Throughout the months of November and December, Brisbane comes alive with Christmas spirit. There are Christmas lights twinkling on the houses, Christmas trees in the city, carol concerts, Santa appearances and festive shows.

Christmas is the perfect excuse to spend time with your family. And although the festive season can be overwhelming with all the events, present-buying and general pressure to have a merry old time, I think it’s important to find little pockets of time to simply enjoy the season.

I’m originally from the UK but I’ve been living in Brisbane for 11 years, and one of the things I really struggled to get used to was Christmas in the heat.

There’s nothing better than Christmas in the cold, when you’re standing at a Christmas market on a chilly evening with a steaming mug of mulled wine in your hands, surrounded by twinkling lights and Christmas music. There’s a magic to it that’s hard to replicate when you’re wearing shorts and t-shirts and jumping in the pool.

So every year I look for a bit of Christmas magic here in Brisbane. And over the years, I’ve found some wonderful ways to recreate that festive feeling, even in 30-degree heat.

Here’s my curated guide to the best things to do in Brisbane at Christmas time, updated for 2026, to help you and your family find a little Christmas magic of your own.

The Best Christmas Lights in Brisbane

One of the Christmas traditions we’ve really embraced since moving to Brisbane is driving around to see the houses decorated with Christmas lights.

It’s become one of our favourite family traditions. One evening in December, we all pile into the car after dark, put some Christmas music on, and head off to explore the neighbourhood Christmas light displays.

People really go to town decorating their houses. Some are simple drive-by displays, and others are so elaborate that you can get out and wander through them. You might find illuminated archways, miniature trains, photo opportunities and entire gardens transformed into Christmas wonderlands.

Sometimes there are entire streets where every house is decorated.

We always use Families Magazine’s guide to the Christmas lights, which has an interactive map and lists the addresses of participating houses.

We like to choose a suburb about 15 minutes from home and then meander our way back, following a planned route so we don’t miss any of the best houses.

Top tip: plan your route before you leave. Make a note of the addresses and work out which houses you want to visit. Don’t wing it – you’ll end up missing all the good stuff.

Christmas Decorations and Trees in Brisbane

Brisbane City Christmas Decorations

It’s worth making a special trip into Brisbane City at Christmas time to see the decorations.

Queen Street Mall makes a special effort every year, and the giant Christmas tree in King George Square is always a highlight.

While you’re in the city, don’t miss a walk through Brisbane Arcade. It’s absolutely spectacular at Christmas time, decorated with Christmas trees, wreaths and thousands of twinkling lights.

Christmas at South Bank

South Bank also puts on a good show each Christmas.

The program changes every year, but previous celebrations have included Christmas decorations, Santa photos, outdoor Christmas movies and festive performances.

Combine it with a show at QPAC or a walk along the river and you’ve got yourself a lovely festive evening.

Check their website for the Christmas 2026 program.

The Enchanted Garden at Roma Street Parkland

Twinkly lights in the forest just screams Christmas, and the Enchanted Garden at Roma Street Parkland really delivers on this.

With a slightly different theme each year, this beautiful illuminated walk takes you through gardens and forest pathways transformed by thousands of colourful lights.

It does get very busy and tickets can sell out, so make sure you secure yours early.

Christmas Shows and Music in Brisbane

Spirit of Christmas at QPAC

My all-time favourite Brisbane Christmas activity is Spirit of Christmas.

Held at QPAC in the days leading up to Christmas, this wonderful concert features a full orchestra, choir and some very talented singers.

They’ll take you through beautiful renditions of your favourite Christmas songs and carols, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll be completely blown away by the music.

It’s the closest I’ve come to recreating that magical Christmas feeling from the UK.

Christmas Shows at QPAC

Another way to get into the Christmas spirit is with a festive theatre performance.

Also at QPAC, there are two annual shows for families that will really get you in the spirit. The Nutcracker ballet and A Christmas Carol, both wonderful ways to spend an afternoon or evening during the festive season.

Christmas Carol Concerts

Something about a choir singing Christmas carols just gets me every time. You’ll find these Christmas carol concerts happening in local communities all across Brisbane from late November, so keep your eyes peeled on your local noticeboards and community pages for events near you.

Christmas Carols at Local Churches

Don’t overlook your local churches when looking for Christmas events in Brisbane.

They may hold Christmas carol services or Christmas tree light switch-ons.

My local church – Bulimba Uniting Church, holds a special event for families where everyone gathers inside to sing Christmas carols before heading outside to watch the Christmas lights being turned on.

Even if you’re not religious, something about singing Oh Come All Ye Faithful in a church gives me goosebumps every time.

Christmas Candlelight Concerts

One of my favourite things to do in Brisbane at any time of year is listen to a string quartet performing beautiful music in a room lit by hundreds of candles.

It’s a lovely, romantic atmosphere, and these concerts are often held in historic buildings or churches, which just adds to the charm.

Candlelight concerts run throughout the year – I’ve been to Taylor Swift, Disney, Abba and Halloween-themed ones, but the Christmas-themed performances are particularly special.

If you’re looking for a festive date night or a slightly different Christmas experience, this is a great option.

Santa Photos in Brisbane

Taking a photo with Santa is a Christmas tradition for many Brisbane families.

Our favourites are the Westfield shopping centres, which usually have beautiful Christmas setups and plenty of photo packages to choose from, but these can run quite expensive.

You’ll also find free or lower-cost Santa photo opportunities at smaller shopping centres, such as Cannon Hill Plaza.

And don’t forget to book early if you’ve got your heart set on a particular Santa experience, especially for weekends in December.

Christmas High Tea in Brisbane

How could I write a guide to Christmas in Brisbane without mentioning high tea – I’m the high tea queen after all!

Many of Brisbane’s high tea venues offer a festive twist on their usual high tea during November and December. Dress up in your finest frock, put your Christmas earrings on, and settle in for a pleasant afternoon of sandwiches, scones and festive sweet treats.

I’ve tried some wonderful Christmas high teas over the years, including:

Christmas High Tea at Bacchus

A beautiful festive high in a luxury restaurant setting.

Read my full Bacchus Christmas High Tea review here.

Christmas High Tea at Belle Epoque

Another good option for a festive afternoon tea, with a touch of French elegance.

Read my Belle Epoque Christmas High Tea review here.

For more inspiration, take a look at my guide to the Best High Teas in Brisbane.

Christmas High Tea at Shingle Inn

This one is firmly for the kids. Expect a visit from Santa, Christmas activities and a festive-themed child-friendly high tea.