Christmas in Brisbane brings a heady dose of joy to The City and surrounds this season
The tinsel is out of storage, the ornaments are polished and the oven is prepped at a perfect pavlova-cooking temperature – we think it’s safe to say that the festive season has well and truly arrived! Christmas in Brisbane is truly a magical time where the River City comes alive to celebrate in a uniquely Australian way. From enchanted gardens to pop-up riverfront cinemas, we’ve found the best things happening during Christmas in Brisbane across The City, South Bank and Roma Street Parkland.
The City – November 30 to December 24
As soon as the Christmas tree that stands pride of place in King George Square is illuminated, you know Christmas in Brisbane has well and truly arrived. Whether you’re wandering through to check out the stunning Gold Lotto City Hall Lights or hanging out for a sing-along at the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, the CBD is positively packed with festive cheer this year. Always a favourite, the annual Christmas Parade is returning with a host of new characters that are set to charm even the most Grinchy city-goers. Fans of the amazing light projections at City Hall will delight to note that this year, The City is getting gifted with a brand-new show from the creators of VIVID festival at St Stephen’s Cathedral – so there will be more festive fun in The City than ever before.
South Bank – December 14–23
Whether it’s the crackling of fireworks or the sea of glittering lights weaving through the nightly markets, there are a few tell-tale signs that Christmas has arrived at South Bank. This year’s festive offering is positively jam-packed (and free, as always) – revellers can get amongst live Christmas carols, dreamy light displays, special photo-friendly visits from Santa and a bunch of kids’ activities to keep the little ones dazzled (including jaw-dropping tutorials and performances from the supremely talented Aerial Angels). If you’ve been hanging out to catch some festive flicks on the big screen, the free Christmas cinema has returned – and this year it’s setting up shop at River Quay so you can roll out a picnic rug and enjoy a tipple or two if you wish. As if that wasn’t enough, Snow4Kids will be returning to the Piazza with freshly made snow, tobogganing and snowman making – so your dreams of a white Christmas can still come true.
Roma Street Parkland – December 7–19
When it comes to real Christmas magic, Roma Street Parkland is truly coming to the party this year. The precinct is bringing back its massively popular Enchanted Garden, the ultimate after-dark festive experience. Patrons can weave through a series of intricate displays that are like something out of a dream – from the shimmering gardens to the weeping figs and past the twinkling treetops of a rainforest, visitors are led to a lakeside vista bustling with food trucks and live tunes. Due to its success last year, The Enchanted Garden is coming back with a bigger format, longer opening hours and no more queues – so if you missed out last year, now is your chance!
Feeling the festive spirit? For more information, head to christmasinbrisbane.com.au.
To find out more about what’s on in Brisbane, head to our Event Guide.
