Every year, Brisbane comes alive with festivities around Christmas time. The massive Christmas tree illuminates King George Square, gift shopping is in full swing at the various Christmas markets around the city, and Mariah Carey is heard often. For those looking for some inspiration to get into the festive spirit in Brisbane during the holiday period, we’ve curated a list of things to do (and checked it twice, of course).
1. Check off your gift list at a Christmas market
With Christmas fast approaching, our attention is turning towards gifts, good times and good food. And some of the best places to get these gifts, have a good time and get your hands on a huge array of good food is at one of Brisbane’s Christmas Markets.
There are more than a couple happening in the lead-up to the big day. You’ll be able to grab plenty of presents, festive trinkets and more amongst a range of locally-made goods. You might even hear some carols, see Santa himself, or find the perfect pressie for yourself.
The markets closest to Christmas Day are the BrisStyle Twilight Christmas Market at King George Square on Friday, December 20 and The Collective Markets South Bank at Stanley Street Plaza until Sunday, December 22.
2. Marvel at the neighbourhood Christmas light displays
Every year there are some neighbourly neighbours that go above and beyond with their Christmas lights, meticulously planning their displays days, weeks or even months in advance as the best designers do, and when the time strikes they get to work setting up and decorating.
We love it as much as we love this time of year, when we can marvel at all the bright lights flashing and twinkling in the night. But, to save you from searching for bright beacons of light in the distance, we’ve done a bit of digging to find some truly special setups that are well worth the visit.
SEE MORE: 7 Magical Christmas Light Displays To See Around Brisbane This Festive Season
3. Do the Jingle Bell Rock at a Candlelight concert
If you’re itching to be Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, the Candlelight Christmas concerts will have you feeling jolly with their magical nights of holiday classics. From all-time masterpieces such as the Nutcracker March and Vivaldi’s Winter, to more modern hits like All I Want For Christmas and music from beloved films like Home Alone and Love Actually, you’re in for a treat bigger than the Grinch’s heart. Candlelight takes place at unique Brisbane venues, including St. John’s Cathedral. Get your tickets on Fever.
4. Make your own gingerbread house at a boozy Christmas event
W Brisbane is bringing back their Festive High Tea in the lovely Living Room Bar. Every Thursday to Sunday until December 29, you’ll be able to tuck into some delectable Christmas-inspired bites such as raspberry eggnog mousse cake and lamb croquettes, not to mention build and decorate your own gingerbread house!
📍Living Room Bar in W, 81 N Quay, Brisbane CBD
5. Tap your way around a Christmas putt putt course
Right after taking down their Halloween-themed putt putt course, Victoria Park will bring back Christmas Putt Putt to get you keen for the silly season. If the festive-themed course is anything like last year’s, you can expect everything from giant candy canes to winter wonderland vibes. Get your tickets to make a ho-ho-hole in one starting November 8!
📍309 Herston Rd, Herston
6. Catch a festive flick at this outdoor cinema
The December program for Moonlight Cinema is now out, and unsurprisingly, there’s heaps of Christmas classics to get you in the holiday spirit!
Love Actually, Home Alone, The Holiday, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Muppet Christmas Carol will play during December.
Moonlight Cinema returns to Roma Street Parkland from November 21 to February 16. See the full program and get your tickets here!
📍1 Parkland Blvd, Brisbane CBD
7. Wander around Brisbane’s largest interactive lighting display
Returning for another year, The Enchanted Garden will be on display and open to visitors at Roma Street Parkland in the lead-up to Christmas, from November 22 until December 21.
The spectacular sensory experience will envelop the plants, trees and gardens in a kaleidoscope of colours and light for an incredible trip. Get your tickets here!
📍1 Parkland Blvd, Brisbane CBD
8. See a Christmas-themed show
Whether it be a bold cabaret performance or a fabulous show, there are plenty of laughs and entertainment to be enjoyed over the Christmas season in Brisbane, including A Very Naughty Christmas, the cheeky festive musical, running from November 28 to December 18, The Christmas Spectacular, for a tamer option, on December 14 and 15, or if cheesy classics are more your speed, check out Love Actually In Concert.
9. See King George Square light up with a 22-metre Christmas tree
Brisbane’s famous 22-metre Christmas tree will make a return, and you can join the Lord Mayor for its lighting on November 29. The tree is one of the largest Christmas trees in the Southern Hemisphere, so be sure to catch it in all its glory.
City Hall will also become illuminated with lights and projections from December 6 to 24. This is perfect for something free to do at Christmas in Brisbane!
📍King George Square, Brisbane CBD
SEE ALSO: The best places you can buy real Christmas trees in Brisbane and beyond
10. Find Christmas-themed tiny doors in the city
In case you missed it, Brisbane is full of whimsical tiny doors that have been built in unassuming places around town. This year, from December 1, there will be Christmas-themed tiny doors to find, designed and created by local artist Mace Robertson.
