Things to do in the Murraylands: December 19, 2025-January 6, 2026

In our last things to do for the year we've packed it will all you need to know about events over Christmas and New Years.

From carols, DJs, and DIY crafts to fireworks, a sausage sizzle and horse racing - there's got to be something for everyone in here.

Most importantly there will be fireworks at New Years Eve celebrations in both Mannum and Murray Bridge, which falls on a Wednesday this year.

Fireworks start in Murray Bridge from 9pm, while Mannum will be staying up to midnight to see their light display.

Stay safe, eat a lot of food on Christmas and have a happy new year.

This weekly feature is brought to you by Spry Holdings – supporting locals is our priority.

Friday 19th 🌤️ 31°

Bike Cypress Hill Trail - Kinchina: sessions at 9am, 12 noon and 2pm. Presented by Communities for Children Murraylands. All families with kids under 13 are welcome. Please give Lyall a call for more information or to book a spot - 0437 389 997.

Petals to Perseverance - static display: 10am-2pm daily until Dec 21st at Tailem Bend Community Centre, 141 Railway Terrace, Tailem Bend. Come and visit this beautiful static display which is a tribute to our farmers. Call the centre for more information - 8572 3513.

Global quiz: 11am-12 noon at Murray Bridge Library, 2/51 South Terrace, Murray Bridge. 1 hour, 50 questions, plenty of friendly competition. Whether you’re a seasoned quiz-goer or just in it for the banter, there’s something for everyone. Join us for the last quiz of the year. Call the library for more information - 8539 1175.

Funeral service - Beverley Ann Patten: 10.30am at Minge Chapel.

Funeral service - Neville Brian Regnier: 2pm at Minge Chapel.

Callington carols: from 6.15pm at Callington Recreation and Community Centre, 20 Callington Road, Callington. Dinner from 6.30pm, carols from 7pm. Bring your rug and Christmas singing voices. Please bring your own drinks. Kids are welcome to dress up as angels and shepherds and we do have a limited number of costumes available. The team is also looking for volunteers to help with the event, please email Olivia to find out more - voltairestud@mail.com.

Dam Mad (live music): 8pm at Mannum Hotel, 15 Randell Street, Mannum. Join this dynamic duo as they play all your fave rock, blues and more. Courtesy bus available – enjoy the music and leave the driving to us. Call the hotel for more information - 8569 1008.

DJ Rob: 8.30pm at Swanport Hotel, 3166 Jervois Road, Murray Bridge. Remember the 00's? DJ Rob is back this Friday playing every banger you remember & some you wished you'd forgotten. It’s the perfect time to have a Christmas catch-up with mates and enjoy some live beats. Call the hotel for more information - 8532 3666.

Saturday 20th 🌤️🌦️ 28°

Kids DIY - Santa sack: 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45am and 12.30pm-1.15pm at Bunnings, Maurice Road, Murray Bridge. Join us for a weekend of fun, creative and imaginative arts and crafts to inspire and delight. Bookings essential - www.bunnings.com.au.

Horse Racing - Christmas Cup: gates at 11am at Murray Bridge Racing Club, 341 Brinkley Road, Murray Bridge. Finish the year in style with our final raceday of 2025. Tickets - GA: $22.07 from moshtix.com.au.

Kaitlin Drew (live music): 12.30pm, Pretoria Hotel, 50 Randell Street, Mannum. Join us for some relaxing, Summer tunes.

Jack Driscoll (live music): 2pm-5pm at Mannum Hotel, 15 Randell Street, Mannum. Come along to our Sunday Sesh and enjoy some great food, cold drinks and live music by the river.

Paws with Claus: 2.30pm-4.30pm at Murray Bridge Marketplace, South Terrace, Murray Bridge. What's a Family Christmas photo without your Fur or feathered baby? Online bookings are essential and sessions book out very quickly. Please note - there will be no walk-in pet photo sessions available. Sessions start from $20. Please book at events.humanitix.com.

Festival 25: 4.30pm-10pm at Lifehouse Church, 170 Adelaide Road, Murray Bridge. You and your family are invited as we celebrate one of the most important holidays of the year. Activities, dramas, games and food stalls 4:30pm-8:30pm. Carols from 8pm - 10pm. For more information - 8532 1113.

Mypolonga Christmas Dinner: from 5pm at Mypolonga Combined Sports Club, Mypolonga. Featuring a carvery dinner, lollies from and pictures with Santa. All welcome. For more information call 8535 4114.

Roll Racing: Gates - 5pm, racing from 6.30pm-10pm at The Bend Motorsport Park, Dukes Highway, Tailem Bend. Roll Racing is open to all types of vehicles from domestics, imports and super cars all battling it out under lights to see who really has a fast car. Tickets $20 at rollracing.com.au.

Sunday 21st 🌦️ 27°

Synergy (formerly Heartland) with Kim Copedo - live music: doors open from 9.30am, show from 11am - 4pm at Murray Bridge Country Music Club, Imperial FC Clubrooms, Adelaide Road, Murray Bridge. Members (with card) - $10, Visitors - $12. Trading table and lunch available. All welcome. For table bookings or more information please call Gloria - 0488 748 911.

Kids DIY - Santa sack: 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45am and 12.30pm-1.15pm at Bunnings, Maurice Road, Murray Bridge. Join us for a weekend of fun, creative and imaginative arts and crafts to inspire and delight. Bookings essential - www.bunnings.com.au.

Myplace Mannum - sausage sizzle: 10am-4pm at Mary Ann Reserve, Mannum. Join the MyPlace Group for a free sausage sizzle. We'll also be a food collection point for the those who need a helping hand this Christmas. All welcome.

