Lighting of Ipswich City Christmas Tree marks month of festivities
03 December 2021
Local choir carollers and an early visit from Santa have helped Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding officially light up the city’s Christmas Tree as part of Christmas in Ipswich festivities.
Mayor Teresa Harding said in the lead-up to Christmas, a visit into the heart of Ipswich isn’t complete without stopping by the city’s beloved Christmas Tree in d’Arcy Doyle Place.
“Turning on the 8,600 fairy lights adorning our city’s magnificent nine-metre-tall Christmas tree marks the time of year Ipswich Central comes alive with Christmas in Ipswich festivities,” Mayor Harding said.
“The centrepiece of Christmas celebrations in Ipswich shifts to our city’s revitalised urban heart, the Nicholas Street Precinct, which will be transformed into the St Nicholas Precinct.
“The precinct will be home to a dazzling array of lights and magical moments, part of a program of events, carnivals and carols that will transport the best of the north pole to suburbs across Ipswich.
“I also encourage those visiting Ipswich Central to dine at our great restaurants around Nicholas Street Precinct and Top of Town, as well as stalls during the Twilight Markets at Tulmur Place.”
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said there will be more than two-dozen free and low-cost events in December for the community to come together in goodwill and joy.
“The festive feast of community events includes twilight markets, a Christmas lights fun run starting in Limestone Park, and a Christmas Carnival and Scenic Soul Christmas Market in Marburg’s Queen Street,” Cr Fechner said.
“For those of us who love Christmas carols, homegrown musicians, local choristers, and orchestras will perform sing-alongs in Raceview, Robelle Domain, South Ripley, and Mega Christmas Carols in Chuwar.
“There really is something for everyone, with details of the program available online at ChristmasInIpswich.com.au to help your planning.
“And don’t forget to visit your local library to write and post your letter to Santa and Mrs Claus!”
Mayor Harding said families can farewell 2021 locally at fireworks and all-ages New Year’s Eve events across the city, including the Countdown with Colour at the Tivoli Drive In at Chuwar.
“On the final night of 2021, residents can look towards the skies above Ipswich at 9pm when fireworks will launch across the region,” Mayor Harding said.
A list of locations and further information about fireworks sites will be released closer to New Year’s Eve.
For the full program and to learn more about what festive events and activities are planned near you, visit ChristmasInIpswich.com.au
Program Overview – visit ChristmasInIpswich.com.au for the full list of events, all ticketing and information.
Letters to Santa – all Ipswich Libraries Branches
Now to 16 December
Visit any Ipswich libraries branch to write and post your letter to Santa. Get in quick to give Santa enough time to respond between wrapping presents. Then join Mr and Mrs Claus and other North Pole Pals via Zoom as they share Christmas stories, carols and a selection of handwritten letters from the children of Ipswich from 11am on Friday 17 December.
Christmas Lights Competition
Online voting open now to 6 December
A full list of addresses for voting is available on ChristmasInIpswich.com.au, so you can check out the best festive displays across the city. Categories include Best Residential, Best Business/Organisation, Best Street, People’s Choice, Best New Entry and Best Sustainable Display. Winners will share in over $8,000 worth of cash and prizes.
St Nicholas Precinct – Nicholas Street Precinct
6.30pm to 9.30pm, 10 to 19 December
A spectacular immersive display and larger-than-life installations will transform the Nicholas Street Precinct into the St Nicholas Precinct as the centrepiece of Christmas in Ipswich celebrations. The free event will include a dazzling array of lights and colour, live entertainment, movies on the Tulmur Place big screen and yummy festive food.
Santa on Tour
10 to 12 and 17 to 19 December
He’s made his list and checked in twice. Now Santa and his band of merry performers will be cruising past Christmas lights and stopping at local parks and suburbs near you to spread joy and Christmas cheer. Stay tuned for location announcements on ChristmasInIpswich.com.au
Christmas Lights Tours
6pm to 9pm, 16 and 17 December
View a selection of the best displays in this year’s Christmas Lights Competition in air-conditioned comfort. The bus tour includes commentary from friendly guides, light supper and live entertainment. Spaces are limited and bookings essential – call 3281 0555 or email info@discoveripswich.com.au
Countdown with Colour – Tivoli Drive In, Chuwar
31 December
Join in the celebrations with colourful activities for the whole family while enjoying live music from Savvy, Fabulous Lemon Drops and other homegrown performers. There will be endless choices of food and drink to indulge in, then bring in the new year with fireworks and a special family film.
For more New Year’s Eve events, visit www.ipswichfestivals.com.au/christmas-in-ipswich/2022-new-years-eve
Christmas In Ipswich is delivered through the support of the following partners: Ripley Town Centre, Slater and Gordon Lawyers, Energex, Stockland Providence, River 94.9, 9News Queensland, NGU Real Estate Ipswich, Event Cinemas Springfield, Choices Flooring by Mallets, Harvey Norman Booval, Premier Queensland and Pocket Retreats.