As your calendar gets busier in the lead up to Christmas it's worth blocking out an evening to get into the holiday mood. These are our top picks of fabulous and fun Christmas events in Brisbane that you won't want to miss.
Catch up with friends, head out with the family, add in dinner or drinks at one of the many fabulous city restaurants and bars or just reward yourself for finally finishing your holiday shopping.
1. Gold Lotto City Hall Light Spectacular
Brisbane's gorgeous refurbished City Hall will be transformed with colour and light from 12th to 24th December. The show runs every 15 minutes from 7 pm until midnight painting the iconic facade with a colourful modern holiday story set to music.
At 7 pm sharp the city hall clock will chime and the evening's shows will begin. This is truly one for the whole family, it might be themed for the kids but the adults will be finding excuses to be in the city after dark too just so they can stop by and watch it again.
We've been heading into St George square to the light spectacular for many years and each time it just gets better and better. I can't wait to see what they have in store this year.
Here's a video made at a previous event to give you an idea of what it's all about.
2. Myers Christmas Parade and Pantomine
The parade is on every evening from the 12th until the 21st of December. Starting at 6.30 pm the 200+ performers of the Christmas parade and pantomime will make their way through the Queen Street Mall from Queen Street through to King George Square.
Each year's theme is a carefully guarded secret and they've all been excellent but each year seems to be able to improve and build on the one before. You know you're in Australia though when the Three Wise Men ride through the city centre on camels while Mary follows along on a donkey and farmers watched their errant sheep! Santa even borrows some local deer to allow the reindeer time to rest up for their big day.
Ballerinas, musicians, tin men, acrobatic mice, dancing Christmas gifts, candy canes and a giant gingerbread man are also likely to join in to make it a fun event for the whole family.
3. The Myers Christmas Window Display
Checking out the animated festive display in Myers Queen Street mall windows is a tradition that turns 59 years old this year. I never miss doing this at least once during the holiday season. I'd even confess to making up an excuse to be in the mall the day it opens so I'm one of the first to check it out.
This year the display will be open from 15th November to 5th January.
4. Lighting of the City Christmas Tree
In King Georges Square you'll find one of the southern hemispheres largest solar-powered Christmas trees. The lighting ceremony takes place at 6.30 pm 28th November and the tree will be lit every evening through till Boxing Day.
5. Christmas Carols in the Park
Technically now called the Lord Mayors Christmas carols but sorry that's just too egocentric, Council claiming credit for Christmas. The carols, however, held in the city botanic gardens are definitely worth getting along to.
They are scheduled to take place this year on the 13th December from 5 until 9 pm. They'll be some big-name acts, fun for the whole family and a small donation would be very much appreciated by the Mater Little Angels.
Will you be checking out any of the Christmas events in Brisbane this year?
Thinking of making a day of it with the family? You'll want to check out our list of fun and free things to do in the city!
Lisa | Mummy Made.It says
I wish we had some of these in my town! So much mroe exciting than the tired Carols by Candlelight
Holly says
Really hoped to get into the city and see the Myer window and city hall but I think time will get away on us this year. Hopefully next year when our daughter understands Christmas a little more as she will be 3 then.
[email protected] says
Yeah I totally get that Holly, its like time sped up this week. Enjoy your holidays!
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
How great does City Hall look all bedazzled and I can just picture myself at the Botanic Gardens for carols already. Thanks for linking up with my Christmas Link Party. xx
Sammy @ Days Like This says
Oh! This was so great to read. I lived in Brissie for 5 years before I moved to the UK. I miss it so much! Merry Christmas 🙂
[email protected] says
Merry Christmas to you too Sammy! I was born in the UK so really appreciate the differences, those traditions are great they really know how to 'do' Christmas over there but I love our relaxed beachy Christmas down under.
Emma says
I genuinely never thought Brisbane would have so many cool Christmas events!
[email protected] says
Thanks Emma. I'm also a part kiwi having lived there for most of my life and part English being born there and having many family ties. You must be finding London seriously Christmas mad after our low key Kiwi Christmas traditions.
Kelly says
The City Hall looks spectacular! I didn't realise how good a show Brisbane puts on at Christmas time - awesome post and Merry Christmas to you xx
[email protected] says
Happy Christmas to you too Kelly. Love your site x
Andrea @ Sublime Finds says
I loooove checking out the Myer windows every year - they are a Brisbane institution! Great round up! x
caroline says
I love when cities go all out with Holiday decorations, it always looks so beautiful!
xo
styleontheside.com
Fairlie says
Wow! There's a lot happening in Brisbane! The City Hall Light Spectacualr looks great. I've seen similar illuminations at White Night in Melbourne and Vivid in Sydney this year...and the concept never gets old.
[email protected] says
I guess I like things that are bright and shiny 🙂 I'd love to get to the Melbourne or Sydney ones too but I never seem to be there at the right times - hopefully soon!
Hope says
I'm in the Sydney these days but as a kid I remember mum taking us to see the Myer christmas lights and it was so amazing. I just had this feeling of wonder and excitement - love christmas time!
Visiting from Sunday Brunch at Mums.
[email protected] says
I bet Sydney has some fab Xmas events coming up. Enjoy!