What’s On for Christmas in Brisbane 2024

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There is nothing quite like Christmas in Brisbane. The balmy nights and the winding river make the perfect backdrop to some amazing Christmas traditions. Each year there are a range of Christmas events across the Brisbane CBD and South Bank.  King George Square, in the centre of Brisbane city, is a great place to start and it is where a lot of the free Christmas events in Brisbane happen. 

And if you are looking for where to eat Christmas lunch, this Christmas Day dining article will help you out! And you will find a gorgeous Christmas Day dress to wear out to your meal on our website too.

If you are planning to host a festive gathering this year we know where the best Christmas party venues in Brisbane are.

>>> We also know where the best Christmas lights in Brisbane are this year too! <<<

Lighting of the Christmas Tree

This year, the Lighting of the Christmas Tree presented by The Lott by Golden Casket will be held at King George Square on Friday 29 November from 6.30pm – 7.30pm.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner will turn on the 22m-high Christmas tree’s twinkling lights accompanied by special Christmas musical performances to get you in the festive mood. The Brisbane Christmas Tree will be on display from 29 November to early January in King George Square.

Where: King George Square and online via the Brisbane City Council Facebook Page

When: Friday 29 November at 6.30pm 2024

Find out more here.

The Lott by Golden Casket City Hall Lights

Be amazed by the magic of Christmas at The Lott by Golden Casket City Hall Lights as Brisbane’s iconic City Hall is immersed in a vibrant visual lighting and audio display that can’t be missed. Take the kids to enjoy this classic Christmas tale in larger-than-life form sure to light up their eyes.

Where: Brisbane City Hall

When: 6 – 24 December, 7.30pm to midnight (display runs every 15 minutes)

Find out more about the City Hall Lights here.

Christmas in the Queen Street Mall

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! The festive performances and entertainment will be throughout Queen Street Mall. Don’t miss the roving festive fun. From Wednesday 6 December – Sunday 24 December, enjoy Christmas-inspired pop-up performances and roaming entertainment in Queen Street Mall from 11am – 3pm daily and 4.30 – 8.30pm during late-night trade – so there are plenty of chances to catch the festive fun.

Where: Queen Street Mall

When: 6 – 24 December 2024, 11am – 3pm daily and 4.30pm – 8.30pm during late-night shopping

Find out more about Christmas in the Brisbane Mall here.

The Enchanted Garden at Roma Street Parkland

Combining magical lighting, audio special effects and digital art, The Enchanted Garden is returning to Roma Street Parkland!

Running from 22 November – 21 December 2024, the family-friendly lighting trail combines over 8,000 square metres of custom-made lighting, audio, special effects and sculptures to deliver a world-class digital art experience in the heart of Brisbane.

The installation’s self-guided narrative will take guests around 30 – 40 minutes to complete, with entry available every 15 minutes from 6:30 pm to last entry at 9.15pm. Roma Street Parkland’s gardens are precious, so visitors are asked to keep to the installation pathways while enjoying their journey.

To complete the magical experience at The Enchanted Garden, food trucks will be pulling up nightly on Celebration Lawn and Lakeside Lawn, and The Garden Room cafe will offer two specially curated share-style menus for kids and adults.

Where: Roma Street Parkland

When: Friday 22 November – Saturday 21 December

Times: 6.30pm – 9.15pm nightly

Find out more about the Enchanted Garden here.

A Whimsical, Wonderful Christmas Show

Queen Street Mall unwraps the joy of the holiday season with an enchanting FREE Christmas feature show, ‘A Whimsical, Wonderful Christmas.’ Unwrap the joy of the holiday season with an enchanting Christmas show, brimming with holiday cheer and festive fun for all ages to enjoy. Mark your calendars for Friday, December 6, 13 and 20 when the Main Stage (outside Uptown) will come alive with festive delight. 

Where: Queen Street Mall Stage, outside Uptown

When: 6, 13 & 20 December

Time: 5pm – 7.30pm

Click here for more information.

