Australians take Christmas and New Year celebrations very seriously. In Brisbane alone, around 400 Christmas-related events take place in December, allowing families to enjoy the festivities together.
This article will introduce 5 major free Christmas and New Year events in Brisbane city center. These events normally take place annually, with some variations but not too different from each other. They are listed in chronological order, hoping to provide some reference for tourists planning to spend Christmas or New Year in Brisbane!
(During the Christmas season, even the Brisbane city's Victory Bridge is decorated!)
(The festive atmosphere kicks off as early as the end of November, after the official lighting of the main Christmas tree. The picture shows the Brisbane Twilight Market held in early December.)
1. South Bank Christmas Markets
This 13-day Christmas market may be smaller compared to some popular night markets, but it is filled with various Christmas decorations and lights, creating a festive atmosphere. It is located within the popular Brisbane attraction, South Bank Parklands.
Here, various stalls sell clothing, cultural and creative items, and other unique small products. The market is surrounded by a row of local restaurants, while food stalls are rarely found within the market itself. It's recommended to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere after dinner!
◎ Address: Stanley Street Plaza, South Brisbane, Queensland
◎ Date: 12/11 - 12/23, 11:00-20:00 (similar every year, with the last few days usually until 9 pm)
◎ Transportation: Take the train to South Brisbane Station, then walk for about 5 minutes (Find car hire deals | Car rental in Australia)
◎ Official website: South Bank Christmas Markets
◎ Nearby accommodations: Booking｜Agoda｜Hotels｜Expedia (Compare & Save)
2. Gold Lotto City Hall Light Spectacular
Located in the heart of Brisbane, the City Hall in King George Square is a must-see for tourists, near the famous Queen Street. Although it is already quite impressive on regular days, a light show is held here before Christmas to make it even more beautiful!
◎ Address: King George Square, 100 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
◎ Date: 12/11–12/24, 19:30–00:00 (similar every year)
◎ Transportation: Take the train to Central Station, then walk for about 8 minutes (Find car hire deals | Car rental in Australia)
◎ Official website: Gold Lotto City Hall Lights
◎ Nearby accommodations: Booking｜Agoda｜Hotels｜Expedia (Compare & Save)
(The light show lasts about 5-8 minutes, repeating every 15 minutes until midnight. The square is often filled with crowds, and enjoying the stunning performance outdoors with everyone will surely be an unforgettable experience!)
3. South Bank Christmas Carols
This annual Christmas carol concert takes place before Christmas. Although it might sound a bit serious, it is actually filled with a relaxed and lively atmosphere, featuring many children's performances like a large-scale concert. During the event, I saw many Australian parents bring their children to participate, immersing themselves in the activities. It's a fun way to pass on traditional culture, and I highly recommend experiencing this local culture!
◎ Address: Courier-Mail Piazza, Glenelg Street, Brisbane, Queensland
◎ Date: 12/17–12/20, 17:45–19:45 (similar every year)
◎ Transportation: Take the train to South Brisbane Station, then walk for about 5 minutes (Find car hire deals | Car rental in Australia)
◎ Nearby accommodations: Booking｜Agoda｜Hotels｜Expedia (Compare & Save)
(I've always been curious about whether Santa Claus in Australia wears long or short sleeves, and today I discovered they still wear long sleeves. Moreover, they intentionally create a snowy atmosphere! I find it amusing and interesting!)
4. Christmas Fireworks Spectacular
This event takes place in conjunction with the "South Bank Christmas Carols." That's why the previous event ends around 7 PM. After the carols, everyone heads to the most famous attraction in South Bank, the "Lagoon South Bank" (an artificial beach), to enjoy Brisbane's city skyline and a dazzling fireworks display. After the show, Christmas-themed movies are played on the beach, allowing everyone to lie on the sand and soak up the festive atmosphere—an unforgettable experience!
◎ Address: Lagoon South Bank, South Brisbane, Queensland
◎ Date: 12/17–12/21, 20:15–20:25 (similar annually)
◎ Transportation: Take the train to South Brisbane Station, then walk for about 5 minutes (Find car hire deals | Car rental in Australia)
◎ Official website: Christmas Fireworks Spectacular
◎ Nearby accommodations: Booking｜Agoda｜Hotels｜Expedia (Compare & Save)
(After the "South Bank Christmas Carols," staff will guide everyone to the fireworks event, which is just a 2-minute walk to the beach, or you can simply follow the children running around!)
5. New Year's Eve at South Bank
When it comes to New Year's Eve fireworks in Australia, Sydney's celebration is the most famous. However, Brisbane's New Year's Eve fireworks are also beautiful, and the crowd is not as overwhelming as in Sydney. Starting in the afternoon, free outdoor family movie screenings are held at South Bank Parklands. In the evening, there are two fireworks shows: one at 8:30 PM for "younger party-goers" and another at midnight for "late-night revelers," according to the official description. This thoughtful approach is both considerate and amusing!
◎ Address: South Bank Parklands, South Brisbane, Queensland
◎ Date: 12/31, 20:30 & 00:00
◎ Transportation: Take the train to South Brisbane Station, then walk for about 5 minutes (Find car hire deals | Car rental in Australia)
◎ Official website: New Year's Eve at South Bank
◎ Nearby accommodations: Booking｜Agoda｜Hotels｜Expedia (Compare & Save)
(It's rare to see such a crowd in Brisbane at night!)
(The fireworks last for about 9 minutes and are launched along the Brisbane River, blending beautifully with the city skyline.)
The above are the top 5 Christmas and New Year's Eve events in Brisbane's city center. Experiencing a "summer Christmas" in Australia is an interesting experience for me. Lastly, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!