There areย plenty ofย fantastic reasons why Brisbane is an ideal location to spend a summer Christmas, and in the lead-up to the special dayย the city turns out all the stops to put on a special show with a range of Brisbane Christmas events. From markets, to lighting displays, carols to childrenโs activities, itโs the most magical time of year in the River City.ย ย
Here areย some ofย theย must-see Brisbane shows and events that you should get yourself along to this Christmas.ย ย
City Sparkle
Brisbane city alwaysย puts on a beautiful Christmas display, and heading into the city is an important tradition forย manyย families.ย During the day, catch Christmas on Queen โ pop-up performances, roaming entertainment, and a special parade and pantomimeย are on offer inย theย heart of Brisbane city. ย
Once there, itโs the perfect time to catch the Gold Lotto City Hall Lights, held until the 24th of December. An unforgettable light and sound show is projected onto the City Hall, running every 15 minutes from 7pm until midnight. For a different kind of enchanted Christmas magic, head along to the Enchanted Gardens at the Roma Street Botanic Gardens. This year, youโll require a ticket from Ticketek but the display is worth every penny.
Stop at South Bank
South Bank is a must-see stop on any Brisbane trip, butย atย Christmas timeย there are even more things to see and do.ย Santa and Mrs Claus make their annual visit between the 18-23rdย of December to the Flowstate Pavilion,ย offering socially-distanced snaps duringย Santaโs Stop Overย for a photo to remember.ย
After 4pm, take yourย kidsย toย the Flowstate Lawnsย for festive arts, crafts, and stories held by Santaโs elves, and then stay for a movie. At 6:15pm and 8pm,ย seasonal cinema offerings will be screened with the beautiful backdrop of Brisbane city. You can find the movie programย here.ย Swimming at Streets Beach, exploring the Epicurious gardens, and beautiful riverside strolls are on offer at any time.ย ย
Christmas Carols
Nothing says Christmas quite like aย carol singalong, and there areย plenty ofย opportunities to join in the music and festivities throughout the city.ย Youโll often find twilight markets,ย plenty ofย activities for the kids, and of courseย some incredible performances that will have youย joining in on your favourite carols.ย ย
The Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra will take over the South Bank Piazza on the 22ndย of December from 2pmย โ 3pmย for a free performance of all your Christmas favourites. Thereโs still plenty of time to get singing! Forย a touch of class, check out theย Carols in theย Reservoir,ย as leading opera stars perform your Christmas favourites.ย ย ย
To Market, To Market
If you havenโt quite finished your Christmas shopping (or just enjoy the festive atmosphere) then get along to one of the many markets that are popping up this holiday season.
Theย Collective Marketsย at South Bank are holding a Christmas edition between the 17thย โ 23rdย of December. Check out theย exciting range of stalls on offer, and then make your way through South Bankย for their other Christmas festivities.ย
If youโre after fresh produce to fuel your Christmas feast, you canโt go past theย Farmersโ Marketsย at Rockleaย on theย 22ndย of December.ย Theย Rocklea marketsย are fantastic at any time of year, but the seasonal produce andย theย addedย Christmas spirit make itย an extra special time. If youโd prefer to head to the Gold Coast for your farmers produce,ย theย Palm Beach Farmers Marketย will be operating on Friday the 24thย fromย 6am โ 11.30am, with rumours of a special appearance from Santa himself!ย
Follow the Lights
Brisbane has a fantastic tradition with Christmas lights, and driving along to take in all the Christmas cheer is an essential holiday activity. Along with the big light displays like the Roma Street Botanic Gardens and the Town Hall, check out the St Stephenโs Cathedral on Elizabeth Street, and the Government House in Paddington for some spectacular displays.
ย In addition to the big city displays, thereย isย plenty ofย home-grown talent that is well worth the drive.ย Brisbane Kidsย have compiled driving maps that help you take in the best lighting displays in your area as well as other fabulous Brisbane Christmas events.ย ย
Travelling Around Brisbane
Your journey withโฏAirtrainโฏmarks the start of your Christmas adventures in Brisbane.โฏYou will arriveโฏquickly and comfortably from the airport to Brisbane City in 20 minutes. You can disembark at your chosen city station โโฏAirtrainโฏruns express from the airport, but stops at FortitudeโฏValley, Central, Roma Street, and South Brisbane stations.โฏโฏ
While youโre in Brisbane,โฏshort term visitorsโฏshould check out theโฏgoโฏseeQโฏcard, which allows you unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on buses, trains, ferries, and trams. It also includes 2โฏAirtrainโฏjourneys to/from the Brisbane Airport.โฏโฏโฏ
For longer stays, travel like the locals with aโฏgoโฏcardโฏโ just touch on at your station of departure and touch off when you arrive at your destination.โฏโฏ
Brisbane Christmas Events
Itโs the most wonderful time of year, and itโs especially wonderful in Brisbane. There is so much to see and do, right on through the holiday period. If youโre wondering how to get into the Christmas spirit this holiday season, donโt miss the incredible opportunities on offer in our beautiful city.
If youโre planning to visit Brisbane and join in on the Christmas spirit, Airtrainโs secure and reliable services mean you can get to where you need to go on time and in comfort. With so many events happening, and so much to see and do โ celebrate the special season with Brisbane and Airtrain.