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Best Free Christmas Festivities in Brisbane

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.

Get into the Christmas spirit for free with all of the fabulous events and happenings around the City, South Bank and beyond, including nightly shows by the Christmas tree, performances in Queen St Mall and a wander through the dazzling Brisbane Arcade.

Over at South Bank there's free Christmas concerts and activities, and be sure to check out Queensland Government House's spectacular Christmas light display, which is open to the public and free to visit.

Plus we also have the lowdown on free Christmas fun to be had in Ipswich, Redlands and Bribie Island.

Bribie Island Christmas Lights Boat Parade 2025

Boat lit up with pink Christmas lights on Bribie Island

Trade the sleigh for a tinnie as the Bribie Island Christmas Lights Boat Parade transforms the canals into a dazzling aquatic spectacle

Christmas in Brisbane

From the lighting of the Christmas Tree, City Hall and Queens Wharf Light shows, carols and performances in Queen St Mall to free Xmas movies, carols, maze and shows at South Bank

Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights are back at Government House this year in a spectacular display and it's open to the public

Christmas at Brisbane Arcade

Brisbane’s oldest and most iconic shopping destination, Brisbane Arcade, has once again been transformed into a Christmas wonderland

Best Christmas Lights in Brisbane

Take a drive around the suburbs of Brisbane and beyond to see this year's best Christmas light displays

Christmas On Redlands Coast

Christmas has arrived on Redlands Coast with free family-friendly activities and events spreading festive cheer far and wide

Christmas at St Nicholas Precinct

Christmas markets at Nicholas St Precinct

Ipswich’s Nicholas Street Precinct will transform into a dazzling Christmas wonderland

Sister Act

A feel-good musical celebration of friendship, courage, and finding your voice

Jun 27 - Jul 11

Croc! Guided Tours for Families

Take a guided tour of the crocodile exhibition these school holidays

Jun 29 - Jul 10

Kurilpa Kids Discovery Tour

Step into a playful world in this First Nations children’s tour for kids at Queensland Museum Kurilpa.

Jun 30 - Jul 9

360 Allstars

BMX, basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing and more combine at 360 ALLSTARS

Jun 30-Jul 10

Italian Serenatas

A dramatic journey with The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra through the heart of Baroque Italy.

Jul 2

QCDA Cake Show

Ever wondered how some cakes are made, is it really cake?

Jul 3-5

Bonfire Night

This extraordinary event features sensational bonfires and so much more

Jul 4

Group eating at a table at El Camino King St

Open Season Dining Deals

Check out these King St Open Season dining deals

Until Jul 24

A Bee Story

It’s a sticky situation, and things never quite go to plan…

8-11 Jul

Brisbane Greeters Tours

See Brisbane through the eyes of a local with these free guided tours

Brisbane Greeters Tours

MUST DO

International Cake Show Australia

Australia's biggest cake, cookie and sugar art show returns to Brisbane for its 10th year with 3 massive days of fun & hands-on learning

International Cake Show Australia

THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do June 26-28

Sister Act arrives in Brisbane, the Sunnybank Food Trail returns, a hot New Mexico-inspired taqueria opens on the northside & the Fox Hotel reopens as Hotel Terminus

This Weekend June 26-28

BRISBANE GUIDE

Day to Night in Paddington

Follow our Must Do-approved itinerary for the ultimate day-to-night adventure through Paddington

Day to Night in Paddington

NEXT MONTH

What's on in July in & around Brisbane

From Video Games concert, Night Feast by the river and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra to art tours of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Jetty2Jetty and Bonfire Night, the best things to do in and around Brisbane in July:

What's On in Brisbane in July

FAMILY

Red Riding Hood and The Wolf

Queensland Ballet is set to enchant young audiences with Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, a brand-new whimsical production

Red Riding Hood and The Wolf

THE GUIDE

Winter School Holidays Jun-Jul

Keep the kids off the screens this holiday with these great shows, activities and events, from fun in the snow to epic shows, exhibitions and more

June July School Holiday Guide

BEST OF BRISBANE

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Best Of Brisbane

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Whether you're after breezy drinks by the river, a stiff whiskey in an underground bar, a cosy laneway hideaway or a rooftop with views, here's 50 of Brisbane's best bars

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A vibrant celebration of Baroque Italy at QPAC