Check out these special Christmas events in Brisbane! The weather is warm, the year is winding down, and we’re getting ready for a beautiful Christmas. As always, there is an incredible range of things to see and do to get yourself in a festive frame of mind.
Head along to the many Christmas markets, get carolling with your community, and head to some of the merry experiences that celebrate the season. Here are some of the most special Christmas events in Brisbane this festive season – click on the link in the heading to find out more about each event.
Special Christmas Events in Brisbane
25 November – 21 December | The Enchanted Garden
Take a magical walk through a real Enchanted Garden at the Roma Street Parklands. The mesmerising light displays through the stunning greenery create a truly captivating walk that will be remembered for years to come. Tickets are $7 per person, and bookings are required.
25 November – 6 Jan | Lighting of the Tree
Kick off your Christmas celebrations in true Brisbane style, with the annual lighting of the 22m Christmas tree in King George Square. The tree lights up each night between the 25th of November until early January. Catch the special opening event on the 25th of November with the Lord Mayor himself turning on the lights at 6:30pm, to the sound of live musical performances of seasonal songs.
9 December | A Bush Christmas
Experience Christmas, Aussie style. At the Downfall Creek Bushland Centre, you’ll find live music, native wildlife displays, a free sausage sizzle, and plenty of other Christmas treats that the whole family will love. Take a candlelit stroll through the surrounding bushland, and sing along to your favourite carols.
9 December | Jimboomba Christmas Brigade
Head to the Jimboomba Rotary Park for a fantastic family night out! Starting from 5pm, the family can meet Santa with the fire brigade and police, enjoy arts and crafts, watch a Christmas movie in the park, and take part in many more fun festivities.
17 December – 22 December | The South Bank Christmas Show
Come visit the South Bank Piazza for live music, songs, dance, circus acts and entertainment as people gather and celebrate the Christmas season. There are two shows a night from the 17th – 22nd of December, and bookings are essential with Ticketek.
17 December – 22 December | Santa’s Stopover
There are plenty of places you will find the Man in Red around Brisbane, but he’ll be making some special appearances at Flowstate in the Southbank Parklands that you won’t want to miss. Get involved with free photo sessions from 4pm – 9:30 pm. The sessions are free, but you’ll need to secure your place in line by booking in – ticketing stations open 1 hour before it begins. While you’re waiting you can explore the incredible parklands, and visit the ‘Tap 2 Donate’ point near Santa’s sleigh to spread some Christmas cheer to the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
17 December – 22 December | Christmas Cinema
Watch your favourite Christmas movies as the sun sets over the beautiful Brisbane skyline. The South Bank Christmas Cinema has free, open-air movies – just BYO picnic rug and head to the River Quay Green. There are screenings at 6pm and 8pm, so check out what’s on offer and settle in for some Christmas classics. If you can’t make it to South Bank, plenty of local councils offer movies in the park.
17 December – 22 December | Holly Jolly Kids
Christmas is a time for family, and you can find something for everyone at South Bank this Christmas. Head to the Little Stanley Street lawns and keep the kids entertained with carols, lawn games, the Elf Sing-Along Dance Party, craft, and so much more. It’s free to join! Don’t forget to leave your Christmas wish at the Wishing Tree before you go!
18 December, 4-8 pm| Northshore Christmas Boat Parade
The perfect celebration to enjoy in the River City! The Northshore Christmas Boat Parade lights up the Brisbane River at the Riverfront Event Space, Northshore. Commercial boats are decorated with glittering lights and festive displays, drifting along to a seasonal sound track. Roving performers, live music, and other entertainment opportunities make this a night to remember.
Various Dates and Locations | Santa on Tour
Santa will be popping up in locations all around Brisbane! You can keep your eye out around Ipswich, where he’ll be touring with the help of the Mt Forbes Rural Fire Service. Santa will travel the streets of Eatons Hill on the 2nd of December. Santa will be visiting the CBD Myer Centre, the Indooroopilly shopping centre, and plenty of other places. Check out your local shopping centre and council events page to find other locations you can get your special Santa photos.