Ben Ford-Davidson (live music): 12.30pm, Pretoria Hotel, 50 Randell Street, Mannum. Join us for some relaxing, Summer tunes.

Monday 22nd 🌤️ 24°

Kayaking and fishing: Sessions 10am, 1pm and 3pm at Hume Reserve, Murray Bridge. Presented by Communities for Children Murraylands. All families with kids under 13 are welcome. Please give Lyall a call for more information or to book a spot - 0437 389 997.

Funeral service - Sheila Gane: 2pm at Minge Chapel.

Tuesday 23rd 🌤️ 24°

Yarn group: 9.30am-12noon at Murray Bridge Library, 2/51 South Terrace, Murray Bridge. It's your last chance for 2025 to to work on your knitting, crochet, or other yarn-related crafts alongside fellow enthusiasts. Bring your projects or start a new one. All welcome. Bookings essential - 8539 1175.

Wednesday 24th 🌤️ 25°

Murray Bridge Uniting Church Christmas Eve Service: 7pm at Murray Bridge Uniting Chuch, Narooma Boulevard, Murray Bridge. All welcome.

Christmas Eve Church Services in the region: Please check with your local congregation for times.

Xmas Eve Party: from 8pm at Murray Bridge Hotel, 20 Sixth Street, Murray Bridge. Join us for our annual Christmas Party with DJ Max Loller playing all the classic Xmas crackers and lots more til late. For more information - 8532 2024.

Thursday 25th ⛅ 25°

Furever Farm Christmas: 10.30am-3.30pm at Furever Farm, 148 Gogel Road, Rockleigh. Come and join us for a relaxed and informal gathering. Bring a vegan dish, drinks if you desire, and sit down to a special day where animals are celebrated as they should be. For more information call 0434 842 621.

Friday 26th 🌞 30°

Sprintcar Speedweek: Gates - 4pm, Racing - 6pm - 11pm at Murray Bridge Speedway, Kennett road, Murray Bridge East. Featuring Sprintcar Speedweek Rd 1 plus Modlites. GA Adult - $42.30, GA Ages 13 - 15 - $27, GA Child 12U - free. Concession tickets available at the gate with ID.Please note that 'Park & View' is sold out for this event. Tickets from speedwaytickets.com.au.

Saturday 27th

Kids DIY - Santa sack: 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45am and 12.30pm-1.15pm at Bunnings, Maurice Road, Murray Bridge. Join us for a weekend of fun, creative and imaginative arts and crafts to inspire and delight. Bookings essential - www.bunnings.com.au.

Ruby Zee (live music): 12,30pm, Pretoria Hotel, 50 Randell Street, Mannum. Join us for some relaxing, Summer tunes.

Sunday 28th

Kids DIY - Santa sack: 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45am and 12.30pm-1.15pm at Bunnings, Maurice Road, Murray Bridge. Join us for a weekend of fun, creative and imaginative arts and crafts to inspire and delight. Bookings essential - www.bunnings.com.au

Stevie D (live music): 12.30pm, Pretoria Hotel, 50 Randell Street, Mannum. Join us for some relaxing, Summer tunes.

Wednesday 31st

New Years Eve - Murray Bridge: From 5pm at Wharf Precinct, Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge. Food trucks and live music from 5pm,. The Bridge lights up from 7.30pm followed by a spectacular fireworks at 9.30pm. Pack a picnic rug and get ready to ring in the New Year with family and friends.

New Years Eve - Mannum: From 11.30pm at Mary Ann Reserve, Mannum. The Mannum Progress Association is presenting the midnight fireworks display which can be seen from across town - weather permitting. Join us to ring in the New Year with a bang, it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss. All welcome.

Mannum hotel: from 8pm til late at 15 Randell Street, Mannum. We’re seeing in the new year with great food, live tunes, and a big pub atmosphere. So bring your mates and settle in for an unforgettable night as we count down to midnight together. Call the hotel to book or for more information - 8569 1008

Midnight Radio (live music): 9.30am-1.30am at Pretoria Hotel, 50 Randell Street, Mannum. Join us riverside at the Pretoria for a New Year’s Eve party you won’t forget. Let’s send off the year with a bang and toast to all that’s to come. Dinner available from 5.30pm. Bookings - 8569 1109.

Thursday 1st January

Horse racing: Gates from 11am at Murray Bridge Racing Club, 341 Brinkley Road, Murray Bridge. Join us for a thrilling day of Summer racing. Tickets from moshtix.com.au.

Sunday 4th January

Cars and coffee: 8am-10am at Wharf Precinct, Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge. Time at Place. Family friendly meet for all car enthusiasts. All makes and models welcome. Bikes and Boats welcome. Coffee and food van on site. Held on the first Sunday of the month.

Mannum market: 9am-2pm at Arnold Park, Mannum. Relax by the river and support over 30 local makers. Art, craft, food and a range of produce available. Held on the first Sunday of the month.

Monday 5th January

Get Messy with Nature: 10am and 11am at Murray Bridge Library, 2/51 South Terrace, Murray Bridge. Make sunflower seed bombs to plant at home and craft native animal-inspired clay creatures using natural materials. A fun, hands-on experience for kids aged 5-12 and their families to explore art and nature together. Bookings essential - 8539 1175.

Tuesday 6th January

Morning tea and chat: 10am-12noon at the Mypolonga History Museum in the Mypolonga Institute, 1/19 Green Street, Mypolonga. Enjoy a morning tea and chat with the volunteers and peruse our collection of memorabilia and family histories. A donation on entry is appreciated. All welcome.

Let Murray Bridge News know about an upcoming event or express an interest in sponsoring this feature by emailing jane@murraybridge.news. Events may be listed at Murray Bridge News’ discretion.