Christmas lights, festive markets and live shows are returning to Brisbane City this November and December for the 2026 Christmas season. From the Christmas tree lighting to colourful projections on City Hall, here’s what’s happening and when to take the kids.

Listed below are all free activities in the Christmas in Brisbane program. We are pretty sure you will have a hard time choosing which of these events to attend and will end up seeing many, if not all of them, by the time Christmas Eve arrives!

Christmas in Brisbane 2026: Lights, Markets and Family Fun

A grumpy cat is taking over City Hall, tiny Christmas doors are popping up around the city and Brisbane’s Christmas tree is ready to light up. Christmas in Brisbane returns across November and December 2026, with light displays, live shows, markets and plenty of reasons to bring the kids into the city.

Here’s what’s happening and when to plan your visit.

Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree

Watch Brisbane’s Christmas tree light up in King George Square, with an evening of entertainment featuring Jem Cassar-Daley. It’s one to mark on the calendar if your family loves being there for the start of the Christmas celebrations.

You can also visit the City After Dark Markets at Reddacliff Place before heading over for the tree lighting.

When: 27 November 2026, 6.30pm–7.30pm
Where: King George Square

The Enchanted Garden

The Enchanted Garden returns to Roma Street Parkland with Night Flight, an immersive light experience inspired by the nocturnal creatures that call the gardens home.

Explore the illuminated gardens, with food and drinks available onsite if you’d like to make an evening of it.

When: 20 November–19 December 2026
Where: Roma Street Parkland
Bookings: Tickets required. Check session times when booking.

City Hall Lights

This year’s City Hall Lights tell the story of Meowy Christmas, starring Grouch, a grumpy cat, and his loyal canine companion Max. Expect Christmas chaos in a story about family, friendship and finding your own Christmas spirit.

The projections run every 15 minutes, making this an easy stop after dinner or an evening wander through the city.

When: Nightly, 4–24 December 2026, 7.30pm–midnight
Where: King George Square
Show frequency: Every 15 minutes

Christmas Tiny Doors

Keep your eyes peeled for Christmas Tiny Doors hidden around Brisbane City. Five new doors join the returning favourites this year, giving little explorers more to look for as you wander.

When: From 1-25 December
Where: Various locations throughout Brisbane City

Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols

Bring your Christmas spirit to Riverstage for the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols. The program lists the event from 4pm, so check the booking details for entry information and performance times.

When: 5 December 2026, from 4pm
Where: Riverstage
Bookings: Tickets required

Christmas Markets in Brisbane City

BrisStyle Twilight Markets

Browse gifts from local makers, grab something to eat and enjoy an evening in King George Square. These twilight markets are a chance to tick off some Christmas shopping while supporting local creatives.

When: 13 November and 18 December 2026, 4pm–9pm. An additional 4 December date is listed in the program highlights and needs confirmation.
Where: King George Square

City After Dark Markets: Christmas Edition

Combine an evening of festive market browsing with the Christmas tree lighting nearby. The markets coincide with Black Friday, so you could fit in some city shopping beforehand, too.

When: 27 November 2026, 4pm–9pm
Where: Reddacliff Place

Festive Markets at The Star Brisbane

The Star Brisbane will host festive markets in its George Street Foyer across three days in December.

When: 9–11 December 2026
Where: George Street Foyer, The Star Brisbane
Times: Check the program before visiting.

Christmas Entertainment in Queen Street Mall

Queen Street Mall’s Christmas stage will host weekday performances, weekend magic and circus shows, and evening entertainment throughout December.

Event	Dates	Times
The Greatest Time of the Year	Weekdays, 4–24 December	Noon–2pm
The Magic & Circus Show: Christmas Edition	Weekends, 5–20 December	Noon–2pm
Starz Christmas Spectacular	4, 11 and 18–23 December	5pm–7pm
Christmas on Queen	Daily, 4–24 December	11am–3pm, plus 4pm–8pm during late-night trade

The release lists additional Starz Christmas Spectacular performances beyond Friday evenings. Check the full program for your chosen date.

Christmas Shopping and Extra Festive Stops

Brisbane Arcade

Stop by Brisbane Arcade to see its Christmas decorations while exploring the city.

Uptown Brisbane

Uptown’s Christmas display is open during centre hours from 3 November. There are also Sweet Rewards offers on selected December dates and charity gift wrapping later in the month.

• Christmas display: From 3 November 2026, during centre hours.
• Sweet Rewards gift with purchase: Selected days from 2–24 December, 11am–3pm.
• Charity gift wrapping: 11–24 December, from 10am daily.

Check the centre’s offer conditions and participating dates before visiting.

MacArthur Central

MacArthur Central’s Christmas program includes rewards, retailer offers, vouchers and personalised ornaments.

• Christmas Rewards Station: 2 November–23 December 2026, 11.30am–2.30pm.
• Personalised Christmas Ornaments: 1–23 December 2026. Session times need confirmation.

Check participation requirements and offer conditions with the centre.

Plan Your Christmas Visit

For an evening with plenty happening, visit on 27 November to combine the City After Dark Markets with the Christmas tree lighting.

From 4 December, you can catch entertainment in Queen Street Mall and stay for City Hall Lights after dark. If you’re planning to visit The Enchanted Garden or attend the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, arrange your tickets ahead of time.

Find booking information and the latest event details on the Christmas in Brisbane website.

For more information on any of these events go to https://visit.brisbane.qld.au/christmas

Brisbane Kids hopes that you take advantage of all these fantastic Christmas events in Brisbane City and that these events become not only part of your Christmas memories, but also part of your annual Christmas traditions.