Brisbane lights up with free and affordable festive program
Brisbane families can enjoy a Christmas packed with free and affordable fun, with lights, live shows and markets taking over the city this November and December.
Nine of the 11 headline events in this year’s Christmas in Brisbane program are completely free, while tickets to the popular Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols start at just $5, with children five and under free.
Brisbane’s own Jem Cassar-Daley will headline the Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree in King George Square on Friday 27 November.
An ambassador for the Starlight Children’s Foundation will join the Lord Mayor to switch on the tree.
Festivities will kick off at 4pm with The City After Dark Markets: Christmas Edition bringing street food, local makers, live music and a pop-up bar to Reddacliff Place.
From 4 to 24 December, Brisbane City Hall will light up nightly with colourful projections, music and a new Meowy Christmas story by local children’s author Melissa Elk.
The free show follows a grumpy cat who gets caught up in festive mischief before finding a discovering the Christmas spirit, with screenings running every 15 minutes from 7.30pm to midnight.
Five new Christmas Tiny Doors will pop up across the city, giving families even more free festive surprises to discover.
Queen Street Mall will come alive with free shows and roving performers throughout December, from lunchtime and continuing during late-night shopping.
The Enchanted Garden will return to Roma Street Parkland from 20 November to 19 December, while the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols will be held at the Riverstage on Saturday 5 December.
Tickets to the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols usually sell out fast, so families can also watch the Carols on the big screen for free at Roma Street Parkland.
Residents can also share the Christmas spirit by supporting the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust Christmas Appeal, which raises funds for vulnerable members of our community.
For the full program, visit christmasinbrisbane.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner
“We know families are feeling the pinch, so we’re bringing free festive fun to the city so everyone can enjoy the magic of Christmas in Brisbane.
“From the Christmas tree lighting to new Tiny Doors and a grumpy cat taking over City Hall, there’s plenty of free festive fun for the whole family.
“Christmas is also a great time to support our local businesses and artists, so while you’re in the city, grab a bite to eat, listen to some carols and tick off some Christmas shopping.”
