Christmas In Brisbane: The Best Events And Things To Do This Festive Season

Hear that? It's the jingling of bells, the whispering of elves, and Mariah Carey defrosting on the horizon. 'Tis the season, and Brisbane is getting all sorts of merry with the countdown officially on until the big man in red comes to town. 

Follow the festive spirit and you'll find plenty of wonderful events, Christmas markets, and jolly good times across Brisbane that will make even the Grinch of your crew feel magic. To help you make the most of the silly season, we've rounded up all the best ways to celebrate. Spoiler, there won't be many silent nights ahead. 

P.S. As Santa’s arrival gets closer and closer, we’ll be updating this list with more Christmas events and festive things to do in Brisbane. 

Brisbane Arcade

Image credit: Brisbane Arcade | Supplied

Every year, the city’s heritage arcade transforms into a Christmas wonderland and whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, it’s guaranteed to take your breath away. Brisbane Arcade’s 2025 display is full of twinkling lights, meticulously placed baubles, and intricate wreaths wrapped in luxe gold bows. It’s a fabulous tradition worthy of Brisbane’s oldest and most iconic shopping destination, cranking up the nostalgic charm to an all-time high. 

The Details

When: Until 10 January 2026
Where: Brisbane Arcade, Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
Find out more here.

Santa’s Arrival Parade

News from the North Pole: Santa and Mrs Claus will be kicking off festive season at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, making their grand entrance surrounded by acrobatic elves, Nutcracker ballerinas, an 11-piece marching band, rollerskating candy canes, dancing presents, and stilt walkers as snow falls from the ceiling in Santa’s Village. The wholesome parade will begin on Level 3 near Automall West, making its way through the centre before wrapping up at Santa World on Level 1, where Santa photo sessions will take place—including pet, sensory and Auslan-accessible experiences. 

The Details

When: 11am Saturday 8 November
Where: Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Indooroopilly
Find out more here.

Candy Coated Christmas Windows

Image credit: Uptown | Supplied

Your Christmas just got a whole lot sweeter with Uptown’s sugar-filled display windows that are bold, playful and frosted in fun. Featuring over 60 glittery Christmas bears decked out in twinkling lights, neon text signs, tinsel accents, and suspended Natale stars, the gorgeous installation evokes fairy-floss sunsets and candy-coated hues—an ode to artist and designer Kristen Devitt’s memories of her Christmas traditions growing up in Southeast Queensland. 

When you’re done gawking at the displays, enjoy a round of mini golf in the candy-themed five-hole course or snap your Christmas card photo at the photobooth by the Candy Coated Christmas Mart—open daily from 20 November to 24 December. Plus, spend $20 in Uptown between 1 to 24 December and you can snag a free customisable tote bag with candy-themed patches from the Tote Bag Customisation Kiosk. 

The Details

When: Until 4 January 2026
Where: Uptown, Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
Find out more here.

Santa Parades at Westfield

Follow the sound of jingling bells to Westfield destinations across Queensland this Sunday, as Santa and his merry friends get the bauble rolling this festive season. Santa Parades will take over the shopping centres with song and dance, ending at Santa’s throne where your annual Christmas photos will take place. Book your sesh here.

The Details

When: Various times, Sunday 9 November
Where: Westfield Carindale, Chermside, Coomera, Helensvale, Mt Gravatt and North Lakes
Find out more here.

Christmas Putt Putt

Image credit: Victoria Park | Supplied

Sleigh your competition at Victoria Park's ever-popular Christmas putt putt course. They’ll be decking the course with dazzling decorations, twinkling lights and festive surprises so you can swing your way through merry moments around every ocrner. Plus, parents and guardians can play at kids’ prices when joining children aged 4-17. For everything you need to know, head here.

The Details

When: 7 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Where: Victoria Park, Herston
Find out more here.

Christmas Markets

From stocking stuffers to the perfect gifts for popping under the tree, Christmas markets will be popping up all across Brisbane with everything you need to make this season the merriest yet. While you’re ticking off your nice list, enjoy food trucks, entertainment, kids’ activities and more—simply check out our full guide here.

The Enchanted Garden

Image credit: The Enchanted Garden | Supplied

Back for its tenth year, The Enchanted Garden will once again transform Roma Street Parkland into a dazzling wonderland sure to light up the night. From shimmering projections to sparkling visuals, the self-guided trail is the perfect family-friendly night out, bound to have everyone feeling extra magical. For everything you need to know, head here.

The Details

When: 21 November to 20 December 2025
Where: Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane CBD
​Find out more here.

Lighting of the Christmas Tree

Image credit: Lighting Of The Christmas Tree | Supplied

Fact: It’s not Christmas in Brisbane until the Lord Mayor flicks the switch on the spectacular 22-metre Christmas tree at King George Square, so save the date—it’s all going down 28 November. With Santa and his helpers in attendance plus a special performance by Dylan Wright, this is the perfect way to welcome the silly season with photo opps aplenty. 

The Details

When: 6:30pm to 7:30pm, 28 November
Where: King George Square, Brisbane CBD
Find out more here.

Christmas Tiny Doors

Image credit: Christmas Tiny Doors | Supplied

Don’t let the dazzling Christmas lights distract you—this festive season enchanting tiny doors have popped up all around Brisbane City, packing merry energy in pint sizes. Designed and created by local artist Mace Robertson, the Christmas Tiny Doors can be spotted at Queen Street Mall, King George Square, MacArthur Central, Post Office Square, Queens Wharf, QueensPlaza, Uptown and Wintergarden.

The Details

When: 1 to 24 December
Where: Various city locations
Find out more here.

For more of what's on in Brisbane, head here.