Celebrating together: Memories that shine

Step into the festive spirit and explore how Christmas has been celebrated across the Loxton district through the decades. This local history display brings together old home movie footage, photographs, newspaper clippings and treasured community items to tell the story of our region's holiday traditions.

Discover the early Christmas Tree gatherings held in schools and small Mallee towns, where families brought food to share and children waited eagerly for Father Christmas. See how neighbourhoods began decorating their streets and gardens, eventually growing into the much-loved Loxton Lights Festival known across South Australia.

The exhibition highlights the people behind the celebrations — the volunteers who painted decorations, wrapped Stobie poles, organised concerts, and welcomed visitors with warmth and community pride.

From simple shared moments to spectacular light displays, this collection captures the creativity, generosity and joy that have shaped Loxton's Christmas season. Whether you grew up here or are discovering these stories for the first time, you'll find something to smile about, remember and celebrate.