Various dates and locations | Volunteering Opportunities
Christmas is a time for giving, and if you are looking for a way to support others this Christmas there are plenty of opportunities to make someone’s day brighter. Whether you’d like to donate gifts or money, or if you’d rather volunteer, Brisbane has a range of ways you can help out.
Christmas Carols
25 November | Rothwell Community Carols
Grace Lutheran College present their annual carolling event with a live orchestra and choir, food vans, activities for the kids, a visit from Santa, and lots to see and do! They’ll round the night off with a fireworks display. The event is free to attend, but you’ll need to register before you head on over.
26 November | Rotary Club Mount Gravatt Carols and Markets
Head on down to the Mount Gravatt showgrounds and join in the fun! Shop the market stalls, grab a bite from the food trucks, see Santa, and settle down with a Christmas movie, along with the carols by candlelight.
27 November | Caboolture Carols
Get down to Centenary Lakes Park and enjoy a magical evening with the family. You can get your photo with the giant snow globes, join in on plenty of Christmas activities and workshops, visit the markets and Santa’s village, and then sing the night away with fireworks to end the celebrations.
3 December | Christmas in the Park at Fairfield
Carols with a big brass band? Join voices with the musical stylings of the South Brisbane Federal Brass Band and get a bite to eat as you celebrate Christmas at Robinson Park. The musical talent and community atmosphere make this one of the special Christmas events in Brisbane.
3 December | Carols in The Gap
Fill your stomach and lift your voices at Chaprowe Road in The Gap. Grab some delectable food from the carefully selected trucks and let the kids join in on some fun activities before you sing your Christmas faves.
3 December | Flagstone Christmas Carols and Twilight Markets
As the sun sets, browse the markets for gift and grab a bite to eat before you settle down to sing. Santa will be visiting, along with a laser light show to remember! It’s all happening at Flagstone State school this December.
3 December | Beachmere Xmas Bazaar and Carols
Head to Clayton Park and see acrobatics, aerialists, classic cars, and more! You can sing along with the carols and shop at the stalls, while the little ones have lots in the way of entertainment. Featuring Viva La Musica Choir and the Zephyr Project.
3 December | Manly Carols and Movie
Celebrate the launch of the Manly Harbour Christmas Lights Competition with their Christmas Extravaganza! Held at Little Bayside Park, there will be markets and entertainment throughout the afternoon, with a screening of the movie Elf on the big screen and lots of carols to sing.
3 December | Christmas on Main Street Samford
Walk along the magical Main Street and take in the Christmas Garden. There will be activities for the family, lots of food and entertainment, a wonderful makers market, and of course plenty of carols to sing.
4 December | Centenary Carols
This family friendly event at Middle Park will feature some extra special activities for the kids – a rock climbing wall, a street science show, an obstacle course, a jumping castle, and plenty more. Stroll the markets, settle down for the carols, and stay for the fireworks.
4 December | North Lakes Carols
Get ready to sing at Kinsellas Park in North Lakes! Visit Santa, get in some Christmas shopping at the markets, and keep the kids entertained with lots of activities and workshops.
4 December | Wakerley Rotary Christmas Carols
The flagship carols event for the Eastern suburbs, the carols at Wakerley Park often see crowds of more than 7000 people joining in to sing and celebrate. Join in this special Christmas event in Brisbane and support the community!
9 – 22 December | Carols in the Reservoir
Experience the haunting, mystical acoustics as world-class singers perform Christmas classics in a 150 year old reservoir, located six metres under the ground. Join the event at the Spring Hill Reservoir, and be entranced and delighted at the beautiful sounds in a completely unique venue.
10 December | Carols by Candlelight Ashgrove
The carols to be held at Dorrington Park will have it all – a Santa visit nice and early for the kids, then beautiful carols sung to a 50 piece orchestra and a 60-voice choir, all wrapped up with a fireworks display to finish.
