.30pm – entry by gold coin donation.

Tuesday December 16 - Port Elliot Carols in the Park  

Next to the Old Council Building on The Strand from 6pm. Food stalls, carols and a visit from Santa.

Saturday 20 December - Goolwa Christmas concert and Flotilla 

Concert at Jaralde Park followed by a flotilla with lights and lanterns at Goolwa Wharf from from 6.30pm to 10pm.