The weather’s slowly getting warmer, and the holidays are just around the corner. With no shortage of activities to do, whether you’re looking to indulge in some Christmas treats, unwind at a relaxing spa, or take in some art and history at a slower pace, we’ve got you covered.
1. Travel back through time at ‘Titanic. The Human Story‘
Set sail all the way back to 1912 in this unique narrative experience, centred around the people aboard history’s most legendary ship, and pieced together through recovered personal belongings and keepsakes. The recreated interiors and audio testimonies of survivors will fully immerse you in the truly incredible story of the ship once thought to be unsinkable. Learn more about the exhibition here. Or even better, climb on board and buy your tickets now.
đź“Ť91 Queen St, Brisbane CBD
2. Get breakfast and a sweet drink at one of Brisbane’s cosiest cafes
Rainy days were meant for warm colours, sweet treats and comforting drinks and Kevin, with its build-your-own breakfast option and quality brews, delivers just that. Housed inside a lovingly revamped Queenslander cottage, the cafe’s inviting aesthetic is only rivalled by the smells of coffee and fine-dining brunch fare that’ll have your mouth watering as soon as you step foot in the space.
đź“Ť726 Brunswick St, New Farm
3. Take stroll through history
Make the most of the weather by doing your learning outdoors! Museum of Brisbane is offering free 45-minute walking tours through The Star and Queens Wharf, exploring the art, history, and architecture within this new cultural precinct on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
đź“ŤLevel 3, Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane CBD
4. Get cheeky at A Very Naughty Christmas
This is one instance in which you may be better off being ​naughty ​than nice! From November 28, don’t miss out on Australia’s sexiest, most scandalous adult-only Christmas cabaret-style show, A Very Naughty Christmas at La Boite this festive season! You have until December 18 to unwrap this gift. Get your tickets here.
5. Catch an outdoor flick at Moonlight Cinema
With the rain hopefully letting up this weekend, it’s the perfect time to see some Christmas classics Moonlight Cinema. You can look forward to Love Actually, Home Alone and The Muppet Christmas Carol this week, so it’ll be a truly festive weekend. See the full program and grab your tickets here!
đź“ŤAmpitheatre, Roma Street Parkland, 1 Parkland Blvd, Brisbane CBD
6. Take a stroll along an enchanted garden trail
Lighting up Roma Street Parkland for another year, The Enchanted Garden is now open to visitors in the lead-up to Christmas until Saturday, December 21. The spectacular sensory experience envelops the plants, trees and gardens in a kaleidoscope of colours and light for an incredible trip. Don’t miss out on the magic and get your tickets here!
đź“Ť1 Parkland Blvd, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
7. Get some early pressies at a Christmas Market
Christmas markets are now in full swing, and on Friday, December 13Â the Christmas Edition of The Collective Markets South Bank, and the Gasworks Christmas Markets on Saturday, December 14 will be decking the halls with boughs of holly and all things jolly.
Packed with handcrafted goodies and all the glorious eats, treats and drinks you can think of to get into the perfect Christmas shape, not even the scroogiest of Scrooges could resist these markets!
8. Or go wild at a shopping mall
Retail therapy is already fun in itself, but add a dose of Christmas and it can be downright magical! Queen Street Mall, for example, has Christmas-themed pop-up performances and roaming acts, and even a feature show! Look out for discounts and you’ll be the best gift-giver this season without breaking the bank.
đź“ŤQueen St, Brisbane CBD
9. Be dazzled by Christmas lights
From 7.30pm to midnight, immerse yourself fully in the magic of Christmas when Brisbane’s iconic City Hall building is transformed through an impressive light display into a vibrant show of captivating visuals, festive sounds, and a heart-warming story for the whole family to enjoy.
đź“ŤKing George Square
10. Relax and rejuvenate at a day spa
Sometimes slowing down is just what we need, and weekends are the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a spa day. Offering an extensive menu of tailor-made treatments — from facials to full-body massages and everything in between — the W’s AWAY® Spa, with its soothing, curated playlist is sure to leave you glowing.
đź“ŤW Brisbane, Level 5/81 N Quay, Brisbane CBD
11. Make your own gingerbread house at this festive high tea
Until December 22, Lennons, the storied restaurant and bar is hosting Festive High Tea. Feel like royalty as you indulge in a selection of festive treats, like traditional Scones with whipped cream and strawberry jam, and piping hot drinks. To top it all off, flex your biscuit decorating muscles with a fun gingerbread decorating experience.
đź“Ť72 Queen St, Brisbane CBD
12. Unleash your creativity at a ceramic paint and sip class
Break out your imagination, drinks and nibbles, and let the expert instructors at these Ceramic Paint and Sip classes handle all the rest! With their guidance, you’ll be able to create your own masterpiece to take home, all while you sip on some bevvies, socialise and de-stress. Get your tickets on Fever!
