13 Festive AF Things To Do In Brisbane This Christmas

"Let it snow," I sing in 34 degree heat.

1. Grab a drink at The Tinsel Bar in South Brisbane.

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There are few things more festive then hauling out the Christmas decorations and inhaling that sweet tinsel smell. So, what better way to get into the festive spirit than sipping on a Tinsel Town Spritzer at the new Tinsel Bar in South Brisbane! This colourful wonderland is open Friday and Saturday nights and is the brainchild of Brisbane designer and certified tinsel queen Rachel Burke, so you know each corner is just as Instagrammable and tinsel-tastic as the next.

2. Get a hole in one at Christmas Putt Putt at Victoria Park.

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Victoria Park has transformed their golf course into a festive wonderland for the holiday season — AND it’s fully licensed! Up until Christmas eve, you’ll be able to putt around three new attractions, from the Reindeer’s Meadow to Candy Cane Lane and Santa’s Stop. Tickets start from $20 and it’s best to book online, but you’re not locked into a certain time to golf.

3. Wander through The Enchanted Garden at the Roma Street Parkland.

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After HUGE crowds in previous years, The Enchanted Garden is back yet again to light up the Roma Street Parkland this summer. Be prepared to wait in line as these gardens always pull in strong crowds, but the payoff is well and truly worth it. Before you know it, you’ll feel like the star of your own Christmas rom-com.

4. Find the perfect gift at the South Bank Christmas Markets.

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The plus side of Christmas in Australia, specifically Brisbane, is that you can wander through the outdoor Chrissy markets and not be freezing cold. The South Bank Christmas Markets are chock full of stalls selling handmade items, unique gifts and tasty treats, so it’s the perfect place to browse before catching the newest Christmas flick or meeting up with your mates.

5. Lace up your skates at Iceworld at Boondall.

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Sure, Brisbane will never deliver us a white Christmas, but we CAN work with what we’ve got by heading to Iceworld at Boondall. Keep cool this summer and get into the festive mood by skating around on the ice with your pals while singing along to all the Christmas hits.

6. Shop the night away at the 36 hour shopping specials.

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Feeling the absolute chaotic energy of walking through your local shopping centre at 2:30 in the morning with THOUSANDS of others is a rite of passage that everyone should experience at least once. Most Westfields put on non-stop shopping for 36 hours in the lead up to Christmas Eve, so make a list, check your local centres opening times and snap up some last minute purchases.

7. Enjoy all the Xmas classics under the stars at the Moonlight Cinema.

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Instead of sweating it out on the couch while watching your favourite Christmas film on your overheating laptop, grab some snacks and make your way to the Moonlight Cinema to watch all your favourites under the stars! They’re showing a mix of classics like Elf, and new films like Last Christmas all throughout December, so check out their website to cop your tickets and suss out session times.

8. Watch Love Actually in concert at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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If you’re a huge Love Actually fan (Who isn’t?! It’s a top tier Christmas film!) and you want the millionth time you rewatch it to be taken to the next level, book tickets to see it IN CONCERT at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. That’s right, a live symphony orchestra will perform all the hits featured in the film, like “Jump” by The Pointer Sisters and, of course, “All I Want For Christmas” by Mariah Carey.

9. Admire the extravagant Christmas light displays around the city.

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Plan your route, pile into the car and spend a night cruising around to some of the best Christmas light displays in your neighbourhood. Sometimes entire streets get fully into the spirit, so try and hunt down those hidden gems to pack as much LED goodness into your night as possible. Because is it really Christmas if you don’t get to admire a giant four metre inflatable Santa in someone else’s front yard?

10. Have a laugh at A Very Naughty Christmas at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

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If you’re a bit of a Grinch and can’t stand all the cheesy, corny Christmas mayhem, A Very Naughty Christmas at the Brisbane Powerhouse might just tickle your tinsel. Now in its third year, this 18+ show is promising to stuff your stocking with a brand new show pulled right out of Santa’s sack. With its live band, six sexy performers and holiday hits like you’ve never heard them, you’re bound to enjoy it, whether you’ve been naughty or nice.

11. Get caught up in the hype of the Brisbane Christmas parade.

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Admire the hundreds of singing and dancing performers and characters as part of the Brisbane Christmas Parade. Lit up floats will weave their way through the city every night from December 13 to the 22 at 7 p.m., so it’s the perfect way to get an added dose of festive cheer when you’re out shopping in the CBD. Plus, it features an appearance from the big red man himself.

12. Watch the Gold Lotto City Hall lights show in King George Square.

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Not only is the Brisbane City Christmas tree a ginormous, sparkling attraction to see in itself, but it’s situated right next to the annual Gold Lotto City Hall Lights show. Each night, the historic building is lit up with an animated projection of an Aussie Christmas tale. The animation runs every 15 minutes and starts from December 6, so there’s plenty of chances to catch this show.

13. And lastly, enjoy the Fireworks Spectacular at Clem Jones Promenade, South Bank.

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Celebrate the final few nights leading up to the big day by heading down to Clem Jones Promenade at South Bank to enjoy their Fireworks Spectacular display. Running from December 21 to 23 only, these nightly fireworks will light up the sky and help see out the festive season with a bang. The 15 minute show is free to enjoy and is best viewed at South Bank, Streets Beach or River Quay.