There really is nothing more spectacular than Christmas-time in Brisbane. With the balmy Summer nights providing the perfect backdrop for festive celebrations, the river city puts on many annual Christmas events just waiting for you to explore.
Get into the Christmas spirit by discovering the most loved Christmas events which are held in Brisbane each year.
Table of Contents
The Enchanted Garden – Roma Street Parkland
Every year Roma Street Parklands comes to life in a dazzling display of fairy lit trees, LED displays and magical light installations in celebration of the festive season.
With hidden delights at every turn, the almost 1km self-guided and wheelchair-accessible trail takes 30 to 40 minutes to complete, with bookings essential for this much-loved family affair.
Read our detailed review of The Enchanted Garden here.
When: 22nd November to 21st December 2024, from 6.30pm – 10pm.
Lighting of the City Hall Christmas Tree
A standout event during Brisbane’s festive celebrations is the annual lighting of the 22m high Christmas Tree in King George Square. Always popular, this free, family-friendly event includes live musical performances of cherished Christmas tunes as the lights sparkle in the night sky. In 2024, Dami Im will be making doing a special performance for the crowd.
When: 29th November 2024, 6.30pm – 7.30pm.
Christmas Tiny Doors
How adorable is this!? A event that is delighting children everywhere. Kids can embark on a joyful adventure discovering whimsical Christmas-themed tiny doors sprinkled throughout the city.
Find these enchanting little surprises in King George Square, Queen Street Mall, Queens Plaza, South Bank and many other locations throughout the City.
When: 1st to 8th December 2024, from 7am to midnight.
The Lott by Golden Casket City Hall Light Display
Get ready to be captivated by the magical charm of Christmas at The Lott by Golden Casket City Hall Lights.
Every year, Brisbane’s iconic City Hall transforms into a lively canvas of stunning visuals and sounds as a Christmas story is projected onto its facade. Santa’s SOS: A Christmas Rescue is the captivating story for 2024, written by Brisbane-based author, Rebecca Sheraton.
When: 6th to 24th December 2024, from 7.30pm to midnight (every 15min)
Christmas on Queen
Experience Christmas-themed pop-up performances and roaming acts in the Queen Street mall at the fun and festive Christmas on Queen.
When: 6th to 13th December 2024, 11am – 3pm (until 8.30pm on 6/12 and 13/12)
Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols
One long-standing Christmas event in Brisbane which lights up the Botanical Gardens‘ Riverstage each year is the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols.
Booking out quickly, the event sees families spread out on picnic blankets with candles alight as they sing along with big stars, choirs and children to much-loved Christmas carols. Tickets required.
Tickets are now SOLD OUT for 2024.
Didn’t get tickets? You can always watch the free live stream of the carols from Victoria Park, Herston.
When: 7th December 2024, from 7pm – 9pm.
Carols By Candlelight
Held in schools, local parks, churches and other venues all over Brisbane, get into the Christmas spirit by attending a Carols by Candlelight?
With picnic blankets spread out and battery operated candles in hand, families can sing along to their favourite Christmas songs, surrounded by a multitude of other singing voices.
You can check out all of the best places to find carols in Brisbane here.
Government House Christmas Light Display
The landmark historic house and gardens of Fernberg Estate are bathed in a magical light show which has become a must-see event for Brisbane families at Christmas time.
Visitors are also welcome inside Government House to have a photo alongside the grandly decorated Christmas Tree. This is a free event, with no tickets or pre-booking required.
When: 13th to 19th December 2024, from 6.45pm – 8.15pm.
Queensland Ballet’s -The Nutcracker
IMAGE CREDIT: Queensland Ballet on Facebook
For any future ballerinas or little dancing stars, the Queensland Ballet’s Nutcracker is a much-anticipated event which hits the stage at QPAC every Christmas season.
Captivating Brisbane audiences with a dazzling winter wonderland where fireplaces crackle, snowflakes flutter, and enchanted toys come alive , this beautiful ballet performance is not to be missed.
When: 13th to 21st December 2024, various times.
Christmas at South Bank
South Bank comes to life with festive cheer during December showcasing a variety of fun, family-friendly activities including:
- Nightly Parade and Christmas Carols
- Christmas Workshops
- Santa Photos and Mrs Claus Storytime
- Christmas Markets
- Live performances at Christmas in the Plaza
- Christmas maze (tickets required)
South Bank Open Air Christmas Cinema
Every year, various outdoor venues around Brisbane screen Christmas movies for families to enjoy.
At South Bank’s Cultural Forecourt they go one step further with their nightly screenings of Christmas favourites on the their expansive riverside lawns. 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.
When: 15th to 22nd December 2024, 4pm (live music), 7pm (movie starts).
Christmas Markets
Each festive season, pop-up Christmas markets adorn the streets in and around the city. In fact, Brisbane offers so many incredible Christmas markets you would almost need every day of December just to get through them all!
You can find a comprehensive list of where to find these markets at Christmas Markets in Brisbane.
Santa Photos
A well-loved tradition for many Brisbane families, getting a photo with Santa, continues to be an event on most festive calendars.
Come December, families in their Christmas best join long queues and wait patiently for their chance to meet Santa. Some even bring their family pet (at selected sittings).
Located in main shopping centres and stores all over Brisbane, there are plenty places which offer paid or FREE santa photos.
St Nicholas Street Precinct
IMAGE CREDIT: Ipswich Festivals on Facebook.
Only a short drive from Brisbane, St. Nicholas Precinct gets a mention due to the huge range of fun Christmas activities provided for families.
With light displays, entertainment, food vans and movies, families can settle in for a full night of fun in Ipswich.
When: 13th to 22nd December 2024, from 6.30pm – 9.30pm.
Christmas Light Displays in Brisbane
2023 Christmas Light display at Minimine Street in Stafford.
When Christmas comes around grab a list of Brisbane’s best Christmas Light displays, pile the family in the car, pop on some carols and drive the streets looking at the dazzling festive displays.
From giant inflatables, snow machines, and the popular synchronised light and music displays, there really is something to excite Brisbane Kids around every corner.
Check out the full list of Christmas Light Displays in Brisbane here.
For more festive Christmas events in Brisbane check out Free Christmas Events in Brisbane.
Join the conversation