đź“ŤShop 2B, 826 Ann Street Fortitude Valley
13. Unwind with some spritz at Allonda’s laneway
Every Friday afternoon from 3-6pm, let off steam with an ice cold drink at Allonda’s Friday Laneway Spritz Sessions. Their picturesque, dog-friendly laneway is the perfect place to sip on one of their refreshing signature spritzes, Bloody Shiraz Gin and Yuzu Peach, as a live DJ spins some beats. They are not taking reservations, so we recommend heading there straight from work to secure a spot!
đź“ŤLaneway next to Dwell Residence, 19 Longland St, Newstead
14. Feel the magic at this sultry stage show
Fire up the group chat and book your spot for an unforgettable night out with Australia’s top-rated male revue, Magic Men. This electrifying two-hour show features some of Brisbane’s hottest hunks, known for their incredible moves and equally impressive physiques. If you’re in the mood for a heart-pounding night out that promises pure entertainment, this is the weekend event for you. Find out more — and book your tickets — here.
đź“ŤWonderland Brisbane, 633 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
15. 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 until January 2!
đź“Ť309 Herston Rd, Herston
16. Travel back to Ancient Egypt at the Queensland Museum
Embark on a journey through history and step into the fascinating world of pharaohs, pyramids, and ancient wonders through the more than 250 artifacts on display at the Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibition at the Queensland Museum. Explore stunning 3D projections of the Temple of Taffeh, excerpts from rare Book of the Dead scrolls, and admire precious jewellery and artwork left behind by one of humankind’s most culturally rich civilizations. Buy your tickets here.
đź“ŤQueensland Museum, Corner of Grey and Melbourne St, South Brisbane
17. Get drawn into Bluey’s World
The wait is over! The much-anticipated immersive experience Bluey’s World is now open in Brisbane. Based on the hit TV show, the attraction will be decked out with a recreation of the iconic Heeler Queenslander home, where you can walk around and interact with life-size sets of Bluey and Bingo’s playroom and bedroom, the family lounge room, as well as the backyard with the poinciana tree in it. Get your tickets for the perfect outing for the whole family!
đź“ŤNorthshore Pavilion, 281 MacArthur Avenue, Hamilton
18. Sleigh at a festive drag show
Be wowed by the Christmas edition of the much-loved Hey Felicia! A Drag & Dine Musical. Expect dazzling performances with all the usual musical hits and, this time, all your favourite Christmas songs join the setlist! You have until December 21 to catch it at The Sit Down Comedy Club in Paddington. Get your tickets for Saturday, December 14Â here.
đź“Ť186 Given Terrace, Paddington
19. Marvel at The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art
The art world’s most anticipated exhibition series is coming back to the QAGOMA for its eleventh chapter.
Seventy artists, collectives and projects from more than 30 countries showcasing the rapidly evolving artistic expression of Australia, Asia and the Pacific. Some countries will be represented for the first time, while First Nations, minority and diaspora cultures hold a central place in the exhibition, as ever. It’s free entry, so there’s no reason to miss out on it!
đź“ŤQAGOMA, Stanley Pl, South Brisbane
20. Sip on some (holiday) spirits
Get ready to jingle and mingle at the Riverbar & Kitchen’s Gin-gle Bar because until December 24, it will come alive with Christmas magic and a tasty list of festive cocktails. With mixers like gingerbread and cranberry blending perfectly with the spirit of Christmas — and Bombay gin — the Gin-gle Bar promises a silly season to remember! Book your spot here!
đź“Ť71 Eagle St, Brisbane CBD
21. Spill your secrets at this mysterious exhibition
We all have secrets, and Queensland Museum is lifting the veil on some of its own in its new Secrets: Objects of Intrigue exhibition, opening this Saturday, December 14. You will be able to explore the role of secrets and secretive objects within society, get your hands on mysterious artifacts and even anonymously share your own secrets!
The best-kept secret? It’s free entry!
đź“ŤCorner of Grey and Melbourne St, South Brisbane
22. Sleigh the Christmas season at South Bank
Warm up those vocal chords and get ready for a holly jolly Christmas because starting this Saturday, December 14 and until December 22, South Bank turns into a Summer Wonderland, with festive activities for the whole family to enjoy!
Sing along at the nightly Christmas Carols show, watch the parade go by, make your own baubles and crafts at a workshop (from 10am to 1pm), meet Santa and hear a story from Mrs Claus, get lost in a merry maze or watch a heart-warming film outdoors every night at 7:30pm!
đź“ŤSouth Bank, South BrisbaneÂ
23. Head down to the Gold Coast for Movie World’s annual White Christmas event
Over 11 magical nights until December 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!
đź“ŤPacific Mwy, Oxenford
24. Feel the magic of classic holiday hits at Candlelight Christmas
Enhanced by the beauty of Grand Ann and thousands of flickering candles, you’ll be transported to warm memories of seasons past and favourite Christmas classics, as a string quartet plays music from beloved movies like Home Alone and Love Actually, as well as other holiday staples. Learn more and get your tickets for this Saturday on Fever!