Starz Christmas Spectacular

Featuring talented local performers in a spectacular celebration of colour and movement, right in the heart of The City!

Where: Queen Street Mall Stage, King George Square

When: 7, 8, 14 – 24 December

Times: 5pm & 6pm at Queen Street Mall Stage, 7pm at King George Square

For more information, click here.

Elf’s Tiny Doors Workshop

Did you know there are tiny Christmas-themed doors sprinkled throughout the city? 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.

Where: Queen Street Mall Stage

When: 7 & 8 December, 14 & 15 December, 21 & 22 December

Time: 10am – 2pm

Click here for more information.

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.

Enjoy Carols Rewired every night after sunset, a brilliant audio and lighting performance that will sweep over The Star Brisbane and Queen’s Wharf precinct. With music curated by local DJ sensation Young Franco, this stunning show is an electrifying reimaging of the festive season. A dynamic fusion of loops, synths, beats and bells, and fun twists of Christmas classics. This will occur nightly at 7.30pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm.

Between the hourly shows, the Sono Lumo precinct transforms with stunning pre-programmed lighting and projections that envelop buildings and stairways in vibrant colours and flowing motion.

Where: Queen’s Wharf Brisbane & The Star Brisbane

When: 4- 15 December

Times: 5pm – 11pm, Carols Rewired at 7.30pm, 8.30pm & 9.30pm nightly

Find out more information here.

Christmas at South Bank Brisbane

There are always so many wonderful Christmas activities going on at South Bank Brisbane.

Find out more about what is happening for Christmas at South Bank here.

South Bank Christmas Markets

Soak up the festive atmosphere as you explore the stalls on Little Stanley Street and discover a wonderland of beautiful clothing, sparkling jewellery and delightful trinkets at The Collective Markets – Christmas Edition.

Where: Little Stanley Street, South Bank

When: 13 – 22 December

Times: 10am – 9pm

Click here for more information.

South Bank Nightly Christmas Carols

Feel the flow of the music as you sing along to heart-warming carols with the stunning backdrop of the City at Carols by the River. Bring a picnic or get takeaway from the nearby South Bank restaurants and come together with your loved ones for a joyous evening by the river.

Where: Riverside Green, South Bank

When: 14 – 22 December

Times: Nightly at 5pm

There are more details on South Bank Nightly Christmas Carols here.

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.

Where: Starts at The Piazza to Stanley Street Plaza, South Bank

When: 14 – 22 December

Times: Nightly at 6pm

For more information, click here.

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. Tickets cost $10 each, but free with proof of purchase to ‘Understory’.

Where: The Piazza, South Bank

When: 14 December – 31 January

Times: 10am – 10pm

Click here for more information on the South bank Christmas Maze.

Santa Photos and Mrs Claus Storytime

A magical opportunity to meet Santa and hear stories from Mrs Claus at South Bank’s Flowstate.

Snap a festive family photo with Santa at the Flowstate precinct, where Santa’s friendly elves are ready to help capture the magic of Christmas for you on your phone.

Meet Santa from 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 4.30pm daily. Enjoy hearing stories from Mrs Claus from 2pm – 4.30pm daily.

Sensory Santa sessions and Santa pet photos available at various times.

Where: Flowstate, South Brisbane

When: Saturday 14 December – Sunday 22 December

Times: Meet Santa from 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 4.30pm, stories from Mrs Claus from 2pm – 4.30pm

Find more information here.

Christmas Open Air Cinema

As the sun sets, get cosy and enjoy Christmas movies at South Bank Christmas Cinema. Bring a blanket, grab a picnic, or indulge in delicious eats from nearby restaurants. It’s the perfect way to unwind and get into the holiday spirit.

Screenings are taking place at 7pm daily from Saturday 14 December to Sunday 22 December. Entry to the South Bank Christmas Cinema is free!

