Celebrate Christmas in Brisbane

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

It’s time to deck Queen Street Mall and light up Brisbane City as the countdown to Christmas kicks off! The 2025 Christmas in Brisbane program is jam-packed with festive favourites with something for everyone to enjoy. 

View the Christmas Program here.

LORD MAYOR'S LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE | 28 NOV

Join Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to celebrate the start of the festive season, as Brisbane’s iconic Christmas Tree lights up King George Square with dazzling performances for the whole family. Bring along your loved ones to enjoy a jolly evening with Santa and his helpers as they dance around the tree, spreading festive joy. Plus, don’t miss a special performance by Dylan Wright.

LORD MAYOR’S CHRISTMAS CAROLS | 6 DEC 
Get ready to sing, sparkle and celebrate at the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols! Hosted by the fabulous Naomi Price, this festive spectacular lights up the season with show-stopping performances, big voices and plenty of holiday cheer. Gather your friends and family, pack a picnic or feast from delicious food trucks, and soak up the starry summer night vibes!
 
SONO LUMO | 10 – 21 DEC (excluding 15 - 16 DEC) 
Blending Christmas traditions with cutting-edge technology, Sono Lumo illuminates Queen’s Wharf Brisbane in a spectacular celebration of light, sound, and festivity. Across ten dazzling nights from 10–21 December (excluding 15–16), the precinct will transform into an immersive wonderland filled with vibrant audiovisual shows, roving performers, interactive installations, curated bars, food trucks, and more!

THE ENCHANTED GARDEN | 21 NOV – 20 DEC 
Brisbane’s most magical light experience, The Enchanted Garden, transforms Roma Street Parkland into a glittering wonderland of light, sound, and festive magic. This reimagined experience brings the garden to life with playful storytelling, dazzling illuminations, and a hint of mischief from guardians Marigold and Willow. Stroll through glowing trails, enjoy delicious bites from food trucks, and unwind with a drink on Celebration Lawn as Brisbane’s summer nights sparkle with enchantment. 

Arts & cultural events

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL | NOW - 23 NOV
Pretty Woman: The Musical brings the beloved rom-com to life on stage at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre. With dazzling direction by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell, a hit score by Grammy winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and a book by the film’s original creators, this feel-good musical delivers all the romance, glamour, and iconic moments you love in an unforgettable night out. 

UNDER A MODERN SUN | NOW - 26 JAN 2026
Under a Modern Sun, QAGOMA’s free, sun-kissed exhibition showcases over 140 paintings, sculptures, photographs, and decorative works capturing life in Queensland from the 1930s to 1950s. Featuring celebrated Brisbane artists like William Bustard, Vida Lahey, and Margaret Olley, alongside regional luminaries Kenneth Macqueen and Joe Alimindjin Rootsey, the exhibition offers a light-filled vision of Queensland while revealing the early stirrings of experimental expression. 

PRECIOUS | NOW - AUTUMN 2026 
Prepare to be amazed with Museum of Brisbane's exhibition, Precious, showcasing the most awe-inspiring collections across Brisbane with more than 3,000 items from around 30 remarkable collections and collectors. From international dolls to Queensland Rugby League memorabilia, model ships to ornamental eggs, immerse yourself in the incredible stories of some of the prolific collectors of Brisbane, and get to know what makes a keepsake and collectible truly Precious.

QUEENSLAND BALLET'S THE NUTCRACKER | 5 - 13 DEC 
Step into a sparkling winter wonderland as Queensland Ballet presents Ben Stevenson’s The Nutcracker. This beloved festive tradition returns to enchant audiences with Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Join Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy on a magical Christmas Eve adventure in this heartwarming family favourite. 

OLAFUR ELIASSON: PRESENCE | 6 DEC - 12 JUL 2026 
Olafur Eliasson brings a Brisbane-exclusive exhibition to QAGOMA, inviting visitors on a multi-sensory journey through rocky landscapes, optical puzzles, and visionary cityscapes. Spanning three decades of one of the world’s most influential contemporary artists, the exhibition features major works and site-specific installations inspired by the dramatic forms of his Icelandic homeland.