Once you’ve had a few days of this whimsical hunt, you can drop by the Queen Street Mall Stage to make your very own festive tiny door, in the weekends leading up to Christmas starting on December 7. Fun has come knocking!
📍Queen St, Brisbane CBD
11. Have a A Whimsical, Wonderful Christmas at Queen Street Mall
Queen Street Mall likes to go all out for the holidays and, from December 6, you’ll be able to catch a variety of pop-up performances and roaming acts throughout it, not to mention their jaw-dropping décor.
If you want to fully unwrap the joy of the season though, take a break from shopping on December 6, 13 or 20 and go on a magical journey with their enchanting festive show, A Whimsical, Wonderful Christmas. Dance, sing along, and marvel at this heart-warming spectacle for the whole family!
📍Queen St, Brisbane CBD
12. Spread the cheer at Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols
Warm up those vocal chords because on Saturday, December 7, Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols is coming to Riverstage, with its dazzling high kicks, high notes and hijinks.
Hosted by Queensland’s first lady of song Naomi Price, featuring superstars such as Conrad Sewell, Ngaiire, Josh Pyke, and many more, the lineup all but guarantees a merry time! With a VIP visit from Santa himself, and ‘access all areas’ with Auslan interpretation, a low sensory zone, and a variety of accessibility features, the event promises to be a magical experience for all!
13. Head down to the Gold Coast for Movie World’s annual White Christmas event
Over 11 magical nights from December 7 to 21, Movie World’s Main Street will be home to a Christmas wonderland, complete with dazzling light displays, artificial snowfall and a festive street parade.
You can also upgrade your tickets with some extra festive add-ons, like a meet and greet with Santa or a chance to decorate your own Christmas ornaments!
📍Pacific Mwy, Oxenford
14. Have a très bon festive lunch at DUCKFAT
On December 8, join the Alliance Française for the annual Noël long lunch. Held in modern French restaurant, DUCKFAT, you have a decadent 10-course banquet menu to look forward to. Expect exquisite delicacies like oysters and foie gras, and rich desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. All paired, of course, with carefully picked French wines. Get your tickets here before they say au revoir!
📍3B/63 Skyring Terrace, Newstead
15. Meet Santa at Westfield
Santa Claus is coming to town on Sunday, November 10 at Westfield Chermside! A jolly parade will be spreading holiday cheer as all your favourite seasonal characters from Rudolph to Frosty and, of course, the man himself set off from the Santa Set on Level 1 at 10am.
Plus, if you want the Christmas magic to last a lifetime, now is the time to book your photo with Santa. With a range of options to accommodate all kinds of families, including Sensitive Santa, Auslan Santa and pet photography, it’s definitely the most wonderful time of the year!
📍Gympie Rd, Chermside
16. Catch an awe-inspiring opera show
A complimentary opera show sounds like a Christmas miracle, but it really is possible! By enjoying a delicious dinner at Brisbane Phoenix, Persone, Phat Boy, or Tenya on Wednesday December 11, you can be treated to a 6:45pm show for a 7:00pm reservation, or a 7:15pm performance if you dine at 7:30.
Book your seats on the website of your restaurant of choice and get ready for dinner and a show!
17. Sing your heart out for a good cause
Pub Choir’s Christmas Fundraising Extravaganza is coming to Brisbane’s Riverstage on Wednesday, December 18. A night of improvised musical comedy, led by Astrid Jorgensen awaits you, with a raffle, an orchestra and plenty of laughs to be had.
You can feel good even if your singing leaves something to be desired as profits will go towards Women’s Legal Service Queensland, who protect vulnerable women and families. Feel the true spirit of Christmas and get your tickets here.
18. Enjoy carols and entertainment in South Bank
South Bank is set to come alive with festive cheer this Christmas. There’s plenty of events and activities to look forward to, from a fun, whimsical maze to carols by the river, a pop-up cinema at River Quay Green, photos with Santa and story time with Mrs Claus, and more!
19. Tuck into a Christmas Day lunch at one of these iconic Brisbane venues
If you and the fam are looking for a restaurant in Brisbane to have lunch at this Christmas Day, there are plenty of options. Christmas lunch packages vary between venues, but here are some that we recommend for the occasion: try Settimo for a taste of the Amalfi coast in Brisbane, indulge in a decadent menu — which includes a visit from the jolly man in red — at Rydges South Bank, the Inchcolm for an indulgent hotel meal or break away from tradition with a 4-course Chinese banquet at Donna Chang.
20. Get cosy at home with a Christmas movie on Netflix
It’s that time of the year again where our viewing pleasures turn red and green as the twenty-fifth fast approaches. And although there are plenty of festive things happening around the city, sometimes it’s nice to just get comfy at home and watch a Christmas-themed movie or series.