Brisbane Family Guide: The Best Events Before Christmas

This weekend marks the final countdown to Christmas, with several major events hosting their closing nights or special festive editions. Families should take note that The Enchanted Garden finishes its run this Saturday, making it the last chance to see the lights for 2025. Elsewhere, the city and bayside are alive with carols, twilight markets, and the immersive fun of Bluey’s World.


The Enchanted Garden

21 November – 20 December 2025 | Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane City
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It is the final weekend to experience Brisbane’s premier light show. The parkland’s winding pathways are illuminated with immersive light installations and holograms, offering a magical conclusion to the pre-Christmas festivities.


Christmas at Bluey’s World!

14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 | Northshore Pavilion, Hamilton
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Celebrate the holidays with the Heeler family in this immersive experience. The full-scale sets of Bluey’s home are decked out with Christmas decorations, offering interactive games and photo opportunities perfect for young fans.


Christmas Putt Putt at Victoria Park

7 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 | Victoria Park, Herston
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The greens at Victoria Park have been transformed into a festive wonderland. Navigate through giant candy canes, twinkling lights, and Christmas-themed obstacles in this fun outdoor activity suitable for the whole family.


Brisbane Bayside Carols

20 December 2025 | George Clayton Park, Manly
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Pack a picnic blanket and head to the bayside for a classic community carols event. Enjoy a relaxed evening of singalongs, live entertainment, and festive cheer right on the waterfront at George Clayton Park.


Wynnum Wonderland Christmas Festival: Family Shows

13 – 22 December 2025 | The Augathella Spiegeltent, Wynnum
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The Wynnum foreshore continues its carnival atmosphere with a series of family shows inside the Spiegeltent. From circus acts to comedy, these performances offer a theatrical escape by the sea.


Christmas in the Valley

3 – 19 December 2025 | Chinatown Mall and Brunswick Street Mall, Fortitude Valley
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Fortitude Valley gets a festive makeover with roving performers, live music, and decorations throughout the malls. It is a great way to soak up some atmosphere while exploring the precinct’s dining and entertainment options.


BrisStyle Twilight Markets

19 December 2025 | King George Square, Brisbane City
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Shop for unique, handmade gifts right in the heart of the city. These markets feature local artisans selling high-quality jewellery, fashion, and art, providing a perfect opportunity to find last-minute presents under the city lights.


A Christmas Blackout

19 December 2025 | King George Square, Brisbane City
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Part of the City Hall Lights program, this projection show illuminates the historic facade of City Hall. Written by Melissa Sailsbury, the story comes alive with dazzling visuals and sound, best viewed from the square.


Live performance: Roarsome storytime and puppet meet-and-greet

19 December 2025 | Brisbane Square Library, Brisbane City
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A delightful free event for little ones at the library. Enjoy an interactive storytime session followed by a chance to meet the puppets, encouraging literacy and imagination in a fun, safe environment.


Jan Powers Farmers Markets Manly

20 December 2025 | Manly Harbour Royal Esplanade, Manly
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Start your Saturday morning by the water at one of Brisbane’s best farmers markets. Pick up fresh produce for your Christmas feast, browse artisan stalls, and enjoy a coffee with a view of the harbour.


West End Markets

20 December 2025 | Davies Park, West End
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A Saturday staple, the West End Markets offer a vibrant mix of food, fashion, and plants under the fig trees. It is an ideal spot to grab a bite to eat and hunt for unique vintage or handmade treasures before the holidays.


12 Days of Christmas – Fast Fun and Funky Christmas

19 December 2025 | Downfall Creek Bushland Centre, Chermside West
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This engaging workshop for children aged 4 to 17 focuses on creative Christmas fun. Hosted at the Bushland Centre, it combines nature with festive activities to keep kids entertained during the school holidays.


This weekend offers a blend of major spectacle and community warmth. With The Enchanted Garden concluding on Saturday, ticket holders should arrive early to fully enjoy the experience. For those seeking a more relaxed vibe, the Bayside Carols and various markets provide excellent options to enjoy the summer outdoors.

Christmas by the River: Portside Wharf Announces Three-Weekend Festive Celebration

Portside Wharf will welcome the holiday season this December with a month-long program designed around festive entertainment and family-friendly activities. The Hamilton precinct’s Moments That Make Christmas celebration will run across three themed weekends, offering Santa photos, elf face painting, roaming carollers, and the return of The Claw Box lucky dip.


Read: Northshore Hamilton River Hub Set for New Wave of Tourism and Transport


Throughout December, participating restaurants will also offer Kids Eat Free* on Thursdays, adding an extra incentive for families to enjoy an evening meal at the riverside precinct during the festive period.

Weekend 1: Santa Photos (6–7 December)

The first weekend of celebrations began with Santa’s arrival at Portside Wharf. Visitors who spent 50 dollars or more at a precinct retailer received a free photo with Santa.

This opening weekend marked the start of the precinct’s festive program, giving families an opportunity to visit the riverside precinct, shop, and take part in the early holiday atmosphere.

Weekend 2: Elf Face Painting and Family Fun (13–14 December)

Photo credit: Vincent Dubois/Google Maps

The second weekend, held on 13–14 December, will focus on activities for children. Roaming elves will be present throughout the precinct, providing free festive face painting from 12 pm to 4 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

This weekend features simple, family-oriented activities designed to offer children a light and enjoyable festive experience.

Weekend 3: Roaming Carollers and The Claw Box (20–21 December)

Photo credit: Markus Ravik

The final weekend of the program will run from 20–21 December. Roaming carollers will perform from 12 pm to 4 pm, adding a musical element to the precinct during the afternoon.

Running across both days, The Claw Box will return as part of the festivities. The lucky dip style machine will offer visitors a chance to win gifts provided by Portside Wharf retailers, adding an element of surprise to the final weekend’s activities.


Read: Racecourse Road Shops Could Make Way for Green Luxury Apartments in Hamilton


A Festive Season at the Riverside

Across all three weekends, the precinct will host a variety of entertainment and activities centred on joy, generosity, and connection, themes highlighted as part of this year’s Christmas program. Visitors can stay updated by following @portside.wharf on Instagram.

Published 9-December-2025