Christmas in Brisbane 2025: Everything you need to know

Christmas in Brisbane returns with sparkle, tradition and all-new family experiences, bringing a festive calendar of events to delight the whole city. From magical light shows to neighbourhood celebrations, this year’s Christmas in Brisbane program promises something for every family looking to soak up the seasonal spirit.

Festivities officially begin on Friday 28 November with the iconic Lighting of the Christmas Tree in King George Square. The event will feature Australian Idol winner Dylan Wright and, for the first time, a spectacular fireworks finale. It marks the start of more than a month of family-friendly fun across the city.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane transforms during the festive season, offering countless opportunities for families to come together.

“Brisbane comes alive over the festive season with celebrations that capture the spirit of the season and create so many exciting things for families to see and do,” Cr Schrinner said. “This year’s program blends exciting new experiences with traditions we all know and love, offering something special for everyone to enjoy.”

Beloved favourites, including The Enchanted Garden, City Hall Lights, Queen Street Mall entertainment, and the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, will all return. New additions this year include A Christmas Dreamscape dance performance, a Christmas-themed magic and circus show, and daily lunchtime carols by Underground Opera.

Christmas in Brisbane City Hall Lights

Christmas in Brisbane City Hall Lights

 

Families looking for festive fun close to home will have plenty of choice, with more than 45 free events across Brisbane’s libraries and over 50 affordable community celebrations in neighbourhoods city-wide, supported by the Schrinner Council.

Cr Schrinner said the season was also a time to connect and give back.

“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital and our Christmas program is about bringing people together – supporting local businesses, celebrating community spirit and showcasing everything that makes our city such a great place to live,” he said. “Christmas is also a time to give back, and the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust will once again support families doing it tough through its Christmas Appeal.”

With lights, music, performances and city-wide celebrations, Christmas in Brisbane 2025 is set to be one of the most joyful and inclusive programs yet.

To view the full program of events, visit www.christmasinbrisbane.com.au.

 

2025 Christmas in Brisbane Full Program

The Enchanted Garden

When: 21 November – 20 December, sessions every 15 minutes from 6:30 pm–9:15 pm

Where: Roma Street Parkland

Celebrating its tenth year, The Enchanted Garden returns as Brisbane’s most spectacular light-filled adventure. Families can wander through glowing tunnels, shimmering gardens and immersive displays in this magical after-dark experience.

Cost: Child $7.50 (free under 2), Adult $9.50, Family of 4 $32, Family of 5 $38

the Enchanted Garden Returns to Roma St Parklands for Christmas in Brisbane 2025

The Enchanted Garden returns to Roma St Parklands for Christmas in Brisbane 2025

 

Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree

When: 28 November, from 6:30 pm

Where: King George Square

The official launch of Christmas in Brisbane, featuring a performance by Dylan Wright, a visit from Santa and a brand-new fireworks finale to ignite the season.

Cost: Free

Christmas in Brisbane 2025: Lighting of the Christmas Tree

Christmas in Brisbane 2025: Lighting of the Christmas Tree

 

Christmas Tiny Doors

When: 1 – 24 December

Where: Various locations throughout Brisbane City

Follow the trail of whimsical, tiny doors created by artist Mace Robertson. These miniature Christmas-themed creations make for a magical family scavenger hunt through the CBD.

Cost: Free

Christmas in Brisbane: Tiny Doors

Christmas in Brisbane: Tiny Doors

 

A Christmas Dreamscape (NEW)

When: 5 December (opening night), 12–14 & 19–21 December, shows at 5 pm, 6 pm & 7 pm

Where: Queen Street Mall Stage

This enchanting dance performance by Paradox Dance Company follows a young girl’s Christmas Eve dream journey, discovering that the true spirit of Christmas lies in connection and kindness.

Cost: Free

 

The Magic & Circus Show – Christmas Edition (NEW)

When: Saturdays & Sundays in December (6–7, 13–14, 20–21), shows at 12 pm & 1 pm

Where: Queen Street Mall Stage

Queensland performers Rhett Marrow and Jason Gray bring festive fun to the mall with a high-energy blend of magic, circus tricks and family-friendly comedy.

Cost: Free

Christmas in Brisbane: a Whimsical Wonderful Christmas Show

Christmas in Brisbane: A whimsical wonderful Christmas show

 

Lunchtime Christmas Carols (NEW)

When: Weekdays, Monday to Friday, shows at 12 pm & 1 pm

Where: Queen Street Mall Stage

Enjoy the soaring voices of Underground Opera as they perform classic and contemporary Christmas carols in the heart of the city.

Cost: Free

 

Christmas at Uptown

When: 6 November – 24 December

Where: Uptown, Queen Street Mall

Wander through Uptown’s festive windows and immersive holiday installations celebrating the joy and magic of the season.

Cost: Free

 

Sono Lumo – Festive Nights of Sound & Light

When: 10 – 21 December, Wednesday–Sunday, 6 pm–10 pm (shows 7:15 pm, 8:15 pm, 9:15 pm)

Where: Queen’s Wharf Brisbane & The Star Brisbane

An illuminating light, sound and projection spectacular that transforms the riverside precinct into a dazzling holiday experience.

Cost: Free

Christmas in Brisbane: Sono Lumo

Christmas in Brisbane: Sono Lumo

 

City Hall Lights – “A Christmas Blackout” (NEW STORY)

When: 5 – 24 December, various times

Where: Brisbane City Hall, King George Square

City Hall comes to life with a brand-new animated Christmas story about neighbours uniting when a blackout threatens Santa’s arrival.

Cost: Free

Christmas in Brisbane: City Hall Lights

Christmas in Brisbane: City Hall Lights

 

BrisStyle Twilight Markets

When: 14 November & 19 December, 4 pm–9 pm

Where: King George Square

Shop handmade gifts, artisan creations and unique local crafts at these popular twilight markets.

Cost: Free entry (market purchases vary)

 

Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols

When: 6 December, gates open 4 pm, pre-show 6 pm, main show 7 pm–9 pm

Where: Riverstage, with a free live broadcast at Roma Street Parkland

A night of world-class festive entertainment featuring top Australian performers.

Cost: Adults $7.50, Children 5–12 $5, Under 5 free

Christmas in Brisbane Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols

Christmas in Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols

 

Christmas on Queen

When: 5 – 24 December

Where: Queen Street Mall

The mall comes alive with roller-skating candy canes, stilt walkers, music trios and roving festive performers throughout December.

Cost: Free

Christmas on Queen Roaming Entertainment

Christmas on Queen roaming entertainment

 

Starz Christmas Spectacular

When: 15 – 24 December, shows at 5 pm & 6 pm (Queen Street Mall), 7 pm (King George Square)

Where: Queen Street Mall & King George Square

Enjoy nightly Christmas performances by talented local dancers and singers in this lively family show.

Cost: Free

 


Helpful links:

Things to do with kids in Brisbane
Free kids activities
What’s on for kids in Brisbane
School holiday activities in Brisbane

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By Angela Sutherland
After spending many years hustling stories on busy editorial desks around the world, Angela is now mum of two little ones and owner/editor at Kids on the Coast / Kids in the City. She is an atrocious cook and loves cutting shapes to 90s dance music.

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