The countdown to Christmas in Brisbane is officially on, with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner launching the 2021 festive program packed with family favourites and set to bring joy to residents and city retailers.
With just eight weekends left until Santa arrives, Cr Schrinner encouraged residents to take advantage of all the events on offer throughout the 2021 Christmas in Brisbane program.
“After another tough year for many people, we all need a healthy dose of Christmas cheer and we’re kicking off the festivities with the traditional Lighting of the 22m-tall Christmas tree in King George Square on Friday 26th November,” he said.
“From Friday 10 December, The Lott by Golden Casket City Hall Lights will project a dazzling, illuminated narration of the classic tale ‘The Night Before Christmas’ every 15 minutes until Christmas eve.
“The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols will take over Riverstage on Saturday 11 December and will be hosted by Queensland singer Naomi Price, featuring homegrown heroes Sheppard, Kate Miller-Heidke, Troy Cassar-Daley and Jem Cassar-Daley.”
“The magic of Christmas continues over at South Bank Parklands with the pop-up music stages, Festive Beats, Santa and Mrs Claus, and families can sit back and watch a Christmas classic movie under the stars at the outdoor cinema on the banks of the Brisbane River.”
Cr Schrinner said CBD businesses would get a kick out of the Christmas retail rush, with the Black Friday Sales Weekend coinciding with the Lighting of the Christmas Tree.
“Our city retailers have had another challenging year following snap lockdowns and fewer people around and many will be banking on a bumper Christmas trading period to end the year on a high,” he said.
“People should also make time to visit to the city centre before the tree’s twinkling lights are turned on for the Black Friday shopping bonanza, with hundreds of Christmas bargains on offer throughout the day and night.
“There will also be pop up performances and roving entertainment in Queen Street Mall in the lead up to Christmas eve, so this is a perfect excuse to come into the city, catch up with Santa, fill up your Christmas stockings and support our local retailers.”
Cr Schrinner said one the most important parts of Christmas in Brisbane was seeing the generous spirit of residents shine and encouraged people to dig deep and donate to the annual Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust Christmas Appeal.
“The domino effect of the pandemic has caused residents to fall into tough times, and as a result, one in seven charities that support them are now on the brink closure,” he said.
“The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust Christmas Appeal provides these charities with the funds they need to keep their doors open. Brisbane residents living with food scarcity, disadvantage, mental and physical health concerns and domestic violence often find that Christmas exasperates their situation and this is where the Trust comes in to help.
“You never know who is going through hardship – it could be family, a friend, neighbour or colleague, so by donating to our Christmas Appeal you can help our local charities keep on giving and supporting people through tough times.”
To donate to the appeal visit www.LMCT.org.au. To view the full program of events, visit www.christmasinbrisbane.com.au.
Head to www.adrianschrinner.com.au/brisbane-news to keep up to date with what’s happening in Brisbane.