SWEET CHARITY: A HOPELESSLY ROMANTIC MUSICAL | 11 – 14 DEC 
Sweet Charity is a dazzling, feel-good musical that follows Charity Hope Valentine, a dance hall hostess in 1960s New York City, brought to life with wit, heart, and plenty of groove. Featuring an onstage 16-piece band and timeless hits, this reimagined classic combines sharp choreography, vibrant energy, and unforgettable charm for an unmissable production of musical theatre. 

ANNIE THE MUSICAL AT QPAC | 27 DEC - 31 JAN 2026 
The beloved musical, Annie, returns to QPAC’s Lyric Theatre this December for a strictly limited season. This inspiring family musical has captured hearts for generations, celebrating hope, family, and friendship through the story of a small but mighty young girl who proves that brighter days are always just around the corner. 

Festivals & live shows 

MELT FESTIVAL | NOW - 9 NOV
Queensland’s premier open-access festival is set to queer the town in a colourful celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. Taking over Brisbane, from the river to Fortitude Valley and Fish Lane to the Redlands Coast at Sirromet Winery, this melting pot of cultural events and activities is (literally) not one you can miss! 

RIVER PRIDE PICNIC | 8 NOV 
Celebrate pride, community, and connection at the River Pride Picnic in New Farm Park, a free family-friendly event as part of the Melt Festival. Settle in by the river to watch the dazzling River Pride Parade, with a spectacle of colour-filled boats, as you enjoy an afternoon of food trucks, live entertainment, and all-ages fun, capped off with a grand rainbow fireworks finale. 

WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL | 26 DEC – 1 JAN 2026
The vibrant arts and cultural Woodford Folk Festival is back for another year of sensational performances, great food and new experiences. You won't want to miss a second with a program that is filled with music, dance, cabaret, circus, comedy, workshops, street theatre, films, a children’s program and specialty presentations. 

Foodie Festivals 

NIGHT FEAST | NOW - 9 NOV 
Spotlighting the best in Queensland’s culinary and art scene, Night Feast is returning for a Spring edition! The event will welcome a stellar line-up of chefs and restaurants, renowned bars serving delicious drinks, and an awe-inspiring art program.

STRADDIE OYSTER FESTIVAL | 29 NOV 
Join in a celebration of local and fresh oysters and prawns at North Stradbroke Island/ Minjerribah, at Straddie Oyster Festival where live entertainment, market stalls, mud crab races, face painting and entertainment for the kids makes for a great family day out. 

Sporting showdowns & endurance events

MEN’S 5TH T20I SERIES VS INDIA | 8 NOV 
Don’t miss the electrifying conclusion to the Australia vs India white ball series as the 5th T20I lights up The Gabba. After dominating the red ball to secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia faces a fired-up Indian side in this final showdown, who will take the white ball crown? Be there to witness the action live! 

QUEENSLAND PGA CHAMPIONSHIP | 17 - 24 NOV 
The Queensland PGA Championship returns this November to the newly redeveloped Nudgee Golf Club. Set on the stunning Kurrai course, this 72-hole stroke play event with a 36-hole cut will see Australia’s best golfers go head-to-head across four thrilling days. More than just elite competition, the championship is celebrated for its strong community engagement, creating lasting impact and inspiring the future of golf. 

BMW AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP | 27 - 30 NOV 
The BMW Australian PGA Championship returns to Brisbane this November at the iconic Royal Queensland Golf Club. From 27–30 November, witness world-class Australian and international players battle it out for the prestigious Joe Kirkwood Cup in one of the country’s premier golfing events. 

