Christmas In The City

Tis the season to visit the city, with more free, festive family fun than you can shake a candy cane at; including a spirited parade and pantomime, spectacular light show,  live music on every street corner, Christmas carols in Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens and a multicultural market for last minute shopping. 

Myer Christmas Parade & Pantomime

Myer’s impressive parade and pantomime, presented by Brisbane City Council and Queensland Ballet, kicks off on Friday, December 13.  Each evening from 6:30pm, more than 200 talented performers and giant 3D floating Christmas ornaments, led by The Nutcracker’s Clara (Queensland Ballet’s Teri Crilly), will travel along Queen Street Mall from Edward Street to King George Square; where spectators will be entertained with an all-singing, all-dancing panto, nativity scene barnyard animals and fireworks finale. Dec 13 - 22

Gold Lotto City Hall Light Spectacular

New this Christmas, the Gold Lotto City Hall Light Spectacular is sure to wow with a 3D animated light show magically projected on City Hall.  Join a collection of Christmas characters and toys in the Clockwork Christmas Toy Factory and watch as the Nutcracker doll is made and meets Clara.  Don’t miss the grand finale when a toy rocket launches into the starlit sky showering the city in magic dust. The Light Spectacular takes place every fifteen minutes from 7:30 to 9:30pm.  Dec 13-24 

The City Sounds Christmas Up late

The city is alive with the sound of music this Christmas.  From December 13 til Christmas Eve, local, national and international artists will entertain the Christmas crowds while they shop.  See Asa Broomhall, The Rusty Datsuns, The Bon Scotts, Mustered Courage and more performing in the Queen Street Mall each evening at 7,8 and 9pm. Dec 13-24 

IGA Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols in the City

photo by Photography Twelve:10

Brisbane’s favourite, festive family event is the IGA Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, held annually at Riverstage in the City Botanic Gardens. On Saturday, December 14, join Silvie Paladino, Paulini, Jack Vidgen and many more alongside the Carols Choir – an amazing group of talented singers from the Resonance of Birralee and the City 

Tabernacle Choir – for an enchanted evening underneath the stars.  Bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy or purchase something on-site.  Gates open at 5pm with entertainment commencing at 5:30pm.  This is an alcohol-free event.  Dec 14

World By Night

Head to Reddacliff Place on Friday, December 20 for some last minute Christmas shopping and world music.  Presented by BEMAC, this merry, multicultural event features Brisbane’s best world music and dance; from African drumming to Argentinean tango.  Highlights include the international collective The Ethno Australia Orchestra, live DJ, craft market and ethnic food stalls. Dec 20 from 6-10pm. 

by Deb Lidster