Home » Holidays » Special Events » Christmas

Why You Should Take Your Kids to South Bank this Christmas

Find all Christmas activities at South Bank 2024 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, they have a new Christmas Maze that offers an exclusive, creative experience for all ages! One of our favourite events is to see Santa at Flowstate (have you been?) and catch a movie – it’s epic and it is one of the best ways that my family celebrates Christmas each year. #cannotwait

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 2024

Celebrations in South Bank kick off on Friday 13 December and provide festive cheer for all visitors all the way to Friday 31 January. Here is what you will find:

Christmas in the Plaza

  • Saturday 14 December – Sunday 22 December

South Bank’s Christmas tree lights up every night and features performers including duets, string quartets, dancers and carollers. Performers will appear at various moments adding festive cheer to the glorious, suspended Christmas tree experience! Click here for more information.

South Bank Christmas Markets

The Collective markets - Christmas at South Bank
  • Friday 13 December – Sunday 22 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

  • Saturday 14 December – Sunday 22 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!

Kids workshops available daily from 10am – 1pm. Adult workshops available 20 and 21 December from 7pm – 9pm.

South Bank Nightly Christmas Carols

  • Saturday 14 December – Sunday 22 December

Feel the flow of the music as you sing along to heart-warming carols with the stunning backdrop of the city at South Bank Nightly Christmas Carols. Bring a picnic or get takeaway from the nearby South Bank restaurants and come together with your loved ones for a joyous evening by the river.

South Bank Nightly Christmas Carols is on from 5pm – 5.45pm. Entry is free, no booking required.

Santa Photos and Mrs Claus Storytime

Santa seeing some families at Santa's Stopover - Christmas at South Bank
  • Saturday 14 December – Sunday 22 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!

Meet Santa from 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 4.30pm daily. Enjoy hearing stories from Mrs Claus from 2pm to 4.30pm daily.

South Bank Christmas Maze

  • Saturday 14 December – Friday 31 January

An a-maze-ing adventure experience for all ages! The South Bank Christmas Maze is an exclusive, creative experience for all ages where every twist and turn will reveal something wonderful. Different versions of the maze offer unique experiences to suit the audience, from families seeking fun and adventure to youth and adults looking for an exciting night out.

Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at South Bank Piazza.

South Bank Open Air Christmas Cinema – River Quay Green

  • Saturday 14 December – Sunday 22 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.

South Bank Nightly Christmas Parade

  • Saturday 14 December – Sunday 22 December

Experience a Christmas-themed parade that sweeps through South Bank, bringing the magic of the season to life! See beloved festive characters dance alongside performers, all set to a soundtrack of heartwarming holiday music.

New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacular

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 2024?

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.

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.

22 thoughts on “Why You Should Take Your Kids to South Bank this Christmas”

Leave a comment