đź“Ť311 Ann St, Brisbane CBD
25. Experience the joy of The Holiday live
QPAC presents the beloved Christmas romcom, The Holiday (2006) live in concert this Saturday, December 14 with the film’s legendary Hans Zimmer score played live-to-film by Southern Cross Symphony. Immerse yourself in the magical Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz-led story and get your tickets before they’re gone!
đź“ŤQPAC, Cultural Precinct Cnr Grey, Melbourne St, South Brisbane
26. Look out for Christmas-themed tiny doors
In case you missed it, Brisbane is full of whimsical tiny doors that have been built in unassuming places around town. This year there are Christmas-themed tiny doors to find, designed and created by local artist Mace Robertson.
Even better, this Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 2pm, you’ll be able to drop by the Queen Street Mall Stage and decorate your very own tiny door to take home!
Spoiler alert! Here’s a full list of their locations:
- Roma Street Parkland
- Post Office Square
- King George Square
- Burnett Lane
- Queen Street Mall
- Uptown
- QueensPlaza
- Wintergarden
- Queen’s Wharf
- Riverside
- City Botanic Gardens
- South Bank
27. Catch an amazing Christmas show
This weekend, on December 14 and 15, prepare to be wowed by The Christmas Spectacular. Join The Voice finalist Prinnie Stevens, as well as the rest of the top-notch performers in an extravaganza that pays tribute to the Radio City Rockettes, The Nutcracker and more, while celebrating the joy and magic of Christmas! Tickets are going fast, so don’t miss out!
đź“ŤFortitude Music Hall, 312-318 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
28. Celebrate a new destination at Kangaroo Point Bridge
Kangaroo Point Bridge, which will link Kangaroo Point to the CBD, will open to the public on December 15, and there will be an opening celebration to mark the occasion from 8 to 11am with free family-friendly entertainment including roving performers and musicians. Local businesses will be showcasing their products and even offering some discounts! Learn all about it here.
đź“ŤCorner of Alice and Edward Streets
29. Start the summer with a splash
If you’re looking for somewhere to go swimming this summer, but don’t want to leave Brisbane or go to Streets Beach, then look no further, because Brisbane City Council has launched $2 summer dips at their 22 public pools around the city.
Until Friday, February 28, entry prices will be slashed across Brisbane’s public swimming pools, from $6.40 per person to just $2!
30. Uncork the summer at Twilight in the Vines
Family-owned winery situated at picturesque Mount Cotton, Sirromet is once again hosting magical twilit nights in their vineyard. Let yourself get swept away by the enchanting surroundings and glowing lights as you’re brought a gourmet tray filled with locally sourced charcuterie paired with a Sirromet bottle of wine for you and your +1 to enjoy. Secure your spot here.
đź“Ť850-938 Mount Cotton Rd, Mount Cotton
31. Make believe at HOTA’s Magic + Memory: make me a home
Playing house is a rite of passage and thanks to Anna Carey’s Magic + Memory: make me a home, kids can now do so in actual miniature models of houses and the rooms inside them. The oversized models, created for play and daydreams, will have young ones’ imaginations flying, and will make for memorable moments of fun and creativity until April 25.
đź“ŤHOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
32. Be dazzled by the multisensory Dopamine Land experience
Get ready for an exciting adventure at Dopamine Land. After a successful UK run, this immersive experience has now arrived in Brisbane. Prepare to be dazzled as you navigate interactive environments, admire colourful decor, and participate in fun games. Discover more and buy your tickets at the Fever website.
33. Get your telescope out for The Dark Side of the Moon Planetarium Experience
Get your cosmic and musical fix through this immersive show combining breath-taking views of the solar system and beyond, played out to 42 minutes of the iconic Pink Floyd album The Dark Side Of The Moon in surround sound, fittingly hosted in the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. With a different theme and visual journey to each song, you’ll truly feel like you’ve travelled through space and time.
đź“ŤMount Coot-Tha Rd, Mount Coot-Tha
34. Escape to Moreton Island
As the weather gets warmer, the urge to take a break from the city becomes almost irresistible. What better way to live a long weekend to its fullest than a day trip to nearby gem, Moreton Island? Although its pristine beaches are ideal for a lazy day, this slice of paradise might be even better for adventurous travellers, with surfable waves and thrilling activities awaiting them. Book your day trip on the Fever website.
35. Experience a slice of Tokyo at Maho Magic Bar
This lively bar will have you seeing double, and not just because of its Japanese-inspired cocktails. You won’t believe your eyes as you witness impossible feats of up-close magic that brings Japan’s culture of magic bars to the grounds of the Maritime Museum. And don’t worry, there are matinees on weekends so the little ones can be just as spellbound!
đź“ŤQueensland Maritime Museum, 412 Sidon St, South Brisbane
36. Hit the trails near Brisbane
Want to have a healthier weekend? South East Queensland is home to some of the most breathtaking hikes in the country, and there’s no denying it. Just a short drive from Brisbane, you’ll find national parks full of trails and walking tracks that you can tackle, many of them boasting spectacular views and nature therapy.