Division 2 guide to Christmas in Ipswich events and activities
21 November 2023
The wrapping is off this year’s Christmas in Ipswich program, promising plenty of good tidings across the city and in Division 2.
Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic said she could not wait to celebrate the festive season with residents from Springfield to Goodna and every suburb across the division.
“It’s a wonderful time of year and I’m excited that council is once again delivering a family-friendly Christmas in Ipswich program,” Cr Jonic said.
“A major highlight for Division 2 will be the Springfield ‘Night of Light’ Carols on Saturday 9 December at Robelle Domain Parklands in Springfield Central.
“With fun for adults and children alike, this event is sure to brighten up your Christmas.”
Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said there was no shortage of festive fun to be had across Division 2.
“Christmas with the Community by Gailes Community House on 16 December will offer fun for local families with activities to include a jumping castle, petting zoo, face painting, performances and of course a visit from Santa,” Cr Tully said.
“The Nutcracker, promising carols and ballet under the stars, and twilight Christmas markets, both at Orion Springfield Central, are also events not to be missed.
“In Goodna, the Shiloh Church Christmas Carols event over two nights on Friday 15 December and 16 December promises a memorable experience for all ages, with a performance by The Voice finalist Faith Sosene, monster trucks, fireworks, food trucks, free face-painting and more planned.”
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 2 stretches from Gailes in the north to Spring Mountain in the south, and includes Augustine Heights, Bellbird Park, Carole Park, Brookwater, Camira, Goodna, part of Redbank, Springfield, Springfield Central and Springfield Lakes.
CHRISTMAS IN IPSWICH PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Springfield ‘Night of Light’ Carols
6pm, Saturday 9 December
Robelle Domain Parklands, Springfield Central
A highlight for adults and children alike and a highpoint of the Greater Springfield calendar. The Springfield carols at Robelle Domain will brighten up your Christmas.
Redbank Plains Community Christmas Carols
6pm, Sunday 10 December
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.
Shiloh Church Goodna Christmas Carols
5pm to 8.30pm, Friday 15 December and Saturday 16 December
72 Redbank Plains Road, Goodna
Enjoy an awesome time for Christmas at Shiloh including Christmas carols on the lawn, Santa visit, monster trucks, special performance by The Voice 2022 finalist Faith Sosene, food trucks, giveaways, free face-painting and fireworks.
Orion Twilight Christmas Markets
9pm to midnight, Friday 22 December
Main Street, Orion Springfield Central
Orion’s Twilight Markets are back and full of wonder and delight. Get some last minute Christmas shopping done while you enjoy the late night trade.
For more information about local markets, 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.
Santa and Sirens - Nicholas Street, Nicholas Street Precinct
From 6pm to 8pm, Thursday 21 December
Meet Santa amidst dazzling emergency service vehicles. Uniting holiday magic with real-life heroes, along with food trucks, live music and roving entertainment.
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