Twinkling lights are glittering across the globe and there seems to be a wisp of wonder in the air. When the people seem to be warmer than the gentle spring (save a Grinch here and there), you know it’s almost time for the holidays. There is magic to be discovered, and a true blue Christmas to experience in the thriving city of Brisbane.
Whether you’re in for a brief visit or you’ll be staying throughout the month of December, there’s always something magical happening in each corner of the city:
Wonderland
Dec 5 – 14
Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, Brisbane
Feast your eyes on the transformation of the Brisbane Powerhouse into a fantastic playground for all that is wonderful and strange. You are going to love this one of a kind festival experience as circus entertainers, carnival folk, street performers, comedians, cabaret stars, delectable international food, and so much more tickle all of your senses. From the 5th through the 14th of December, have a taste of each corner of the world with the gourmet food trucks and stalls of the World Food Markets in Wonderland, and marvel as world-class performers dazzle you with acrobatics, magic, and comedy.
– Events –
Dead!
Dec 5 – 7, 6:00pm
Fri Turbine Studio
Sun Visy Theatre
Follow the sassy temptress Babushka in the afterlife in a 50 minute cheeky cabaret that is dripping with sexiness, sadism, and a lot of lip.
Dandyman
Dec 5 – 7, 7:30pm
Turbine Studio
What happens when you add incredible circus acts and acrobatics to jaw-numbing comedy, insane magic tricks, and a pocketful of straws? You get a comical and chaotic medley of a performance that can only be described with one word: Dandyman.
Illuminate
Dec 11 – 12, 6:00pm
Turbine Studio
If you think that this is going to be your typical acrobatic show; think again. Wonderland presents you with an eye-popping performance that’s quirky and fun. Let young and talented performers electrify you with unbelievable acts, using everything from torches to fairy lights to brighten and dazzle the stage..
Luster
Dec 11, 8:30pm
Turbine Studio
Peek into what happens when the lights are off as star performer, Natano Fa’anana, shows you the scandalous affairs, pre-performance rituals, and all that’s delicious and dizzying in the circus world.
If you just can’t get enough of the insane stunts, other acrobatic shows include Acts of Absurdity and Disruptive Camouflage. Laugh this year’s stress away with the hilarity, stories, and musings of Public Toilets, Private Words and Pretending Things Are A Cock. If that isn’t enough, then have loads of laughs with the quick wit and sharp tongues of the likes of Ryan Coffey, Ben Zabel, and Leigh Buchanan.
Believe it or not, this isn’t even half of the events in Wonderland. Throughout December, the Brisbane Powerhouse will be filled with eargasmic pop and soul from Brisbane’s most talented artists, genre-defying burlesque and cabaret acts, slam poetry, and all sorts of exciting events that is anything but normal and mundane. Experience the colour, chaos, and wonder of the festival with your family, or enjoy the more adult shows that are full of cheek; there is so much to discover in Wonderland.
Love Your Local Markets
Dec 5 4:00pm – 8:30pm
Hawthorne Park, Brisbane
They say if you truly want to get to know the culture of a country, go to the market. In Brisbane, there’s a completely different market experience that you will definitely want to be part of. Love Your Local markets in Hawthorne Park is a fortnightly event that brings together the local community to support the local businesses. Start-ups get a chance to test trade, and locals (and even tourists) get to experience quality products and services from their community.
From gourmet food stalls and trucks, to fashion and lifestyle stalls, to even pet care stalls; there is something for everyone – even your furry, four-legged, family-member. Enjoy a night of awesome live music, scrumptious food, and great shopping.
Christmas Cinema Series at Streets Beach
Dec 17 – 23, 6:30pm
South Bank Parklands, Cnr Ernest Street, Stanley Street, and Grey Street, South Brisbane
Have a cinematic experience like no other with the Christmas Cinema Series at Streets Beach. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the metro by snuggling up on a beach mat, in this sandy-white beach right in the middle of the city. Beat the warm, Brisbane summer evening by diving into the crystal clear and cool waters, while enjoying family-friendly Christmas favourites on the silver screen. The best part of this event? It’s absolutely free.
Photo by David Jackmanson
Christmas by Starlight Concert
Dec 6, 4:00pm- 8:30pm
Capalaba Park, Capalaba, 91 Mt Cotton Road, Brisbane
Mingle with the community while saving a few dollars with this free community event in Capalaba Park. The Christmas by Starlight is family-friendly festival filled with exciting events for kids from 1 to 92. Let the little ones delight in jumping castles, animal zoo, face painting, rock climbing, a face-to-face with Father Christmas himself. Enjoy a variety of scents and tastes as you pass by the different food and drink stalls. Shop for great souvenirs to take back home (maybe even for a holiday deal) with a myriad of merchandise stalls from both commercial operators and non-profit community groups.
Once you’ve had your fill of flavours and shopping, relax and enjoy the children’s Christmas show, followed by a traditional carols concert. Relive memories of Christmas past as the most talented local artists, accompanied by the Redland Sinfonia Orchestra, serenade you with all your favourite carols. End the night with an explosion of magic and colour as the event concludes with a fireworks display.
Photo by symmetry_mind
Laidley Christmas Carnival
Dec 5, 5:00pm
Laidley Showgrounds
One of the best things about the Yuletide season in Brisbane is the number of free events. Watch as the Laidley Showgrounds turn into a fun Christmas land for the whole family.
Let the rug rats see up close some of the animals they’ve been learning about in books, with the free animal farm and pig race. Make sure they burn off some of the sugar from the free lollies and ice blocks (for all children), with exciting carnival rides. Let them tell Kris Kringle himself what they want for Christmas and snap a photo to remember the day by.
After all the rides and shopping around the stalls in the the grounds, try your luck with the raffles, and take a quick break in the canteen in the main hall. Before you leave though, wait for the fireworks display at 8pm. That will surely put a smile to the little tykes’ faces on the car ride home.
Brisbane is a spectacular place be in, especially during the holiday season. Whether you’re alone, with family, or even with friends; you can expect to have an amazing time. Make your stay even more special by being part of the capital’s most exciting events. And to ensure a stress-free Christmas, book a car hire in Brisbane and roam around to your heart’s content. Happy Holidays!