Division 1 guide to Christmas in Ipswich events and activities
17 November 2023
The wrapping is off this year’s Christmas in Ipswich program, promising plenty of good tidings across the city and in Division 1.
Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said there was something for everyone in this year’s Christmas in Ipswich program.
“I’m excited that council is once again delivering a family-friendly Christmas in Ipswich program which includes significant events in Ripley, Raceview and Redbank Plains,” Cr Madsen said.
“For more than 40 years, Raceview Congregational Fellowship has been hosting community carols and I’m proud council’s support for this group has continued for the 2023 Christmas Community Carols Under the Big Tree event on 3 December.
“This event promises to be a wonderful festive celebration and I can’t wait to enjoy performances by community organisations including Bundamba Salvation Army Band, Blackstone-Ipswich Cambrian Youth Choir, Raceview State School and the Raceview Congregational Kindergarten.”
Division 1 Councillor Sheila Ireland said another key highlight for Division 1 residents would be Christmas in the Valley at Ripley Valley State Secondary College sports oval at South Ripley on 10 December.
“There will be food and fun for the whole family, with Christmas markets, a petting zoo, live music and many other entertaining activities,” Cr Ireland said.
“More and more families are calling Ripley home and I encourage everyone to bring along their loved ones and a picnic blanket for a magical evening of Christmas carols.”
This year’s Christmas in Ipswich program includes some new offerings such as open-air movie screenings in Tulmur Place in the Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich Central.
However, plenty of festive favourites are returning, including the popular St Nicholas Precinct light display in the Nicholas Street Precinct and Letters to Santa at Ipswich Libraries branches across the city.
The citywide Christmas lights competition is on again, as well as Christmas lights tours and there will be New Year’s Eve celebrations to welcome in 2024 at Tivoli Drive-in at Chuwar.
For the full program, visit Christmasinipswich.com.au
This year’s Christmas in Ipswich program is delivered with the support of the following partners: Nine News Queensland, Stockland Providence, Energex, River 94.9, STRUD, Pet Mince Direct, Event Cinemas Springfield, Premier Queensland, Harvey Norman Booval and Choices Flooring by Mallets Ipswich.
Division 1 stretches from Mt Mort in the west to White Rock in the east and includes Blackstone, Calvert, Deebing Heights, Ebenezer, Flinders View, Goolman, Grandchester, Jeebropilly, Lower Mount Walker, Mount Forbes, Mount Walker West, Mutdapilly, Peak Crossing, Purga, Raceview, Redbank Plains, Ripley, South Ripley, Swanbank and Willowbank.
CHRISTMAS IN IPSWICH PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Raceview Community Carols Under the Big Tree
7pm to 8.30pm, Sunday 3 December
141 Wildey Street, Raceview
Raceview Congregational Church has been hosting carols under the ‘Big Tree’ since the 1970s. Gather for a night of tradition with the family and community. Coffee van and sausage sizzle on site.
Best Story Ever – Part 2 – Everyone Loves a Sequel
Saturday 9 December and Sunday 10 December
Cityhope Church, 7 Rex Hills Drive, Ripley
An unforgettable Christmas event for the whole family with carols, singing, dancing, film, Santa and loads of fun. There will be food trucks, market stalls, jumping castles and much more. Entry is free.
Christmas in the Valley
3.30pm to 8pm, Sunday 10 December
Ripley Valley State Secondary College Sports Oval, Parkway Avenue, South Ripley
Join in the food and fun with Christmas markets, a petting zoo and live music. Bring a picnic blanket. Christmas carols start at 6.30pm.
Redbank Plains Community Christmas Carols
Sunday 10 December 6pm
Redbank Plains Bears Club, corner Cedar Road and Moreton Avenue, Redbank Plains
Share in the joy of singing traditional Christmas carols. The evening features pre-event entertainment, food truck alley, a special visit from Santa and fireworks.
Christmas markets
If the perfect Christmas gift continues to elude you, there are several market events in the lead-up to Christmas to visit. For more information about these events, visit Christmasinipswich.com.au
Letters to Santa – all Ipswich Libraries branches
Tuesday 21 November to Wednesday 13 December
Visit local Ipswich Libraries branches to write and post a letter to Santa. Get in quick to give Santa enough time to respond between wrapping presents.
City Christmas Tree lighting – d’Arcy Doyle Place
6.30pm for 6.45pm start, Friday 24 November
Join local carol singers and an early visit from Santa to help officially light the City Christmas Tree. Afterwards, be entertained by live music at Tunes in Tulmur featuring The OzTones in the Nicholas Street Precinct.
Christmas Lights Competition
Entries close 9am Monday 27 November
Dig out your Christmas lights and decorations. There are more than $8,000 prizes to be won. Entry is free, with all entrants also going into the draw to win one of four Pet Mince Direct vouchers. Voting for People’s Choice will be open from 1 to 4 December. A full list of displays will be available online from 30 November at Christmasinipswich.com.au
St Nicholas Precinct – Nicholas Street Precinct
6.30pm to 9.30pm, Friday 8 December to Sunday 17 December
Celebrate the wonder of Christmas as the city’s emerging city heart dazzles with a spectacular lighting installation. The Nicholas Precinct will transform into an experiential atmosphere of lights, colour and magical moments. Experience live entertainment, festive food and market stalls. Entry is free.
Christmas lights tours
6pm to 9pm, Friday 15 December and Saturday 16 December
View a selection of the best displays from this year’s Christmas Lights Competition in air-conditioned comfort. Enjoy a light supper with entertainment and surprise visitors during this magical Christmas adventure. Spaces are limited, bookings essential via Christmasinipswich.com.au
Cinema Under the Stars – Tulmur Place, Nicholas Street Precinct
Screening from 6.30pm, Tuesday 19 December and Wednesday 20 December
Celebrate Christmas week with a festive movie and freshly popped popcorn all under the starry night sky. Bring your blankets, gather your family and make it a movie picnic to remember.
New Year’s Eve celebrations – Tivoli Drive-In, Chuwar
3pm to 9pm, Sunday 31 December
Farewell 2023 in style at the Tivoli Drive-In’s New Year’s Eve festival. There will be a bustling marketplace, exciting on-stage performances and plenty of family-friendly fun. Book your tickets at Christmasinipswich.com.au
Fireworks – across the city
Turn your gaze towards the sky this New Year’s Eve. Fireworks will launch across the region in Springfield Central, South Ripley, Ipswich Central and Chuwar. For more information on the best viewing locations, visit Christmasinipswich.com.au