Brisbane’s festive season begins tonight with thousands of people expected to gather in King George Square for the lighting of the city’s iconic Christmas tree.
Standing 22 metres tall and adorned with more than 8600 shimmering lights and 150 ornaments from chrome baubles to gold stars and candy canes, the tree will once again take centre stage as one of Brisbane’s most loved seasonal traditions.
The free annual event will once more feature a lineup of live performances before the big moment.
Country music artist and Australian Idol winner Dylan Wright will take the stage, along with the Australian Girls Choir to belt out Christmas favourites.
Sophia from the Starlight Foundation, will join Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to officially light the tree.
This year, spectators will enjoy a new fireworks finale to light up the heart of the city.
Families can also look forward to appearances from Santa and his cheerful Christmas elves, as the Christmas program officially kicks off with a calendar full of free and affordable experiences for all ages.
The Enchanted Garden has returned to Roma Street Parkland, transforming the space with 12 kilometres of fairy lights, hologram displays and immersive night-time projections.
Visitors to the Queen Street Mall will discover new entertainment offerings at the mall stage, including:
• A Christmas Dreamscape – a daily dance performance featuring beloved Christmas characters
• A festive magic and circus show starring Queensland performers Rhett Marrow and Jason Gray
• Lunchtime Christmas Carols with Underground Opera, filling the city with classic Christmas melodies throughout the week
Over at Queen’s Wharf, the popular Sono Lumo light and sound spectacular returns each night, adding even more colour to Brisbane’s riverside precinct.
From Monday 15 December, Christmas shoppers will be able to take advantage of extended trading hours, with Queen Street Mall open for late-night shopping between 6pm and 9pm and major centres trading until 9pm.
Those wanting to support people in need are encouraged to contribute to the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust Christmas Appeal, which is raising funds for local charities helping Brisbane’s most vulnerable residents.
The King George Square Christmas Tree will remain lit nightly from 28 November 2025 to 5 January 2026.
More details on the full Christmas program can be found at www.christmasinbrisbane.com.au and donations to the Christmas Appeal can be made at www.LMCT.org.au
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“Brisbane’s reputation as Australia’s lifestyle capital shines even brighter at Christmas time.
“We are lucky to live in a city with so much to see and do during the holidays.
“Our Christmas in Brisbane program offers free and affordable events that bring people together and make the festive season feel special.
“Christmas is the perfect time to come into the city enjoy our Christmas lights and entertainment and celebrate the incredible lifestyle we share.”
