A nightly parade, an exciting light display and new look decorations will join holiday classics as the Christmas in Brisbane celebrations return from 22 November.
The new additions to the beloved Christmas program were revealed today, with a suite of free and affordable festivities for the whole family.
For the first time in five years, Queen Street Mall will feature new Christmas decorations created by local company G&V.
With the opening of Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, Christmas in Brisbane festivities will be expanded to the new lifestyle precinct with a free 10-night light and sound experience projected onto the precinct’s façade.
Visitors will also be able to immerse themselves in light installations situated throughout the Queen’s Wharf Precinct, with performances by artists and musicians adding modern twists to Christmas classics.
The Christmas cheer will continue at South Bank Parklands, with new events like The Christmas Maze and a nightly Christmas Parade from the 14th to the 22nd of December on offer, along with the annual Christmas Markets that people know and love.
The Christmas in Brisbane Program will officially launch with the lighting of the Christmas Tree in King George Square on Friday 29 November, headlined by Aussie singing sensation Dami Im.
Further family favourites like the City Hall lights, The Enchanted Garden and the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols will return to provide more affordable fun this holiday season.
The free live broadcast of the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols will also return Victoria Park, so that even more people can enjoy the seasonal spectacular.
For those wanting to celebrate closer to home, families can enjoy more than 55 free events across Brisbane’s 33 libraries, or revel in the festive fun at more than 20 free and affordable community celebrations across the suburbs supported by the Schrinner Council.
Critical funds will once again be raised for the most vulnerable members of the community through the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust Christmas Appeal to help spread Christmas cheer with those who need it most.
To donate to the Christmas Appeal, visit www.LMCT.org.au.
To view the full program of events, visit www.christmasinbrisbane.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital and there’s no better time to enjoy it than over the festive season.
“Our Christmas in Brisbane program provides plenty to see and do over the holiday period, with free and affordable festivities for the whole family.
“Christmas is also a time to give back and we’re once again supporting our community’s most vulnerable members through the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust Christmas Appeal.
“If you can, please consider spreading Christmas cheer to those in need and supporting our frontline charities through the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust Christmas Appeal.”
| 2024 CHRISTMAS IN BRISBANE PROGRAM | |||
| DATE & TIME | VENUE | ACTIVITY | COST |
| 22 November – 21 December | Roma Street Parkland | The Enchanted Garden
Brisbane’s most anticipated light show, The Enchanted Garden, returns to Roma Street Parkland with a dazzling new experience. Immerse yourself in breathtaking displays of lasers, LED tubes, fairy lights, projections, UV lighting, and festive soundscapes.
$9 (aged 13+ years) $7 (aged 3-12 years),
Group ticketing available – $30 for family of four (2 adults & 2 children) + $36 for family of five (2 adults & 3 children)
Children aged two and under are free and do not require a ticket. |
Various |
| Friday, 29 November, 6:30pm – 7:30pm | King George Square | Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree
A Brisbane family favourite and the official start of Christmas. Enjoy a jolly evening with Santa and his helpers before lighting the 22m-tall sparkling Christmas Tree. Plus, don’t miss a special performance by Dami Im. |
Free |
| Saturday, 07 December
– Gates open from 4pm, show starts at 6pm |
Riverstage | Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols
The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols return in 2024 to spread joy to the world with a dazzling evening of high kicks and high notes. Hosted by Queensland’s first lady of song, Naomi Price, tickets on sale Tuesday 12 November via Ticketmaster. |
$5 per person and free under 18 years of age |
| Saturday, 07 December – Gates open from 4.30pm
Live stream from 7pm-9pm |
Victoria Park – Entry via Gilchrist Avenue, Herston | Victoria Park Satellite Event
This Victoria Park free event (registrations required) will feature pre-show entertainment, food trucks and a whole lot of family-friendly fun. Pack a picnic basket and blanket and round up your family and friends for a night of Christmas singing and celebration under a starry Brisbane summer sky. |
Free |
| 6 – 24 December
7.30pm – midnight
|
Brisbane City Hall, King George Square | City Hall Lights
Experience the magic of Christmas when Brisbane’s iconic City Hall is transformed into a vibrant display of captivating visuals, festive sounds, and a heart-warming story for the whole family to enjoy. The Lott by Golden Casket is the official partner of City Hall Lights. |
Free |
| 6 – 24 December
11am – 3.00pm daily *4.30pm – 8.30pm during late night trade
|
Queen Street Mall | Christmas on Queen
Take a break from your Christmas shopping and enjoy the magic of live festive entertainment throughout Queen Street Mall. Delight in Christmas-themed pop-up performances and captivating roaming acts, offering fun for the whole family! |
Free |
| 6, 13, & 20 December
5pm, 6pm, & 7pm |
Queen Street Mall Stage, outside Uptown | A Whimsical, Wonderful Christmas
The Mall’s festive Friday Christmas feature show. Unwrap the joy of the holiday season with an enchanting Christmas show, brimming with holiday cheer and festive fun for all ages to enjoy. |
Free |
| 7 & 8 December Nightly from 14-24 December
5pm, 6pm & 7pm
|
5pm & 6pm – Queen Street Mall Stage
7pm – King George Square |
Starz Christmas Spectacular
Featuring talented local performers in a spectacular celebration of colour and movement, right in the heart of The City!
