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Christmas is here, and my 3-year-old is thrilled about getting gifts from Santa. I’ve already been telling her that Santa is preparing a special gift just for her, and she can hardly wait!
I absolutely love this time of year—who doesn’t? It’s filled with festive Christmas events all across Brisbane. Everyone enjoys giving and receiving gifts, indulging in holiday shopping, taking time off work, partying, and reconnecting with family and friends. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!
Brisbane as always has a lot to offer – offering a mix of family-friendly activities, cultural performances, and spectacular celebrations. Here’s a guide to the key events you won’t want to miss this holiday season.
Christmas in Brisbane
- Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree
- When: November 29
- Where: King George Square
- Witness Brisbane’s iconic Christmas tree lighting ceremony, officially marking the start of the festive season. The evening includes carols and family-friendly entertainment.
- City Hall Lights
- When: December 6-24
- Where: King George Square
- A stunning visual and sound experience projected onto City Hall. Each evening, the display brings Christmas stories to life, delighting kids and adults alike.
- Enchanted Garden
- When: November 22 – December 21
- Where: Roma Street Parkland
- This light trail is a must-visit. Follow a magical path through lush gardens adorned with glowing art installations and interactive displays. Tickets sell out fast, so book early.
- Christmas Markets and Maze at South Bank
- When: December 14-22
- Where: Little Stanley Street and The Piazza
- Explore the South Bank Christmas Markets for unique gifts and enjoy the Christmas Maze, a hit among families. Kids can also meet Santa or join festive workshops.
- Sono Lumo at Queen’s Wharf
- When: December 4-15
- Where: Queen’s Wharf Brisbane
- This brand-new audiovisual show combines cutting-edge technology with festive cheer. Expect music, lights, and food stalls offering seasonal delicacies
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New Year’s Eve in Brisbane
- Riverfire Fireworks Display
- When: December 31
- Where: Brisbane River
- Usher in 2025 with dazzling fireworks over the Brisbane River. Great viewing spots include South Bank, Kangaroo Point, and Eagle Street Pier.
- Family Fireworks at South Bank
- When: Early evening (TBC)
- Where: South Bank Parklands
- Perfect for families, this event features an earlier fireworks show so children can celebrate before bedtime.
- New Year’s Eve at Howard Smith Wharves
- Celebrate with incredible views, food, and live music at Brisbane’s premier riverside venue. Book ahead as this spot fills up quickly.
- River Cruises
- Enjoy the fireworks from the water with a Brisbane River cruise. Many packages include dinner, drinks, and live entertainment.
Family-Friendly Activities
- Christmas on Queen: Queen Street Mall hosts carolers and festive performances from December 6-24.
- Starz Christmas Spectacular: A delightful show for kids at Queen Street Mall Stage from December 7-24.
- Santa’s Stopover: Snap photos with Santa at South Bank’s Flowstate area while Mrs. Claus shares holiday tales
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Tips for Planning Your Festive Outing
- Public Transport: Plan your travel as many streets are closed for large events. Translink often runs extra services.
- Book Ahead: Events like the Enchanted Garden and cruises require early bookings due to limited availability.
- Weather Preparedness: December is hot, so bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles.
Brisbane’s Christmas and New Year events promise magical memories for all ages.
Stay tuned to Mediatimes for updates on what’s happening in Brisbane. Wishing you a joyous holiday season!