It comprises a procession of 85 sets and 1,700 volunteers, including some 63 floats, 15 bands, 164 clowns, dancing groups, and walking performers, all culminating in the arrival of Father Christmas.

[citation needed] The pageant has been owned by the South Australian Government since 1996, and National Pharmacies has been the naming rights sponsor since 2019.

[4] The pageant route commenced on King William Street at South Terrace and ran through the city to terminate at Adelaide Town Hall.

Before 2019, the pageant traditionally ended on North Terrace outside the John Martin's (later David Jones building) where from Father Christmas would proceed inside to the Magic Cave.

[4] The pageant was additionally rerouted; no longer terminating at its traditional ending at the David Jones (previously John Martin's) building on North Terrace, it instead follows an adjusted route that finishes at Adelaide Town Hall.

[17] The 2022 pageant returned to the street parade format using the 2019 route towards Adelaide Town Hall, with approximately 100,000 people in attendance due to continuing COVID restrictions and a thunderstorm.

Previous commentators have included; Jane Reilly, Ron Sullivan, Patsy Biscoe, Anne Haddy (guest), Brenton Whittle, Robin Roendfeldt, Joanna Moore, Kevin Crease, Lynn Weston, Franci Chammings, Cheryl Mills, Sue Baron, Lionel Williams.

Alec Macaskil, Ric Marshall, Pam Tamblyn, John Bannon (guest), Grant Piro, Benita Collins, Tania Nugent, Simon Burke, Jane Doyle, Pete Michell, Dale Sinclair, Elizabeth Doyle, Tony Brooks, Malcolm Harslett, Sandy Roberts, Judith Barr, Julie Anthony (guest), John Bok and Richard Coombe.