Santa on Tour with rural firefighters for Christmas in Ipswich
01 December 2022
Santa has made his list and checked it twice, now Mr Claus and his fleet of festive fire trucks are heading to an Ipswich suburb near you across two merry weekends – 9 to 10 and 16 to 17 December.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said Santa and his friends, with help from the Mt Forbes Rural Fire Service, will travel on a fleet of Christmas-themed trucks to visit more than 30 local suburbs.
“Over four fun-filled nights, Santa and his band of merry performers will be stopping at local parks, community hubs and dozens of suburbs to spread plenty of Christmas cheer,” Mayor Harding said.
“The festive fleet will travel almost 200 kilometres, from Johnstone Park in Rosewood to Evan Marginson Park in Goodna, down to Ripley Markets in South Ripley and Queen’s Park in Ipswich Central, with plenty of stops along the way.
“Santa will not be taking requests to stop at certain streets. However, some of Santa’s friends will perform and be available for photos at each stop along the tour.
“Santa and his helpers will be travelling with in several vehicles, so please ensure your family remain safely on the footpath and allow the vehicles to come to a complete stop before approaching the festive fleet.
“ChristmasInIpswich.com.au and Ipswich Festivals’ Facebook page are the places to go to find out where you can see Santa and his merry troupe of festive friends.”
Economic and Industry Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Nicole Jonic said the fleet that can include Santa, Elves, and Santa’s Reindeer will visit several suburbs across the city, to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy an early visit from Santa.
“It is fantastic that Santa and his merry North Pole friends will again be aboard with the Mt Forbes Rural Fire Service, who deck out their fire trucks with decorations and festive lights,” Cr Jonic said.
Councillor 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 Chuwar, Springfield Central, Redbank Plains and South Ripley.
“And do not forget to visit your local library to write and post your note as part of Letters to Santa!”
For the full program and to learn more about what festive events and activities are planned near you, visit ChristmasInIpswich.com.au
Santa on Tour – full itinerary, weather permitting
Please be patient while Santa and his Christmas crew make their way through the suburbs as times are approximate.
It is recommended to arrive at each stop slightly before the allocated window to ensure you don’t miss Santa.
This is not a passenger service bus or truck, and tickets cannot be purchased to join the ride.
Friday 9 December
George Alder Tennis Centre, One Mile
Henry Lawson Bicentennial Park, Walloon
Johnstone Park, Rosewood
Heit Park, Willowbank
Saturday 10 December
Fairview Park, Flinders View
Ripley Markets - Providence, South Ripley
Faye Carr Park, Ripley
Sovereign Park, Deebing Heights
Friday 16 December
Westminster Warriors Soccer Club, Redbank Plains
Orion Shopping Centre Playground, Springfield Central
Springfield Central Sports Complex Netball Courts, Springfield Central
Evan Marginson Park, Goodna
Saturday 17 December
Queen’s Park, Ipswich Central
Pine Mountain Rural Fire Brigade, Pine Mountain