Division 3 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 3.
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the Division 3 festive magic started at the Top of Town.
“This year we have Top of Town Twinkle, with dozens of businesses decorating their windows with beautiful festive displays as part of Christmas in Ipswich” Cr Doyle said.
“Select Top of Town traders will also open for a special late night trade event on Friday 8 December to celebrate the first night of St Nicholas Precinct.
"Beautiful Christmas themed decals have also been installed on windows providing a festive photo opportunity.
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Fechner said the Handmade Expo Christmas Extravaganza was not to be missed.
“Saturday 2 December will be a great chance to grab that unique present and tick off items on your Christmas list,” Cr Fechner said.
“If you visit the Handmade Expo, please come and say hello to Cr Doyle and I at our regular mobile office stall!
“There’s also the Holly Jolly Christmas Markets the same day at the Ipswich Showgrounds, so it’ll be a great day for Christmas shopping.
“Another great event, held for the first time this year, is Santa and Sirens on 21 December in the Nicholas Street Precinct, where children can meet Santa amidst an array of dazzling emergency vehicles and meet real-life heroes.”
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 3 stretches from One Mile, Leichhardt and parts of Wulkuraka in the west to Redbank and parts of Goodna in the east, and includes Basin Pocket, Booval, Bundamba, Coalfalls, Collingwood Park, Dinmore, East Ipswich, Eastern Heights, Ebbw Vale, Ipswich, Newtown, North Booval, Riverview, Sadliers Crossing, Silkstone, West Ipswich and Woodend.
CHRISTMAS IN IPSWICH PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
City Christmas Tree lighting – d’Arcy Doyle Place
6.30pm for 6.45pm, 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.
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 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.
Santa and Sirens – Nicholas Street Precinct
6.00pm to 8.00pm, Thursday 21 December
Meet Santa amidst a dazzling range of emergency service vehicles. This event unites holiday magic with real-life heroes.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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