Where: South Bank Cultural Forecourt, Melbourne Street, South Brisbane

When: Saturday 14 December – Sunday 22 December

Times: Live music from 4pm – 7pm, movies start from 7pm daily

Find out more here.

Christmas Workshops – Kids & Adults

Unleash your creative side and make something special for Christmas! You can make cookies, wreaths, decorations, and much more.

Where: Flow State, South Bank

When: 14 – 22 December

Times: Kids workshops from 10am – 1pm daily, adult workshops available on 20 and 21 December from 7pm – 9pm

Click here for more information.

Victoria Park Christmas Putt Putt

Victoria Park is the ultimate destination for family fun during the school holidays! With a range of activities across the complex, there’s something to keep everyone entertained. Challenge yourself on the putt putt course, practice your swing at the driving range with views of the city, and then unwind at the Bistro, where you can enjoy alfresco dining and a seasonal menu. Be sure to book ahead!

The excitement doesn’t end there! Bistro diners can enjoy a free on-site kids’ playground, and on weekends, there’s a free giant games area featuring giant chess, giant Jenga, badminton, and more. Discover all the fun activities Victoria Park has to offer these school holidays.

Click here to learn more about Victoria Park Christmas putt putt here.

Brisbane Christmas carols

Brisbane loves a good Christmas carols event. Our suburbs are filled with these local Brisbane Christmas carol events that showcase the best of the local carolers. These events support the local community groups and are well worth a visit. The city centre also has many annual carols events. Our favourite Christmas carol events across Brisbane include:

Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols

Gather your family and friends for a festive night of carols at the iconic Riverstage for the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols.  This event is an all ages event. This year the tickets are $5 and free for children under 18 years old.  It will be a night to sing along to your favourite carols with some of Brisbane’s finest performers.

Where: Riverstage, City Botanic Gardens, 59 Gardens Point Road

When: Saturday 7 December 2024

Time: Gates open at 4pm, pre-show entertainment from 6pm, show from 7 – 9 pm

Find out more about the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols here.

Multicap Christmas Carols

Multicap Christmas Carols and Markets have become an annual event for Multicap friends, family and the local community to enjoy Christmas festivities in a familiar and accessible space at our Eight Mile Plains location.

This community event is an opportunity to bring people together for a chance to socialise and create new connections in their community.

There will be live music, market stalls, a petting zoo, face painting, our on-site cafe (Monte Lupo) will be open, a visit Santa Claus, Christmas Carolers and much more. As well as on-site parking for a gold coin donation. This event is proudly supported by Brisbane City Council. 

Where: Multicap HQ, 269 Padstow Road, Eight Mile Plains

When: Saturday 7 December

Time: 2.30pm – 6.30pm

Find all of the details on Multicap Christmas Carols here.

Spirit of Christmas

QPAC’s longest running event Spirit of Christmas returns this December to the iconic QPAC Concert Hall. Three musical theatre stars will headline QPAC’s most celebrated concert of the year!

QPAC’s star-studded lineup will be supported by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and the Queensland Youth Orchestra, conducted by Simon Kenway, and the exquisite voices of the Spirit of Christmas Choir and Voices of Birralee.

QPAC’s Spirit of Christmas is a celebration of the true meaning of the festive season; an occasion to rejoice and reflect on the year that has passed and embrace the season’s enduring message of Peace, Love and Joy.

Where: Concert Hall, QPAC

When: 20 – 21 December 2024

Find details about the Spirit of Christmas here.

A Christmas Carol

Our favourite festive feel‑good show – Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol – is returning to QPAC this December to wow audiences once again.

Set to take over QPAC’s iconic Concert Hall in 2024, A Christmas Carol is a magical, grand‑in‑scale production brimful of song, humour, love, and lashings of festive joy – perfect for the entire family.

Shake & Stir Theatre Co’s exquisite adaptation of Dickens’ timeless tale is the most poignant way to herald in the festive season, wrapped up in live music, yule‑tide carolling, innovative video design, lavish costumes… and of course masterful storytelling.

