The truth is, I don't know that much about it. I've always taken it for granted that it's there, every November, and never really thought that much about it. So it's something I should research (if my interest in it lasts for a fortnight or so...)
I'd like to post a photo but I don't have any and all the State Library photos are under copyright (sorry). You can check them out for yourself on Trove (just search 'John Martin's Christmas Pageant')
Anyway, the first John Martin's Christmas Pageant was held in 1933 and here is a review from The Mail (now the Sunday Mail) for your enjoyment (note the spelling mistake in the first line!):
Xmas Pageant in Adelaide
CROWD ON CITY STREETS
Qaintly-garbed fairytale characters paraded before the people of Adelaide today in a huge Christmas pageant. It ended when Father Christmas stepped from the chimney of a cleverly-made house and passed through a guard of honor into the Magic-Cave at John Martin's.
The procession, which was half a mile long, traversed Angas, King William, Grenfell and Pulteney Streets, North terrace and Rundle street. Many elaborate floats, containing characters of every description, were included in the display, which was watched by the largest crowd seen in Adelaide since the days of the war. It cost about £1,250, and reflected much credit on its organisers.
Several bands added harmony to the pageant. About 300 members of the staff of John Martin's took part. All nations, and all the charming people of fairyland, were represented in the colourful scene. After having seen the procession many children went away, filled with the happiest of thoughts. As many as were able worked their way through the enormous crowd in the Magic Cave afterward to chat with Father Christmas.
Reference:
"Xmas Pageant in Adelaide", The Mail, 18 November 1933, p. 14
[I forgot to add that the pageant is now the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. That's a fair achievement]
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