ASHES SERIES | AUSTRALIA V ENGLAND: NRMA INSURANCE ASHES TEST TWO | 4 - 8 DEC 
The most iconic series in world cricket is coming, the NRMA Insurance Men's Ashes Series heads to the Gabba for an unmissable day-night Test. As Australia takes on England in this legendary rivalry, fans can expect five days of gripping action, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments. The Ashes remains one of the most historic and hotly contested events in world sport and you won't want to miss a ball. 

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL | 4 - 11 JAN 2026
The Brisbane International is one of the city’s premier sporting events, bringing world-class tennis action to the Queensland Tennis Centre. Featuring top-ranked international players from both the ATP and WTA tours, the tournament delivers high-energy matches, thrilling rallies, and an electric summer atmosphere as fans gear up for the tennis season ahead.

WOMEN’S ODI SERIES VS INDIA | 24 FEB 2026 
The series kicks off at Allan Border Field as Australia takes on India in the opening One Day International. Don’t miss the world’s best cricketers going head-to-head in this unmissable clash. 

Family fun

BLUEY’S WORLD | ON NOW
Bluey’s World is a one-of-a-kind immersive experience at the Northshore Pavilion in Brisbane, Queensland, where you can play the Bluey way - for real life! Embark on a brand-new immersive journey with Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad in their iconic Queenslander home, backyard and beyond. Explore your favourite rooms, play interactive games, and keep your eyes peeled for surprises around every corner…and maybe even a Longdog or two!  

MICRO MUSEUM | ON NOW
For maximum fun for mini museumgoers, the curators of tomorrow are invited to bring their imagination to life at Museum of Brisbane’s Micro Museum, offering immersive and interactive experiences. Little art lovers of all ages are encouraged to get hands-on and create their own 'Micro Museum' where children can select, sort and arrange their own curated collections from a huge range of vintage treasures. 

Coming Soon

THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO | 12 - 15 FEB 2026 
For the first time ever, the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will march into Brisbane in February 2026, celebrating its 75th anniversary with an unforgettable spectacle at Suncorp Stadium. The full-scale production, The Heroes Who Made Us, will feature over 1,000 elite performers, including the iconic Massed Pipes and Drums, in a powerful display of music, military precision, and pageantry. 

MJ THE MUSICAL | 27 MAR – 26 APR 2026
Experience the magic of one of the greatest entertainers of all time in MJ The Musical, the multiple Tony Award-winning production celebrating Michael Jackson’s unparalleled artistry. Set during the creation of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, this electrifying musical goes beyond the iconic moves and hits to reveal the creative genius and collaboration behind the legend. MJ The Musical is a must-see celebration of music, movement, and the making of a global icon. 

THE LAST SHIP FEATURING STING | 9 APR - 3 MAY 2026 
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime cultural moment as music icon Sting stars in The Last Ship, making its Southern Hemisphere debut exclusively at QPAC’s stunning Glasshouse Theatre. This moving musical blends folk roots and heartfelt ballads to tell a story of resilience, pride, and connection inspired by Sting’s own childhood in a shipbuilding town. With unforgettable songs including Island of Souls, All This Time and When We Dance, this Australian-exclusive production is an unmissable chance to see a legend perform his most personal work live on stage. 

TOUR DE BRISBANE | 12 APR 2026
Get ready to roll through the city like never before at Australia’s ultimate Sunday ride, the Tour de Brisbane! Take on over 120 kilometres of fully closed city roads in this unmissable cycling event. With multiple distances and challenges to suit every rider, from family cruisers to podium chasers, it’s the perfect way to ride for fun, fitness, and the thrill of the open road.

UCI BMX RACING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026 | 16 – 25 JUL 2026
Get ready for high-speed action as Brisbane welcomes the UCI BMX Racing World Championships! Thousands of the world’s best riders will go head-to-head, tackling heart-stopping jumps, tight turns, and lightning-fast sprints in a battle for global glory. Whether you’re a die-hard BMX fan or just love world-class sport, this is your chance to experience the thrill and energy of BMX racing at its best.