Festive goodies may be in the shops from September, but Advent calendars are in action from 1 December and then the countdown to Christmas really begins.

With the holiday season fast approaching, councils and community groups are decorating the streets and have organised events across the Fleurieu and on Kangaroo Island.

Limited road closures and traffic management will apply surrounding most events – check with the local council for details.

Sunday 1 December

McLaren Vale Christmas Pageant from Field Street to Valley View Drive from 6pm to 8pm, followed by the Party in the Piazza with Santa, food and refreshments.

Check out the Facebook page for more details. 

Christmas in the park at the Middleton community barbecue, in Abbotts Reserve from 11am. Gold coin donation for the sausage sizzle, with ice creams and popcorn for sale. BYO picnic and chairs.

Friday 6 December

Cape Jervis Carols by the Sea featuring performances by Rapid Bay Primary School 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Port Elliot special Christmas shopping night, from 5pm to 8pm.

Saturday 7 December

Second Valley Christmas Market from 9am to 2pm

Thursday 12 December

Kangaroo Island Christmas festival display in Kingscote from 2pm to 6pm.

Friday 13 December

Christmas Where the Angas Flows in the Soldiers Memorial Gardens, Strathalbyn. Festivities start with a market from 2pm; children's entertainment and food stalls from 4pm; followed by the Christmas pageant at 6pm. Carols and entertainment from 7.30pm, finishing with fireworks at 9.30pm.

Kangaroo Island Christmas festival display continues in Kingscote from 2pm to 8pm, with a parade at 6pm travelling from Lions Park to the oval.

Saturday 14 December

Victor Harbor Christmas Pageant starts at 5.30pm near the Bridge Terrace skate park, travelling along Flinders Parade and finishing at Warland Reserve. Carols start around 6.30pm.

A Christmas Artisan Market will offer festive shopping at Warland Reserve from 9am to 4pm.

Sunday 15 December

Goolwa Christmas Pageant, Christmas Concert and twilight Christmas market at the Goolwa Oval Recreation Precinct from 5pm to 9pm, with food vans, stalls, free kids rides and children’s entertainment.

Carols on the Square at Old Noarlunga from 6pm, with bands and children’s entertainment; Santa arrives at 8.15pm.

Mount Compass Street Sleigh Ride and carols evening Santa will ride the streets with the CFS from 4.30pm, arriving at the War Memorial Community Centre at 6.30pm, followed by carols at 7pm.

Tuesday 17 December 

Port Elliot Carols in the Park in the Town Square from 6pm.