South Bank Christmas 2025: Giant Elves, Open-Air Cinema & Festive Fun for Families

Find all Christmas activities at South Bank 2025 in this article!

Whether family barbecues and beach cricket mark your Christmas under the 30-something-degree days, or if you find joy in the more traditional activities like carols by candlelight, one thing is certain – yuletide events in the open summer air are essential to any Christmas celebration in Brisbane.

My family is heading to South Bank again this year to attend a number of the activities.

This year, South Bank is going bigger and more playful than ever this Christmas, with giant 5-metre elves, festive workshops, open-air cinema nights, Santa photos, storytime sessions and the Christmas Markets returning to Little Stanley Street. From 5 December 2025 to 5 January 2026, families can explore the precinct as the elves “escape the North Pole” and take over Brisbane’s favourite parklands.

Experience the magic of Christmas at South Bank with your family as Brisbane’s most iconic precinct bursts to life with festive entertainment and activities that will surprise and delight all ages.

Christmas activities for families at South Bank in 2025

🧝‍♂️ South Bank’s Giant Elves (5 Dec – 5 Jan) – FREE

Twelve five-metre-tall inflatable elves are popping up across South Bank — from Streets Beach to River Quay and even QPAC’s balcony. Kids can collect an elf map, hunt for them, snap photos and follow each elf’s story as they explore the precinct.

South Bank Christmas Markets

• Friday 12 December – Tuesday 23 December

Soak up the festive atmosphere as you explore the stalls on Little Stanley Street and discover a wonderland of beautiful clothing, sparkling jewellery and delightful trinkets at The Collective Markets – Christmas Edition.

South Bank Christmas Workshops

• Friday 5 December – Sunday 7 December

Adults and kids can unleash their creative side at Christmas-themed workshops at South Bank’s Flowstate. Join in to create wreaths, decorated cookies and much more!

• 4pm – 6:30pm & 6:30pm – 9pm

Santa Photos and Mrs Claus Storytime

• Friday 12 December – Tuesday 23 December

Snap a festive family photo with Santa and Mrs Claus at the Flowstate precinct, where Santa’s friendly elves are ready to help capture the magic of Christmas for you on your phone. For those who have been naughty this year be prepared for a surprise from a well-known green man!

Pet Santa photo sessions: December 13, 15, 17, 19,  21, 23 9:00am – 9:30am only

South Bank Open Air Christmas Cinema – River Quay Green

• Monday 15 December – Tuesday 23 December

As the sun sets, get cosy and enjoy Christmas movies at South Bank Christmas Cinema. Bring a blanket, grab a picnic, or indulge in delicious eats from nearby restaurants. It’s the perfect way to unwind and get into the holiday spirit.

Kick back to live music from 4pm – 7pm, movie starts from 7pm. Entry to the South Bank Christmas Cinema is free!

Check back for a list of the movie screenings.

🍽️ Dinner at South Bank: Christmas Lights, River Views & Endless Choices

New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacular

South Bank comes alive at night during the festive season, making it one of Brisbane’s best spots for a relaxed family dinner. Under twinkling fairy lights and the glowing Eat South Bank sign, the precinct offers everything from casual street-food bites to riverside restaurants perfect for a longer meal. Whether you’re grabbing burgers between events, enjoying Asian or Italian with the kids, or settling in at River Quay for sunset dining, there’s a flavour for every family. The whole area is beautifully lit at night in December, so dinner becomes part of the Christmas experience – an easy, atmospheric way to round out your visit to the South Bank program.

The NYE fireworks are going ahead this year. There are many vantage points to view the fireworks and South Bank is one of them!

Find out more about NYE in Brisbane here.

Have a very South Bank Christmas!

Make a trip to South Bank for Christmas festivities a proper adventure, and take a bus, train or ferry to the Parklands. Public transport fares are currently 50c. Check the Translink website for more detailed fare information and timetables. If you do need to drive to South Bank, check parking availability and deals for the many parking stations around South Bank.

What else is on this Christmas in Brisbane 2025?

We’ve got your comprehensive list of where to see the BEST Christmas lights in Brisbane here.

Wanting to head out to some festive Christmas Markets? We’ll tell you where you can buy the ultimate gifts for your loved ones this Christmas from your local community markets!

If you’re ready to belt out a few carols at one of Brisbane’s many Christmas Carol events read this article.