Dust off the decorations and hang the stockings with care – the countdown to Christmas has begun.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner today announced the return of the annual Christmas in Brisbane program that will fill the CBD with festive fun for the whole family.
“Christmas is my favourite time of the year in Brisbane and our annual program just makes the season even more magical,” Cr Schrinner said.
“The spirit of Christmas isn’t about how much we spend, but who we spend our time with, and so our program will remain free or affordable for all residents to enjoy.”
The 2023 program will see the return of our most popular events, kicking off with the lighting of the Christmas Tree in King George Square on Friday 1 December with special guest headliner Dami Im.
The Lott by Golden Casket City Hall Lights will return each evening with an exciting Christmas tale from the 8th of December through to Christmas Eve.
Cr Schrinner said the The Enchanted Garden presented by Royal Caribbean and the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols will once again provide incredible value for residents.
“We know the carols are incredibly popular so this year we will hosting a special additional viewing site at Victoria Park for residents wanting to see their favourite carols on the big screen,” he said.
Free events like the Brisbane Arcade Christmas Markets, Christmas on Queen and the BrisStyle Twilight Markets will bring the Christmas Spirit to every laneway of the CBD.
Cr Schrinner said the program is the gift that keeps on giving for businesses, restaurants and entertainment precincts anticipating another seasonal boon.
“Last year’s Christmas period saw the Queen Street Mall foot traffic hit record highs in the wake of the pandemic and we are hopeful this year will be even better,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Whether it’s Christmas parties, present purchasing or visiting jolly old St. Nick, our city businesses will be on the nice list for shoppers this year.”
For those looking to spread the joy this season, The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust Christmas Appeal returns in 2023 to give back to those that might go without over the holidays.
“There is something in the air at Christmas time that makes us want to give what we can to others,” Cr Schrinner said.
“All donations to the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust are funnelled back into the grass roots charities that work with the residents who need it most.
“I encourage residents to find a way to give back this season, so everyone can experience the magic of Christmas.”
To donate to the Christmas Appeal, visit www.LMCT.org.au.
To view the full program of events, visit www.christmasinbrisbane.com.au.
| 2023 CHRISTMAS IN BRISBANE PROGRAM | |||
| DATE & TIME | VENUE | ACTIVITY | COST |
| Friday, 1 December, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
|
King George Square
|
Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree presented by The Lott by Golden Casket
A family favourite, a Brisbane tradition, and the official start of Christmas in Brisbane. Enjoy festival performances before the 22m-tall Christmas Tree’s sparkles light up the sky night.
Adding to the sparkle is singer songwriter, Dami Im to perform songs from her new album and other festive favourites. |
Free |
| 23 November – 20 December | Roma Street Parkland | The Enchanted Garden presented by Royal Caribbean
Roma Street Parkland’s immersive light spectacular returns spanning 22,000sqm of inner-city parklands, featuring twinkling lights, intricate holograms, dazzling lasers, special effects and projections.
Tickets are essential and are on sale from Monday 13 November at 10am via Ticketek. For details, head to enchantedgarden.com.au |
$9 (aged 13+ years) $7 (aged 3-12 years), Children aged two and under are free and do not require a ticket. |
| 8 – 24 December
7.30pm – midnight
|
Brisbane City Hall, King George Square | The Lott by Golden Casket City Hall Lights
Get ready to be captivated by the magical charm of Christmas as Brisbane’s iconic City Hall transforms into a lively canvas of stunning visuals and sounds of a Christmas story. This free show is running from 7:30 pm to midnight daily, from 8-24 December.
|
Free |
| 1 – 24 December
11am – 2.30pm daily
4.30pm – 8pm during late night trade
|
Queen Street Mall | Christmas on Queen
In this festive season, take a break from shopping and gatherings to enjoy live holiday entertainment in Queen Street Mall. Experience Christmas-themed pop-up performances and roaming acts in the mall from 11am to 2.30pm daily, and during late-night shopping from 4:30pm to 8pm. So, there are many chances to join in on the festive fun. |
Free |
| December 8, 15, & 22
5pm, 6pm, & 7pm |
Queen Street Mall – Main Stage | A Whimsical, Wondering Christmas
The Mall’s festive Friday Christmas feature show.
|
Free |
| 16 – 24 December
5 – 6pm daily |
Queen Street Mall – Main Stage | Starz Christmas Spectacular
Featuring local singers and dancers in a spectacular display of colour and movement. |
Free |
| Friday, 8 December, 10am – 7pm
Saturday, 9 December, 10am – 4pm |
Queen Street Mall | Brisbane Arcade Christmas Markets
Experience the holiday cheer as Brisbane City comes alive with delightful Christmas markets for everyone to savour. Discover and shop for the perfect gifts from your favourite Brisbane Arcade brands right in the heart of Queen Street Mall. |
Free |
| Friday, 15 December, 4pm – 9pm
|
King George Square
|
BrisStyle Twilight Markets
Make your way to King George Square and immerse yourself in the unique BrisStyle Twilight Markets, where you can find a delightful array of locally handmade goods from over 60 talented local designers. Stroll through the diverse stalls displaying the finest work of local designers and appreciate the artistry behind hand-crafted goods, set against the backdrop of the stunning Christmas Tree and City Hall. |
Free |
| 1 – 31 December
|
Various | Christmas Tiny Doors
Embark on a joyful adventure as you discover the whimsical Christmas-themed tiny doors sprinkled throughout The City! Each handmade door is a merry tribute to the holiday season and promises a delightful, free activity for the entire family. Available all December, let the magic of the season come alive through these enchanting little surprises. |
Free |
| Saturday, 02 December
– Gates open from 4pm, pre-show starts at 6pm, main show begins at 7pm |
Riverstage | Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols
The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols return in 2023 to spread joy to the world with a dazzling evening of high kicks, high notes, and hijinks. Hosted by Queensland’s first lady of song, Naomi Price, the event will be live streamed at Victoria Park. Tickets on sale 10am, Tuesday 14 November via Ticketmaster. |
$5 and free under 18 years of age |
| Saturday, 02 December – Gates open from 4.30pm
Pre-show starts at 5pm Live stream from 7pm-9pm |
Victoria Park – Entry via Gilchrist Avenue, Herston | Victoria Park Satellite Event
This Victoria Park free event (registrations required) will feature pre-carols entertainment, food trucks and a whole lot of family-friendly fun. Pack a picnic basket and blanket and round up your family and friends for a night of Christmas singing and celebration under a starry Brisbane summer sky. |
Free |
| 1-24 December | Uptown, Queen Street Mall | Christmas at Uptown
Go to town this festive season in collaboration with Rachel Burke. Enjoy a festive photo experience, free and paid workshops for the whole family, and gift wrapping from 1 December at Uptown, Top of Queen Street Mall. |
Free and paid workshops |
| 9 November – 24 December | QueensPlaza, Queen Street Mall | Christmas at David Jones – QueensPlaza
QueensPlaza is offering a premium Santa photo experience and Queensland’s first Waterford Bar stocked with Waterford crystal in David Jones, as well as festive entertainment this Christmas from 9 November. |
Free |
| 1-24 December | Wintergarden, Queen Street Mall | Christmas at Wintergarden
Enjoy a free festive photo moment at The Wintergarden Portrait Office and a chance to win a share of over $30,000 worth of prizes at The Wintergarden Mailroom. Plus, be delighted as the iconic Wintergarden façade is lit up each night with a dazzling Christmas light show. |
Free |
