Things to do in the Murraylands: December 12-18, 2025
Your guide to everything happening in Murray Bridge and surrounds, thanks to Spry Holdings.
Another week of Christmas activities and present buying has gone by, and this weekend looks to be no different.
It's Tailem Bends turn to have their own Christmas parade after, Murray Bridge and Mannum held their own not long ago.
Tailem Bend seems to be the place to be this weekend with an exhibition at the community centre and a motorcycle toy drive at The Bend.
The hot weather will certainly be ramping up next week, so stay cool.
Have a lovely weekend.
This weekly feature is brought to you by Spry Holdings. Supporting Local is our Priority.
Friday 12th 🌤️ 39°
Petals to Perseverance - display: 10am-2pm at Tailem Bend Community Centre, 141 Railway Terrace, Murray Bridge. The display is a heartfelt tribute to our incredible farmers celebrating their strength, resilience, and community. The display is open daily, including weekends, until Dec 21st. Call the centre for more information - 8572 3513.
The Beautiful Bogan Christmas road trip: from 6pm at Purnong District Hall, Purnong. iREACH Rural Health and Marc Ryan – The Beautiful Bogan – have a lovely message to share this festive season. Along with some guaranteed laughs, there will also be food, giveaways, door prizes, resources and connection. Please call iReach for more information - 8531 1303.
Saturday 13th 🌦️ 25°
Kids DIY - festive pots: 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45am and 12.30pm-1.15pm at Bunnings, Maurice Road, Murray Bridge. Brings the kids in to decorate a festive themed pot, perfect for helping Santa find your home or adding another fabulous holiday decoration. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. Bookings essential - www.bunnings.com.au.
Power of Dance annual concerts: 10am-12.45pm, 1.30pm-2.45pm and 5pm-8.15pm at Murray Bridge Performing Arts and Function Centre, 13 Bridge Street, Murray Bridge. This celebration of student learning is full of great music and awesome costumes sure to delight audiences of all ages. Tickets $22-$26 (includes fees) at ticketbooth.com.au.
Santa Arrives at the Marketplace: 10am-2pm at Murray Bridge Marketplace, South Terrace, Murray Bridge. Photos with Santa are available from 10.15am and he'll be here everyday until Christmas Eve. You can find him on his throne near Big W. Our Elves will be creating some Christmas magic with Free Face painting and fun for the kids and join in the hunt for our Special Christmas characters with a gift for every child.
Santa Paws Pet Photos: 2.30pm-4.30pm at Murray Bridge Marketplace, South Terrace, Murray Bridge. Bring your furry friends along for a Santa photo with the whole family. Sessions book out very quickly and there will be no walk-in pet photo sessions available. Photo packages start at $20 and must be booked in advance. For more information including how to book, please visit - murraybridgemarketplace.com.au.
Speedway Race Night: Gates from 3pm, racing from 4pm-11pm at Murray Bridge Speedway, Kennett Road, Murray Bridge East. It will be a huge night of racing featuring 360/LS Sprintcars, Modified Sedans Series, Street Stock Series Round 3, Wingless Sprints, V6 Sprints, Modlites, Junior Sedans and Classics. Please remember that dogs/animals are not permitted in any area of the venue. Tickets - Adult: $27, Student (ages 13 - 15): $16.80, Kids 12 & under - free from tickets.speedwaytickets.com.au. Pensioner tickets only available at gate, ID required.
Tailem Bend Christmas Parade: Festivities from 4.30pm, parade starts at 6pm. Featuring market, food stalls, face painting, jumping castle, petting zoo, mechanical bull, live music from 7pm with Arkive and lots more. Please note that Railway Terrace will be closed from 4pm on Saturday and surrounding streets will have restrictions. Welcome Santa to Tailem Bend in style this year and support your community.
Track Championship round two: Dragway at the Bend, Dukes Highway, Tailem Bend. Featuring Nostalgia drags & Demolition Derby (rescheduled from The Bend Classic). A full day of tyre smoking, wheels up drag racing action for the whole family. Categories include Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Comp Bike, Junior Dragster, Supercharged Outlaws and much more. Tickets $30/$25, Kids 15U - free from www.outix.co.
