Celebrate the joy of the season in Cairns with our holiday guide. Whether you're a familiar face or new in town, discover Cairns's holiday spirit with our guide.
Popular events this season include the dazzling Christmas Lights at Cairns Esplanade, where twinkling lights illuminate the vibrant waterfront, creating a festive atmosphere for all. Featuring a stunning display and live entertainment, the Pullman Cairns International Christmas Tree Lighting is a highlight that brings families together to enjoy the spirit of the season. And the Joy To The World: Cairns Community Carols is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a delightful night of music and camaraderie. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Cairns
- Joy To The World: Cairns Community Carols
- Christmas Lights at Cairns Esplanade
- Pullman Cairns International Christmas Tree Lighting
- Good Tidings Classical Music Concert
- Gordonvale Christmas Carols (Gordonvale)
- Spirit Of Cairns Christmas Day Lunch Cruise
- The Pier Markets
- Cairns Colonial Club Christmas Day Luncheon
- Oak and Vine Christmas Celebration
- Dundees on the Waterfront Christmas Day Lunch
See these and even more events listed below!
Cairns Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights at Cairns Esplanade
What to Expect:
Live meet and greets with Kevin and Stuart Minion.
Description:
Join the community at Cairns Esplanade for a festive celebration featuring a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Enjoy special live meet and greets with Kevin and Stuart Minion, culminating in the switching on of the Christmas Tree lights at 7 PM by the Mayor and winners of the Christmas eCard Competition.
Where: Cairns | More Info: Christmas Lights at Cairns Esplanade
Cairns Holiday Markets and Shopping
The Pier Markets
What to Expect:
Unique local products and friendly community atmosphere.
Description:
The Pier Markets in Cairns offer a vibrant monthly market day featuring an eclectic range of stalls showcasing local home-grown and homemade goodies. Visitors can browse the stalls, meet friendly locals, and enjoy a variety of products.
Where: Cairns | More Info: The Pier Markets
Cairns Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Joy To The World: Cairns Community Carols
What to Expect:
Community-driven Christmas celebration with cultural performances and fireworks.
Description:
Join the Cairns Community for a joyful evening of Christmas carols, cultural performances, and fireworks at Cairns Showgrounds. Enjoy local singers, dancers, the Far Northern Brass band, and community carol singing, along with food stalls and more.
Where: Cairns | More Info: Joy To The World: Cairns Community Carols
Good Tidings Classical Music Concert
What to Expect:
Classical music performance in historic cathedral.
Description:
The Good Tidings Classical Music Concert at St. Monica’s Cathedral features a classical music performance in historic surroundings, filling the heart with joy through soothing melodies.
Where: Cairns | More Info: Good Tidings Classical Music Concert
Gordonvale Christmas Carols
What to Expect:
Community-led Christmas carols with local performers.
Description:
Join the Gordonvale community for a joyful Christmas celebration featuring Soul Song Choirs, guest soloists, and dancers from the Mulgrave Dance Academy. Enjoy a night of festive music and entertainment in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Where: Gordonvale | More Info: Gordonvale Christmas Carols
Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience Christmas
What to Expect:
Immersive cultural experience showcasing traditional Aboriginal dances and guided walks.
Description:
Immerse yourself in the rich Indigenous heritage of Kuranda with the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. Learn about ancient customs and traditions through vibrant dance performances and guided walks. Explore the fascinating stories passed down through generations and delve deeper into the Dreamtime.
Where: Cairns | More Info: Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience Christmas
Cairns Other Holiday Activities
Pullman Cairns International Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights and premium beverage packages.
Description:
Pullman Cairns International's Christmas events feature a range of festive activities, including a Christmas tree in the event area, bonbons for guests, and Christmas centrepieces. The hotel offers various dining experiences, such as a lavish seafood feast at Coco's Kitchen + Bar and a family-friendly Christmas Day lunch in the Grand Ballroom.
Where: Cairns | More Info: Pullman Cairns International Christmas Tree Lighting
Spirit Of Cairns Christmas Day Lunch Cruise
What to Expect:
Luxurious air-conditioned vessel with a large outdoor deck.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas in the tropics with a relaxing cruise aboard Spirit of Cairns. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring festive dishes like turkey, cranberry stuffing, smoked ham, and fresh local seafood. Relax with a welcome drink while admiring the views of Cairns' waterfront precinct.
Where: Cairns | More Info: Spirit Of Cairns Christmas Day Lunch Cruise
Cairns Colonial Club Christmas Day Luncheon
What to Expect:
Luxurious holiday dining in a tropical resort setting.
Description:
The Cairns Colonial Club Christmas Day Luncheon offers a 3-course meal, a 2.5-hour beverage package, and a kids' package, all set amidst the resort's stunning rainforest gardens and lagoon pools.
Where: Cairns | More Info: Cairns Colonial Club Christmas Day Luncheon
Dundees on the Waterfront Christmas Day Lunch
What to Expect:
Gourmet dining with local ingredients in a waterfront setting.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas Day with Dundee's on the Waterfront, offering a 4-course menu with diverse options, including vegetarian and vegan choices, set amidst stunning views of Trinity Inlet.
Where: Cairns | More Info: Dundees on the Waterfront Christmas Day Lunch
Oak and Vine Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Rooftop dining with modern Australian cuisine and signature cocktails.
Description:
Oak and Vine Christmas Celebration offers modern Australian cuisine with seasonal local produce, paired with inventive cocktails and fine wines, all while enjoying stunning ocean views.
Where: Cairns | More Info: Oak and Vine Christmas Celebration
Novotel Cairns Christmas Seafood Feast
What to Expect:
Tropical seafood feast with DIY dessert station.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas Day with a tropical-style seafood feast at Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. Indulge in a sumptuous spread featuring FNQ fresh prawns, SA oysters, and Singapore-style chili seafood marinara. Enjoy a variety of hot dishes, seasonal sides, and sweet treats like DIY trifle stations and house-made fruit mince pies. Complement your meal with a 3-hour beverage package offering tap beers, Bancroft wines, and soft drinks.
Where: Cairns | More Info: Novotel Cairns Christmas Seafood Feast
Cairns Botanic Gardens Christmas Walk
What to Expect:
Tranquil holiday stroll amidst tropical plants.
Description:
Take a serene Christmas walk through the Cairns Botanic Gardens, surrounded by lush tropical flora and beautifully maintained gardens.