The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols to dazzling light shows – your ultimate guide to Christmas in Brisbane
Brisbane will come alive with festive cheer once again as Christmas in The City returns for another season of lights, laughter and festive fun. From the moment the giant tree flickers to life in King George Square to the final carols echoing through Queen Street Mall, the city is brimming with merry moments to share. Watch City Hall light up with dazzling displays, discover handmade treasures at twilight markets and join the crowd as carols fill the summer air. It’s the most wonderful time of the year – here’s your guide to Christmas in Brisbane.
Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree
Christmas in Brisbane begins with a twinkle when the Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree illuminates King George Square on Friday November 28 – a cherished Brisbane tradition since the 1950s. Gather your crew and count down as The City’s spectacular 22-m tree bursts to life in a flurry of twinkling lights, music and cheer. Santa and his dancing helpers will be spreading joy through the crowd, while Dylan Wright sets the festive mood with live tunes. Once the lights are on, the magic keeps glowing all season long (until early January) so grab a selfie under the sparkle and soak up the Christmas spirit in the heart of Brisbane.
BrisStyle Twilight Markets
Get your Christmas shopping underway when the BrisStyle Twilight Markets return to King George Square on Friday November 14 and again on Friday December 19. As the sun sets, the square transforms into a twinkling wonderland filled with stalls from Brisbane’s best local makers and artisans. Browse one-of-a-kind gifts, handmade homewares, jewellery and festive treats – all while enjoying the dazzling City Hall Lights show. With fairy lights overhead, live tunes in the air and Christmas cheer all around, it’s the ultimate way to tick off your Christmas list while supporting Brisbane’s brilliant local creatives.
Christmas on Queen
Things are getting merry on Queen Street this December with Christmas on Queen – a month-long celebration packed with roving performers and festive flair. From December 5–24, you’ll spot roller-skating candy canes, cheeky stilt walkers, musical trios and jolly characters spreading plenty of Christmas cheer. Performances pop up from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and 4:00–8:00 pm each day, filling the mall with music, laughter and sparkle. It’s festive, it’s fun and it’s the perfect excuse to linger a little longer in the heart of the city.
A Christmas Dreamscape
Step into a world of wonder with A Christmas Dreamscape, a whimsical dance spectacular by Paradox Dance Company on the Queen Street Mall Stage. Join a young girl as she tumbles into a glittering dream world on Christmas Eve, meeting fairytale friends who help her discover that the true joy of the season comes from love, kindness and giving from the heart. Opening on Friday December 5, the enchanting show returns across the weekends of December 12–14 and December 19–21, with performances at 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm guaranteed to sprinkle a little festive magic over every evening.
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City Hall Lights
Brisbane’s iconic City Hall is getting a festive glow-up! From December 5–24, the City Hall Lights show will dazzle King George Square every 15 minutes from 7:30 pm, lighting up the night with colour, music and Christmas magic. This year’s brand-new story, A Christmas Blackout by Melissa Salisbury, follows Ned and Ted as they rally their neighbours to save Christmas when a blackout hits on Christmas Eve. Expect big-hearted moments, twinkling lights and plenty of sparkle – the perfect reason to grab a bite in The City, settle in under the stars and watch Brisbane glow with festive magic.
The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols
Get ready to jingle all the way to Riverstage – The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols returns on Saturday December 6, bringing a night of high kicks, high notes and plenty of festive mischief. Hosted by Brisbane’s own Naomi Price, this glittering celebration will feature a star-studded all-Australian line-up (to be revealed soon) and enough Christmas cheer to light up the whole city. Prefer to picnic? Catch the free live stream at The Amphitheatre at Roma Street Parklands, complete with food trucks and family fun. With sing-alongs, surprises and feel-good vibes for all, this beloved event is the ultimate way to kick off Christmas in Brisbane.
The Magic & Circus Show – Christmas Edition
Prepare to be amazed as The Magic & Circus Show brings festive fun to the Queen Street Mall Stage every Saturday and Sunday in December. Hosted by Queensland favourites Rhett Marrow and Jason Gray, this high-energy show is packed with mind-bending magic, daring circus tricks and plenty of laughs for the whole family. From juggling acts to jaw-dropping illusions, it’s a merry mix of wonder and excitement that’ll keep kids and grown-ups grinning. Catch the action at 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm on December 6–7, 13–14 and 20–21, and get ready for giggles, gasps and a whole lot of Christmas fun!
STARZ Christmas Spectacular
It’s showtime! The STARZ Christmas Spectacular is set to dazzle Brisbane with music, dance and Christmas cheer from December 15–24. Each evening, talented local performers bring Queen Street Mall and King George Square alive with high-energy numbers and Christmas classics that’ll have you humming along. Expect twinkling lights, toe-tapping tunes and plenty of heart as the city bursts into song. Catch performances nightly at 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm on the Queen Street Mall Stage, followed by a 7:00 pm show in King George Square.
Lunchtime Christmas Carols
Turn your lunch break into spirited sing-along with Lunchtime Christmas Carols in the Queen Street Mall. From December 15 to 24, the incredible voices of the Underground Opera will fill The City with festive tunes – think classic carols, joyful harmonies and a few fun surprises along the way. Performances at 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm daily make for the ultimate midday pick-me-up, whether you’re escaping the office or on a Christmas shopping spree. Round up your pals, grab a sandwich or sushi roll, and sing your heart out as Brisbane’s city centre fills with the joyful sounds of the season!
Christmas Tiny Doors
Step into a world of miniature magic with Christmas Tiny Doors, a festive treasure hunt hidden throughout Brisbane City from December 1–24. Created by local artist Mace Robertson, these charming pint-sized doors are tucked away in laneways, shopfronts and secret city corners – each with its own sprinkle of Christmas spirit. Perfect for families, friends and curious explorers, it’s a heartwarming way to see The City through fresh eyes. The Tiny Doors will be hidden across Queen Street Mall, King George Square, MacArthur Central, Post Office Square, Queen’s Wharf, Queens Plaza, Uptown and Wintergarden – so keep your eyes peeled! Don’t forget to snap a photo of your discoveries and share them on @brisbanecity with #ChristmasInBrisbane for your chance to be featured.
Sono Lumo
Sono Lumo returns to the Queen’s Wharf precinct this December, blending Christmas traditions with cutting-edge technology to create a vibrant celebration of light and sound. As dusk falls from December 10–21, a dazzling audiovisual show will transform the skyline, illuminating Queen’s Wharf and The Star facade in a free immersive experience of projection, colour and festive magic. Running Wednesday to Sunday from 6:00–10:00 pm, with main shows at 7:15 pm, 8:15 pm and 9:15 pm, Sono Lumo invites visitors to wander the precinct, soak up the atmosphere and experience the spirit of Christmas shining bright.
Head to the Christmas in Brisbane website to unwrap all of the festive details.
This article was written in partnership with our friends at The City.