Celebrate the best of the season in Brisbane with our holiday event guide. Whether you've called Brisbane home for years or just for the holidays, this guide ensures a joyful experience.
This festive season, Brisbane lights up with the colourful Christmas Celebrations, featuring dazzling displays and live entertainment across the city. Unique in its offerings, the Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival showcases a diverse selection of films from talented filmmakers, providing a cinematic treat for all. And the Christmas Fireworks is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it transforms the night sky into a stunning spectacle of light and sound. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Brisbane
- Christmas Celebrations
- Carols by Candlelight at Riverstage
- Christmas Fireworks
- Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival
- Sandstone Point Hotel Christmas Carnival (Sandstone Point)
- Christmas-themed River Cruise
- The Handmade Christmas Markets (South Bank)
- Summer Land Camels Christmas Market (Harrisville)
- Gasworks Plaza Christmas Markets (Newstead)
- Beenleigh Christmas Twilight Markets (Beenleigh)
See these and even more events listed below!
Brisbane Holiday Markets and Shopping
Summer Land Camels Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local produce, art, and camel rides.
Description:
Summer Land Camels Christmas Market offers a boutique country market with locally grown produce, art, Christmas gifts, live music, and a wine lounge. Enjoy camel rides and farm tours amidst a festive atmosphere.
Where: Harrisville | More Info: Summer Land Camels Christmas Market
Beenleigh Christmas Twilight Markets
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local food, artisan stalls, and festive entertainment.
Description:
The Beenleigh Christmas Twilight Markets offer a delightful evening of local food, artisan stalls, and live entertainment. Enjoy browsing through bespoke arts and crafts, local fashion, and artisan provisions. The event features a visit from Santa, roving entertainment, and a large grassy area perfect for picnics.
Where: Beenleigh | More Info: Beenleigh Christmas Twilight Markets
Heritage Lanes Christmas Pop-Up Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans and seasonal treats in a charming Brisbane setting.
Description:
Heritage Lanes Christmas Pop-Up Market offers a vibrant shopping experience with local artisans, unique gifts, and seasonal treats in a charming Brisbane setting.
Where: Brisbane | More Info: Heritage Lanes Christmas Pop-Up Market
Gasworks Plaza Christmas Markets
What to Expect:
Local shopping and dining under the iconic metal structure of Newstead's social hub.
Description:
Gasworks Plaza Christmas Markets feature a variety of stalls offering fashion, art, homewares, skincare, plants, and ceramics, surrounded by Brisbane's great foodie spots.
Where: Newstead | More Info: Gasworks Plaza Christmas Markets
Sandstone Point Hotel Christmas Carnival
What to Expect:
Unique blend of festive fun and holiday activities.
Description:
The Sandstone Point Hotel Christmas Carnival is a vibrant celebration featuring Christmas markets, live music, kids' rides, and delicious food stalls. Enjoy new Christmas crafts, a cookie decorating station, and an Ugly Christmas Sweater Parade. The event culminates in a not-so-silent night filled with favourite Christmas carols and fireworks.
Where: Sandstone Point | More Info: Sandstone Point Hotel Christmas Carnival
The Handmade Christmas Markets
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with local artisans.
Description:
The Handmade Christmas Markets at South Bank's Whale Mall feature a curated selection of Brisbane-based designers showcasing their incredible handmade wares. Explore local artisans' products in a stunning setting, supporting Queensland's creative community.
Where: South Bank | More Info: The Handmade Christmas Markets
Brisbane Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Free Movie at Manly Harbour Village
What to Expect:
Free outdoor movie screening with ABBA-themed fun.
Description:
Enjoy a free outdoor screening of Mamma Mia at Little Bayside Park, where you can sing along to your favorite ABBA songs and dance the night away. The movie starts after sunset, and you can get back to your seats after the pre-movie adverts.
Where: Manly | More Info: Free Movie at Manly Harbour Village
Christmas Fireworks
What to Expect:
Spectacular live performances and visual effects.
Description:
Join Hillsong Church for a vibrant Christmas celebration featuring live songs, stunning visual effects, and family-friendly activities.
Where: Brisbane | More Info: Christmas Fireworks
Christmas-themed River Cruise
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday activities onboard a festive cruise ship.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas on a Princess cruise with festive decorations, holiday activities, and special events like the Christmas tree lighting, Yuletide Carolers, and a visit from Santa. Enjoy family-friendly activities, including a gingerbread house-making contest and holiday movie nights.
Where: Brisbane | More Info: Christmas-themed River Cruise
Carols by Candlelight at Riverstage
What to Expect:
Accessible entertainment with Auslan interpretation and tactile tours.
Description:
Join Queensland's first lady of song, Naomi Price, for a dazzling evening of high kicks, high notes, and hijinks at the Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols. This world-class event features breathtaking all-Australian superstars and is proudly accessible with Auslan interpretation, audio description, tactile tours, and more.
Where: Brisbane | More Info: Carols by Candlelight at Riverstage
Brisbane Other Holiday Activities
Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival
What to Expect:
Celebrating Asia Pacific cinema with a focus on independent filmmakers.
Description:
The Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival showcases the best of Asia Pacific cinema, featuring a diverse array of films, including features, shorts, and documentaries, alongside Q&A sessions with world-class filmmakers.
Where: Brisbane | More Info: Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival
Vegan Festival
What to Expect:
Comprehensive vegan food and shopping experience with guest speakers and cooking demos.
Description:
The Brisbane Vegan Expo is a two-day event featuring a variety of vegan food, shopping, guest speakers, and cooking demonstrations. It aims to showcase plant-based options and promote a cruelty-free lifestyle.
Where: Brisbane | More Info: Vegan Festival
High Tea Party
What to Expect:
High tea served in a heritage setting with live classical music.
Description:
Indulge in a selection of delicacies prepared onsite by Parliamentary chefs, accompanied by live classical music in Queensland's premier heritage building.
Where: Brisbane | More Info: High Tea Party
Christmas Celebrations
What to Expect:
Elegant Grand Ballroom with gourmet festive dishes.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas at Stamford Plaza Brisbane with a grand festive spread in the elegant Grand Ballroom, featuring gourmet dishes that capture the essence of the season.
Where: Brisbane | More Info: Christmas Celebrations
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Forest Lake (11 miles)
- Logan City (13 miles)
- Kallangur (15 miles)
- North Lakes (17 miles)
- Morayfield (25 miles)
- Caboolture (27 miles)
- Upper Coomera (32 miles)
- Southport (41 miles)
- Gold Coast (44 miles)
- Surfers Paradise (44 miles)