Christmas in Ipswich gifting plenty of family festive fun
11 November 2022
Spectacular light installations, suburban wonderlands, fleets of merry performers and so much more will soon pop-up across the city as part of council’s annual Christmas in Ipswich program.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the city’s celebrations will include free events and activities from Rosewood to Redbank Plains and every community in between.
“The centrepiece of Ipswich’s celebrations will again be in our city’s revitalised urban heart, the Nicholas Street Precinct, transformed into the popular St Nicholas Precinct,” Mayor Harding said.
“From 9 to 18 December, Tulmur Place and the Precinct will capture the spirit of the season with a spectacular atmosphere of lights, colour and magical moments for all to explore and enjoy.
“The atmosphere will be terrific with live and roving entertainment as well as plenty of yummy festive food, and we are privileged to have this wonderful space in the heart of our city.
“The City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition is open, and over the next couple of weeks we will see incredible suburban light wonderlands and north pole characters popping up across the city.
“There will also be Christmas Lights Tours where passengers can view a selection of the best displays in air-conditioned comfort, and a list of the best displays will be available online in early December.”
Economic and Industry Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Nicole Jonic said there will be more than two-dozen free and low-cost events for the community to come together in goodwill and joy.
“Free community events include Cruise The Night Christmas at Willowbank, Ulysses Club Annual Ipswich Toy Run, Marburg Christmas Carnival, Off The Wall Christmas Exhibition at the Ipswich Art Gallery and many more over the coming weeks,” Cr Jonic said.
“There are also plenty of opportunities to sing your favourite Christmas carols with great events planned in Brassall, Chuwar, Springfield Central, Redbank Plains and South Ripley.
“Across two weekends, the Santa On Tour fleet will cruise through suburbs stopping at local parks and community locations to spread festive cheer with help from local rural fire service personnel. Check the Ipswich Festivals page on Facebook for location announcements.”
Mayor Harding said families can farewell 2022 locally at fireworks and all-ages New Year’s Eve events across the region.
“Our citywide celebrations will culminate with spectacular fireworks displays in Springfield Central, South Ripley, Ipswich Central and Chuwar to blast Ipswich into the new year,” Mayor Harding said.
“With many New Year’s Eve events to choose from across the city, families are encouraged to Celebrate ’23 at the Tivoli Drive In with an exciting community stage, roving entertainment and a fantastic fireworks finale.”
For the full program and to learn more about what festive events and activities are planned near you, visit ChristmasInIpswich.com.au
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Letters to Santa - all Ipswich Libraries branches
22 November to 14 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.
City Christmas Tree - d’Arcy Doyle Place
From 25 November
In the lead-up to Christmas, a visit into the heart of Ipswich Central is not complete without stopping by the city’s Christmas Tree in d’Arcy Doyle Place. Watch the lights and tree come to life when the lights are switched on 6:30pm Friday 25 November.
Christmas Lights Competition
Entries close 9am 28 November | online voting open 1 to 5 December
Dig out your Christmas lights and decorations as entries are now open for the City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition presented by Nine News Queensland. Entry is free, quick and easy, and entrants can win a share in over $8,000 worth of cash and prizes. A full list of addresses for voting will be available from 1 December.
Categories include Best Residential, Best Business/Organisation, Best Street, People’s Choice, Best New Entry. For tips and tricks for making your own suburban light wonderland as well as more information about the competition, visit ChristmasInIpswich.com.au
St Nicholas Precinct - Nicholas Street Precinct
6.30pm to 9.30pm, 9 to 18 December
The Nicholas Street Precinct will transform into an experiential atmosphere of lights, colour and magical moments. Gather your family and friends to experience live entertainment, festive food and roving entertainment. Entry is free.
Santa on Tour
9 to 10 and 16 to 17 December
He has 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 festive cheer.
Christmas Lights Tours
6pm to 9pm, 9 and 16 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
The Christmas in Ipswich program is delivered with the support of the following partners: Nine News Queensland, River 94.9, Stockland Providence, Energex, STRUD Property, Event Cinemas Springfield, Choices Flooring by Mallets Ipswich, Harvey Norman Booval, Premier Queensland and Pocket Retreats.