Sometimes all we need in life is a bit of a heads up.
“Don't forget to buy your mum a Christmas present!”
“Are you sure you need that jumper? It’s going to be a scorcher!”
Unfortunately real life doesn’t come with these alerts, but at least we can give you a heads up on some of the best things to do in Brisbane this month. So even if you’ve forgotten to buy mum a present or have sweated through your shirt, you can still have a good time regardless.
We’ve partnered with Bankwest (the guys who’ve added handy Bankwest Easy Alerts to their mobile banking app) to find the best festive events happening around town this month. What are you waiting for? Head to these awesome events while you can (and get started on that Christmas shopping list!).
Wonderland Treasure Markets
The Wonderland Treasure Markets at Brisbane Powerhouse will be a carnivalesque festival of cabaret, circus, vaudeville, twilight food markets and music that will be happening Saturday 12th & 19th December. The twilight markets feature a handpicked array of gorgeous handmade goods, locally designed wares, accessories and vintage treasures, perfect for that rare gift.
Where: Brisbane Powerhouse
When: 12th December and 19th December
For more information click here
Australia’s Largest LEGO Exhibition
If you’re thinking about buying LEGO for that nerd in your life this Christmas, you have to head to Australia's largest LEGO exhibition – The Brick Man Experience by Ryan McNaught – first! Ryan McNaught is the only LEGO Certified Professional in the Southern Hemisphere and he will be showing off his epic LEGO creations including a QANTAS A380 and a lifesize Ferrari!
Where: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
When: 10th – 22nd December
For more information click here
The Brisbane Vegan Festival
Looking for something to break up all the Christmas shopping and eating? Take a foray into all things ethical at the 2015 Brisbane Vegan Festival. Drawcards on the day includes talks from Keegan Kuhn (the filmmaker behind the ground-breaking documentary Cowspiracy) and renowned New York vegan chef Mary Mattern of Nom Yourself.
Where: The Brightside, Fortitude Valley
When: 11am–6pm, 12th December
For more information click here
South Bank’s Christmas Markets
The cobbled streets of Stanley Street Plaza will be transformed into a traditional Christmas Market with twinkling lights, decorations and real Christmas trees. While you tick off your Christmas shopping list, there’ll be plenty of delicious festive food including Christmas puddings and delicious gingerbread.
Where: Stanley Street Plaza, South Bank
When: 11am–8pm, 11th December
For more information click here
The 8th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT8)
The 8th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT8) has opened at QAGOMA. Gathering together the best current works from the Asia Pacific region, APT8 features an amazing collection of Asian art, paintings, sculptures and installations from more than 80 artists from 30 different countries.
Where: QAGOMA
When: 21st November – 10 April 2016
For more information click here
Brisbane City Council Christmas Lights Bus Tours
What’s the best part of Brisbane’s festive season? All the pretty Christmas lights of course! Be guided to the most epic Christmas lights displays around Brisbane with the Brisbane City Council’s popular Christmas Lights Bus Tours. Tours commence from central spots in the northern, eastern, southern and western suburbs in the lead up to the big day.
Where: Various locations
When: 6:45pm–9:45pm, 14th – 18th December
For more information click here
South Bank Christmas Cinema Series
Watching Christmas classics like The Muppet Christmas Carol, Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas and Home Alone is so more fun with a festive crowd. Enter the South Bank Christmas Cinema Series where you can get comfortable on a beach towel on the sand at South Bank’s Streets Beach and watch the movies on the big screen.
Where: Streets Beach, South Bank
When: 17th – 23rd December
For more information click here
Volunteer with The Smith Family
It is the season of giving, so why not lend a helping hand these holidays and volunteer your time? Each Christmas, The Smith Family distributes tens of thousands of food hampers to families in need. The hampers are packed and delivered by volunteers and their mantra is the more, the merrier.
Where: Various locations
When: 1st – 23rd December
For more information click here
Woodford Folk Festival
THE event of the Christmas-New Year period this year is the Woodford Folk Festival. This promises to be more exciting than ever with over 2,000 performers and 430 events including an eclectic mix of concerts, dance and comedy sessions over 6 days.
Where: Woodfordia Parklands, Woodford
When: 27th December – 1st January
For more information click here
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
To welcome in the dawning of 2016, Brisbane’s sky will be filled with no less than 5 tonnes of fireworks fired off from 3 barges and 3 city rooftops! There will be two fireworks sessions on offer for the early birds (8:30pm) and the traditionalists (midnight), but you’ll still need to secure your spot early!
Where: South Bank Cultural Forecourt
When: 8:30pm and midnight, 31st December
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