12 Days of Christmas: Things to do this December in Brisbane

Day 1: Wander Through the Magical Labyrinth

Activity: Explore The Enchanted Garden When: Until Saturday, December 20 Where: Roma Street Parkland

Kick off the month by immersing yourself in pure wonder. Roma Street Parkland transforms into a dazzling, ticketed light experience. It’s an immersive, after-dark journey through glowing tunnels and shimmering displays, a perfect evening for the whole family.

Day 2: See a Story Projected on a Landmark

Activity: Catch the City Hall Lights Show When: December 5 – 24, nightly from 7:30 pm (Every 15 minutes) Where: King George Square, Brisbane City Hall

Watch Brisbane's iconic City Hall come to life with a brand-new animated projection story, A Christmas Blackout. This free light show is a beloved Brisbane tradition that runs nightly and is perfect for a pre-dinner festive stop.

Day 3: Shop and Be Entertained

Activity: Roving Fun and Festive Shopping in Queen Street Mall When: December 5 – 24, daily (various times) Where: Queen Street Mall

The mall turns into a street spectacle! Take a break from your Christmas shopping (and finding a place for all those new bags in your car!) to enjoy the daily Christmas on Queen roving entertainment. Expect roller-skating candy canes, musical trios, stilt walkers, and cheerful characters, creating a fantastic atmosphere that functions as the City’s daily festive parade.

Day 4: Go on a City Scavenger Hunt

Activity: Hunt for the Christmas Tiny Doors When: December 1 – 24 Where: Various City Locations

Grab the family and join the whimsical Christmas Tiny Doors trail! Created by local artist Mace Robertson, these miniature, hidden doors are scattered throughout the city, turning a simple stroll through the CBD into a magical Christmas scavenger hunt.

Day 5: Get Festive with a Grand Display

Activity: Marvel at Sono Lumo – Festive Nights of Sound & Light When: December 10 – 21 (Wednesday to Sunday, 6 pm–10 pm) Where: Queen’s Wharf & The Star Brisbane

Witness a cutting-edge audiovisual show that blends light, sound, and projection across the Queen’s Wharf and The Star Brisbane precinct. This free, immersive event provides a stunning, high-tech twist on the traditional light show.

Day 6: Sing Your Heart Out

Activity: Attend the Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols When: Saturday, December 6 Where: Riverstage, City Botanic Gardens (or free livestream at Roma Street Parkland)

Don't miss Brisbane's biggest Christmas party! The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols features world-class Australian performers spreading festive joy. Head to Riverstage for the main event (ticketed) or enjoy the free family-friendly live broadcast at Roma Street Parkland.

Day 7: Snap a Family Photo

Activity: Take a memorable picture with Santa Where: Check local shopping centres (like Brookside) or head to South Bank for Santa Photos and Mrs Claus Storytime

A picture with the Big Guy is essential! From dedicated setups at shopping centres to special appearances at events like the West End Christmas Twilight Market (Dec 5) or the South Bank precinct, make sure you capture that classic Christmas moment.

Day 8: Be Awed by a Christmas Show

Activity: See the Starz Christmas Spectacular When: December 15 – 24 (Weekdays) Where: Queen Street Mall & King George Square

Experience the ultimate Christmas extravaganza! This free performance features talented local performers in a spectacular celebration of colour, movement, and festive cheer, right in the heart of the city.

Day 9: Find Unique Gifts

Activity: Browse the BrisStyle Twilight Markets When: Friday, December 19 (4 pm–9 pm) Where: King George Square

Shop local and grab some truly unique handmade gifts at the BrisStyle Twilight Markets. You’ll find artisan crafts, jewellery, and festive finds under the twinkling city lights. You might also want to check out the South Bank Christmas Markets (Dec 12-23) for more shopping opportunities!

Day 10: Play a Round of Festive Fun

Activity: Play Christmas Putt Putt When: Until January 4, 2026 Where: Victoria Park

Perfect for a daytime activity! The Victoria Park Greens are transformed with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and mistletoe. It's a fun, family-friendly way to enjoy the Queensland summer weather with a Christmassy twist.

Day 11: Go Light Looking (Without Leaving Your Car)

Activity: Take a night drive to see the Best Neighbourhood Christmas Lights Where: Across Brisbane Suburbs

Pack some snacks, crank the Christmas playlist, and use your Big Box Car to tour the best residential light displays. Save your family time and fuel by planning your route.

Need a Route? Check out our dedicated guide: Best Christmas Lights In Brisbane 2025 | Must Do Brisbane

Day 12: The At-Home Tradition

Activity: Bake Santa's Favourite Christmas Cookies When: Anytime! (But best on Christmas Eve) Where: Your own kitchen

After all the hustle and bustle, slow down for a traditional Christmas activity. Spend the afternoon baking and decorating a huge batch of Christmas cookies. It’s the perfect way to spend quality family time and make sure Santa has a well-deserved treat waiting for him!