How to spend a festive night out in Brisbane City
The festive season has officially arrived, and there’s no better place to soak it all in than right here in Brisbane City. Whether you're planning a Christmas date night, a festive catch-up with friends, a solo shopping trip or a weekend stay, the city has an abundance of things to do. Here’s how to make the most of Christmas in Brisbane City in 2026.
Make a weekend of it
Turn your city visit into a festive holiday and spend a few nights staying in the city. Browse Brisbane City's best hotels and choose accommodation best suited to your itinerary. For a resort-style escape, The Westin Brisbane brings an infinity swim-up pool bar and spa to the heart of the city. It's an easy choice if your idea of Christmas starts with a slow afternoon by the pool. For river views, restaurants and entertainment right on your doorstep, The Star Grand puts you in the centre of the Queen's Wharf precinct, with its restaurants, bars and pools overlooking the Brisbane River. For something more central, the Hyatt Regency Brisbane is found on Queen Street Mall, complete with a rooftop pool and bar, it’s the go-to for a stylish city stay close to the Christmas action.
Planning a Christmas stay? Explore Brisbane City hotels.
Start with a sunset drink
What better way to start your Christmas in Brisbane experience than with a cold beverage of your choice as you watch the city shift into golden hour. Head towards the river for a drink at one of Brisbane City's riverside bars and restaurants, including Mulga Bills, Opa Bar + Mezze, Babylon Brisbane and Riverland Brisbane. Want to take the evening higher? Rooftop bars around Queen's Wharf, including Babblers and Cicada Blu, are made for summer drinks with a view.
See Brisbane City’s Christmas Lights
Make your way to King George Square to see Brisbane City’s famous Christmas Tree and experience the festive atmosphere around City Hall. The 22-metre Brisbane City Christmas Tree is one of the season’s signature sights, lighting up every night throughout the festive period.
From Friday 4 December, you can catch The City Hall lights, which transforms City Hall into a spectacular Christmas light and sound experience for everyone to enjoy. Take a seat at the Pig 'N’ Whistle for the perfect viewpoint, whilst the newest Christmas story of a cat and dog plays.
Take a festive shopping stroll
Find something for everyone on your list with a Christmas shopping trip through Brisbane City. Wander to Queen Street Mall and its surrounding arcades, browsing everything from major retailers and designer labels to local boutiques and specialty stores and take in the Christmas decorations, lights, and late-night energy. With more than 500 retailers across the mall, you can pick up everything from fashion and beauty to lifestyle gifts and stocking fillers. Keep an eye out for festive entertainment and pop-up performances, adding to the atmosphere! With extended hours throughout the festive season, it’s the perfect time to squeeze in some shopping before continuing your festivities in the city.
If shopping in a mall isn't your thing, swap the big-name stores for local artisan makers, food and festive finds. Browse the regular Brisbane City Markets at Cathedral Square and Queen’s Wharf, or make a weekend of it with Riverside at the Gardens Market, Suitcase Rummage or Genki Market. The city's Christmas markets are a great option for finding one-of-a-kind gifts or simply giving you another reason to meet friends for a drink and a wander.
Shopping the Black Friday sales on 27 November? Continue the night at The City After Dark Markets at Reddacliff Place from 4pm to 9pm, then make your way to King George Square for the Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree. From there, settle in somewhere nearby in Brisbane City for dinner or drinks.
Come Christmas, there are a few extra dates worth adding to the calendar! The BrisStyle Twilight Markets return to King George Square on Sunday 13 November, Friday 4 and 18 December, showcasing locally made art, homewares, fashion, jewellery and more. The November market also falls on the same night as the Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree – it's truly the most magical evening.
Looking for gifts? Explore Queen Street Mall. Or a market lover? See what else is happening in Brisbane City.
Make it a dinner to remember
For a lively night with friends, book a table and settle in for share plates at Longwang, Central BNE, Massimo or Golden Avenue. Planning a date night? Choose somewhere where a moody atmosphere is on the menu, such as Naldham House, Doughcraft or The French Exit.
For more inspiration, explore Brisbane City’s fine dining scene.
Want to keep the night going?
Brisbane City is at its most atmospheric after dark, so if you're not ready to head home, keep the Christmas magic going at The Enchanted Garden at Roma Street Parkland. Wander through dazzling light displays and glowing gardens, with evening sessions running until 10pm, making it an easy stop after dinner.
Continue to unwrap your night – slip into Dr Gimlet for a cocktail, settle into the heritage surrounds of The Gresham, head underground at Le Royale, or discover Milquetoast for one more round. Discover more of the city’s bar scene with our guide, from rooftop to riverside.
For a Christmas night that feels less like an itinerary and more like an adventure, give yourself permission to wander.