10 December | City of Logan’s Christmas Carols
Pay the Griffith University Logan Campus a visit and join in as the city of Logan celebrate Christmas. The kids can participate in a gingerbread workshop, try their hand at Christmas putt putt, enjoy $2 fair rides, and there will be lots more entertainment on offer. Then, get together to sing your favourite carols, and stay for the fireworks to finish the show.
10 December | Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols
Celebrate Christmas with some of Australia’s leading vocalists. The night will be hosted by Naomi Price with performances from Kate Miller-Heidke, Sheppard, Troy Cassar-Daley and Jem Cassar-Daley and Marcus Corowa, plus a visit from world-famous Queensland icons Bluey and Bingo in a world-first performance. The singers will be backed by a live orchestra and an unbeatable stage show. Tickets go on sale December 1st.
11 December | Northern Gold Coast Carols
At the Brien Harris Oval in Ormeau, get ready to sing under the stars. One of the largest carols in South East Queensland, it’s a yearly treat for locals and visitors alike. With incredible live performances, lots of stalls and activities, and a great family atmosphere, you won’t want to miss it.
11 December | Redcliffe Peninsula Christmas Carols
Twilight markets, food trucks, giant snow globes, Santa’s village, and so much more! Head on down to the Nathan Road Sports Complex to enjoy the festivities and listen to an incredible line up of vocal talent. Stay until the end for a breathtaking fireworks display.
16 – 17 December | Spirit of Christmas
Celebrate Christmas music in exquisite style with QPAC’s annual event. The Spirit of Christmas showcases some of Australia’s best musical theatre talent, with two leading stars and special guests singing along with the QPAC chamber choir and a full symphony orchestra.
17 December | Christmas Carols with the Redcliffe City Choir
Gather in the Redcliffe Museum for a morning filled with song, as the Redcliffe City Choir offer their rendition of the Christmas classics. It’s a special Christmas event in Brisbane that you won’t want to miss.
18 December | Pine Rivers Christmas Carols
Join in with the festive folk of Pine Rivers to sing, eat, play, and make the most of the Christmas celebrations under the stars. Don’t forget to bring a picnic blanket!
18 – 23 December | Festive Beats
Southbank is getting into the Christmas spirit with a series of live performances from a line-up of local artists. Presented by eatSouthBank, you’ll find the music at the Little Stanley Street Lawns and the River Quay Green. Grab some food and settle in with the unbeatable Brisbane back-drop.
Christmas Shopping
25 November | Moonlight Christmas Markets at Old Petrie Town
Visit the historic replica village at Old Petrie Town for some moonlight shopping and fun for the whole family! Browse artisan stalls and specialty shops, get food at the trucks circled around the Village Green, and sing along to live music at the Rotunda. There will be unicorn rides, a petting zoo, a visit from the Snake Boss, and plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained, while Mum and Dad can see the classic cars and shop to their heart’s content.
27 November | Coochiemudlo Island Christmas Markets
Day time markets in a unique setting! Get along to Coochiemudlo Island – park at Victoria Point and take the short ferry ride across to the island. The markets will be Christmas themed, with activities for the kids and lots of festive tunes. Take a break from shopping and hit the beach for a fun-filled family outing.
2 December | BrisStyle Twilight Christmas Market
See the lighting of the tree, view the incredible projection show at The Lott by Golden Casket City Hall Lights, and then browse the local handmade goods for sale from over 60 artisans. Support local small businesses, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy beautiful Brisbane under the stars in the festive environment at King George Square.
2 December | Brookfield Bush Christmas
Head to the Brookfield Showgrounds for the Aussie-style Christmas markets. The kids will have lots to keep them entertained, with free rides (including pony rides!) and live entertainment. Browse the stalls and listen to the musical stylings of award winning Mini Moshers kids rock band; local choir group Viva La Musica Voices; the Sublime Ukelectics on the ukuleles and drum roll, and Brookfield’s Got Talent winner ‘Ben C’. To round off the night, Countryesque Americana band, Good Will Remedy will take to the stage.
3 December | Multicap Christmas Carols and Markets
Join with high needs disability support service Multicap and the local community for market stalls, food trucks, and lots of free entertainment! There will be face painting, a petting zoo, magicians, dancers, and a community choir so you can sing along to your favourite Christmas tunes.
