For the little ones
Need to entertain (ahem, distract) the youngsters these school holidays? The City is packed with a bounty of fun things to do during the festive season. Step inside a life-sized book at Museum of Brisbane’s new interactive exhibition, The Storytellers: Next Chapter. This artistic playground will let event-goers craft chaos – you can do everything from add graffiti tags to a tiny cell inside Boggo Road Gaol, or practise using your green thumb and plant a handmade fabric sunflower in a field of yellow beauties. Whilst you’re in the area, stick around for the evening entertainment – The Lott by Golden Casket City Hall Lights. The spellbinding light and sound display tells the story of The Night Before Christmas narrated by Robin Bailey and is broadcast on City Hall every 15 minutes from 7:30 pm until midnight daily. For more enchanting light displays, journey through The Enchanted Garden at Roma Street Parkland and prepare to be dazzled by one of Brisbane’s most magical pop-up events. Expect to walk through a series of shimmering gardens, a guard of delicately lit weeping figs, and along the treetops of a twinkling rainforest. Plus, there will be food trucks doling out delicious bites in case you get hungry!

For the festive ‘rents
Family time is important more than ever at Christmas, but sometimes making plans with your folks can be harder than solving expert-level riddles. For the history-loving parents, a trip up the Brisbane City Hall’s Clock Tower is a great one to tick off the bucket list. These guided tours not only lets you uncover hidden secrets of the much-loved heritage-listed building but they also offer breathtaking views of The City. Afterwards, enjoy a caffeinated sip in the serenely tranquil surrounds of Coffee Iconic on George Street or go all out and enjoy a luxe lunch at inner-city eatery Motorwagen. Follow your merry meal with a stroll through some of your favourite streets to peep the Brisbane Outdoor Gallery, which will reveal eye-catching art pieces like light boxes, banners, vitrines and colourful projections. 

For the loved-up couples
Under the mistletoe is where you might score a kiss this year, but if you’re looking to impress your beau it’s worth taking them out on the town. Sip and snack to your heart’s content with a wine-and-food-pairing experience at the City Winery Cellar Door at Eagle Street Pier. It’s here where you can indulge in a flavoursome (and interactive!) four-course shared menu paired with matched drops. At each course the experienced City Winery team will explain what guests should be looking for in how the food works with the wine – you’ll be an expert in no time. Afterwards, catch a new release at Elizabeth Picture Theatre, a moviegoer’s oasis that harkens back to the golden age of motion pictures – just don’t forget to order some popcorn! Oenophiles and turophiles can get their wine and cheese fix at darling drinking den Grape Therapy, where you can tuck in to tantalising tapas and glug-worthy grape juice.

For the merry mates
Before you know it Christmas will be here, so we think it’s time to fire up the group chat for a festive friend’s outing. Rally up your mates and get ready to flex your creative muscles at the art-inspired ‘Eat Your Art Out’ high tea at Living Room Bar at W Brisbane. This creative high tea lets you paint you own panna cotta, and indulge in delicious themed desserts like cherry chocolate profiteroles, Valrhona chocolate mousse tarts, pomme verte mousse and lemon-myrtle scones. Those who have a competitive streak can don their best socks and challenge their friends to a game of ten pins at Strike Wintergarden. With ten bowling lanes, a laser-tag arena, pool tables, private karaoke rooms and three nail-biting escape rooms, there’s something for the whole gang. Follow your bowling sesh with a trip to Super Whatnot, a speakeasy-esque New York bar alive with jazz tunes that will get your toes tapping and have you dancing the night away. 

This article was created in partnership with our friends at The City.