Mypolonga RSL Christmas Tea: from 6pm at Mypolonga RSL, 326 Mypolonga Road, Mypolonga. Meals from 6pm, visit from Father Christmas at 7.30pm. All welcome. For more information call 0406 039 221.
Karaoke at the Mannum: from 8pm at Mannum Hotel, 15 Randell Street, Mannum. Free to sing, big song list, great vibes. Round up your crew, warm up your vocals, and enjoy a fun night out. Courtesy bus available for local transport. Call the hotel for details - 8569 1008.
DJ Eric Stephens and DJ Bennis: 9pm-1am at Swanport Hotel, 3166 Jervois Road, Murray Bridge. It's club night R'n'B versus party bangers with two DJ's who are sure to keep the dance floor pumping. Call the hotel for more information - 8532 3666.
Sunday 14th ⛅ 🌬️ 24°
Kids DIY - Festive Pots: 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45am and 12.30pm-1.15pm at Bunnings, Maurice Road, Murray Bridge. Brings the kids in to decorate a festive themed pot, perfect for helping Santa find your home or adding another fabulous holiday decoration. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. Bookings essential - www.bunnings.com.au.
Hat burning: 10am-12noon at Bridgeport Hotel, 2 Bridge Street, Murray Bridge. Enjoy a refreshing house beverage on arrival. Perfect for beginners with easy stencils to follow, or create your own freehand design. All materials, tools, hats and hat decorations are included. Tickets $91.31 (inc fees) from eventbrite.com.au.
U3A Vocalise (live music): 2pm - 3pm at Murray Bridge Library, 2/51 South Terrace, Murray Bridge. U3A Vocalise is a singing group for people aged 50+. Come and share their love of singing with the community, as part of the broader U3A mission for lifelong learning and engagement. Call the library for more information - 8539 1175.
Joe Blake and the Snakes (live music): 2pm-5pm at Mannum Community Club, 66 Randell Street, Mannum. Free sausage sizzle, raffles and a whole lot of fun all set to some cool, Summer tunes. For more information - 8569 1010.
Photos with Santa (daily until Dec 24): 10am-2pm at Murray Bridge Marketplace, South Terrace, Murray Bridge. Santa and his elves are back at Murray Bridge Marketplace for photos in their magical Santa Cave which is located next to EB Games. No bookings required. Packages start at $15, cash and EFTPOS available on the day.
Toys from the Track: from 3pm at The Bend Motorsport Park, Dukes Highway, Tailem Bend. Riders are encouraged to make their way to The Bend to enjoy a cruise on the international circuit with Father Christmas while supporting the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Come with your friends, with your club or on your own and support this historic tradition in an exciting new format. Bike assembly - 3pm, track cruise starts from 5pm. Registration - $20. For more information and to register visit www.thebend.com.au.
Monday 15th ⛅ 22°
Kayaking at Avoca Dell: from 9am at Avoca Dell, Murray Bridge. All families with kids under 13 are welcome. Equipment provided, please be sun-smart, wear closed in shoes and bring a drink bottle. For more information and to book your spot call Lyall at Centacare - 0437 389 997.
Kids DIY -Festive kindness: 10am-11.30am and 12.30pm-2pm at Bunnings, Maurice Road, Murray Bridge. Kids will get to create a 'Random Act of Kindness' gift that is perfect for the festive season. Children must be accompanied by a parent / guardian at all times. Bookings essential - www.bunnings.com.au.
Safe and Secure- Protecting Your Home, Vehicle and Yourself this Holiday Season: 11am - 12 noon at Murray Bridge Library, 2/51 South Terrace, Murray Bridge. Join us for an informative session on home security (whether you’re at home or away), holiday safety tips to protect your gifts and belongings, and vehicle security essentials. We’ll also cover personal safety strategies, how to spot and avoid scams, and what to do if an incident occurs, including your reporting obligations. Bookings essential - 8539 1175.
