The Best Christmas Events in Brisbane for 2023

As we rapidly approach the most wonderful time of the year, the Christmas events in Brisbane calendar is starting to get chock-full of Christmas lights, concerts, putt-putt, Christmas pop-ups, and plenty more!

So, grab your diaries and start making some seriously festive plans to get everyone in the spirit for Christmas.

The Best Christmas Events in Brisbane for 2023

1. Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols 

One of the premier Christmas events in Melbourne, the Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols celebrates the magic and joy of Christmas with the Brisbane community.

This year, Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols will be hosted by Queensland’s first lady of song, Naomi Price, and it's set to be one of the best Christmas events in Brisbane!

Where:   Riverstage, City Botanic Gardens, 59 Gardens Point Road, Brisbane
When:    Saturday, 2 December 2023 | Gates open at 4 pm. Pre-show entertainment from 6 pm. Show 7-9 pm.
Cost:      $5 per ticket, under 18s go FREE

2. The Lott by Golden Casket City Hall Lights

It just wouldn't be Christmas in Brisbane without the magical Christmas lights at City Hall!

The Lott by Golden Casket City Hall Lights is set to captivate audiences as Brisbane's iconic City Hall will transform into a lively canvas of stunning visuals and sounds of a Christmas story.

This magical lights show will illuminate King George Square in the lead up to Christmas with nightly viewings from 7.30 pm to midnight. Don't miss it!

Where:   King George Square
When:    8-15 December from 7.30 pm to midnight
Cost:      FREE

3. Lord Mayor's Lighting of the Christmas Tree

Offering the pinnacle of festive fun in Brisbane, head to King George Square to see Brisbane’s 22-metre-tall Christmas tree all lit up at the Lord Mayor's Lighting of the Christmas Tree 2023.

You can expect musical performances of Christmas classics to accompany the Mayor's lighting of the tree, guaranteeing a magical launch to the calendar of Christmas events in Brisbane.

Where:   87C Roma St, Brisbane City
When:    1 December from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm
Cost:      FREE

4. Christmas Putt Putt

Returning to Victoria Park Greens this year, Christmas Putt Putt promises plenty of fun for the whole family.

The fairways will be bedecked in all of the trappings of Christmas, including lights, decorations and mistletoe. You'll be able to order food and drinks while you move around the course, so bottoms up!

Where:   309 Herston Road, Herston
When:    10 November to 3 January 2024
Cost:      $23 per adult, $17 per child under 17, ages four and under FREE

5. Spirit of Christmas

The much-loved Spirit of Christmas event returns this December to the iconic QPAC Concert Hall.

One of the most popular Christmas events in Brisbane sees two of Australia’s leading musical theatre stars join a host of special guests in uplifting seasonal songs and much-loved Christmas carols, stunningly supported by a full symphony orchestra and the glorious voices of the QPAC Chamber Choir.

Where:   Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Cultural Precinct Cnr Grey Melbourne Street, Brisbane
When:    22-23 December 2023
Cost:      $69 per ticket

6. Enchanted Garden

We're thrilled that the famous Roma Street Parkland's Enchanted Garden is returning in 2023 because this is one Christmas event in Brisbane you don't want to miss!

22,000 square metres of Roma Street Parkland will be decked out in gorgeous twinkly lights, festive installations, custom LEDs, light sculptures, lasers, holograms, and more to ring in the season of joy in a delightfully colourful way. The whole installation should take around 30 minutes to walk through but don't rush - wandering through such an Enchanted Garden is not something you can do every day!

Where:    Parkland Blvd, Brisbane City 
When:     23 November to 20 December 2023 | 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm
Cost:       From $7 entry

7. Santa Photos

Christmas just isn't Christmas without snapping your smiling faces with Santa!

Santa photos are one of the highlights of Christmas events in Brisbane, and luckily, there are plenty of places to snap a selfie with the Man in Red this year! From Santaland at Myer to the iconic Westfield Santa Photos, Free Santa Photos at Redbank Plaza, and plenty more, there are loads of spots around the city to grab your Santa photos in Brisbane for 2023.

8. Tinseltown

Promising to be one of the best Christmas events in Brisbane this year, the ultimate Christmas-themed pop-up, Tinseltown, is set to fulfil all of your festive wishes.

You can expect Santa, elves, presents, tinsel, festive tunes and lots of winter warmer drinks, including a fabulous Christmas cocktail menu. The decorations are well and truly decking the halls at Tinseltown! 

Tickets include entry to the themed bar and a bespoke cocktail on arrival. Family-friendly events will be available for those with kids under the drinking age. 

Where:   Elements Collective & EC Venue, 17 McLachlan St., Fortitude Valley 
When:    22 November to 30 December 2023
Cost:      TBC, register for tickets here

9. Brisbane Christmas Parade

Queen Street Mall will come alive once again this year for the annual Brisbane Christmas Parade.

You can expect singing, dancing, and all of the festive merriment—and of course, Santa Claus himself!

Where:   Queen Street Mall
When:    TBC for 2023
Cost:      FREE

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