|
Free |
| Friday, 6 December, 4pm – 9pm
|
King George Square | BrisStyle Twilight Markets
Make your way to King George Square and immerse yourself in the unique BrisStyle Twilight Markets, where you can find a delightful array of locally handmade goods from talented local designers.
As you wander through the markets, discover beautifully crafted gifts and treasures, all while experiencing the magical opening night of City Hall Lights, set against the backdrop of the stunning Christmas Tree and City Hall. |
Free |
| 1 – 24 December | Various
|
Christmas Tiny Doors
Embark on a joyful adventure as you discover tiny Christmas-themed doors sprinkled throughout the city! Each handmade door is a merry tribute to the holiday season offering a delightful, free activity for the entire family.
|
Free |
| 7 & 8 Dec
14 & 15 Dec 21 & 22 Dec
10am – 2pm |
Queen Street Mall Stage
|
Elf’s Tiny Doors Workshop
You’ve found all the Christmas Tiny Doors scattered throughout The City, now it’s time to create your very own! Drop by the Queen Street Mall Stage to decorate your own tiny door to take home. |
Free |
| 1-24 December | Uptown, Queen Street Mall | Christmas at Uptown
Uptown Brisbane is bringing all the holiday magic and wonder back to the Queen Street Mall with an exciting unveiling of their windows on Friday 8 November. |
To be released |
| 4 – 15 December
5pm-11pm Light & Sound nightly show times: 7:30pm, 8:30pm & 9:30pm |
Queen’s Wharf Brisbane & The Star Brisbane | Sono Lumo – Festive Nights of Sound & Light
The first ever Sono Lumo event, presented by The Star Brisbane, is a show-stopping new, free, and immersive light and sound experience set to modernise Christmas in Brisbane.
|
Free |
| 13 – 22 December
10am – 9pm |
Little Stanley Street, South Bank | South Bank Christmas Markets
Little Stanley Street will be transformed into a bustling festive village lined with Christmas decorations and market stalls. Visitors can browse a variety of unique, handcrafted gifts including stationery, jewellery, homewares and more. |
Free |
| 14 December – 31 January
10am – 10pm
|
The Piazza, South Bank | South Bank Christmas Maze
An exclusive, creative experience for all ages, where every twist and turn reveals something wonderful! Different versions of the maze offer different experiences – from families seeking fun and adventure to youth and adults looking for an exciting night out. |
Free with proof of purchase to ‘Understory’; otherwise $10 per ticket |
| 14 – 22 December
Nightly at 6pm
|
Starts at The Piazza to Stanley Street Plaza
South Bank |
Nightly Christmas Parade
Beloved festive characters will feature in a parade through South Bank, dancing alongside performers, set to a soundtrack of heart-warming holiday music. |
Free |
| 14 – 22 December
Nightly at 5pm
|
Riverside Green, South Bank | South Bank Nightly Christmas Carols
A magical holiday celebration featuring classic Christmas carols and singalong hits to warm your heart and create cherished festive memories. |
Free |
| 14 – 22 December
|
Stanley Street Plaza, South Bank | Christmas Characters in the Plaza
South Bank’s Christmas Tree lights up every night with festive performers, featuring a duet, string quartet, nutcracker duo and carolers. |
Free |
| 14 – 22 December
Santa: 10am-1pm & 2pm-4:30pm Mrs. Claus: 2pm-4:30pm |
Flow State, South Bank | Santa Photos and Mrs. Claus Storytime
A magical Santa photo opportunity with a beach twist. Create memories with Santa and Mrs. Claus! |
Photo packages available |
| 14 – 22 December
Kids 10am-1pm Adults 7pm-9pm (20 Dec & 21 Dec only) |
Flow State, South Bank | Christmas Workshops – Kids & Adults
Unleash your creative side and make something special for Christmas. Cookies, wreaths, decorations and much more. |
Free |
| 14 – 22 December
7pm
|
Cultural Forecourt
South Bank |
Christmas Open Air Cinema
Grab a seat or bring a picnic blanket and watch Christmas movie classics under a summer sky on the banks of the Brisbane River. |
Free |
