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).
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.
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.
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.
Feel fancy at a festive high tea
W Brisbane is bringing back their Festive High Tea in the lovely Living Room Bar. Every Friday to Sunday until December 28 you’ll be able to tuck into some delectable Christmas-inspired bites such as a rich dark chocolate yule log with meringue mushrooms, and the classic flavours of roast turkey and cranberry wrapped in a fluffy profiterole, but watch out for their mischievous Elf, who will be “sabotaging” one table per day!
📍Living Room Bar in W, 81 N Quay, Brisbane CBD
Tap your way around a Christmas putt putt course
Right after taking down their Halloween-themed putt putt course, Victoria Park has brought 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 until January 4!
📍309 Herston Rd, Herston
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 Elf and more will play during December.
Moonlight Cinema returns to Roma Street Parkland from November 26 to February 18. See the full program and get your tickets here!
📍1 Parkland Blvd, Brisbane CBD
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 21 until December 20.
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
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 The Christmas Spectacular on December 13 and 14, or if cheesy classics are more your speed, check out Love Actually In Concert on December 20 and 21.
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 28. 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 5 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
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, or if you don’t mind spoilers, you can see their locations here.
📍Queen St, Brisbane CBD
Have a dreamy Christmas at Queen Street Mall
Queen Street Mall likes to go all out for the holidays and, from December 5, 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 and 7, December 13 and 14 or December 20 and 21 and go on a magical journey with their dazzling festive show, The Magic & Circus Show Christmas Edition. Have a day for the whole family as you delight in circus and magic skills!
📍Queen St, Brisbane CBD
Spread the cheer at Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols
Warm up those vocal chords because on Saturday, December 6, Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols is coming to Riverstage, with its dazzling high kicks, high notes and hijinks.
Hosted by Sylvia Jeffreys and Tim Davies, featuring superstars such as Bluey and Bingo, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and many more, the lineup all but guarantees a merry time! With a VIP visit from Santa himself, a low sensory zone, and a variety of accessibility features, the event promises to be a magical experience for all!
📍Riverstage, 59 Gardens Point Rd, Brisbane CBD
Head down to the Gold Coast for Movie World’s annual White Christmas event
Over 13 magical nights from December 11 to 23, 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 find Frosty’s missing buttons.
📍Pacific Mwy, Oxenford
Meet Santa at Westfield
Santa Claus is coming to town on Sunday, until December 24 at Westfield Chermside! And, to add to the festive cheer, on select dates in November, beloved special guests Mrs Claus, a cheeky Elf and a Christmas Fairy will be available to capture the magic with some added sparkle!
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
Be dazzled by Sono Lumo
A free immersive experience blending light, sound and projection across The Star façade and Queen’s Wharf precinct, Sono Lumo will be leaving everyone in the family open-mouthed from December 10 to December 21. With three epic shows each night, there are no excuses for not catching this spectacle!
📍The Star Brisbane, 33 William St, Brisbane CBD
Sing your heart out
Pub Choir’s Christmas Fundraising Extravaganza is coming to Brisbane’s Riverstage on Wednesday, December 11. A night of improvised musical comedy, led by Astrid Jorgensen awaits you, with a raffle, an orchestra and plenty of laughs to be had. Feel the true spirit of Christmas and get your tickets here.
📍Riverstage, 59 Gardens Point Rd, Brisbane CBD
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 Riverland for lunch with a view, indulge in a decadent seafood menu at Goldfinch, or break away from tradition with a 4-course Chinese banquet at Donna Chang.
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.