Christmas in Brisbane

2025

Updated: Dec 26, 2025

THIS EVENT IS NOW IN THE PAST. FOR MORE GREAT THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN AND AROUND BRISBANE, PLEASE HEAD TO OUR WHAT'S ON PAGE.

The most wonderful time of the year is here and it's time to celebrate! Christmas in Brisbane is back with a dazzling line up of festivities across Brisbane.

The City has again transformed into a magical wonderland for Christmas, with iconic events like the Lord Mayor's Lighting of the Christmas Tree and Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols along with dazzling light installations magical performances, carols and an enchanting tiny doors adventure.

There’s something sure to delight the whole family, as Brisbane comes alive with a free program of festive cheer for all ages!

Lord Mayor's Lighting of the Christmas Tree

lit up clocktower and Christmas tree Brisbane

Join Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner as he officially kicks off the Christmas in Brisbane festivities with the lighting of the spectacular 22-metre Christmas tree. Gather family and friends and come along to spend a jolly evening with Santa and his helpers as they dance around the tree, spreading the joy of the most wonderful time of the year. You'll also be treated to a special performance by Dylan Wright. The dazzling Christmas tree will continue to light up King George Square throughout the season, providing the perfect backdrop for festive photos in the heart of The City.

King George Square, Friday, Nov 28 from 6.30pm

The magic of Christmas comes to light with Brisbane's iconic City Hall's dazzling display of captivating visuals, festive sounds and a heart-warming Christmas story that the whole family will love.

A Christmas Blackout - Written by Melissa Sailsbury: Ned and Ted are worried Santa won't find them in their new apartment, they rally their neighbours to light up their balconies. But when a blackout hits on Christmas Eve, the community bands together with candles, music, and spirit to ensure Santa's arrival.

King George Square, Dec 5-24 7.30pm-midnight (every 15 minutes)

Take time out from your Christmas shopping to experience the magic of live festive entertainment. From roller-skating candy canes to stilt walkers and musical trios (and even a grumpy strop!), the Queen Street mall will be taken over by roving Christmas performances throughout the month of December. Come and say hello!

Queen St Mall (roving) Dec 5-24 Daily 11am-3pm; 4-8pm

Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols

The Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols is a night bursting with live music, iconic voices, and a whole lot of sparkle. Experience your favourite Christmas songs in a dazzling live show filled with fun and celebration.

With plenty of surprise moments and sing-along classics, this is the ultimate feel-good event to kick off the festive season. Gather your friends and family and get ready to sing, dance, and celebrate. Hosted by Sylvia Jeffreys and Tim Davies, this world-class evening of entertainment features a spectacular lineup including Bluey & Bingo, Dami Im, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Brisbane City Gospel Choir, and more - all bringing the magic and spirit of Christmas to life.

This event is delivered by Brisbane City Council and presented by Toyota. Produced by Rizer and broadcast on Nine. Check local guides for times.

The Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols supports the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust, spreading Christmas joy and giving back to the community.

Riverstage, Saturday Dec 6. Gates open 4pm; Pre-show entertainment from 6pm; Main concert 7-9pm. A (18yrs+) $5 Ch (under 18) free

Free live stream at Roma Street Parkland

Join the adventures of a young girl who drifts off into a magical dreamscape on Christmas Eve, choreographed and brought to life by Paradox Dance Company. Along the way on her journey she encounters a mix of fairytale Christmas figures that help discovers that the true spirit of Christmas isn’t found in gifts or glitter, but in connection, love, and giving from the heart.

Queen St Mall Stage, Dec 5 (Opening Night), Dec 12-14; Dec 19-21 5pm, 6pm, 7pm

Bring the family and have an afternoon of laughter and awe over the Christmas holidays! Rhett Marrow and Jason Gray are beloved Queenslanders who know how to delight a crowd of all ages with the circus and magic skills.

Queen Street Mall Stage - Dec 6-7, Dec 13-14, Dec 20-21 12pm & 1pm

Get ready for a heartwarming celebration of the season, right in the heart of The City! Experience the ultimate Christmas extravaganza with the Starz Christmas Spectacular. Join in song and dance with talented local performers as they light up your holiday evenings with unforgettable performances, every night in Queen Street Mall and King George Square.

Queen Street Mall Stage Dec 15-24 5pm & 6pm

King George Square Dec 15-24 7pm

Make your way to King George Square and immerse yourself in the unique BrisStyle Twilight Markets, where you will find a delightful array of handmade goods from talented local artisans. As you wander through the markets, discover beautifully crafted gifts and treasures, all while experiencing the magical opening night of City Hall Lights.

King George Square. Nov 14 & Dec 19 4-9pm

Be enchanted by the melodic voices of the Underground Opera as they perform a heart-warming repertoire of traditional and contemporary Christmas carols. Set against the festive backdrop of The City, these special lunchtime performances are sure to bring joy, nostalgia, and holiday cheer to your day. Take a break from shopping or the office, gather with friends and family, and let the soaring harmonies transport you into the spirit of Christmas.

Queen Street Mall Stage Dec 14-25 12pm & 1pm

The festive season has officially been heralded in with Brisbane City's iconic Christmas tree lighting up King George Square! One of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, Brisbane City's Christmas tree, which stands at 22m tall, continues a cherished tradition dating back to the 1950s.

Be sure to bring the family, snap a photo and admire this magnificent tree on display from 29 November until early January. And do share your Christmas in Brisbane experience on @brisbanecity using #ChristmasInBrisbane for a chance to be featured.

King George Square - From Nov 28 All day/night

Adding another layer of magic are the enchanting Christmas-themed tiny doors hidden around Brisbane City! Designed and created by local artist Mace Robertson, these whimsical doors are perfect for a family Christmas hunt. How many will you discover? Be sure you capture the moment and share your Tiny Door adventure on @brisbanecity using #ChristmasInBrisbane for a chance to be featured.

Various locations, Dec 1-24

A blend of Christmas traditions and cutting-edge technology, Sono Lumo blends light, sound and projection across The Star façade and Queen’s Wharf precinct.

As dusk falls, a dazzling audiovisual show transforms the skyline as part of an incredible immmersive experience not to be missed.

Queens Wharf. December 10-21, Wed-Sun 6-10pm. Hero Shows: 7:15pm, 8:15pm & 9:15pm

Brisbane Economic Development Agency is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com