Where: Playhouse, QPAC

When: 12 – 24 December 2024

You can book tickets for A Christmas Carol here.

Christmas markets

Tis the season to go shopping and what better place to shop than local Christmas Markets? You will be supporting local businesses and you can find gifts for even the fussiest of relatives and friends.  The suburbs are full of these local Brisbane Christmas markets and you can also find a great variety in the city.  Some of the regular Christmas markets in the city are:

Rotary Club of Mt Gravatt Christmas Christmas Fair

The Rotary Club of Mount Gravatt’s Christmas Fair is perfect for Christmas catch-ups with your friends & family. This fantastic family-friendly FREE event with kids’ activities, amusement rides, jumping castle, rock wall, face painting, Christmas gift stalls, street food, carols, live music, a Christmas movie, and a visit from Santa is definitely not to be missed. 

Where: Mt Gravatt Showgrounds

When: Saturday 30 November

Time: 4pm – 9pm

See the event details for Rotary Club of Mount Gravatt Christmas Fair here.

BrisStyle Christmas Village Market

This Christmas season, step into the festive magic at the Christmas Village Market – an indoor holiday marketplace at Distillery Road Market Hall that’s set to sparkle with the spirit of the season! On December 14, from 12pm to 6pm, our market will bring together some of the finest artisans and makers, offering a curated selection of high-quality, handcrafted items perfect for Christmas gifting.

Entry to the Christmas Village Market is completely free, making it a wonderful, budget-friendly outing for the entire family. With unique, handcrafted pieces on offer, you’re sure to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list, plus a few treats for yourself!

Where: 124 Distillery Road, Eagleby

When: Saturday 14 December

Time: 12pm – 6pm

Find all the details of the Brisstyle Christmas Village Market here.

Photos with Santa

For some families, part of the Christmas time tradition is to get a family photo with Santa. This year the photos will be socially distanced, but there is still a variety of places to go to get the photos done.  This includes shopping centres, local Christmas carol events, markets and you can even get a photo with Santa with your beloved fur baby at some pet shops!

Meeting Santa for most kids is exciting but if your child has a sensory process disorder like autism, it can be a challenging experience.  Some shopping centres are now offering ‘Sensory Santa’. They create a calm and sensory-friendly photo session with dim lights and no music or loud noises.

We have a detailed post about where to get Santa photos in Brisbane here.

Christmas lights bus tours

Find all the Christmas lights bus tours and canal tours in 2024 here.

Christmas Eve box ideas

There is a growing tradition of giving kids a Christmas Eve Box on the 24th of December to get them right into the spirit of Xmas. Some families I know use this additional gift as a way to get the kids to go to bed without a fuss on Christmas Eve. Whatever your reason for creating a Christmas Eve box, we’ve put together a few ideas for your kids (and one for the mummas too!) You can find all the details including pricing and where to buy their contents here.

Get ideas for your Christmas Eve boxes in our detailed guide here.

Christmas charity options in Brisbane

Becoming involved in Christmas charity work isn’t just the moral thing to do – it’s a way to teach our own children the values of empathy, respect and kindness. For a Christmas family activity with a difference think about getting involved with some of these great Christmas charity initiatives where you can donate items. If you are looking to donate your time, check out our volunteering at Christmas article.

Christmas in Brisbane

The whole month of December is undoubtedly the best time to be in Brisbane! It’s warm, everyone is in a good mood and there is so much to do for families, kids, singles and couples! Get out there an enjoy the best Christmas you’ve ever had!

We also know what is open on Christmas Day in Brisbane. and if you are looking for Christmas Day lunch, we know about that too!

If you are heading to the Gold Coast to celebrate Christmas, you will need to read this article here. If you would like to give back to your community this Christmas, check out our “Where to Volunteer” article here. We also know where to get a real live Christmas tree in Brisbane!

Join our Facebook group to jumpstart your Christmas planning all year long!

If you would like to be included in our article you can contact us for more information. Prices start at $295 + GST.

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