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Christmas Activities in Brisbane Suitable for Families in 2023

Looking for Christmas activities for your kids (and yourself) this year? We’ve got Christmas all wrapped up and tied together in a neat little bow just for you! In this article you’ll find a huge round-up of what’s on and what’s what this summer leading up to and including Christmas!

There are so many exciting things to do with your kids this Christmas that we cannot wait for school to finish! We will add to this list as we hear of new events, so perhaps bookmark this page and use it as your ‘go-to’ when looking for new ideas!

If you would like to update your entry or add to our article, please email Janine – Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au

Christmas activities in Brisbane City

Lord Mayor's Lighting of the Christmas 2020

Want to see a huge Christmas tree in King George Square? How about an incredible Christmas themed light show projected on the historic City Hall? We highly recommend checking out Christmas in the City this year!

Families tip: Go in early, do some shopping, eating, and then finish the night off with a trip to King George Square.

Find out all the details and timings here.

Christmas activities at South Bank

Christmas Cinema South Bank

Easily one of the most popular places in Brisbane for Christmas activities is South Bank. With a Christmas Cinema, Santa Stopover where kids can meet Santa plus live festive performances, you will definitely go home with a smile on your face.

We’ve listed all the events and timings here.

Outdoor cinema – Dendy Powerhouse

Nothing says you’re in Queensland more than gathering with your friends and family and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle year-round so what better way to mix our love of film and cinema going than with the ultimate outdoor movie experience. No longer do you have to stay inside for your cultural fix.

With such an iconic landmark as Brisbane Powerhouse and set alongside the picturesque New Farm Park and the Brisbane River, it is the perfect backdrop to set the stage for a stylish, comfortable and unique escape into the world of movies. The experience opens on 10 November, 2023 and the programme runs all year round but it’s a great addition to your plans if you’re looking for summer Christmas activities in Brisbane.

Check out what’s on here.

Christmas activities at Roma St Parkland

enchanted gardens tree lit up Free School holiday activities brisbane northside

Roma Street Parkland will be holding The Enchanted Garden over November and December suitable for families with children. Find out what to expect and how to book your ticket in our review here. You can also read our full review of Roma Street Parkland and why it’s a great destination for families here.

Highlights:

  • The event runs from Thursday 23 November – Wednesday 20 December, 2023
  • Ticket sales are now open
  • Entry is in 15 minute time-slots and it takes about an hour to see the walk-through display

Christmas markets

One of the most popular articles on our website is our Christmas markets page. It’s updated daily with new markets that are being set up especially for Christmas. Some include rides for the kids and visits from Santa. Which of these Christmas Markets are the best ones and near where you live?

Find alllll the best Brisbane Christmas markets here.

Christmas carols

lord mayors christmas carols in Brisbane - Christmas Activities in Brisbane

There is something special about this time of the year, that makes you want to don a candle and get out with the family and SING! Christmas Carols in Brisbane always guarantee a fun family night out due to the Queensland weather and unrivaled community spirit. So many community groups go above and beyond to spread Christmas cheer each year. The great news is we will see a lot of Christmas Carols in Brisbane events go ahead in 2023!

Find out where all the Christmas Carols are around Brisbane by clicking here.

Local maps for Christmas lights

26-32 Fountain Road Burpengary East christmas lights

You told us you loved our maps and street lists so we’re doing it again this year! You’ll find we’re breaking it down by best lights by area and if you click on the link you will go to a special map! Once there, you’ll find a list of streets in best/most efficient driving order so you don’t have to work it out yourself.

Find out how it works here.

White Christmas activities at MovieWorld

movie-world-white-christmas

The Movie World White Christmas is an incredible event for the whole family. Every year Movie World puts on a dazzling display of lights, decorations, street performances, music, and a spectacular Christmas parade.

You will find lots more information including things to do for the event can be found here.

Christmas Lights Bus Tours

Brisbane Christmas Lights Bus Tours for Christmas Activities in Brisbane

One of the most spectacular celebrations of Christmas in Brisbane would have to be the Xmas Lights displays! Houses all over the river city are decked out in flashing lights bringing festive cheer to all. Ideally, there’s no better way to see them than on a bus tour. The Brisbane City Council and other providers offer these Christmas activities for Brisbane families. Find out more here.

Christmas activities and events by date on our calendar

what's on today in Brisbane for families

If you are looking for Christmas activities in Brisbane on a specific date for your family, then take a look at our calendar. Updated daily and chock full of things to do with kids for Christmas this year.

Check it out and choose your date by clicking here.

Sensory Santas around Brisbane

sensory santa caring santa photos

If your child has special sensory needs sensory overload can be very distressing. That’s why a visit to a Sensory Santa (also known as Sensitive Santa and Caring Santa) can be super helpful. Thankfully it can mean you can get that special family Santa photo after all.

We’ve got the full list here.

Christmas Charity

Brisbane Basket Brigade bags

Becoming involved in Christmas charity work isn’t just the moral thing to do – it’s a way to teach our own children the values of empathy, respect and kindness. For a Christmas family activity with a difference think about getting involved with some of these great Christmas charity initiatives.

Christmas Eve box ideas

Christmas Eve box ideas for christmas activities

There is a growing tradition of giving kids a Christmas Eve Box on the 24th of December to get them right into the spirit of Xmas. Some families I know use this additional gift as a way to get the kids to go to bed without a fuss on Christmas Eve. Whatever your reason for creating a Christmas Eve box, we’ve put together a few ideas for your kids (and one for the mummas too!)

You can find all the details including pricing and where to buy their contents here.

Looking for more Christmas activities?

We’ve all learned recently that community is more important than ever! If you’ve made some new neighbourhood buddies throughout the chaos of the last few years why not hold a Christmas street party to celebrate your newfound friendships.

Another idea is to start a Christmas family tradition. Not sure where to start? We’ve got the ultimate Christmas family traditions list for you here.

Lastly, why not get crafty with the kids whilst ticking off the Christmas never-ending gift-buying list. Here are some great homemade gift ideas you can make together this Christmas.

Photo of author

Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

2 thoughts on “Christmas Activities in Brisbane Suitable for Families in 2023”

  1. I noticed in the Logan North area that our address is not shown, we have presented one of the best displays around and yet we are omitted from the list. You have 45 Penelope Drive listed but they don’t have a display, our lights are at 14 Penelope drive Cornubia and are extremely worthy of a mention as we have previously won Logan Lights Eastern division two years in a row before LCC stopped promoting Christmas.

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