3 December | Jingle all the Bay 2022
Gather at the Sandgate Town Centre where all the Christmas fun can be found! Watch the Christmas Street parade, listen to the live entertainment, get the kids involved with workshops, get on a train ride, pat some animals – it’s sure to be a fantastic family day out! Don’t forget to wander the markets, looking for those truly special Christmas gifts.
9 December | A Very Dickens Christmas
For a small entry fee, step back in time at the Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum. Browse the stalls, enjoy the live entertainment and carols, and celebrate Christmas in historical style.
10 December | Sherwood Community Festival
It’s time to shop at Sherwood! Along with the market stalls there will be unbeatable festive fun – bands, choirs, dance troupes, roving performers, a circus work shop, and a decoration station with all sorts of henna, glitter, and face painting. Santa will make a stop as you enjoy the festivities.
10 & 18 December | Surfers Paradise Christmas Twilight Markets
It’s a little way out of Brisbane but too good not to mention. Stroll the markets lined up along the beach, with the crashing waves in the background as you browse over 100 market stalls. Stop in for some kids activities and enjoy the live music as you shop.
16 December | Christmas Night Markets Buranda
Locally made goods and incredible food trucks? It’s the perfect place to shop! Browse the stalls to the sounds of Christmas tunes, and get some glitter with special face painting for the kids. Keep your eyes open for Santa!
Christmas Lights
Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without the incredible light displays dotted around Brisbane. Many individual homes and whole streets go to an incredible amount of effort to celebrate the festive season and delight passers-by.
On December 1, Brisbane Kids will release their driving maps so you can follow the route and check out the best that Brisbane has to offer. You can also follow their Facebook page for more information. Families Magazine will release their maps on the 29th of November, offering both digital and printable maps so you can plan your journey.
If you’d prefer to let someone else drive, why not join a Christmas lights bus tour? There are a few to choose from, and even the option of a boat cruise to see the lights shining on the water.
If you’re a fan of Christmas lights, it’s worth mentioning twice – you can’t go past The Enchanted Garden at the Roma Street Parklands. And along with the lighting of the tree, you also shouldn’t miss The Lott by Golden Casket City Hall Lights at the Brisbane City Hall. An incredible light show is projected on the side of City Hall in King George Square, with accompanying narration by the Order of Australia recipient and Olympic swimmer, Cate Campbell.
Getting Around
Whether you’re travelling to Brisbane or returning home, you can count on our reliable service to travel between the Brisbane Airport and the city or the Gold Coast, and then on to your final destination and those special Christmas events in Brisbane! And for a limited time, it’s more affordable than ever. Check out our Return for Free* offer here!
With Airtrain, you will arrive quickly and comfortably from the airport to Brisbane City in 20 minutes. You can disembark at your chosen city station – Airtrain runs express from the Brisbane Airport, but stops at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street, and South Brisbane stations.
Once you have arrived, you can use a smart card for travel, or you can purchase a paper ticket. Visitors should check out the go seeQ card, which allows you unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on buses, trains, ferries, and trams. It also includes 2 Airtrain journeys to/from the Brisbane Airport. The go explore smartcard allows you travel in the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast for up to 8 days, but you don’t have to use them consecutively.
You can easily get around with a go card – just touch on at your station of departure and touch off when you arrive at your destination. The go card is accepted on all Translink transport throughout Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
To purchase your smartcards or to find out more, head to the nearest Airtrain counter. You’ll be able to purchase tickets for travel, attractions, and events around South East Queensland.
Special Christmas Events in Brisbane
Make this Christmas magical! Pick up gifts for loved ones, sing your favourite festive tunes, check out lights and shows, and make the most of everything Brisbane has to offer this Christmas.
Airtrain can help get you to these special Christmas events in Brisbane. Whether you’re finishing your journey or need to make the plane on time, we’re here to transport you to where you need to go. Airtrain is proud to help you get around Brisbane this Christmas, on time and in comfort.
