Christmas is officially less than a month away!
Helping us all to get into the festive spirit, a slew of special events are happening across the city’s suburbs this December. We’ve gathered a selection of truly incredible experiences for little kids, big kids and all ages in between.
In Brisbane’s Inner City
There is certainly no shortage of festive events happening in Brisbane’s CBD, with a jam-packed programme seeing South Bank become a bona fide Christmas hub! Featuring everything from a holiday-inspired outdoor cinema and a ‘selfie with Santa’ area to a Yuletide children’s playground and an adult-friendly Tinsel Tavern, the riverfront enclave will have something for everyone in December. Don’t miss out on the South Bank Christmas Show (December 17 to 22) in the South Bank Piazza for a magical all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza!
Just across the Brisbane River, King George Square will also play host to an amazing Christmas market (December 2) and a jazz lounge with daily live performances (December 9 to 24). Of course, you also have to take part in the tradition and watch the Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree (November 25) or be mesmerised by the whimsical City Hall Lights display (December 9 to 24). Want more? Get your tickets early for The Enchanted Garden at Roma Street Parklands (November 25 to December 21).
In Brisbane’s Northside
A new addition to Brisbane’s Christmas events calendar, the inaugural ‘Christmas Boat Parade’ (December 18) promises to be a truly unforgettable event. Grab your crew, set up a picnic at Northshore Hamilton and prepare to be dazzled by a glittering cavalcade of illuminated boats as the sun sets! There will also be pre-parade entertainment (think markets, carols, live music and family Christmas photos), plus a fabulous Eat Street After Party until 10pm.
If it’s Christmas shopping you’re after, tick off the rest of your gift list at the Nundah Christmas Twilight Markets (December 3). Or, treat yourselves to a spectacular night out and see the all-ages ‘Jingle’ at New Farm’s Brisbane Powerhouse theatre (December 15-23). Expect magic, comedy, cirque, singing and dancing!
In Brisbane’s Southside
There’s no denying it – festive food is one of the best things about Christmas! If you’re looking to get your fill, head along to the Mount Gravatt Street Food Markets’ Christmas Street Food Celebration (December 3). Serving up indulgent classics and fuss-free bites from across the globe, this exciting event will showcase cuisines such as Thai, American, Greek, German, Vietnamese, Japanese and much more. We hear Santa might also pop in to take present requests…
Another Christmas favourite is the sense of community that grows this time of year. In support of the Jimboomba Fire and Rescue Service, a special Jimboomba Christmas Brigade (December 9) event at Rotary Park will include face painting, craft activities, food trucks, a jumping castle and a petting zoo. There will also be a chance to meet Santa (he’s a busy man!) and a screening of Arthur Christmas. A short drive away, the Christmas Glows Street Party (December 16) at Greenbank’s Everleigh community will invite you to see breathtaking Christmas lights displays before feasting on street food and dancing the night away to festive beats.
In Brisbane’s Westside
A time-honoured event, the annual Sherwood Community Festival (December 10) at the Sherwood Arboretum will have it all – a dedicated stage with live entertainment, roaming performers, wildlife encounters, market stalls, delicious treats and thrilling carnival rides.
Be sure to also add Friday, December 2 to your calendars and check out the Brookfield Show Society’s ‘Bush Christmas’ event. With markets, mouth-watering eats and exhilarating rides, this free-to-attend gathering will also have live entertainment from local talents. A little closer to Brisbane’s CBD, Rocklea’s renowned Brisbane Markets will boast a dedicated Christmas Lane selling festive wares each Saturday in December (starting December 10). Or, impress loved ones with the freshest produce at your Christmas lunch gathering when you pick up plenty of goodies from their Festive Fresh Market (December 24).
In Brisbane’s Eastside
A new go-to for laid-back dining, artisan goods and picturesque river views, Morningside’s Rivermakers precinct will offer all this and more at its upcoming ‘Christmas at HQ’ event (December 3). Encompassing Christmas carols, food trucks, market stalls, lawn games, an oyster bar, mural drawing and pottery workshops, this brilliant festival will be one to remember.
Minutes away, Bulimba’s Oxford Street will get your Christmas shopping sorted with an unmissable ‘Bulimba Up Late Christmas’ event (December 2). Enjoy a leisurely dinner, listen to carol singers, get a family photo with Santa and discover the many boutiques along Oxford Street. A little further afield, the ‘Wello Point Village Christmas Markets’ (December 3) will transform Wellington Point Village into a wonderland of craft stalls, cooking classes, tree-decorating and festive entertainment. That’s sure to keep the family busy…
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