Sensitive Santa - photo session: 2.30pm - 4.30pm at Murray Bridge Marketplace, South Terrace, Murray Bridge. Sensitive Santa sessions are free and give families with special needs children the opportunity to visit Santa in a low-stress environment. There will be no music, spotlights or queues and noise levels will be kept down during these private, 10-minute sessions. Families receive a complimentary 5x7 photo and all children who visit Santa will receive a small gift to take home. Bookings essential, limited spots available - events.humanitix.com.
Tuesday 16th 🌞 28°
Storytime and Craft at the Library: 9.30am-10am at Murray Bridge Library, 2/51 South Terrace, Murray Bridge. Dive into a whimsical adventure with the library crew as we flip through some delightful picture books and unleash our inner artists with a super fun craft during story time. For ages 0-5 years, parent/carer to supervise at all times. For more information - 8539 1175.
Social Craft Club: 12.30pm-3.30pm at Murray Bridge Library, 2/51 South Terrace, Murray Bridge. Are you looking for an inviting place to work on your craft project with like-minded people? Work on your project or learn something new and enjoy a few laughs with fellow crafters. Join us for craft, chats and a cuppa. For more information - 8539 1175.
Coorong District Council meeting: 10am-1pm at Council Chambers, 95-101 Railway Terrace, Tailem Bend. You can watch the livestream at www.youtube.com For more information call - 1300 785 277.
Santa Paws Pet Photos: 2.30pm-4.30pm at Murray Bridge Marketplace, South Terrace, Murray Bridge. Bring your furry friends along for a Santa photo with the whole family. Sessions book out very quickly and there will be no walk-in pet photo sessions available. Photo packages start at $20 and must be booked in advance. For more information including how to book, please visit - murraybridgemarketplace.com.au.
Wednesday 17th 🌞 34°
Bushwalking/Geocache at Monarto: Sessions at 9am and 2pm. All families with kids under 13 are welcome. Please be sun-smart, wear suitable shoes and bring a drink bottle. For more information and to book your spot call Lyall at Centacare - 0437 389 997.
Funeral service - Ruth Margaret Hancock: 2pm at Tailem Bend Lutheran Church, 7 Seymour Street, Tailem Bend.
Art & Craft Drop-In: 11.30am-2pm at Headspace, 10 Second Street, Murray Bridge. If you're aged 12-25 join us for for Christmas craft and decorations, festive snacks and a Christmas movie. No registration required, just come along and have a good time. For more information - 8531 2122.
Kids Christmas Craft - Jolly Little Makers: 2pm-3pm at Murray Bridge Library, 2/51 South Terrace, Murray Bridge. Bring your holiday cheer and get ready to create magical ornaments to hang on your tree. Kids aged 5-12 can enjoy colouring, festive crafts, and plenty of Christmas creativity. Parents must supervise at all times and all materials are provided. Bookings essential - 8539 1175.
Murray Bridge Board Games Group: 6pm-10pm at Johnstone Park Clubrooms, Adelaide Road, Murray Bridge. Join us for our last meeting of the year. We'll start with a round of Dominion followed by food and drink to share. $5 entry or if you bring a some munchies and drinks you can join in for free. Please bring your own games and share the fun.
Christmas bingo: from 7pm at Bridgeport Hotel, 2 Bridge Street, Murray Bridge. Eyes down from 7pm. Dabber -$3, books -$15. Bar menu available. Very limited places. Please register your attendance in advance by seeing staff in the Cod's Bar or calling - 8532 2002.
Thursday 18th 🌞 36°
Kayaking at Swanport Reserve: Sessions at 10am, 12pm and 2.30pm. All families with kids under 13 are welcome. Equipment provided, please be sun-smart, wear closed in shoes and bring a drink bottle. For more information and to book your spot call Lyall at Centacare - 0437 389 997.
'Haul Out The Holly' - film: 5.30pm-7pm at Murray Bridge Library, 2/51 South Terrace, Murray Bridge. When Emily unexpectedly spends the holidays alone at her parents' house, their community group insists that she participate in its many Christmas festivities. Bookings essential - 8539 1175.
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