It’s the most wonderful time of year – Christmas festivities have finally begun! With a long year full of many obstacles, it’s great to take a moment and appreciate being out with other Australians. Let’s enjoy what our beautiful state has to offer, and celebrate the season!
Brisbane and the Gold Coast are hosting a range of fun, free, festive activities that the whole family can enjoy. There are a few additional safety measures for some activities (such as needing to pre-book), but that won’t do anything to dampen the joy.
Let’s take a look at just some of the most anticipated Christmas activities you can participate in this holiday season.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family, from all of us at Airtrain!
Brisbane:
Christmas Tree in King George Square
Between the 1-30th of December, King George Square is lit up by a massive 22m Christmas tree, with the lights switching on at 6:30 pm for the ultimate Christmas wonder – and a really good Christmas selfie.
Christmas on Queen Street
The long stretch between retailers on the Queen Street Mall comes alive for Christmas, with daily pop-up performances and roving entertainers.
Brisbane City Hall Light Show
Watch a playful Christmas tale come to life every 15 minutes via an exciting light and animation show, projected onto Brisbane City Hall, King George Square. This event is open to everyone and free to attend. The display starts at 7.30pm, and lights up City Hall every 15 minutes until midnight.
Christmas Cinema in Southbank
The RiverQuay Green is all set to host your favourite Christmas movies from the 18th to the 23rd of December. Take a rug, a picnic, register your details as part of the covid-safe plan, and cosy up under the stars as the magic of Christmas cinema unfolds in the beautiful heart of the city.
Kids Craft and Storytelling
From the 18th to the 23rd of December, the Flowstate Lawns at Southbank will offer kids craft and story-telling between 4:00pm to 8:45pm. The activities are free to join in, but guests will have to register their details as part of the government’s covid-safe plans.
Gold Coast
Christmas at Pacific Fair
Pacific Fair is a major shopping destination, with over 400 retailers offering a massive range of goods. The centre is even more attractive during the festive season, with events for adults and kids alike to keep the Christmas spirit alive.
HoHo Handmade
The Gold Coast have some excellent markets, and this year they’re hosting handmade and artisanal stalls selling gifts you just won’t find anywhere else. Held on Saturday December 12th between 4:00pm – 9:00pm, you’re sure to find something for that hard-to-buy-for loved one. Soak up the atmosphere and amazing food on the Surfers Paradise stretch as you browse.
Theme Park Christmas.
It’s not free but it’s well worth the trip. Christmas is coming early to some of South East Queensland’s major theme parks. Celebrate with the range of Aussie and international animals at the Currumbin Sanctuary, or experience a magical white Christmas at Movieworld. Airtrain offers tickets to many different theme parks and attractions from any Airtrain counter, so you have the convenience of planning your journey and events at the same location.
Carols on the Beach
Celebrate the magic of Christmas carols in a true Queensland setting. Carols on the beach combine the best part of the Gold Coast with the best kind of Christmas activity. Held on December 20th on the Surfers Paradise beach, this family-friendly event will begin at 4 and finish at 8:45 with fireworks.
Getting to your Destination
Brisbane City is easily in reach from the Brisbane Airport, with Airtrain services running run every 15 minutes on-peak and every 30 minutes off-peak. Your journey to Brisbane City will take only 20 minutes, and you can disembark at your chosen city station – Airtrain runs direct from the Brisbane Airport, but stops at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street, and South Brisbane stations.
If the Gold Coast is your destination, Airtrain run express to the Gold Coast but stops at all Gold Coast stations, including Ormeau, Coomera, Helensvale (connects with G:link tram at Helensvale station), Nerang, Robina, and Varsity Lakes. From there, trams and buses provide connecting services to other locations around the Gold Coast, or you can take advantage of our AirtrainConnect (Train & Transfer) service.
Brisbane and the Gold Coast are connected by an extensive network of trains, buses, and trams. All Brisbane public transport uses a smart card for travel, or you can purchase a paper ticket.
Short term visitors should check out the go seeQ card, which allows you unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on buses, trains, ferries and trams. It also includes 2 Airtrain journeys to/from the Brisbane Airport.
For longer stays, travel like the locals with a go card – just touch on at your station of departure and touch off when you arrive at your destination.
Staying Safe
Airtrain are proud of our status as a Covid-Clean Practicing Business, helping to keep our customers safe and healthy. You can help your family stay safe over this Christmas period by practicing social distancing, frequent hand-washing, and keeping up-to-date on the latest information.
We also encourage you to download the Covid-Safe app to help you stay informed, so you can relax and enjoy the festivities that South East Queensland has to offer.
