This year Christmas in Ipswich is set to include some fantastic events, carnivals and lighting displays, we’ve rounded up a few we think you’ll love, for more events visit the Ipswich Festivals website.
Carols and Christmas songs
A number of community carols will be held across the city for families and friends to enjoy. These include the Brassall Christmas in the Park spectacular on November 29 from 6-9pm; the Raceview Community Carols on December 1; Pine Mountain Christmas Carols on December 1; The Marburg Christmas Carnival on December 7; Christmas under the Stars at Tivoli on December 7; The Redbank Plains Community Christmas Carols on December 8; Whitehill Church Carols on December 8; The Rosewood Christmas Festival on December 13; Shiloh Church Christmas Carols on December 13-14; Christmas in Ripley on December 14; And the Marburg Community Carols Evening on December 15.
Marburg Christmas Carnival
Experience Christmas in the country at the Marburg Christmas Carnival with free kids’ rides and activities, market stalls and more.
There will be food trucks and a bar and Santa will have a free gift for children in primary school and under at 7.05pm.
Join the fun on Saturday December 7 from 4pm-8pm at 45-55 Queen Street Marburg.
Christmas Under the Stars at Tivoli Drive-In
Spend the night under the stars with Tivoli’s annual Christmas Under The Stars event. From 5pm on 7 December you’ll be welcomed with a large staple of local artists, food trucks and market stalls at the Tivoli Drive In Theatre venue 50 Coal Rd, Chuwar.
Santa and the animals
On Sunday December 15 visit the animals and dinosaurs at Ewe Nique Hobby Farm and meet their special guest – Santa! Bookings are essential.
It’s A Wonderful Life – Live Radio Play
Join Switch Up Productions this Christmas as they transport you back in time for a unique retelling of beloved Christmas classic, It’s A Wonderful Life. The talented cast brings to life the heartwarming tale of George Bailey and the small town of Bedford Falls, capturing the magic and spirit of the season.
Experience the joy, challenges, and miracles of one man’s extraordinary life as it unfolds before your eyes and ears. This charming adaptation reminds us all of the profound impact one person can have on an entire community and the true meaning of Christmas.
The Christmas classic is retold as a live 1940’s radio broadcast where you become our live studio audience! Complete with Foley sound effects, old time jingles and an ensemble cast that brings dozens of characters to life.
St Nicholas Precinct
Celebrate the wonder of Christmas as the urban heart of our city dazzles with a spectacular lighting installation. Nicholas Street Precinct will again transform into an experiential atmosphere of lights, colour and magical moments.
With new installations and experiences to enjoy, gather your family and friends, and make precious memories with photo opportunities, live entertainment and market stalls.
Come and explore the St Nicholas Precinct during the most wonderful time of the year from Friday 13 December to Sunday 22 December.
The lights will be turned on from 6.30pm-9.30pm nightly, except on Monday 16 December when a sensory session will be held. That session will run from 6pm-9pm for those seeking a gentler, sensory-friendly experience. With a quieter environment and dedicated low sensory tent, this evening allows more families to experience the joy of Christmas.
Ipswich Christmas Lights Bus Tours
The Ipswich Christmas Lights Tours are back this year on December 20 and 21. View a selection of the best displays from this year’s Christmas Lights competition on an air-conditioned coach and enjoy a light supper with entertainment and surprise visitors before you head off on the magical adventure.
Charity Christmas luncheon
CSI Club Services Ipswich will be hosting their annual Christmas Charity Luncheon on Friday, December 13, beginning at 11am. Tickets are $39.90 per person with all proceeds being donated to Domestic Violence Action Centre. The day will include a two-course lunch, complimentary gift, entertainment, raffles, lucky door prizes and a visit from Santa.
Also at CSI you can order a special Christmas gathering feast until Christmas eve. The feast includes a trio of roast meats with beef, ham and turkey, roast vegetables, gravy and cranberry sauce, followed by plum pudding with ice cream and custard!
Christmas magic at Brothers
Brothers Leagues Club are holding a Christmas Party on December 18! The party is for everyone to enjoy a night full of holiday cheer with live entertainment, fun, games and excitement.
From 5.30pm enjoy Christmas carols from the Cambrian Youth Choir, then at 6.15pm Lyndel Gayle will be performing live. Santa comes at 6.30pm!
Also until 24 December you can order a traditional Christmas meal of roast turkey and ham with vegetables and gravy, followed by plum pudding and custard for $27 (members price).
Rafter after Dark
On select Fridays in December Ipswich’s favourite cafe Rafter and Rose will transform into the city’s newest destination for a pre-Christmas catch-up! Imagine martinis, espresso and an intimate vibe.
Sunset Sips at Christmas
Join The Soul Nook Collective for a festive fun afternoon on Saturday 7 December from 3pm-6pm. The Sunset Bar will be stocked with epic treats thanks to Baked by Brooke and non-alcoholic drinks to suit the festive spirit (BYO alcohol is welcome). You will also be able to snap up a bargain from the bespoke boutique.
Little Humpty’s Christmas Party
On Wednesday December 18 Summer Land Camels is having a Little Humpty’s Christmas Party.
This is an event for kids and for $10 includes a kids farm tour, a bag of camel feed, the chance to pat and feed the camels and kids’ activities.
You can also book a camel ride for $20 on the day.
Rosewood Christmas Festival
Join in the fun of the Rosewood Christmas Festival with market stalls, Christmas carols, food, free rides, entertainment and more!
Bring the whole family down on Friday December 13 from 5pm-8pm to the Rosewood Showgrounds.
Dive in movies
Dive-in movies are back at Orion Lagoon this December! Entry is free and the movie will start around 6.30pm (or when the sun goes down) on Saturday 21 December weather permitting. The movie title will be released on the Orion Springfield Central Facebook page in the lead up to the event.
There’s also many Christmas markets planned for around the city, find them here.
